WDH selection/trailer loading advice.

nobozo wrote:
Thanks for the information, please indulge me further. If: the trailer brakes are adequate to control the deceleration of the trailer (and stop it). As long as I can keep the truck in front of the trailer (with the help of the WDH and airbags), and I can keep the truck pointed in the right direction, and I can control the direction by steering input, and have the H.P. to get the trailer moving; what is the critical requirement for a larger truck?

My 2010 F150 4 x 4 crew cab (6 ½’ bed) with V-8 has 3,200 miles on it. I can’t really justify replacing it with a larger vehicle for the 1-2 times a year I might have to move a “massive load” (try selling that to the wife). The 2015 Ford F150 lists towing specs up to “Best-in-class 12,200-lb. maximum tow rating**” So, what significant improvement did Ford make (over my 2010) to a stock truck to accommodate this capacity, that I cannot duplicate with aftermarket modifications (besides the 700lbs weight reduction by using aluminum components instead of sheet metal)?

I hope I’m getting a “little” smarter. Some years back I towed a 22’ trailer with farm implements tipping the scale at little over 10K, 1K miles RT to/from a dealer with a 2000 Ranger 4.0L 4 x 4 TV. Augmented by no more than overload springs and a brake controller at highway speeds. The dealer told me before departure “if you make it back, first thing you should do is; stop at a Ford dealer. Because they are go ‘in to wanna put you in a commercial.”

I did make it back and have pictures of the tow package sitting in front of the local dealer. I decided I wasn’t going to do that again. Maybe more surprising; I didn’t get stopped through two states of interstate driving. They didn’t put the vehicle in a commercial but, I was surprised at the trade in the dealer offered me. So, I moved up to my first F150.

Anyway, I am not quite sure how manufacturers establish the capacities of their vehicles?

First you have a V8. The new Max tow Ford has a twin turbo V6 making WAY more power than your V8. That tow cap is also on the HD150.

now can you duplicate it with after market stuff? NO!

Control is what makes you need a bigger truck. Yes you can get it moving, and yes the trailer brakes will help stop it. And yes you may NEVER get into a emergency situation when you really need more truck. Like when you have to dodge something, or your truck cuts a tire, or someone cuts you off. If you want to take that chance go ahead.

At any rate. You are thousands of pounds over weight. I don't mind towing right up to the max, and maybe even a little over. But you are THOUSANDS over. Your reciever is not designed to carry / pull that weight. I doubt you ball is designed to pull that weight. Most balls on 150s have a 10,000lb limit. There is way more to this than getting it moving. Stopping in a straight line is way different than emergency stopping in a sharp turn.

It's your life, do what you want. You have already shown that as long as you can move it, You think you are good to go. I just hope no one else has to pay for your carelessness.