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wrvond's avatar
wrvond
Explorer II
Sep 05, 2013

What should I be looking for as max TT weight?

I have read myself silly trying to understand GVWR, GVW, tow capacity, etc., and hope to get a definitive answer to my question here.
My truck is a 2006 F150 XLT 5.7L with 126" wheelbase (regular cab) 4x4. It has:
Trailer Tow Heavy Duty Super Engine Cooling System
Limited slip rear axle
9.75" axle
Heavy duty aux transmission oil cooler
3.73 FDR/Limited Slip RR
I believe the gas tank capacity is 21 gallons

According to the owner's manual the GVW is 6850 lbs.
The combined weight of passengers & cargo should not exceed 1641 lbs.

The truck is what it is, upgrading really isn't an option for me.
So, now I'm in the market for a TT, but it needs to work safely with this truck. What information do I need to know about any prospective camper I am looking at?
Or can you tell me the maximum dry weight of the campers I am looking at?
I really like the 2012 Forest River Flagstaff V-Lite 30WRLTSA
It's specs are listed as:
Shipping Weight 6,998 lbs
Carrying Capacity 1,652 lbs
Hitch 952 lbs
Length 34'5''
Height 10'
Fresh Water 43 gal
Waste Water 38 gal
Grey Water 38 gal

Does this camper far exceed my towing capacity? If so, how much? Does a weight distribution hitch affect these numbers?
I very much appreciate the help.

22 Replies

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  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2013
    That's probably fine combo. Since it's a regular cab, you are limited to 1 or 2 people. Payload at 1600 pounds which is often a limitation is not for you. At 7k dry and 950 dry TW, you need to look at your receiver and maybe upgrade that to one capable of 1200-ish pounds with WD.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2013
    Load your truck up like your going camping and drive to the scales. Don't forget a full tank of gas. Next look on the drivers door post and get the manufacturers GVWR. Subtract A from B. that is how much room you have left over for tongue weight. Using your VIN Ford should be able to give you the trucks GCWR. Again subtract your scaled weight from this number. That is how much you can safely tow without exceeding the manufacturers specifications for the entire package. As for trailers, and since you do not already own one look on the trailers left front corner. There you will find a tag that will give you all sorts,of useful information including the trailers GVWR. As long as that number is below your trucks towing capacity your good to go. While you may never hit the trailers GVWR guaranteed you will also never see the brochures dry weight number either. Better to error on the safe side than to wind up grossly overloaded.

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