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rtf's avatar
rtf
Explorer
Mar 31, 2016

2012 Ecoboost towing

I have a 2012 ecoboost 4x4 with max tow package. i have a new 36 foot travel trailer weighing 8830 lbs. my truck is rated at 11K towing. will i be safe towing this long trailer? i do have a weight distributing hitch with sway bars.
Tow Vehicles
  • JD_and_Beastlet's avatar
    JD_and_Beastlet
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2016
    3oaks wrote:
    mbopp wrote:
    Tow rating is meaningless on a 1/2-ton.
    ..............................
    Ridiculous statement! :R

    It is one of several factors that must always be considered when calculating the towing capacity. :@


    Tow rating is not meaningless at all. However, many 1/2 ton tow ratings are fictional because the payload capacity runs out long before the tow rating is reached.


    rtf wrote:
    I have a 2012 ecoboost 4x4 with max tow package. i have a new 36 foot travel trailer weighing 8830 lbs. my truck is rated at 11K towing. will i be safe towing this long trailer? i do have a weight distributing hitch with sway bars.


    You have already the trailer. I respectfully submit that you should have asked this question before doing so.
  • 3oaks's avatar
    3oaks
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2016
    mbopp wrote:
    Tow rating is meaningless on a 1/2-ton.
    ..............................
    Ridiculous statement! :R

    It is one of several factors that must always be considered when calculating the towing capacity. :@
  • coolbreeze01's avatar
    coolbreeze01
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2016
    A skilled driver can tow a 36' trailer safely. I don't know anything about your truck.
  • Tachdriver's avatar
    Tachdriver
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2016
    Weigh your trailer on a scales with your truck. I used this website to fill in all the details. It comes from a fifth wheel website but this sheet is for non-fifth wheel applications.

    Link

    I just bought a 2011 4x4 SCREW with ECOBOOST. My trailer grosses in below 7,000 pounds but a definite step up from the 1996 C1500.

    Your issue will be the tongue weight plus what gear you carry into the truck.

    It would be interesting to get a report back on your findings.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Mar 31, 2016
    valhalla360 wrote:
    I'm betting the engine could drag it...I'm not so sure about the other weight ratings. In the mountains, I bet the engine would do better than the smaller V8's because it won't lose HP at altitude.

    Max tow rating is just one rating that must be met.

    As others have said, at 36' fully loaded, I'm betting you are north of 11k trailer weight.
  • MVH1's avatar
    MVH1
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2016
    IMHO, towing any kind of distance will be a "white knuckle " drive. That is a very long, heavy trailer compared to the length and weight of your F150.
  • JoeGood988's avatar
    JoeGood988
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2016
    Dry weight is usually before additional equipment is added like air conditioner. Then all the "stuff" we add..clothes, tools, chairs, food, bbq grill which usually pushes the added weight to another 2,000-3,000 lbs. The truck could pull the trailer on flat driving but once you get into mountains and hills, you will be disappointed.
    To get real weight you need to put all the "stuff" into the trailer and go to a scale and have it weighed...you will be shocked to actual weight....that trailer, I feel, is too much for a 1/2 ton.
  • mbopp's avatar
    mbopp
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2016
    Tow rating is meaningless on a 1/2-ton.
    What's the payload rating (yellow door sticker?) How many people and how much gear are you hauling? What's the TRUE tongue weight on the TT?
    And IMHO 36' is too long for a 1/2 -ton truck.

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