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AbeFroman77's avatar
AbeFroman77
Explorer
Oct 06, 2016

Advice for a newbie

I recently purchased a heartland wilderness 3250 BS that i tow with a 2011 F150 3.5 EcoBoost with 3.73 gears. I'm using a 10k rated equalizer WD hitch but wonder if I bought too much trailer for the truck. My Ford dealer said my truck is rated to pull the camper, but i still get the "porpoising" after setting up the hitch per manufacturer specs and making sure the weight is distributed properly on the camper. The truck seems to have plenty of power to pull the 7,600 lb (dry) trailer. We have about 400-500 lbs. we add to that.

Also, I took the advice from someone at Etrailer and ordered Timbren springs for my rear end. Maybe this will help once i get it installed.

So the question.....do i just need to get used to the feeling, will Timbren springs help, or did I bite off too much with my first camper?
  • The only way you'll know if you're within the trucks weight limits is to load it up like you're going camping and get it weighed.
  • What tires are you running? If they're P's you need to get E's.

    You may need to upgrade the shocks, I went with Blistein's.

    That's how I solved my issues with a TC.
  • Any suspension enhancement will help, but yes, that is more trailer than most would want to tow with a half ton. The loaded hitch weight will use up much of your payload. Also weight adds up quickly. If you fill your water tank, and water heater, that is 500 plus pounds already. Battery, propane, people, and gear?

    Lots to consider, hope all goes well, but a 3/4, or 1 ton would make your experience much better/safer.

    Jerry