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WI_Bowhunter's avatar
WI_Bowhunter
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013

Am I stretching my ecoboost limits?

I am considering purchasing a new travel trailer soon. Was wondering what you guys think about tow vehicle to trailer. I have a 2011 F150 Ecoboost 3.5 with Max Towing, 3.73, 11200 GTWR, 1897 Payload, 17100 GCWR.


The trailer I am considering is a Salem 31QBTS.
Dry Weight 8140
Hitch weight 885
Cargo Cap. 2867(will not load more than 1500 tops including fresh water)

I figure total trailer weight to be around 9500-9700 loaded.

let me know your opinions and experience! Thanks

34 Replies

  • I gave an opinion on the ecoboost in a different post and got blasted about the quality of the engine, which was not my intention. Either way I am still a believer that a bigger engine will serve anyone better towing, especially if traveling frequently and longer distances.

    Our prior set up was a Jayco 29FBS and 2010 Ford 5.4 V-8 Crew Cab short box max tow. Plenty of power and towing ability but short wheel base and 1/2 ton truck not enough to hold the road all that great. A heaver truck would have sure helped. 250 and 2500 series trucks can make a better tow vehicle if you have the ability to move up in tow vehicle as well.
  • I think that is pretty close to max. I would use a weight distribution hitch no matter what. I loved my EB when I had it, but I think you might be unhappy with that much weight.
  • so the GVWR is at around 11k even if you are off on your estimates of what you are carrying..

    But man that is a heck of a lot of trailer for a 1/2 ton v6, even with the specs that Ford promotes...

    I don't think I would try it, but I am a member of the "I bought a TT too big for my 1/2 ton TV and had to buy a larger TV club"

    Bryan
  • I wouldn't do it. I'm towing a 33' that is 7500lbs(loaded) and i wouldn't want to go heavier. The motor will have plenty of power to get you up the hills but it's coming down the other side that could get a little uncomfortable. You will have close to 10,000lbs pushing your 5700lb truck down the hill. The little motor pulls great but with 10,000lbs it will give you absolutely no help with engine breaking. You will find yourself building up speed going down steep grades and end up having to ride the breaks hoping they don't overheat by the time you get to the bottom. As capable as these trucks are i still think a trailer that size is 3/4 ton territory. Just my 2cents.