DOWNgrading truck - sanity check please

Dougie123 wrote:
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We are now down to 2 kids, same camper, and only 4 bikes. I need more of a daily driver, with something better on gas, and am considering dropping down to a f-150, with 9000lb towing capacity, and 1800-2000lb payload capacity.

My concern is a.). GCVW limits (gvwr 7050# for the truck + gvwr #6200 for the camper) (GCVWR for the truck is 14,100)and b.) squishy 35psi rated LT truck tires.

I’m willing to live with some more “wiggle” when towing, but don’t want the tail wagging the dog.

Anyone hearing alarm bells or seeing red flags switching to a f-150 for a new TV?

Many thanks!
Doug

I pull my 29' trailer with my F150 which fits what you're looking for, check out the specs in the signature. The "ACTUAL" means what my truck can do as configured and optioned. That's an ACTUAL 1890 lbs payload with a 7000 lbs GVWR, 3450 lbs front axle rating, 3800 lbs rear axle rating, and an ACTUAL 10,720 lbs tow rating.

The only thing I'd say is to get some LT tires as the P series sidewalls wallow a bit. Actually not as bad in my '16 as it was with the '12. But I'm considering LT Goodyear Adventurer tires mainly for the snow capability that my stock fortitude tires don't have. My '12 F150 Screw 4WD had BFGoodrich KO2 and they recommended 47 psi which was correct checking by the chaulk system.

Also since my aluminum truck only weights 5110 lbs, it's like towing with a steel midsize truck, as was my previous 2008 Sport Trac 4.6L 3 Valve V8 midsize truck.

I use the Blue Ox which is great but strong side winds can make it a bit unstable, especially next to a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.

If you go used on the previous generation (2011 - 2014), make sure you get the Max Tow option with 7700 lbs GVWR or your payload will be really low. On the 2015 - 2017 generation, the GVWR is higher on all trucks, to give them the suspension/payload upgrade that the Max Tow package truck use to have. On the 2018 trucks, the 20" wheel option brings higher rated springs and axle ratings but the GVWR is still the same. 20" wheels on 2015+ trucks have complaints of rear wheel hop with the stock shocks which isn't surprising with their short sidewall height especially if aired higher than 35 psi. I personally don't like 20" wheels, but would never consider them if towing.

Good luck on finding something.