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gschindel's avatar
gschindel
Explorer
Jan 22, 2015

F-150 to tow a light 5th - do I need HD cargo option?

Hi
Thanks much for all the advice in helping me to decide which truck to look for. An F150 Crew Cab 4x4 with the ecoboost looks like the best choice for us. I had a look at the dealer and at least around here there are a fair number of 2014's left with the Max Tow option but none were HD. I believe the payload capacity without HD would be 2310lb. The HD option would add 500lb to that?

It would be 2 adults and maybe two teens with some bikes in the back. We have a 30' light TT right now but will be getting a 5th in the near future. We have looked and ones with advertised pin weights around 1200lb to 1500lb would do nicely when we are done with the TT (post teens). The pin weight may be less in the end but these were the ones my local RV dealer had that we could take a look at - not set on anything yet.

Would the F150 with Max Tow handle that pin weight or would I need the extra capacity that an HD would provide?

Would beefing up the suspension with bags or something else help enough if needed - if I can't find HD?

Does the HD give any more additional cooling than the Max Tow when you get both?

It would be nice to not "need" HD as it would give me many more options when picking one out - whether a 2014 from the dealer or a bit older from a private sale. But if I need it I'll find it.

Thanks much for your time.
Tow Vehicles

60 Replies

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  • DaveF-250SD's avatar
    DaveF-250SD
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2015
    Have you found a 4x4 crew cab F-150 on a lot that you can check the payload sticker on? THE 2,300 figure seems high for a non HD payload version in your configuration. Without the HD option, you will be overloaded with either of the trailers you mentioned. Those are dry pin weights. Check the max GVW of any trailer you look at, and use a minimum of 20% of that figure for pin weight. Also remember the weight of the 5th wheel hitch also counts against your payload. You should seriously consider an F-250 for what you want to do. A margin of safety for you and your family is something to consider when you make your purchase.
  • mbopp's avatar
    mbopp
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2015
    Hmmmmm.....
    Seems I read somewhere the HD / max payload F150 had a different, heavier frame than the standard and Max Tow F150's.
  • x96mnn's avatar
    x96mnn
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2015
    The HD just adds a stiffer suspension in the back so the truck does not squat. With the 5th wheel you do not have the Ability to add WD and help, if you find yourself in that situation you would need to add airbags, which helps with the squat but does noting for payload and numbers.

    With that said I would be ordering the HD, but you most likly be a little under your payload or a little over based on a 1500 pin. The HD gives you more flexibility as what many people start looking at, the little bigger one on the lot catches the eye and the fun begins. If the dealer is willing to cut you an unreal deal, which allows you to add the airbag system and some left over compared to the HD, be tough to say no based on your plans.
  • mayo30's avatar
    mayo30
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2015
    I have always been of the opinion that if one has to spend a bunch of money to upgrade a truck to do a job he would be wiser to buy a size up that would do it easier and generally cheaper.Also may leave some extra capacity for the next RV which will be bigger and just gotta have it when the kids are gone.lol
  • jmiller's avatar
    jmiller
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2015
    Order the HD f150 you won't regret it. Mine is a beast!!!!
  • n7bsn's avatar
    n7bsn
    Explorer
    Jan 22, 2015
    I've towed two different 5er's with a regular F150, but both were lighter then the ones you are talking about.
    You also need to be careful as the pin-weight most dealers and builders quote is dry-empty, not wet-loaded.
  • Sprink-Fitter's avatar
    Sprink-Fitter
    Explorer
    Jan 22, 2015
    Ask the RV salesman, they usually know what your truck can tow.

    Your truck will tow almost any trailer. The question is, Can you stop any trailer you are towing?
  • Steeljag's avatar
    Steeljag
    Explorer
    Jan 22, 2015
    The payload on the max tow (or any) will vary depending on options. Mine is 1950ish with the XLT, 6 1/2 foot bed, and running boards.
  • Houston_Remodel's avatar
    Houston_Remodel
    Explorer
    Jan 22, 2015
    What is the weight of the trailer ?

    While the bed of the truck may take the weight, the rest of the truck may have issues. We had to sell our 4x4 F150 as the transmission temp was heading over 240F. Luckily I had a Trans temp gauge.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator II
    Jan 22, 2015
    The weight cops on here will tell you you need a F550 to tow that. Reality is that you will overload the factory suspension and tow ratings more than likely but look at the difference in the 2 trucks you are interested in. Same frame, same brakes, same axle, heavier springs.
    Will you be above the book weight? Probably
    Can you beef up the rear suspension as long as you don't go crazy with the weight and be fine? Yes.
    Man if Ford is smart, they will offer the Eco in the new '16 HD pickups to replace the anemic 6.2l. They'll sell a lot of them for this type of use!

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