F150 EcoBoost with Max payload package Super Crew

bid_time wrote:
All that was asked Larry, is what percentage is enough, 150%, 200%, 400%? All us stupid people would like to learn something from you that know. Simple question, what's the number?

P.s. I tow with an F250, not that it matters. So that leaves out the "not knowing what I don't know" factor.

Just the fact that you seem to think there is some magical number that can be used as some percentage (your 150%, 200%, etc.) as enough of something which again is not specified is exactly why one thinking like that are EXACTLY the ones that "don't know what they don't know" IMO and trying to explain it to them is I feel futile. This is also a prime example of those that thought everything was great with their 1/2T UNTIL they moved up to a more capable 3/4 and larger and then finally understand the "NIGHT AND DAY DIFFERENCE" between the two classes of TVs.

While it's dangerous to try and put specific hard numbers on how much is too much the following is my personal beliefs based purely on what I have gleaned from what has been reported over the years by those with specific experiences towing various sized trailers with various TVs. I think there are generally THREE classes of TVs.

1. Normal 1/2T based TV of the non truck types such as SUVs which include vehicles such as Suburbans, Tahoes, Expeditions, etc. that generally have WBs under 140" and GVWRs in the 7 to 8 K range.

2. 1/2T trucks with WB over 140" which are the Extended cab, super cab, crew cab variety again with GVWRs in the 7 to 8K range.

3. 3/4T and above TVs with GVWRS in excess of 8,500 lbs.

For these 3 classes IMO I feel the TT should weigh less than the actual GVWR of the TV.

Using my "MAGIC HAT" I personally IN GENERAL with a few exceptions would limit towing a full profile TT with the following max GVWR and length for each of above classes as follows:

1. GVWR less than 7K and loaded trailer wt. of 6500 or less, 5500 loaded is best and length should be less that 27 to 28'. Some of these class TV might even need an ultra premium hitch such as a HA or PP.

2. GVWR less than 9K and a loaded wt of under 8K and length up to 31 to 32'.

3. Any TT GVWR, but for TT loaded wts. of 9K and above and lengths over 32' I would want a 1T class TV. I think the heaviest TT is under 11K and is some where is the 10.5K range. Some 3/4T might even need an ulta premium type hitch if length is over 34'.

These are VERY GENERAL ROT with some "wiggle room", but not a lot and two exceptions and sort of special TVs are the 2500 Suburbans and the F150 Eco Max Tow with the Max Payload with the GVWR over 8K (I think that is about 8200 for the reg or extended cab version only). There might be a couple of other "EXCEPTIONS" to the very general classes of TV and TT wts/lengths I have specified above, but in general I think what I have described above represents my views as accurately as I can put then down in words.

Since you said you wanted to learn, the above is what I have to offer and while you might disagree with your admitted lack of knowledge (i.e. your self classification as being one of the "stupid people") there is nothing for us to argue about since you have no specific position or knowledge to share that is similiar to what I have tried put into words in the above.

Hope that helps gives you the "learning" you asked for and if the post of yours above I quoted was a "baited question" then I sure don't have anything to share with someone that is being disengenuous, but I have taken you at your word and have assumed such is not the case.

Larry

This debate will go for ever. The key is that the TV be within all of its towing parameters. That is all not most, not almost but ALL of the parameters.
People will often decide on the wrong truck for towing because it fits into the garage or they have another criteria unrelated to towing.
Another factor is price, many will buy/special order the very rare ecoboost with max tow max payload and pay more than they would for a very common 3/4 ton truck truck that has more towing capability. We all have different wants and needs.
When it comes to towing a large trailer I want a large truck built for towing vs. a sort of large truck with a big motor and smaller: frame,brakes and suspension.

All that was asked Larry, is what percentage is enough, 150%, 200%, 400%? All us stupid people would like to learn something from you that know. Simple question, what's the number?

P.s. I tow with an F250, not that it matters. So that leaves out the "not knowing what I don't know" factor.

TomG2 wrote:
What are you missing? I have no idea. Have you compared it to towing with a F-250 or F-350? I have been going back and forth between half tons and three quarter ton models for the last twenty years. Most of the half tons have been adequate, the three quarter tons have been more than adequate. That's why I tow with a 3/4 ton today. I couldn't care less about fuel mileage or daily driver, I like a great towing experience.

Tom,

You are just the class of folks that I referred to with the anecdotal experiences that have towed with both the 1/2 and 3/4 and higher type trucks. It scares me when folks try and rationalize a IMO questionable decision by saying it "tows fine, but I've been blown around", "tows fine out here in the NE, but might be different out west", "blaming less that adequate towing experiences soley on inferior equipment", etc. Again, in both my OP and this one, I have tried to clearly say that my views are "MY OPINION" and the basis of my opinion has not been scientific, but anecdotal. People that feel the need to justify their TV choice by rediculous statements such as "do I tow with a Freightliner", etc. are clearly again IMO in that camp that "they don't know what they don't know":B and are what I would call "red herring" chuckers throwing around nonsensical statements to deflect serious and considered thought about towing.

Larry

IdaD wrote:

TomG2 wrote:
I suggest that those who think that all pickups are created equal get out of their leather seats and crawl under one some time. The differences between the various models is more than one might think. By now, we all have heard how the ecoboost can pull 10,000-12,000 with the proper hitch, but towing it well might be another matter.

No kidding. For a good laugh take a look at the 8.8" rear axle on most F150s sometime and compare it to the 11.5" rear axles on a HD truck. An Ecoboost makes good power but there's no way I'd want to approach those trailer weights with a half ton. Not with my family on board.

F150s have semi floater compared to a Super Duty's Full Floaters as well. 1/2 tons can do work if within reason.

Then again, the car based crossover Explorer comes with an 3.5L Ecoboost in the Sport Model. Hek, it even has more payload at 1398 lbs than most Lariat, FX4, and even XLT Ecoboost Super Crew 4WD drive trucks.

BUT guess what, even though it has the power, it has a low hitch receiver rating and light duty parts as well. BUT you see a lot of ignorant people, along with those driving the new Crossover Durango, pulling very long and heavy trailers. I just get away from them when I see them on the road, and pray for their kids when I see them at the campgrounds.

Oh well, Stupid is as Stupid Does. :)

TomG2 wrote:
I suggest that those who think that all pickups are created equal get out of their leather seats and crawl under one some time. The differences between the various models is more than one might think. By now, we all have heard how the ecoboost can pull 10,000-12,000 with the proper hitch, but towing it well might be another matter.

No kidding. For a good laugh take a look at the 8.8" rear axle on most F150s sometime and compare it to the 11.5" rear axles on a HD truck. An Ecoboost makes good power but there's no way I'd want to approach those trailer weights with a half ton. Not with my family on board.

BTW, upgrade your tires to LT (Light Truck). I previously had P(assenger) Tires on my truck and in wind, they had a lot of wombling back and forth from side winds. With the LT tires, no wobble at all. Much more stable and safer tow now. Wish I upgraded to LT years ago.

Remember, with a HD Payload or Max Tow truck, with a travel trailer you are limited also by hitch receiver rating. You'll be going over hitch receiver rating with an average 13% tongue weight, and a loaded trailer weight of 9500 lbs with a 2015 + or 8900 lbs with a 2014 and under truck.

You'll need to go to a F250 gasser for an additional 100 lbs of receiver rating or a F250 diesel for an additional 250 lbs of receiver rating. F350 dual rear wheel truck even have a higher receiver rating.

You will never know what you don't know. Good way to operate, I guess.

Why would I need to compare it to another if I'm happy with how it performs now? By the time we get the next camper, it will be our retirement unit and then I'll upgrade trucks.

What are you missing? I have no idea. Have you compared it to towing with a F-250 or F-350? I have been going back and forth between half tons and three quarter ton models for the last twenty years. Most of the half tons have been adequate, the three quarter tons have been more than adequate. That's why I tow with a 3/4 ton today. I couldn't care less about fuel mileage or daily driver, I like a great towing experience.