We have just started looking into purchasing a bumper hitch travel trailer (first time buyers). I have done some reach search online and spoke with a local dealership. There is so much information out there, that it can be a bit over whelming. We have a Ford F150 Lariat 4x4, Supercrew, Ecoboost 3.5L V6, 145" wheelbase, Towing Pkg, Truck GVWR Pkg 7200, Trailer Brake & Sway Control, 3.55 (Axle Ratio).Ford's Towing Guide for our truck states: GCWR 15,500 lbs, Max Loaded TT 9,600 lbsWe looked at a used 2014 Gulf Stream Innsbruck 295SBM. Specs per salesman: 29'length and that we should not have a problem pulling it with our truck.Online Gulf Stream website has the following specs for this TT:Length 34'3"Height 11'1"GVWR Dry Weight 7,320 lbs.Hitch Weight 1,010 lbs.Net Carrying Capacity 2,290 lbs.My question is, can our truck really tow a TT at this weight and length safely? If not, I would greatly appreciated any suggestions on size and what are a few quality built brands.Thank you in advance!!

You need first look at your trucks "payload" capacity.The tongue weight & weight of the hitch itself is to be subtracted from the trucks payload.What you can tow & what you can carry are two different things.Most people run out of payload capacity before running out of towing capacity.

Dakota has it right. I have about the same setup as you with the door sticker showing 1411 lbs. max cargo.Two adults and a dog weigh 500 lbs. The tongue weight on my TT is about 600 lbs. My truck cap weights 250 lbs. There is not much weight left for stuff.I pull a 5000 lb. dry weight TT just fine, but I would not want to go any larger.

When I see "supercrew" and "1/2 ton" I worry.Like Dakota says, you'll run out of payload way before towing capacity.What's the payload as listed on the yellow door jamb sticker? 1200#?Passengers and the 1000# hitch weight will most likely put you way over the payload limit.And 34' is a lot for a 1/2 ton with "P" tires.

That's a big / long TT for that truck. I would stay at 28' or under for a relaxing towing experience. Check the truck door sticker for the payload weight.

rbpru wrote:Dakota has it right. I have about the same setup as you with the door sticker showing 1411 lbs. max cargo.Two adults and a dog weigh 500 lbs. The tongue weight on my TT is about 600 lbs. My truck cap weights 250 lbs. There is not much weight left for stuff.I pull a 5000 lb. dry weight TT just fine, but I would not want to go any larger.That's a big dog....Lol!

First Time TT Buyer | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

Steeljag
Explorer
Mar 12, 2015
rbpru wrote:
Dakota has it right.

I have about the same setup as you with the door sticker showing 1411 lbs. max cargo.

Two adults and a dog weigh 500 lbs. The tongue weight on my TT is about 600 lbs. My truck cap weights 250 lbs. There is not much weight left for stuff.

I pull a 5000 lb. dry weight TT just fine, but I would not want to go any larger.

That's a big dog....Lol!
Steeljag
Explorer
Mar 12, 2015
That's a big / long TT for that truck. I would stay at 28' or under for a relaxing towing experience. Check the truck door sticker for the payload weight.
mbopp
Explorer
Mar 12, 2015
When I see "supercrew" and "1/2 ton" I worry.
Like Dakota says, you'll run out of payload way before towing capacity.
What's the payload as listed on the yellow door jamb sticker? 1200#?
Passengers and the 1000# hitch weight will most likely put you way over the payload limit.
And 34' is a lot for a 1/2 ton with "P" tires.
rbpru
Explorer II
Mar 12, 2015
Dakota has it right.

I have about the same setup as you with the door sticker showing 1411 lbs. max cargo.

Two adults and a dog weigh 500 lbs. The tongue weight on my TT is about 600 lbs. My truck cap weights 250 lbs. There is not much weight left for stuff.

I pull a 5000 lb. dry weight TT just fine, but I would not want to go any larger.
Dakota98
Explorer
Mar 12, 2015
You need first look at your trucks "payload" capacity.

The tongue weight & weight of the hitch itself is to be subtracted from the trucks payload.

What you can tow & what you can carry are two different things.

Most people run out of payload capacity before running out of towing capacity.

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First Time TT Buyer

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