Forum Discussion

Radioredline88's avatar
Mar 14, 2017

Ford 2.7 F150 & About to buy Sportsmen LE 260BHLE

Hello members,

New member here first post.

My family and I are looking at purchasing tomorrow hopefully
a Sportsmen LE 260bhle (19k)

We were looking and Almost bought a jayco x213 (28k), Starcraft 19bhs (22k)

I am curious about

1. Peoples opinions of sportsmen?

2. Sound ok to be pulled by my tow vehicle?

We have narrowed it down to this model that fits our budget and best floorplan. We live in Saskatchewan where it is flat but plan on taking it to Montana in mountains and further. I have travelled in USA extensively by car and truck but this would be biggest thing we've ever towed. I have towed cars on a flat deck trailer a few times. Trailer will come with an equalizer hitch.

2016 F150 Super crew but with 2.7 Ecoboost
3.55 gears according to Ford site my truck max tows 7500lbs

2018 Sportsmen 260bhle 4840lbs dry gvwr 7000lbs

We also really liked the sportsmen 291BHK, but it seems too heavy 8000lb gvwr and 10k more.

Thanks in advance Radio
  • Your problem is not the cargo ( frame, axle, tires, etc.), your problem is horsepower. The performance pulling is basically going to suck.
  • Edit,
    Nope, you'll be out of payload, 6,000 * .12 = 720, add 100 for wdh = 820, add 500 for family and you get 1320, 100 over your payload capacity and you've got nothing in the bed. Lighter trailer or packing very, very light are the only way to make it work.
  • Dry hitch weight 600
    Knew about the 1000lb of gear in trailer yep I'm using same number.. I don't have any gear yet.
    Family weight 500
    Gear in truck bed not sure prob a cooler full. No bikes or kayaks etc. Our kids are young.
    Door says do not exceed 1228lbs
    Gvwr on truck says 6500lbs
  • You're falling into the trap of looking at tow capacity when the more important number (especially on a 1/2-ton) is payload capacity.
    Look on the driver door post and tell us what the payload is. Then add up the weight of your family and any gear you'll be taking in the truck bed. Now add the hitch weight and tongue weight.

    And nobody tows an empty trailer. Figure 1000 more pounds of gear loaded in it.