Forum Discussion

hayesdt's avatar
hayesdt
Explorer
Aug 24, 2014

Impact of Lighter, Alum. F150 on Towing

I have 28 foot travel trailer -- under 7000 lbs fully loaded -- and am thinking of getting a new tow vehicle to replace a 2004 Ram 1500 Hemi. The truck has been a good one for towing this size trailer, as would be any comparably equipped Ford or GM truck.

I really need some good advice from those of you who've done a lot of towing. The new 2015 F150 about to come out -- aluminum where possible to save weight -- will be about 600-700 lbs lighter than previous F150s, which will improve fuel economy. It would truly be nice to get better gas mileage when not towing.

However, what's the probable impact on towing a vehicle like my 7000 lb travel trailer? In other words, will the loss of 600-700 lbs in such a tow vehicle allow my loaded travel trailer to push the truck around? I know this just requires some speculation at this point, since the new F150s haven't come out yet, but I'd be interested in what take those of you with lots of towing experience have about the matter.
Tow Vehicles
  • thomasmnile's avatar
    thomasmnile
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2014
    FROM FORD'S 2015 F-150 WEBSITE

    If you scroll to the engine offerings, it quotes a 1910 lb. payload figure and 7700 lb. towing with the new 3.6L V6 engine...........when properly equipped, whatever that means. Also doesn't mention with what cab/box configuration makes these numbers possible that I could find.
  • jus2shy's avatar
    jus2shy
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2014
    The 700 lbs weight loss is in the largest configuration F-150 (4x4 Crew Cab 6.5' bed). The weight savings are smaller on the smaller sized trucks. I don't think this would hurt towing all that much. What it does allow Ford to do is increase payload, so that you're more likely to be within weight when you purchase that trailer and load up your family and gear into the bed of your truck. I believe the GVWR is still going to be between 7000 and 8000 lbs. We'll see when the specs officially drop.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Aug 24, 2014
    No one knows what tow ratings/GVWR/GAWRs Ford will use on their new 1500 aluminum truck. It may or may not be rated for your 7k TT.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Aug 24, 2014
    There's still enough weight to the alum. half ton Ford that I don't believe it would make any difference to handling with a TT or cause it to be pushed around.

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