cliiff wrote:
Hello
Here are the specs on my truck.
2015 F150 4x4 SuperCab
145" wheelbase
2.7L V6 EcoBoost Engine
Elec. 6-speed auto w/tow mod.
Hill-Start Assist, Outboard Mounted Rear Shocks, Trailer Sway Control
Axle Ratio: 3.55
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): 12,700lbs
GVWR: 6500lbs
6,500 GVWR - 4,950 curb weight = 1,550 for cargo, hitch, passengers and driver.
Vehicle Curb Weight (weight of truck plus full gas tank) 4937lbs
I weighed it at a weigh station.
First Question:
My user's manual states that: "Do not exceed a trailer weight of 5100 pounds unless the vehicle is equipped with the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package or the MAX Trailer Tow Package.
I do NOT have the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package or the MAX Trailer Tow Package.
So, does that simply mean that I cannot exceed a loaded trailer weight that exceed 5100 pounds? It obviously seems so.
This seems to be a limitation of a 'bumper-pull'; please verify.
2nd Question.
I did some calculations, assuming that the tongue weight is 10% of the loaded trailer weight.
This made me realized that I can carry more cargo if I put it in the Toy Hauler than in the back of the pickup truck.
Does this make sense?
If your trailer weight is say 4,000 pounds and you want to haul a 550 pound quad, then putting it in the trailer will increase it's weight by 550 pounds and hitch weight by about 75 pounds? So only 75 pounds of the quad weight will be in the truck. Fine if the trailer weight rating is not exceeded, then carry what you can (tools, coolers, fresh water, ect) in the trailer, and not on the truck).
But also remember that your trailer weight limit is only 5,100 pounds or so.
Also take into account that a good WD hitch system and bars will add 100 pounds of weight to the hitch area.
3rd Question:
I keep reading about an 80% Safety Factor.
Does this apply to the GCWR or the GVWR or both.
Ford says 5,100 maximum trailer weight. I would not de-rate below that amount, but actually if you want to go to the full GCVWR of the truck, you would be around 7,000 pound trailer with about 800 pounds of hitch weight, and around 5,700 pound GVW for the truck before hitching up, including passengers, WD hitch bar weight, ect.
Thank you for spending time helping a newbie!
My boss bought a new 2014 in December of last year, just after the 2.7L Ecoboost was announced. He does not plan on towing ever, and I said it would be better to get a 2015 with the 2.7L EB and save a lot of fuel. However that truck will not come with a trailer package, because it is not the larger 3.5L EB. Anyway he got a great rebate and discount buying one of the last steel trucks, that is heavier than yours and the larger engine that will use about $500 a year more in fuel.
Anyway the hitch should be good for something over 7,500 pounds while using WD bars, and good for around 750 pounds or more. That is not your 'limit' but rather the Ford limit of 5,100 pounds for your engine / transmission package.
With a 5,100 pound trailer, your truck will be limited to a total weight of it's max GVWR - 6,500 pounds. 6,500+5100 = 11,600 pounds.
However because the hitch weight will be counted twice, your total GCVW will be around 11,000 pounds.. .
That is because the 5,100 pound trailer will have say 600 pounds on the hitch. So the max curb weight before hitching up for the truck must be say 5,900 pounds, then the 600# hitch load added to that, and you are at your 'Tire and axle limit" of 6,500 pounds GVWR for the truck.
To reach your maximum 12,700 GCVWR, then you would be towing a 7,000 pound trailer with about 700 - 800 pounds on the hitch. With 7,000 pound trailer then 12,700 - 7,000 you will have a theory 5,700 pound truck, + 800 pounds hitch weight, and your truck will be right at it's max GVWR and GCVWR.
I hope that I have thought of everything to consider, but probably forgot something. It is midnight as I write this. . .
Fred.
