Hello Long time lurker and decided to join to ask for some help.I have a 2006 Ford F150 larite 4X4 supercab 5.4 eng with a 3.73 rear end. I currently have 89,000 miles. Payload capacity is 1485.I have had this truck since it was new and have always maintained it. In fact in preparation of towing with it I added an increase transmission oil pan capacity along with an exterior transmission cooler. I also added an increased oil capacity cover on the differential with a drain plug. I changed the oils in both the transmission and rear end to synthetic. I also run "E" rated tires.ProblemI currently have a 2011 Heartland Caliber 265RLS with a GVWR of 8600 (lb) which I feel is too heavy for my truck I don't like towing it. I run a Reese WDH. I feel like the trailer is pushing the truck around.Solution ?? buy a new 3/4 ton truck really don't want to spend $40K - $50K on a truck. (although deep down I really love to have a new truck :) )ORPurchase a lighter trailer for say $30K and keep our truck we like the Grand Design 2250RK GVWR 6995 (lb).QuestionIs the Grand Design 2250RK the right trailer? I know math wise it should be no problem. I'm also aware some people will always say a 3/4 ton would be much better.What say YOU all?What if anything should I do to my current truck tow this weight if anything.

You don't have to buy NEW units.I tow an 8600# TT with a 2005 Ford F250 4X4 6.0 diesel. That is all I want to tow with my truck. I wouldn't want to tow that much weight with your truck.Bill

Why does it seem too big? Power issue, go 4.56 gears. Sway issues? Braking?

Everyone has a different comfort level when towing. A HD truck will work better for that size trailer, but you will still know/feel the trailer is back there. Not much more you can do with current truck, except make sure the E tires are properly inflated for the load, and the WDH is set up correctly. A high quality WDH can make a difference in your towing experience.Jerry

Everyone's comfort level towing is different. I had a half ton and did not care for the ride and handling when towing. I purchased a one ton and was much more comfortable. Like someone else said you can purchase a used truck for a dedicated tow vehicle and keep yours as a daily driver. Only you know what will work best for your situation. I had two 98 Dodge trucks a half ton, and 1 ton dually when I first started RV'ing that same year.

I agree your current TT is more than I would want. I have a 19.5 that comes in at 4700 loaded. Plenty of TT for my truck. (See profile)I've looked at the GD 245RLS which runs around 6000 nice trailer, but pushing it.I got turned off by the Luan behind the fiberglas, prone to delamination!Why don't the all use Asdel backing. I'd be willing to pay more for it.

Older Tow Truck | Good Sam Community

danrclem
Explorer
Aug 27, 2018
You should be able to take the 30K that you were going to use to buy a new trailer, sell your truck and probably be able to buy a nice used truck.
All_I_could_aff
Explorer
Aug 27, 2018
Not just E rated tires, also make sure they are aired up nice and firm to reduce sidewall squirm. And hopefully they are a fairly straight highway tread and off road.
Sportsmen
Explorer II
Aug 26, 2018
We are towing a Jayflight 27BHS which weighs 6800 per the Cat scales. We use a traditional WDH with (2) friction sway bars. We pull with an 07 F150 SuperCrew 5.4L 3v 3:55 rear end. Truck is rated for 8000 lb tow and has a 1648 payload.

The trailer felt squirrely with (1) friction sway bar. Added the 2nd swar bar and it is now rock solid. Could not believe the difference it made. Virtually no sway even when passing big rigs now. My old '07 Screw pulls it like a boss ...

Hope this helps.....
LanceRKeys
Explorer
Aug 26, 2018
I had the same issue and found an 01 f250 with the 7.3 diesel. I just got back from a 1500 mile trip and just love how the truck just pulls and pulls.
bid_time
Nomad II
Aug 26, 2018
If the issue is sway then you probably don't have enough tongue weight. Weigh the trailer axles and tongue separately. Go for 12 - 15% of the total weight as tongue weight. Then see how it tows.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Aug 26, 2018
Do you have the original shocks ? Upgrading to premium shocks would help. Have a spring shop add a leaf or install helper air springs (bags).

Specifically what brand and size tires do you have ?
Grit_dog
Navigator
Aug 26, 2018
If your truck is pristine condition as you allude to, it will fetch top dollar and comparable 3/4T gassers are not that much more $.
Trouble is we just spent a couple months shopping for an older car. Wanted a little rice box car 10-15 yrs old, under 100k and not a salvage, rebuilt, new engine, scuzzy used car dealer special. It took 2 months of constant searching before I found one and several failed attempts and ended up being at the top of our allowance to get one.
Once you get down into the bottom of the depreciation curve, most used vehicles have some "issues." I think I learned just how few people give a schitt about taking care of their vehicles. Hadn't shopped for an old used car in a long time.

So, be patient, start looking for trucks, buy the right one when you find it and you'll have no trouble unloading your 150 afterwards.
TimbBerWolf
Explorer
Aug 26, 2018
Thanks again for reaffirming What I thought.

Wife and I just got back into the house from sitting in the Heartland and decided that we would hate to give up the space.

So now just to find a used truck that meets our needs.

Thanks again.
ppine
Explorer II
Aug 26, 2018
Your truck is not "old."
The simple solution is to trade for a somewhat lighter used trailer.
parker_rowe
Explorer
Aug 26, 2018
donn0128 wrote:
I would bet you have OE P metric tires under the truck?

He mentioned E range tires in his post, so that's covered.