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

donn0128
Explorer II
Aug 26, 2018
I would bet you have OE P metric tires under the truck?
TimbBerWolf
Explorer
Aug 26, 2018
Thanks for the feed back

I don't like the how it feels like the trailer is manhandling the truck. It feels like its pushing the backend of the truck around and sway is an issue.

At the time I thought Reese WDH was good but I may have to rethink that.

I seem to have plenty of power not going to win any race but I can still get around the big trucks.

Brakes on the truck are great I'll admit I did a stupid thing once, coming out of the hills I had forgot to hook up the electrical connection. Of course I kept the truck in 2nd gear on this twisty road finally got to a flat spot in the road that was also wide enough and discovered my mistake. That was about 20 miles later. No problems though slowing the truck down.
noteven
Explorer III
Aug 26, 2018
Generally speaking 250/2500 class and up trucks are “stiffer” and have bigger brakes than 150/1500’s and so the tow feels more in control.

Before doing anything is it possible to rent a 250 or 350 in your area and tow your own trailer with it?

Then you can decide if you are more in love with your F150 or your rv for how you use the two.

I personally like towing trailers that weigh 50% -75% of a pickup truck’s rating best.
donn0128
Explorer II
Aug 26, 2018
I suspect even the GD is too much for your truck. You need to start looking at trailers with a GVWR of under 7000 pounds. 6000 dry is not going to cut it.
BTW, I think you alreafy answered your own question. You have too much trailer or not enough truck. Decide which is most important to you. Consider where you will be in 5 years and make your purchasing decision based on that. Not today.
WNYBob
Explorer
Aug 26, 2018
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.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Aug 26, 2018
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.
MFL
Nomad II
Aug 26, 2018
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
time2roll
Nomad
Aug 26, 2018
Why does it seem too big? Power issue, go 4.56 gears. Sway issues? Braking?
Trackrig
Explorer II
Aug 26, 2018
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

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