Payload / Can they tow it question - 2009 F150
I'm trying to help a family member in their TT selection.
Truck for discussion:
2009 F150 XLT CrewCab 6.5' bed 2WD 5.4L V8 3.55 rear w/ 6-speed transmission
GVWR: 7,100 lbs.
Tow rating: ~9,500 lbs.
GCWR: 13,000 lbs.
A family member has the above truck. It has an ARE camper shell, spray-in bed liner, scooter lift, and scooter. All told, with his wife, him, and the scooter, the truck weighted 6,650 lbs. That leaves just under 500 lbs. available payload for tongue weight and anything else they pack in the truck.
The thing is, he's got plenty of more room on his axle ratings (maybe 500 lbs. per). I haven't checked tire ratings yet, they're the same p-rated Michelin tires that came on it.
Most towing would be in Texas, Oklahoma, and maybe Arkansas. . . generally short trips. They're looking at campers with dry weights from 4,100 lbs. to 5,300 lbs. I've advised to estimate +1,200 above that as a camping weight and 12% for tongue weight.
I'm a stickler for ratings, but it does seem that payload is the one number even the "weight police" don't mind pushing a little.
Questions:
1. Would you feel safe getting right up to or a little over this payload as long as you're well under axle and tire ratings?
2. Is this a candidate for air bags?
3. How would adding a leaf spring in the rear effect it? Would you still use the axles as the main restriction?
4. Any other ideas? This is a classic case of having the TV before the TT, but a new TV isn't an option right now.
Thanks for your help!
*Edited to add engine size
Truck for discussion:
2009 F150 XLT CrewCab 6.5' bed 2WD 5.4L V8 3.55 rear w/ 6-speed transmission
GVWR: 7,100 lbs.
Tow rating: ~9,500 lbs.
GCWR: 13,000 lbs.
A family member has the above truck. It has an ARE camper shell, spray-in bed liner, scooter lift, and scooter. All told, with his wife, him, and the scooter, the truck weighted 6,650 lbs. That leaves just under 500 lbs. available payload for tongue weight and anything else they pack in the truck.
The thing is, he's got plenty of more room on his axle ratings (maybe 500 lbs. per). I haven't checked tire ratings yet, they're the same p-rated Michelin tires that came on it.
Most towing would be in Texas, Oklahoma, and maybe Arkansas. . . generally short trips. They're looking at campers with dry weights from 4,100 lbs. to 5,300 lbs. I've advised to estimate +1,200 above that as a camping weight and 12% for tongue weight.
I'm a stickler for ratings, but it does seem that payload is the one number even the "weight police" don't mind pushing a little.
Questions:
1. Would you feel safe getting right up to or a little over this payload as long as you're well under axle and tire ratings?
2. Is this a candidate for air bags?
3. How would adding a leaf spring in the rear effect it? Would you still use the axles as the main restriction?
4. Any other ideas? This is a classic case of having the TV before the TT, but a new TV isn't an option right now.
Thanks for your help!
*Edited to add engine size
