Here's a situation that's sure to get mixed responses:I'm in a situation where I will likely be living in my trailer for several years. I currently have a 30ish foot travel trailer and a F150. Something I'm considering is getting a 5th wheel for the extra room and layout benefits.I'll be parking this trailer more or less permanently.So here's my question, will the F150 be able to get a 12000 lb 5th wheel a few hundred miles from the place I buy it to my site? I don't want to buy a new truck for a one time event.I know it's overweight, and I know it will probably be a miserable hundred miles, but will the tires pop or axle break?I know I could hire someone to move it, and that's a possibility, but I'm just trying to figure out what is possible and what is not.By the way, I just moved a 1500 lb safe in the truck and it took it without problem.What say you: will it move the 5th wheel or pancake my truck?

By the time you buy and mess with installing a hitch, for a one time move get a professional to haul it for you. You could damage your truck, not worth the time & risk.

So true. Price a properly sized hitch, mounting kit and installation. Depending on bed size and camper cap, you may require a sliding hitch which in turn may require a hitch plate. More $$.Paying someone for that one-time move may seem more like a deal after you add all that up. And then what do you do with the hitch after the move?

Great point about the cost of the hitch.Ok, so a one time tow makes sense to hire someone considering the price of the hitch. Take the price of the hitch out of the equation. Maybe I'll want to take it 60 miles to the lake during spring break.Also, as an FYI, I live in the flatlands of Texas.Where I'm trying to go with this is: Ultimately, I think I'll be getting a bigger truck, but I'm trying to decide if I can get the trailer first and then get the truck a year or two later, or do I absolutely need to get the truck first.To 2112, I see you're pulling a 11,000 trailer with the max tow package. Have you done anything else to the truck? How does it pull?

I added Timbrens to help with sag and bounce.It pulls great but my FW weighs 9000lbs with a 1400lb hitch weight. I wouldn't even consider hitching my truck up to the FW you described. My truck is tow rated at 11,000lbs but your pin weight would wipe my truck out. And I have the second most capable F150 ever made.Post specs on your truck to give us an idea what you are up against.basically, you are asking ppl here to condone or agree with what you are wanting to do? Ain't gonna happen. You already know where this is going, right?If I was in your area and had the right TV I would gladly move it for say $200 +gas but I can't help you.

That 1500# safe is 900# short of what a 12k 5er will have for pin weight! I would find someone else to do it!

Pulling a 12,000 lb 5th wheel with F150 | Good Sam Community

39 Replies

goducks10
Explorer
Jan 27, 2014
I'd buy a dually.
time2roll
Nomad
Jan 27, 2014
+1 for having it delivered. It will be the low cost option vs installing a hitch.

Then start looking around for a used F350 as time and money permit.
Les_Balty
Explorer
Jan 27, 2014
There are quite a few 5'ers that are 1/2-tonable. Perhaps consider one of those and then you'd be good to go any time you want to use it. These trailers max out around 9,000 - 11,000 lbs. GVWR If this keeps you within the factory rating of your truck - good-to-go.
Dog_Folks
Explorer
Jan 27, 2014
Sorry to offend all you "My F150 can tow anything" group.

Not denying it: The F-150 is a great truck, it has been a best seller for many years because of that. Owned a few myself.

But as with all trucks, it does have it's limits, and a 12,500 pound 5th is just too much.
TomG2
Explorer
Jan 27, 2014
Dog Folks wrote:
TomG2 wrote:
Four pages and people are still giving advice without knowing the payload capacity of the tow vehicle. Maybe I missed it.

Don't need to actually walk out in front of a bus to know it is not a good idea.

According to Ford, the latest (2014) and best towing capacity for any F-150 is just over 11,000. Most recommendations are under 9,000.

Payload capacity or not, the vehicle is way over towing capability.

As other posts have mentioned, it is not if the truck can pull it but if the truck stop it. Just because it can, doesn't mean it should.

In other words, no facts are needed? "If" the OP has one of the F-150's with over 3,000 pound payload, then I think it would work.
blt2ski
Moderator
Jan 27, 2014
Dog Folks wrote:
TomG2 wrote:
Four pages and people are still giving advice without knowing the payload capacity of the tow vehicle. Maybe I missed it.

Don't need to actually walk out in front of a bus to know it is not a good idea.

According to Ford, the latest (2014) and best towing capacity for any F-150 is just over 11,000. Most recommendations are under 9,000.

Payload capacity or not, the vehicle is way over towing capability.

As other posts have mentioned, it is not if the truck can pull it but if the truck stop it. Just because it can, doesn't mean it should.

Last I checked, the truck brakes stop the truck, the trailer brakes stop the trailer. Does not matter the size of truck, be it a 15 or a 25 or a 35.

Many of you have not seen on of the last posts by the OP, it appears as if he will be hiring someone to move the trailer.

Marty
Dog_Folks
Explorer
Jan 27, 2014
TomG2 wrote:
Four pages and people are still giving advice without knowing the payload capacity of the tow vehicle. Maybe I missed it.

Don't need to actually walk out in front of a bus to know it is not a good idea.

According to Ford, the latest (2014) and best towing capacity for any F-150 is just over 11,000. Most recommendations are under 9,000.

Payload capacity or not, the vehicle is way over towing capability.

As other posts have mentioned, it is not if the truck can pull it but if the truck stop it. Just because it can, doesn't mean it should.
TomG2
Explorer
Jan 27, 2014
Four pages and people are still giving advice without knowing the payload capacity of the tow vehicle. Maybe I missed it.
deltabravo
Nomad
Jan 27, 2014
The dealer should be able to find a delivery person for you, or they might even be able to get their staff to deliver it. Most dealers have rigs capable of moving fifth wheels, because they tow them to RV shows.
Water-Bug
Explorer II
Jan 27, 2014
Let us know if and when you decide to do it, so we can all be sure to stear clear and be nowhere in the vicinity.