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rdhetrick's avatar
rdhetrick
Explorer
Jan 25, 2014

Pulling a 12,000 lb 5th wheel with F150

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?
Tow Vehicles

39 Replies

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  • LimogesMan's avatar
    LimogesMan
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2014
    A late model F-150 can do it but a borrowed 3/4 or a 1 ton would be best for a 1 time trip.
  • lancekeys's avatar
    lancekeys
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2014
    Where in Texas are you? Maybe there is someone here that can help. I agree hire it out, or get a smaller trailer.
  • Dog_Folks's avatar
    Dog_Folks
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2014
    It all depends on how much you value your saftey and the safety of others around you.

    Hire it out.
  • rdhetrick's avatar
    rdhetrick
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2014
    2112, I misread your sig. Now I understand that the truck is rated for 11000, where I thought you meant your trailer weighed 11000.

    As an engineer, I understand that ratings include a margin of safety, and I don't know how much Ford puts into their ratings. By the numbers, I know I'd be way overloaded, but I was just looking to get some real world experience of anyone that might be pushing the envelope a little bit.

    From the comments, it sounds like I'll end up with a pancake if I try it so I guess I'll hire someone to move the trailer first, and then find the right truck to pull it later.

    Thanks again!
  • mguay's avatar
    mguay
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2014
    That 1500# safe is 900# short of what a 12k 5er will have for pin weight! I would find someone else to do it!
  • 2112's avatar
    2112
    Explorer II
    Jan 25, 2014
    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.
  • rdhetrick's avatar
    rdhetrick
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2014
    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?
  • 2112's avatar
    2112
    Explorer II
    Jan 25, 2014
    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?
  • MTPockets1's avatar
    MTPockets1
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2014
    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.

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