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bnk190's avatar
bnk190
Explorer
Sep 15, 2013

Realistic 1/2 ton towing

We are looking at getting a travel trailer. As we have looked though different trailers the desires change and where I first set a limit to a 20-24 ft travel trailer has now expanded to 30 ft and much greater weight.

Here is what I have.

Tow vehicle is a 09 F150 supercrew 4x4 with 3.55 gears and 5.4L. Per Ford I can tow 9700 lbs. Max GCWR is 15,500. Truck does have the towing package on it.

Per CAT (certified scale)and this is the truck full of fuel and how I would be towing. No human weight included but it's just 2 adults and a dog.

Steer Axle 3260
Drive Axles 2540
Total Weight 5800

Per the door sticker
7200 GVWR
Front 3750
Rear 3850

Now for the trailers.

Keystone Bullet Premier 19 FBPR
Length 23'2"
Shipping Weight 4213
No GVWR listed on site but with 2287 for cargo weight I am guessing it's 6500.
Hitch is 410


Jacyo 24T (For 2014 this will be a White Hawk 24RBS so weights may change)
Length 27'8
Shipping Weight 4465
GVWR 6250
Hitch 545

Artic Fox 22g
Length 23' 10"
Weight 4678
GVWR 7500
Hitch 550

Artic Fox 25P
Length 27'1"
Weight 6470
GVWR 10,000
Hitch 870

Artic Fox 25Y
Length 30'
Weight 6853
GVWR 10k
Hitch 760

So there are the trailer choices. I would like the larger Artic Fox eith the 25P or 25Y however I'm concerned over the weight and how much the truck will struggle.

I will also add there is no chance in upgrading the truck for at least 5 years. I'm also not looking to buy a shorter trailer now and upgrade when I get a bigger truck. I want to buy a trailer now and have it paid off when the new truck comes.

So I guess the question is how will a 1/2 ton tow 7200 lbs around? I also don't see us as heavy campers meaning we have to bring everything including the kitchen sink. I have camped many years ago and we only bring what we need and camp light. I also never travel with full water or waste tanks.

I have a feeling we will end up in either the Bullet or the Artic Fox 22G. Problem with Artic Fox is the closet dealer is 6+ hrs away but that's a different concern.

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