Tow Advice F150 1/2 ton

Here we go again. Why oh why does everyone with a 1/2 to truck (or so it seems) wants to tow a big long trailer right close to all capacities????

That's too much trailer, try something 24' or less and don't believe the maufactureres statements that their trailers are "light." What a joke.

I have a '94 GMC Suburban K1500 1/2 ton with 350, 3.73 gears, heavy duty towing package (trans cooler, oil cooler, extra sway bars, etc.) Supposed to be able to tow 10,000 lbs. I tow a 22' 4500 lb Tahoe "Lite" (yeah right, maufactureres info says its supposed to be 2900 dry, it's actually 4300). Use an Equal-I-zer hitch so don't even know it's back there. When we towed a 30' double slide Arctic Fox we did it with an '88 454 3/4 ton Suburban.

So, if you buy this trailer, I hope I don't end up on the same hiway with you.

Here are some across the scales real numbers:
2011 F-150 E-boost, sticker max cargo 1411 lbs.
subtract:
2 Adults and dog. 500 lbs
Truck cap 200 lbs
Camp gear and tools in bed 100 lbs.

This leaves 611 lbs for tongue weight.

Dutchmen Dry weight 5004 lbs becomes 6200 lbs across the scales when loaded for the road.

With the WD hitch redistributing the weight, the change in axle weight shows my load is near or at the the max cargo limit.

After 23,000 towing miles in three years, including two trips to the Rockies, the desert and the OK an TX cross winds, I can say the towing combination is fine; however, there is no doubt it does increase the wear and tear on tires and shocks.

So run your numbers and I think that unless you travel very light, you will find you will exceed your max cargo rather quickly.

Good luck.

You will love the Wildwood 27'RKSS. That is the same TT that we own. The large counter space is what sold us on the rear kitchen model, plus I like the space for my coffee pot.

That is the exact same trailer and pickup that we had. Our truck pulled the trailer fine, but was hard handling in windy conditions. We did make a trip to florida and the TT pulled fine but there was not much grade. Like others have posted, we were on the top end of our towing capacity tho. We upgraded to an F250 and there is a difference like night and day in the towing. Go ahead and upgrade, you wont regret it.... :)

Everyone has pretty much said it...that's not enough truck.

Since you asked, please think upon, . what I have written in my signature line below. And then I think you will find your answer.

If it is good for 75 miles (one way) then it is good. Period. Safety begins at the driveway. I happen to think the OP would be happier with more truck or less trailer.

MFL wrote:

goducks10 wrote:
You'll be around 7000lbs by the time you load up propane, batteries, food, clothes and gear. Maybe more. Tongue weight will be around 900-950lbs. It will be a load with the 3.31 gears. BTDT with a 2010 F150 5.4 and 3.73 gears. I know the 5.4 is down on power some compared to the 5.0 but with the 3.73 gears I'm betting it pulled as strong. You'll be in 5th and 4th most of the time, which is not that big of a deal. BUT @33' long and weighing 7000lbs it will move that truck around. Especially with the stock P rated tires which have squishy sidewalls to give the truck a nice soft ride.
If you do get that TT you should invest in a top quality weight distribution hitch. Something with built in sway control.
JMHO but I wouldn't want to tow that heavy and long of a TT with that truck for longer distances. I would do the shorter trips like 50-75 miles one way. But if you're planning on doing some long distance traveling like 2-3 days of traveling then I would suggest something smaller or a bigger truck.
You should also check your CCC sticker on the door jamb. Lots of times trucks with the lower gears have lower payloads. If you're in the 12-1400 range and drop 900lbs on the rear of the truck you won't have much left for passengers and gear in the truck.

Good post here! Truck will work for a weekender that stays close to home, but not best for long distance towing.

Jerry

There is no problem with pulling anywhere you want at 100 percent of max payload. Max mean exactly what it says.

mike5150 wrote:

mbopp wrote:
Short story - not enough truck. It's not about the tow rating, it's about payload and especially rear axle rating. And this is compounded by the fact this is a S-crew - how many people and how much gear are you hauling?

What's the yellow payload sticker on the driver's door frame say for your rating?

The yellow Sticker Door Jam says The combined weight of occupants and card go should never exceed 1661 lbs Is that the magic number for total hitch weight of TT and passengers and gear If so does

That 1661# is TOTAL Cargo Carrying Capacity
That includes your weight above 150#, weight of ALL other passengers, weight of ALL stuff in cab (backpacks, bags, stuff in floor/under seats, etc.), weight of hitch/ball shank and the trailers tongue weight (12%-15% of trailer GVWR)

Also what is trucks RAWR, GVWR and Rear tire Load rating?

Run out of payload LNG before reaching that magical mfg. marketing dept. max tow rating

Looks like you will be right at the max to me. Could be a few pounds over on payload depending on what else you put in the truck. Only way to know when this close is to load it up and put it on a scale. Trouble is then you own it. I would do it but can't really recommend it.