Towing Capacity F-150

flaspike wrote:
I have a 2004 F-150. Would like to know maximum weight trailer I can tow long distances.

As mentioned, your F-150 also has to have enough payload capacity to support the "loaded" tongue weight of the TT. RV and WDH manufactures recommend that the loaded tongue weight be 10% to 15% of the "loaded" weight of the TT (13% being ideal in most cases).

I would recommend that you take your F-150 under "loaded" conditions (passengers, full fuel, simulated camping cargo) to your local CAT scale and weigh it (simple process). Subtract the CAT scale weight from the noted GVWR on your driver's door....., the delta is the remaining Payload Capacity you have for a trailer's "loaded" tongue weight and any other weight (ie; 60lbs for WDH, fire wood, etc.) in the F-150 not accounted for at the CAT scale. Knowing how much actual remaining Payload Capacity you have will eliminate a lot of the guess work when sizing a TT.

Also, I'm sure your Owners Manual will list the Tow Rating for your model F-150, but note that the published Tow Rating is based on the "Curb Weight" of your particular vehicle model. Curb Weight includes the base F-150 model in question, a 150lb driver, full fuel, and all other fluids required for the vehicle to be operational. The published Tow Rating doesn't include the combined weights of the vehicle's options, passenger weights, and cargo weight.

Hope this helps.

Bob