We just purchased a new 2017 Forest River Salem Hemisphere 299 RE. Dry weight=7,439 lbs, hitch weight=730 lbs.We own a 2013 Ford F-150 XLT 1/2 ton with a towing capacity of 8,000 lbs and a 3:31 rear axle.Do we need to move up to up a 3/4 ton with a towing capacity of 10,000-11,000?R.V dealer informed us, the trailer can be pulled with a 1/2 ton truck, when distribution and sway bar kit is installed. What is your opinion on this? We normally stay on flat ground, however we're looking forward to traveling cross country.Thanks,Deb

What is the payload capacity of the Ford? What will you carry in the Ford besides yourself? How much will your WDH weigh? The salesman said....hmmmm. "Pulling" isn't very relevant. Wet/loaded I'll wager your TT will be 9,000+ with a tongue weight of...1,100 to 1,300 pounds.

Keep the trailer GVWR within the tow rating for best results.Forget dry weight unless you are just transporting empty RVs to the dealer.

Your listing dry weight for the trailer. What is its GVW or maximum loaded weight of the trailer. What is the payload rating of the truck.There are more parameters to be concerned with than just the max. tow rating.All 1/2 tons,better yet, all trucks are not created equal. Each truck has a sticker on the door jamb that list the ratings for that particular truck. Your F-150 will have a sticker. On the surface it seems like you need more truck or less trailer.

the "dry weight" is at the towing capacity. what's the question? the answer is NObumpy

I'll jump in as a WEO. 7500 lb. dry 35 footer...too much for a 013 Ford F-150 XLT 1/2 ton with a towing capacity of 8,000 lbs and a 3:31 rear axle.I know what the dealer said...they most always say that. Yes, you can tow it off the lot. Towing it fully loaded on a camping trip through a variety of terrains and conditions is another story.I'm not thinking you will like it very much..

Towing Capacity | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

Lantley
Nomad
Jul 16, 2017
Your listing dry weight for the trailer. What is its GVW or maximum loaded weight of the trailer. What is the payload rating of the truck.
There are more parameters to be concerned with than just the max. tow rating.
All 1/2 tons,better yet, all trucks are not created equal. Each truck has a sticker on the door jamb that list the ratings for that particular truck. Your F-150 will have a sticker.
On the surface it seems like you need more truck or less trailer.
time2roll
Nomad
Jul 16, 2017
Keep the trailer GVWR within the tow rating for best results.
Forget dry weight unless you are just transporting empty RVs to the dealer.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jul 16, 2017
What is the payload capacity of the Ford? What will you carry in the Ford besides yourself? How much will your WDH weigh? The salesman said....hmmmm. "Pulling" isn't very relevant. Wet/loaded I'll wager your TT will be 9,000+ with a tongue weight of...1,100 to 1,300 pounds.

Forum Discussion

Towing Capacity

23 Replies

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Ram 1500 Towing Capacity

Towing capacity

Towing Capacity

Newbie Tow Capacity Question

Towing Capacity Question