Forum Discussion

mjc1123's avatar
mjc1123
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014

Weight Bunkhouse trailers

We have narrowed down search for travel trailer to a few different models ranging from 5000-6000 pounds.

I am newbie to RVing and towing so I am naturally cautious of getting a trailer that is too big.

My tow vehicle is a 2005 Ford F-150 XLT, Styleside, 5.4 triton engine, supercab, 35,000 miles.

The towing capacity from ford is 8600 pounds and the payload is 1820. It would be three of us in truck (approx 400 pounds) and would be bringing normal camping supplies plus bicycles etc...

I have read many posts and articles from the forum and quite frankly I am a bit confused.

The hitch I plan to use is the Blue Ox Sway Pro.

I am just looking for some insight on above scenario and any other advice based on my TV and choice of trailer.

Thanks,

Mike
Tow Vehicles

7 Replies

  • badercubed's avatar
    badercubed
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2014
    With 1,800+ in payload, I see no reason that you wouldn't be completely fine with a trailer that size. Going to the scales wouldn't even be a thought in my mind.
  • mjc1123's avatar
    mjc1123
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2014
    I think I will settle on a trailer that weighs 5000 dry. Don't want to push it. I have no experience so please keep replies coming. Especially, anyone with F150 and similar setup.

    Thanks
  • LOWELL731's avatar
    LOWELL731
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2014
    Mike

    I tow a 2010 Jayco Jay flight 26bh with a 2004 dodge quad cab 1500 with a Hemi 345hp motor. I have never had any problem pulling or most important stopping it. I think I have a little less payload and towing capacity then your truck but within limits. Good luck with the search that alone is half the fun.

    lowell
  • Tystevens's avatar
    Tystevens
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2014
    We have towed the bunkhouse in my sig many miles w/ 1/2 tons and it works just fine. We are about 6000-6500 lbs loaded to camp. Tongue weight is about 800 lbs. We use an Equalizer 4-way and it does the job.

    Our trailer is very basic -- no slide, basic appliances and so on. Adding slides will get the weight up pretty quickly, unless it is an ultralite build. Which will get the price up pretty quickly.
  • AH64ID's avatar
    AH64ID
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2014
    Mike,

    You will likely run out of payload and tires first. I suggest loading up the family and normal camping gear and finding a scale, with a full tank of fuel.

    This will tell you where yo are at. Then add 75lbs to the rear axle for a WDH and determine how much weight you have left. Divide that number by .15 (IME BH trailers are higher on TW) and that's the most the trailer can weigh. Look for trailers that are about 1500lbs less than that dry and you will be fine.
  • Merrykalia's avatar
    Merrykalia
    Explorer II
    Aug 18, 2014
    I don't know where all the weight police are this morning. I'm surprised some of them haven't hopped on here to tell you that you can only pull a small popup with that truck.

    Anyway, with the towing capacity that you have, you should be able to pull a trailer in the range you have set. Be sure to check out your hitch capacity, because your WDH and sway will add another 100 or so pounds....those things are heavy.

    You will also have to remain pretty vigilant to not keep filling up the TT. It's amazing how much stuff you accumulate in a year or so. When we dumped ours before selling, we put it in our storage building. We then purchased a fifth wheel, we only put about half of the stuff back in.

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