Forum Discussion

dthfsa's avatar
dthfsa
Explorer
Jun 19, 2016

F150 towing and actual scale weights

We purchased a new travel trailer, Laredo 331BH with a Blue Oz WD/Sway.
I have a F150 with the max tow package.

Truck
Curb weight of 5687lbs.
GVWR = 7650
Max Trailer = 11,200 LBS
GCWR = 17,100

Camper
GVWR = 9635
GAWR = 4370
Unloaded = 7930

We pulled it home and it pulls really well, we loaded all of the gear we typically leave in the trailer all of time, no water, no food and no clothes.

I decided to take it to a CAT scale this morning before we parked it and here are my numbers while hooked.

Steer axle = 3220 (MFG front axle max = 3750)530 lbs to spare
Drive axle = 3920 (MFG rear axle max = 4050)130 pounds to spare
Trailer axles = 7580
Gross weight = 14,720 (2,380 lbs to spare)

If I raise up another link on my WD will I transfer some weight to the front axle?
Or
Should I move some of the weight front my front storage and transfer to the rear of the trailer?

We have (1) 1,000 mile trip planned for the this year from southern Ohio to Mid-Wisconin, beyond that we may go out a few weekends, but they would be less than 100 mile trips.
We are at the up most limits of this setup and are trying to decide if we should upgrade to a 3/4 ton or can we get by the rest of this year and purchase towards the end of the year.


Am i putting us at to much risk?
  • dthfsa's avatar
    dthfsa
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2016
    I edited the weights, 14,720 not 17,720.

    I have a Blue Ox WD system now.


    campigloo
    I have to agree with you, pulling seems to be okay, stopping will be different.
    Our goal is to upgrade to a 5t wheel in 4 to 5 years, we will probably look at trucks this fall.
    We had our Passport for 9 years and we just out grew it, we are now at the top end for the F150. This new camper is 37'-10" long, the blue oz seems like a good fit, but the trailer will be wagging the truck.
    I know there are a lot people with lots of experience on this forum, so it's great to hear some other opinions and sometimes
  • braindead0's avatar
    braindead0
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2016
    OP post included
    GCWR = 17,100

    And from the scale
    Gross weight = 17,720

    However summing up the individual weights shows 14,720 so if THAT is the correct gross weight then no problem.
  • braindead0's avatar
    braindead0
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2016
    Looks like you are 620# over the gross combined weight rating of your truck, with no water no food and no clothes.
  • campigloo's avatar
    campigloo
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2016
    Don't know what type hitch you have but make sure the bars are somewhat parallel to the frame. This allows the bars to move without bending anything when tight turns are made. You may have to add some tilt, but your basic theory is correct. I personally don't think you are in any real danger for short trips. Mostly don't get in a hurry. Pulling it is fun, but stopping it is a real hoot. I think you definitely need more truck. Some people suggest 1 ton over 3/4 since there is not a lot of price difference and it allows you to choose a heavier trailer in the future; maybe you see a large 5er in your future?
  • SoCalDesertRid1's avatar
    SoCalDesertRid1
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2016
    Yes, taking up another link will transfer some more weight onto the steer axle, and a little back to the trailer axles too.

    I would go through the trailer and remove everything you can get away with leaving at home, and travel with the tanks empty. Also, go through the truck and remove whatever you can from it too.

    Yes, you should upgrade to a 1-ton truck in the near future. No, you don't need to rush out and buy a new truck right now.

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