Are My TV & TT a Good Match?

[hotpep1]

Last year we bought a 2007 Ford F150 King Ranch Supercrew 4x2 to haul a trailer for us to dog shows. A few months later we bought the trailer, a 2008 Coachman Captiva 288FKS.

We've been towing all around Florida (where we live) without problems but I'm always worried. Three Ford service advisors have told me that truck can easily tow our trailer but I still worry. Ford towing guides state the truck can tow 8500 lbs.

Truck specs:
5.4 FFV V8
3.55 ratio axle
18" wheels
139" wheelbase
7050# GVWR package
front GAWR: 3450 lbs.
rear GAWR: 3850 lb.

Additional information: the truck did not have a towing package. Last week the torque converter broke down (just as we were backing into the yard when we got home!) so we had the tranny rebuilt with a new HD torque converter and they added an HD tranny oil cooler.

Trailer specs:
6580 lbs. (as purchased)
tongue: 860 lbs.
carrying capacity: 1,1813 lbs.

I know we need to weigh the set-up but I wanted to hear from the experienced folks here.

Thanks!

[Wes_Tausend]

...

If money isn't a problem, you could upgrade to a newer F-150 with perhaps the Ecoboost package. It would provide the same smooth empty ride that you are used to, or better. And empty fuel economy would be superior to your present truck and far superior to any 3/4 ton truck. Many of the F-150 Ecoboost packages exceed your present needs and their towing ability exceeds my older 3/4 ton trucks. And don't forget similar trailer-towing Ecoboost Expeditions if a SUV will work.

If you might upgrade the size of your trailer, then get a 3/4 or 1 ton truck now, by all means.

Wes
...

[PaPaGoose]

By all means, I suggest you get your weights. You are very close if not over your max tow capacity. The new HD torque converter and added HD tranny oil cooler should help, but you still have to consider the load on your axles, suspension, etc.

[hotpep1]

Our truck is a 2007.

To respond about the transmission work we just had done, the technician said the trouble,began long before we bought the truck. Of course, you could say we didn'the do it any favors by continuing to use the truck for towing.

[hotpep1]

Our truck is a 2007.

To respond about the transmission work we just had done, the technician said the trouble,began long before we bought the truck. Of course, you could say we didn'the do it any favors by continuing to use the truck for towing.

[APT]

I would not recommend that combination to based on performance as well as you may be over rear axle or payload. However, you got what you got. You know how well it performs. Before replacing that truck, go to a scale to find out where it stands and what exactly should be upgraded.


What year is your current F150?

[campigloo]

Got the bug huh? Now's your time. Go for it!

[fla-gypsy]

You're probably over on some ratings IMO but weighing the combo will answer that

[hotpep1]

I see the max payload for the truck is 1,831 lbs.

We put ourselves (2 people with a total weight of about 350 lbs.), 2 Dalmatians (totaling 100 lbs.) and a 6-lb. Maltese in the truck...a bit less than 500 lbs.

In the trailer we have a small amount of food in the fridge (we shop when we get to the show), a few dry groceries (no cans), clothing for a weekend, towels, & bedding.

There is storage is under-bed and in there we have a grooming table (20 lbs?), 2 folding chairs (5 lbs. each maybe), and a crate dolly (20 lbs.).

A small outside storage compartment holds two plastic totes, one with fresh-water hoses, the other with hose to flush sewer hoses.

We carry two sewer hoses in the bumper storage.

We seldom travel with anything in any of the tanks.

[Terryallan]

Here is the deal. 7050lb is a pretty good GVWR. EXCEPT for a King Ranch. All the stuff in the truck that make it a King Ranch also make it a heavy truck, and a heavy truck takes up a lot of that 7050. I believe you will be close if not over loaded. However since you are out of warranty anyway. Not a big deal. your truck won't implode if it is over GVWR a tad.

Not having a trany cooler, and towing in OD is what caused your trany problem. Other than that. IF you don't load 2000lb in to the TT (And I bet you won't) you should be OK. The 5.4 is a great towing engine. It will rev. But it would move the world, IF you just had a place to put it. I have been towing with my 5.4 for 10 years, up and down the mountains and I have yet to tax it, or even use all of the power it has to offer. I also have a 3.55

[hotpep1]

"You already know how poorly it tows."



The truck seems to pull the trailer pretty well actually. Very well since we just installed a set of Reese dual cams. We were told by the transmission shop to drive with OD off while accelerating and going up inclines then switching it back on while at cruising speed.

The weight of 6580 for the trailer was as it sat on the lot with all accessories...the dealer said they'd had it weighed.

We may soon have an opportunity to upgrade to a 250/2500 truck but am wondering if we really need to.

We WILL get it weighed!

[Old-Biscuit]

dodge guy wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:


You already know how poorly it tows.

Where did you read that? He says it tows just fine.

Due to his little caveat after 'no problems' ----but I'm always worried. Three Ford service advisors have told me that truck can easily tow our trailer but I still worry

AND the fact that he had to have torque converter replaced with HD unit only towing in FL.

Why worry/ask 3 different Ford service advisers AND ask HERE if he knew it towed OK.


Also my own prior experience using a F150 with 5.4L towing a 20' Pontoon Boat/trailer.

[dodge_guy]

Old-Biscuit wrote:


You already know how poorly it tows.

Where did you read that? He says it tows just fine.

[Tankcar]

Hi. Only you will be able to answer that question.

[IdaD]

It looks like your RAWR may be your limiting factor. Your empty rear axle weight is 2300 lbs, which leaves you with 1550 lbs given your 3850 RAWR. Figure around 1,000+ lbs of tongue weight and you've got 500 lbs to spare on your rear axle, and about 700 lbs to overall.

Ultimately I think your truck will do it, but it may not be much fun. You're in Florida so you don't have mountains to contend with, and that helps.