How large of TT

[tim1970]

Starting to look at TT, and would like to get an idea of how large I can get. I know not to believe the salesperson, and I am starting to get dizzy looking at all the charts from Ford. I have a 2016 F-250 Diesel Crew cab 4x4. I also plan on spending extra for a good WD hitch with anti-sway. I am not looking to max out the weight, because when it comes time to take a trip, I don't want to have to worry about weigh,t if my kids brings a friend along, or if I want to pack a little extra fire wood. Should I be ok up to 1K tongue weight, and up to 8k gvwr? What number should I be looking at when comparing specs?
Thanks

Tim

[tim1970]

Thanks to everyone for their answers/comments.

I am just starting the process of buying a TT. I will be asking lots of other questions throughout this forum over the next couple of months. My plan is to actually make my purchase right after the first of the year before spring arrives and demand goes up.

To answer some of the questions above, I live in a rural area on 5 acres of land, so parking or storage will not be a problem. Our family will mostly be taking small 3 - 4 day trips around the N.E. Texas area, with 1 long trip per year.

Thanks again for your help

Tim

[Hannibal]

850 weight carrying or 1900 WD using the full 2.5" on the receiver sounds like a very capable TV. The 2.5" shank and head must be a beast!

[2DHoop]

Pulled a couple of things from what you've described:

Tow vehicle - Check
No too proud to know a WD hitch is a good idea even with a modern capable vehicle - Check
Seeing no reason to be dependent on a sales person's opinions - Check
Planning ahead for possible additional weight - Check

You sound like the kind of guy I like.

Still a couple of requirements/future actions to think about:

RV storage requirements (where will it be parked when not being used)? Size could be a factor with this.

How long will your trips be on average? Typical weekend 3-4 day vacations or longer excursions? Size could be a factor with this.

Do the places you plan to visit have navigation challenges when you arrive and it's dark outside? Size could be a factor with this.

Are you ready to take on the inconveniences of dealing with an RV on a regular basis? This includes spending money and/or time to fix stuff. Size could be a factor with this - not RV size but the size of your patience and peace of mind.

[Sandia_Man]

With the tow vehicle in question there would really be no issue towing any TT you desire. Yes you could even tote around a decent sized 5er, but I like my truck bed available as we always carry firewood among other items. It's obvious many have had issues with their TTs not towing as desired, properly set up and with a stout truck our 32' 10K# TT tows like a dream. There are some great floorplans out there and many are exact copies of the same brand's 5ers. Here's hoping your new TT brings you many wonderful memories.

[westend]

2016 Ford RV and trailer towing guide

[HikeN2Mts]

The shank size on the hitch allows more tongue weight 2.5 vs 2 inch, see what your yellow tag says on payload and enjoy your trailer.

[IdaD]

It looks like your max tow rating is 14,000 lbs for a TT or 15,100 for a fifth wheel or gooseneck. The hitch is rated higher than the truck, and it's probably the same hitch they put on the DRW models with higher tow ratings.

[tim1970]

Now I am really confused. Unless I am reading it wrong, my hitch receiver is rated at 19K lbs, and my GVWR is 10000. Still not sure what my max tow weight is.

IMG_1191 by Tim Richardson, on Flickr


IMG_1190 by Tim Richardson, on Flickr

[DanNJanice]

MFL wrote:

tim1970 wrote:
Unless I am looking at the charts wrong, my F250 (Because it is a diesel) has the hitch receiver that is rated at 14,000 lbs. So hopefully that gives me a little more wiggle room.

That is possible Tim. I am going by my 13 250 that says 12,500 gas or diesel. In any case, your hitch will be clearly marked for trailer wt/tongue wt. Best just take a look at hitch on your truck.

Jerry

^^^^What he said.
Also, look a the yellow sticker on the drivers side door, it will tell you loading and payload.

[MFL]

tim1970 wrote:
Unless I am looking at the charts wrong, my F250 (Because it is a diesel) has the hitch receiver that is rated at 14,000 lbs. So hopefully that gives me a little more wiggle room.

That is possible Tim. I am going by my 13 250 that says 12,500 gas or diesel. In any case, your hitch will be clearly marked for trailer wt/tongue wt. Best just take a look at hitch on your truck.

Jerry

[tim1970]

Unless I am looking at the charts wrong, my F250 (Because it is a diesel) has the hitch receiver that is rated at 14,000 lbs. So hopefully that gives me a little more wiggle room.

[MFL]

Your Ford hitch is rated for a 12,500 lb trailer, with a tongue wt of 1,250. As you can see that is figuring 10 percent on tongue wt. In reality a 10,000 lb trailer, loaded wt, not dry wt, would be near your limit. Most times tongue wt will be closer to 12.5 percent.

Jerry

[JWRoberts]

We are in our fourth 30' plus camper. Currently have a Dutchmen Denali 325 RL and really love it. I've always preferred TT's because I've always had toppers on my pickups. Can store lots of camping stuff there. We are pulling with an F250 diesel.

[Hannibal]

32.5' is the smallest we found that had everything we wanted. Two recliners, sofa bed, free standing table and chairs, big shower and access to everything with the slide in. We tow with a Reese HP trunion style hitch. Bars have cams in case I ever feel the need for sway control. Our 5.4L 3.73 ratio F250 tows it like a champ. You shouldn't have any trouble towing whatever you decide on with your F250. Along with all the creature comforts, axles rearward and tongue heavy will tow better.