Newbie Tow Vehicle Help

[trimills]

Hi All,

Complete newbie here so please bear with me. Throughout COVID my fiancee and my jobs have become increasingly flexible and don't expect things to change soon. We are looking to buy a travel trailer to take advantage of this flexibility. I have a truck so want to make sure whatever we end up getting can be towed safely with this vehicle, but want to offer us enough space to live and work on the road. I have been doing research about this and it's making my head spin a bit so would love help to make sure whatever we end up getting will be towed safely. Would love advice from those with experience on what my vehicle can tow. Specs below:


- 2018 Ford F150 XLT Supercrew with 5.0L V8 4x4
- Bed length 6.5'
- Payload Capacity: 1,784#
- GVWR: 7,050 (I think based on the sticker in the door)
- Class IV hitch with weight distributing specs of max trailer weight 11,600# and max tongue weight of 1,160#
- I need to have the trailer brake installed, but have back up assist and 7 pin trailer plug already on the truck

I think we can safely tow a TT in the 7,000# - 8,000# GVWR range, but would love the thoughts of those who have more experience of what they think this vehicle can safely handle.

Thanks in advance for any help and let me know if you need any additional information.

Thanks!

[MFL]

trimills wrote:
Thanks jdc1. Based on the comments about propane clothing and everything, I assume you mean dry weight of 7000# would be pushing it. Is that right? I am thinking about a 25' or 27' Airstream, which have base weights of 5,500-5,800# with LP and Batteries, and a max trailer weight of 7,300-7,600#. Would that be pushing the upper limits?

That would be close to your limit, but do able IMO.

Jerry

[Grit_dog]

You guys need new reading glasses....
OP said GVW. Not UVW.
Do y’all just wait to tell people that their truck that’s rated for a certain amount is insufficient for that amount?

[Grit_dog]

bgum wrote:
Check your towing capacity I get 5000 pounds.

Da fuq?

[Rover_Bill]

Dry weight and UVW are only useful for the transport company that transported your EMPTY and UNLOADED TT from the manufacturer to the dealer. As a camper, you need to be sure your TV trailer rating exceeds the TT GVWR.

[trimills]

Thanks jdc1. Based on the comments about propane clothing and everything, I assume you mean dry weight of 7000# would be pushing it. Is that right? I am thinking about a 25' or 27' Airstream, which have base weights of 5,500-5,800# with LP and Batteries, and a max trailer weight of 7,300-7,600#. Would that be pushing the upper limits?

[jdc1]

Payload: Passengers, water, propane tanks, propane, hitch, clothing, dishes, gasoline, ect. You will be pushing your upper limits with a 7,000 lbs. trailer.

[trimills]

Hi bgum, thanks for the response. Where can I find this?

[bgum]

Check your towing capacity I get 5000 pounds.