Ready for new TT (I think)

[RBPerry]

Wife and I are doing our homework preparing to purchase our first TT. We will be pulling it with a F150 5.4 V8 (Modified), 138” wheel base. Our max tow weight is 8000 pound unless I re-gear to 3:73 gears, that would boost total tow to 8800. If I stick with the 80% recommendation that mean 6400# TT max. The trailer we really like is the Heritage Glen T26RL with a UVW of 5808# and hitch of 634. I know this is cutting it close, but with the shorter wheel base (ball to axle) I’m hoping I will be ok. I also plan on installing Air Bag and pump to keep it level and truck weight balanced a little better. The truck already has the Class III hitch, trailer brake controller, and HD tow package with trans cooler.
If I’m understanding most of the advice given here I should be ok with this package. The biggest concern I have isn’t the towing, but the braking considering the 1/2 ton brakes are much smaller than 3/4 ton.
I’m a retired truck technician but completely new to TT and the RV lifestyle, so what else should I be considering, or am I cutting too close on the weight?

[Terryallan]

As mentioned. Get your WDH adjusted right and you won't need Air bags. Plus with your tongue weight. A WDH is required to stay inside your receiver weight rating. Air bags will just be a waste of your money.

[APT]

I pulled my 5500 pound dry TT for 2 seasons with a 2003 F-150 Supercrew 5.4L/3.73. You have two gear to accelerate and one to cruise. Expect speed to drop on hills and downshifts to 2nd/4000rpm at 55mph. If you can accept that, the truck will be fine. I'll assume you are just traveling with 2 people since you are looking at rear living rooms models. You should have plenty of suspension to handle 850 pounds of loaded TW, two people, and a bed full of camping gear.

Get a WDH with integrated sway control and learn how to adjust it. Get a proportional brake controller. Turn off overdrive. Skip the air bags.

[westend]

You're cutting it close on the payload capacity, depending on what you load in the truck. Your loaded weight and tongue weight will be well above the published figures. You'll also need a WDH for the trailer and truck. The hitch receiver is not rated more than 600lbs without a WDH, in all likelihood.

[path1]

You didn't mention the 5.4 motor. Probably because you know what it can do. I have a 5.4 in small class C and it leaves our driveway at 12,380 pounds. Not a ball of fire but takes us everywhere we want to go. It's in a 1 ton, yes braking on some roads takes some thought. I usually take out of overdrive and no problem on steep down grades keeping under control or better said, to avoid using the brakes to much.

P.S. also I carry spare fuel filter and cop.

For whats its worth...get a tubing cutter ($15.00) for air lines when you install them. I used a pocket knife and chased air leaks for quite awhile. Tubing cutter cuts nice fine cuts not jagged.

And I use a bicycle pump to put in 40 psi in my pick up when using the TT, that decision was made after pricing out in dash air fill system with reservoir tank and all the do-dads. I mean geeez, 1/4 inch air line, not a lot of volume required. But my pump will not do the neighbors air bags, he puts in 80.

[mbopp]

Air bags shouldn't be necessary if you use a properly adjusted weight distribution hitch. And I'll wager the actual weight of the trailer will come in closer to 6200#.

[rbpru]

What is the cargo capacity of your TV? All the mods to beef up the truck do not increase the axle rating or allowable cargo capacity.

[rexlion]

Your trailer's brakes will do their share of the stopping. IMO the braking should be fine once you adjust your controller correctly.