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tunatundra's avatar
tunatundra
Explorer
Feb 17, 2016

Tow with what I have.....I need your experience..

I just bought a 2015 F-250 diesel 6.7 with very low miles. I will not consider buying a bigger horse but will consider mods to increase the towing capacity a wee bit. I don't have a hitch as yet.

From the stickers on the door and looking at my VIN Number from Ford:

GVWR 10,000
Front GAWR 5,200
Rear GAWR 6,100
Weight of Occupants and Cargo 2,229 lbs.
LT275/70 18" @65 lbs
3.73
GCWR 19,000
5th Wheel Max Trailer wt - 12,100 .on the door sticker or VIN.

I am looking at two 5th wheels.
Length UVW GVWR F Water Dry Hitch
1. 36'11" 10520 12200 48 gal 1880
2. 38'1" 10372 12465 60 gal 1990

So, I am at the limit or a little over. We have a spring manufacturer/installer just a few miles from me that has a great reputation for adding towing capacity to trucks.
They recommend adding "helper" springs that go on top of the racks. They only compress when weight is applied and do not effect the ride while not towing. They also gave me an alternative of adding more leaves to match a 350. The helper springs and 1000 lbs to 3000 lbs to the towing capacity depending on which set I purchase. $169 a set.

What do you think of the my alternatives.

Side note: 5th wheel #2 has a 60 gal water capacity (500 lbs} that I will never ever carry so if I would carry 200 lbs I would save 300 lbs on GVWR. Should I think that way?

Thank you for you response and time.