Towing with a 2009 Ford F350 6.8 V10 4.10 Supercap LB

[hkury00]

2009 Ford F350 6.8 V10 4.10 Supercap LB, 4WD, SRW

We have been pulling an Arctic Fox 24-5N (probably 10k lbs) with the above truck for 1 1/2 years fulltiming. We love the truck. It only has 50k miles and we would like to keep it. The Arctic Fox is great but small. If we upgrade the fifth-wheel and stay with AF (27-5 or 29-5) or another quality brand the weight will become an issue. If I looked it up correctly the max. I can tow is 14,400 lbs.

Is it wise to pull 14k with this truck? Will it affect the longevity of the truck? I would feel ok to pull 80-85% of the maximum k(~12) but that's just me?

Thanks in advance for your opinion.

Hannes

[Artum_Snowbird]

I am totally with you on what you feel is OK. While there is a limit in overall weight, there is also limits in pin weight too. Fifth wheel owners tend to load those big front bays up pretty deep sometime, I know I do with mine.

It also depends on what you carry in the truck, and likely on your choice of tire and wheel size too.

Having said all that, there are those that run fully loaded, I doubt you should worry about the truck longevity. It's your comfort level coming down a steep winding road, and going up it too. Having a rig with disc brakes would likely help too.

I see you have a rear kitchen. No doubt there are many somewhat a bit lighter than Arctic Fox, but you do fulltime in it, so you want quality build and insulation too.

[NMDriver]

What is your carrying capacity-payload. If you do not exceed that number you will be ok.

Hitch weight is what matters pulling a 5er not the tow weight. I am pretty sure your hitch weight would not exceed 3000lbs for a 14000lb 5er and your truck should carry that easy.