Trailer RV Selection

[jesteford]

Hi all,

First time - soon to be full time - Rv'er here. Sorry to throw another "help me pick an RV" into an already busy forum, however, I'd appreciate, and welcome any feedback.

My TV will be my existing 2016 F-150 2.7L with some towing packages.

My heart is really set on the Jayco 25RB because of the layout and space. Occupants will be myself, and a 95lb dog, but since this is will be fulltime for the next 6 months or more, I'd like to have some space (I'm 6'4").

I've done most of the math on capabilities and weights on a Google spreadsheet here; https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PgJoLvMbN6jpYdRov0XXNl4q2VH1EOOKCOabx2Olo6U/edit?usp=sharing.

I won't be packing much more than clothes, blankets, cooking gear/food, and some computer stuff for work.

The plan is to visit different locales from Texas to Florida, and travel month to month at RV parks.

I guess what this boils down to is... just because I can tow it, should I? I absolutely have to be safe AND legal.

Lastly, I'm also looking at the Coleman 2515RL, and Jayco 245RLSW as lower weight alternatives.

Thanks for taking a look/read through!

-Jesse

[Fordcamp]

I just got the 2019 Jayco 25RB, and I pull it with a 2013 F150 4X2 supercrew 3.5. I got the equalizer hitch and everything is great! The trailer is awesome, you will like it. I believe you will be fine with your truck.

[mr_andyj]

Are you asking what you can tow or what camper to buy?
Sounds like you plan to park more than drive if you will stay a month at a time in each spot, so don't over-think the towing aspect. If truck can tow it then it can tow it.

First time buyers of campers will make lots of mistakes. Those mistakes is what I would suggest research. What you think u need and what you will know you need after a month owning it are far apart.
Also, tell us what the camper is for... will you be staying in it during the day or will it just be a place to crash at night? If you will spend daytime hours in it a lot then u will want a nice living room area where u can walk around, if just a crash pad then a nice bed, a place to shower and a kitchen to cook in and a place to sit like a couch is all u need. Will you stay inside or stay outside during the day? do u need an outside kitchen too?
For just you I suggest going as small as possible. Having a slide-out will give u small camper that gets big parked.
Layout never mattered much to me. In most campers you can almost stand in one spot and touch everything in the layout anyway.
Things in campers are best when they serve two purposes, as it saves space...

[Grit_dog]

afidel wrote:
Sure, you're well inside all manufacturers specifications. Only you will be able to decide if the screaming 2.7 is something you can put up with long term. Plenty of diesel folks say they can't stand a V8 at 3k RPM due to noise, I hardly notice it, you might be the same with the 2.7 😃

It "should" have to run about the same trans gear and rpms for the same load with a 5.0. Will have more tq at lower rpms and pull a little "thicker" than the 5.0 and give up a little power to the 5.0 on the top end.
Overall, the only "better" options are a 3.5 Eco boost, big V8 from another mfg or a HD diesel.
I qualify with "should" based on the numbers as I haven't driven a 2.7 Eco, but would have zero issue tugging that trailer with a 6 speed 5.0 V8, with many miles doing so.
Bottom line, the truck will pull and handle the OP's trailer considerations safely and with adequate power.

[APT]

Go for it (the Jayco 25RB). Get a WDH with integrated sway control and learn how to adjust it. That 2.7L is strong, and the forced induction will be good in the mountains.

[jesteford]

philh wrote:
what is the payload capacity of your truck?

GCWR 13,300 Source: Ford owners manual - page 273
GVWR 6500 Source: Door sticker
Front GAWR 3450 Source: Door sticker
Rear GAWR 3500 Source: Door sticker
Max Loaded Trailer Weight 8,000 Source: https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/dam/aem_fleet/en_us/fleet/towing-guides/Ford_Linc_16RVTTowGuide.pdf
Payload 1,400 GVWR - Curb Weight
Hitch
Max Gross Trailer w/ WDH 11,000 Source: Hitch Sticker
Max Tongue w/ WDH 1,110 Source Hitch Sticker
Max Gross Trailer Weight 5,000 Source: Hitch Sticker
Max Tongue Weight 500 Source: Hitch Sticker
Tires LT 275/65R18
Max Load 2,756 Source: https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires/wrangler-duratrac/sizes-specs

So my payload - GVWR less curb weight, is 1,400. That being said the hitch is only rated for 1,100, so I have to consider that as well. It's all in the spreadsheet I made.

[jesteford]

Hah! Fair enough. I might upgrade the sound system then. 😉

[philh]

what is the payload capacity of your truck?

[afidel]

Sure, you're well inside all manufacturers specifications. Only you will be able to decide if the screaming 2.7 is something you can put up with long term. Plenty of diesel folks say they can't stand a V8 at 3k RPM due to noise, I hardly notice it, you might be the same with the 2.7 😃

[jesteford]

afidel wrote:
You need to verify your equipment package, if it's 53B then you're limited to 5,000 pounds as you don't have the stronger receiver or the AUX cooler. 53A which would give the higher tow rating should include a controller.

*edit*
Hmm, actually looks like only 53C (Max tow) included the brake controller. I would still verify the package.

Thanks for taking a look, and replying afidel. I have the 3.73 Rear Axle Ratio, 6500# GVWR upgrade, with the Trailer Tow Package (not Max Tow, as that's only for the 3.5 Ecoboost) - All of this confirmed on the Monroney sticker, and service manager from the Ford Dealer.

I'm confident that I can tow any of the trailers listed. I'm looking for real world feedback on a comparable set up from veterans of the lifestyle, and not just only my calculations, and youtube videos. 🙂

Given the weights and restrictions detailed out in my spreadsheet, would YOU tow it?

[afidel]

You need to verify your equipment package, if it's 53B then you're limited to 5,000 pounds as you don't have the stronger receiver or the AUX cooler. 53A which would give the higher tow rating should include a controller.

*edit*
Hmm, actually looks like only 53C (Max tow) included the brake controller. I would still verify the package.