TT questions from a first-timer

Question

Hi everyone - I'm researching travel trailers and want to ensure I'm getting off on the right foot - and this site seems to be a wealth of information. My goal is to purchase either a travel trailer or hybrid sometime in the next year for my family. For now I'm starting with the basics: what my current truck can handle. I've done some research, but it seems inconsistent between the auto manufacturer, RV companies, and various other sites. Vehicle information:

2013 Ford F-150 5.0 V8
Tow package (including electronic trailer brake controller, electronic sway control)
3.55 rear axle ratio
157" wheelbase
Weight carrying hitch
- max tongue: 500 lbs
- max gross trailer weight: 5000 lbs
GVWR: 7350 lbs.
GCWR: 13,500 lbs

Question 1: According to Ford, my truck can handle a max of 7500 lbs max load trailer weight. So does that mean I need a weight distributing hitch to handle that, given the data above?

Question 2: Where does the 7500 lbs come from? If I take subtract the above (GCWR - GVWR) it equals 6150.

Ultimately, I'd like to know what the truck can safely handle with some padding and go from there. I've done a bit of research but I'd like to hear what the real experts have to say. Appreciate the assistance; I'm going to have a LOT more questions.

tomkaren13 · Answer

Others will answer soon. Yes the Weight Distribution hitch is necessary. Our finding as far as the weight of the TT is - With a half ton truck(150) it should stay under 6000 pounds.That is dry weight. Dry weight does not include passengers in the truck or what you put in the TT. Everything from propane,water,dishes goes toward what your truck can handle. Now on to the others opinions.

theoldwizard1 · Answer

OzBoz wrote:2013 Ford F-150 5.0 V8Tow package (including electronic trailer brake controller, electronic sway control)3.55 rear axle ratio157" wheelbaseWeight carrying hitch  - max tongue: 500 lbs  - max gross trailer weight: 5000 lbsGVWR: 7350 lbs.GCWR: 13,500 lbsQuestion 1: According to Ford, my truck can handle a max of 7500 lbs max load trailer weight. So does that mean I need a weight distributing hitch to handle that, given the data above?Yes, on the WD hitch !  The most important number is the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating - load truck plus loaded trailer).  IMHO, 13,500 lbs. is a highly optimistic number !!  I would want that number to be under 10,000 lbs.I am very surprised at that axle ratio.  Typically Ford would install a 3.73 axle with the HD Trailer Tow Package.  If you feel short of power, you can upgrade that.

camp-n-family · Answer

The tow rating is determined by the manufacturer taking many factors such as axles, tires, frame, brakes etc. They have a set of standards to abide by. I believe Ford still used the old SAE standards in '13. The 7500lbs was determined with an empty truck and 150lbs allowed for the driver. Any weight added to the truck will reduce the tow rating pound for pound. Your calculation of gcwr -gvwr would give you a lower number because he truck is loaded at max gvwr already.

The tow rating is usually the last rating to be concerned with as you will exceed other ratings, such as payload, first. Find your payload rating, subtract weight of all passengers and gear added to the truck. What is left can be used by the trailer tongue weight. Figure approx 13percent of loaded trailer weight as tongue weight to get an idea of trailer size.

Your hitch receiver should have 2 weight ratings as well. The 500lbs is for dead tongue weight. Above 500lbs you need a wd hitch, up to the max rating which is usually around double the dead weight or around 1k.

rbpru · Answer

The max cargo capacity is vehicle dependent and should be posted on the door jamb.

It is the total weight your vehicle can carry. This includes family, gear and tongue weight.

In my case, my max cargo is 1411 lbs. My loaded for the road tongue weight is 750 lbs. That leaves 650 lbs for people and gear.

In my experience, a TT gains about 1500 lbs. over it dry weight when loaded for the road.

Our 25 ft. TT matches our F-150 very well.

ozboz · Answer

Thanks everyone for the responses; they are very helpful. I'll be continuing my research for sure....

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