TV and Trailer Combo

[2014screw]

Hi everyone - new to the forum

Just purchased a 2014 F150 FX4 WB145" Tow package crew cab 5.0 liter V8
Sticker in door says payload 1350 lbs.
Tows up to 7800 lbs
13500 GCWR

Looking to purchase a 2015 Rockwood Minilite 2505S
Specs Here


Questions is this: Is this to much for the F150 to pull Safely? I think it is close but not sure how close

I think the payload is the weak link.

Family of 4 - total weight of family approximately 615 lbs

Comments/suggestions??

[dshelley]

2014screw, you will be fine. That "payload" number is a manufacturer recommendation, not absolute limit. The axle weights (GAWR Front and GAWR rear are the never exceed limits. The payload number is a conservative calculation to ensure you remain hundreds of pounds under those axle limits.
You have the truck and want the camper, get it and use it. You will certainly want a properly rated (and installed) load equalizer hitch, but a few pounds over that payload number is without consequence.
As long as you are well within the rear axle weight limit (GAWR Rear)and drive sensible you will enjoy that rig for many years without worry.
Load the vehicle as you would for camping and take to to a CAT scale. This will provide actual numbers of the total weight and the individual axles weights.
I imagine weather, road conditions, fuel prices, camp ground availability and other things will provide you with plenty to be concerned about, but pulling that camper with your new truck should not be one of them.
Buy it. use it and enjoy it.

[handye9]

2014screw wrote:
would buying LT tires help at all in getting a bit more payload?

Also, anyone know the approximate weight difference between a spray in bed liner versus a standard drop in liner?

I saw an ad for Rhino (sprayed) liners. It said "depending on bed size, it will ad 35 - 65 lbs". I don't know the weight of a drop in, but, I would suspect them to weigh more.

The "LT" tires would have stiffer sidewalls and more load capacity than your "P" rated tires. That would reduce the possibility of sidewall flexing and probably give you a better towing experience, but, it would not increase your payload.

[kaydeejay]

fla-gypsy wrote:
Your concern about the payload is well founded and is usually the limiting factor on 1/2 ton trucks not equipped with a heavy payload package.

x2!
To the OP, first of all - WELCOME!
To that trailer - loaded with a typical 1000#of "stuff" you will have a tongue weight approaching 700#. You will need a WD hitch for that weight which will add another 100#.
That leaves you with 550# for you, passengers, full fuel and any other stuff in the truck.
Doable, but close!

[Skelshy]

Congrats on the truck! And this looks like a nice trailer!

I think people voiced the two sides to the coin already. You'll probably be over by a little bit, but don't sweat it too much. On a 7000 lbs GVR truck, 5% are 350 lbs. I'm sure it will do 5% over. Kind of depends on your style, do you like to follow all the rules or are you going the wink wink nudge nudge router every once in a while 🙂

Power wise you'll be super fine. I tow a similar setup with a 1999 F150 235 HP Triton V8.

Just make sure you operate with an honest weight calculation. Check the white/yellow sticker on the *actual* trailer because they can be significantly heavier than the spec. The thing also holds up to 800 lbs in the tanks.

[MitchF150]

So, 2014screw... Really confused now! 🙂 You've gotten answers covering all the bases here from "sure thing" to "no way"... 😉

Now what do you do? Sell everything and don't ever leave the house! 🙂

The real question is basically up to you.. Will you exceed your trucks GVWR and/or payload rating with that combo and a truck full of a growing family?

Probably... By how much? No one is going to know until you get some real weights, and you can't really do that until you buy the thing!

Will going over any of those ratings cause the truck to break? No, but it'll be at max weights, so go from there.

If it's a couple hundred pounds, I'd say you'll be just fine... Just don't exceed the rear axle rating/tire ratings and use some common sense when towing and all should be fine.

But, if that couple hundred pounds keeps you awake at night, don't do it.. Pretty simple.. 🙂

It would not phase me in the least, but that's ME... 🙂

Good luck!

Mitch

[2014screw]

would buying LT tires help at all in getting a bit more payload?

Also, anyone know the approximate weight difference between a spray in bed liner versus a standard drop in liner?

[TomG2]

Didn't the salesman say that it was a good match? Just kidding, you are close, but should be good to go as long as you don't get greedy and start adding a bunch of weight. Might be a good idea to get real weights before purchase since you are so close. A hundred pounds won't matter, but five hundred might.

[ib516]

That would be a fine combo.

[goducks10]

I wouldn't. Not that the truck won't handle it, even though you'll be maxed out if not slightly over. You will be limited to what you can carry. What if your camping plans change in a couple years and you want to take a canoe or an extra bike, etc. What if a sibling wants to take a friend? I've BTDT and didn't like it. JMO but I'd look for a lighter trailer, so you don't limit yourself on fun.

[Desert_Captain]

You will be right at the max payload for the truck "IF" you leave the bed empty. No bikes, firewood, generator, tools etc which does not sound like a fun camping to me. You will want LT tires, don't try it with P's and as noted a serious, quality WDH. Can you do it? you betcha... would I do it? Not a chance.

As always.... Opinions and YMMV.

:C

[MFL]

I think that setup will work for you. You seem to understand payload restrictions, so I doubt you'd put 600#s in the truck bed.

When getting close to the limit, a new truck, will obviously handle it better, than an older model, with a lot of miles and wear.

Welcome to the forum, enjoy the new rig.

Jerry

[2112]

You are close but doable.
Put a pair of Timbrems on the rear to help with squat and stability.
It's a short trailer so stability shouldn't be much of a concern.

Have your TT and TV tire pressure at maximum as stated on the tire sidewall.

Don't pack too much weight on the rear bunks, as tempting as that may be. That will cause instability as well.

[Fordlover]

2014screw wrote:
Hi everyone - new to the forum

Just purchased a 2014 F150 FX4 WB145" Tow package crew cab 5.0 liter V8
Sticker in door says payload 1350 lbs.
Tows up to 7800 lbs
13500 GCWR

Looking to purchase a 2015 Rockwood Minilite 2505S
Specs Here


Questions is this: Is this to much for the F150 to pull Safely? I think it is close but not sure how close

I think the payload is the weak link.

Family of 4 - total weight of family approximately 615 lbs

Comments/suggestions??

I pull a trailer reasonably similar with my explorer, I think you'll be ok. I don't load my tow vehicle with anything other than people and it is a nice stable tow.

[1wayhighway]

See my signiture, I have the same truck except older and the 6.5 bed. Our trailer loaded is around 6400. Payload is a drag you have to be very careful when loading we try to put all that we can in the trailer to help in this area. Truck pulls and stops the trailer with no issues but it is at the limit of the truck so I have no extra capacity in the event I want to put throw something in to bring back home.

[APT]

Payload is the weak point, but I would do it. 1350-650 = 700 for loaded TW. Get a quality WDH with integrated sway control.