typical newbie questions on a budget

[AnarchoSteff]

I have 1998 Ford F-250 SuperCab that reads:

GVWR: 7200LB; FRONT GAWR: 3600LB; REAR GAWR: 4300LB

I'm really not sure how to calculate a safe towing capacity for it.

My budget for a trailer isn't more than $3500, and I've seen a number of options for older models on CL, but my lack of experience with various models has me guessing at the extent of repair/maintenance of what I'm looking at.

I have a great deal of construction experience and am not afraid of most repairs. It seems as though the thing to be concerned about is the amount of wood rot present, and that happens from bad roofs and seals ... among other things. I've done both fiberglass and aluminum work in the past, and I've read some people saying fiber is better, but can it be reused if you have rotten wood in a wall you need to replace?

I had also heard that the Holiday Ramblers had good construction quality, and I see a local deal on a 1984 35' Holiday Rambler Imperial (fiberglass body) travel trailer that weighs in at 7000LB dry. Even with stabilizer controls on the hitch, I'm not sure if maybe that isn't too much trailer for my truck. I live in Florida, without any hills, but I may need to put 250 miles per week on a travel trailer. I'd be happy with a 24' if the layout was good.

Thoughts and recommendations very welcome.

Thanks,
Steve & Ana
Florida

[boosTT]

You can tow a lot with a truck like that. Almost every trailer under 25'. Some newer trailers up to around 30'.

Power is going to be the limiting factor with that truck, as it sounds like its the 5.4L engine.

[Doug33]

That's the problem with some of the older trailers - they are much heavier due to the wood frame construction. Many light weight materials have been implemented since the 1980s.

[2oldman]

AnarchoSteff wrote:
but sounds like 7000LB dry is gonna be too much trailer either way

It does, yes.

[docnascar]

You need to factor in your payload capacity first and then don't exceed your max tow rating. Read this first

Its good that you asking questions before buying anything.

[AnarchoSteff]

well ... my manual says that if my rear axle ratio is 3.31, then my max is 5400LB ... if it is 3.73, then my max is 6900LB

not sure what my rear axle ratio is, but sounds like 7000LB dry is gonna be too much trailer either way

[AnarchoSteff]

last time I was at the dump with the truck the scale read 5200LB ... and I'm about 200LB

[2oldman]

The weight numbers you provided are not good enough for me to tell you what your tow rating is. For that you either need an actual trailer max number, or GCWR.

The best I can do is use the rear gawr and tell you not to exceed that number with your trailer hitched up. You'll need to weigh the front, rear and total truck at your local scales.