What can I safely pull?

[bgitler]

Hello,

I have been trolling towing capacity forums for several weeks because I decided to purchase a tt and need a vehicle to tow it. I have narrowed my vehicle search down to a 2004 Ford f150 Crew Cab 5.4 L V8 4x4 (Towing Capacity 7,700 lbs) and a 2004 Avalanche 5.4 L v8 4x4 (Towing Capacity 7,100 lbs). Most people list their vehicle and tt and ask if it is safe to pull. However, I'd like to hear from all of you how much weight would be safe for me to pull, and your opinion of these 2 vehicles.

Thank you in advance, the snow is melting and I'm getting itchy to go camping!

Ben

[Terryallan]

Hey I just happen to have a 2004 F150 with a 5.4. (BTW. Chevy does NOT make a 5.4, it is a 5.3)
Any way, Were I you. I would look for a TT in the 4500 to 5000lb dry range. And loaded ready to camp in under 70000lb range. Not that some more would not be safe. I just don't think you would enjoy the tow as much. I believe you, and the TV would be much happier in those parameters.

As to length. Not really a factor. Weight will be your limiting factor, as TTs are getting lighter because of the new space age material. My 31' Apex is lighter than my previous 27' Pioneer, and it had no slide.

How to know the weight of the TT you chose? On NEW TTs there is a yellow sticker. On that sticker is the actual weight of the TT as it sits on the lot in front of you. That is the dry weight, meaning the weight BEFORE any liquids are added. And like mine. It includes the weight of the battery, and EMPTY propane tanks. The sticker will also tell you the weight of full holding tanks on another section.

It is up to you as to how much weight you add to the dry weight. We added about 600lbs. But we came from popups, and everything we have is light weight, and compact. But we carry 9 folding chairs, tables, camp stove, pots, pans, towels dishes, sheets, cups silver ware, blankets, coolers, grill, games, tarps, and more. Again I would try to keep it under 7000lbs. actually easy to do. And since you know about how much you will add 750lb. You will be good to go with a 4500 to 5000lb dry TT.

And either TV you will need a WDH. On the 150. You will need to adjust it so that the front comes back to the unhooked height, and the rear is no higher than it was unhooked. New Fords are different. But that is the instruction for that year.

Good luck, and have fun

[agesilaus]

Well the carrying capacity on the door post is based on a 155 pound driver. Anything more comes right off the total capacity. Just a guess that the F150 might have a 1500 pound carry capacity but you need to find out.

BTW your statement: "I have been trolling towing capacity forums for several weeks because I decided to purchase a tt and need a vehicle to tow it." Certainly implies that you know the specs on the TT.

[bgitler]

agesilaus, there are no games being played, and I'm sorry that you feel the need to respond so harshly. I do not own a tt and have never shoped for one. Like I said in my original post, I am interested in knowing from experienced RVer's what I can safely tow.

As far as carrying capacity, it will only be myself 200 lbs, wife 140 lbs and 2 children 40 lbs each. I figure I would probably have about 750 lbs of "stuff" we'd be taking with us.

Thanks again everyone!

[agesilaus]

once again the carrying capacity of the tow vehicle is as important and often more important than the pulling capacity. The tongue weight of a almost 8000 pound trailer will be over a thousand pounds. Add on the weight of a weight distributing hitch, truck passengers, any thing else carried in the truck to see if it falls within the carry capacity.


By playing cute games by hiding the specifications of the trailer that you already have makes one think that you believe that's it's too heavy.

[bgitler]

Thanks donn0128. 7 k wouldn't be pushing the limmits too much?

[donn0128]

Generally speaking the Ford is probsbly good up to about 25 feet long. The Av because it is a glorified Tahoe, maybe 22 feet long. Weight on either one will max out around 7K. And that is if the truck is lightely loaded.