What can I safely pull?

bgitler wrote:
Thanks TerryAllen. A friend of mine has a tt I really like with a dry weight of 4,200 lbs. So, even if I added another 1,000 lbs (my kids like to bring a lot of stuff) it sounds like I would safely be able to tow everything.

Would you choose the ford f 150 over the Avalanche? Also, I've been mostly looking in the $15,000 price range for vehicles, which means they have between 70 - 90,000 miles for the most part. Should those types of miles be a concern?

Thanks again!

Thanks again!

Well. Mine has 70K on it, and still runs, and looks like new. The only problem with the 5.4 of that era is the spark plugs. They are hard to get out. But that is not really huge problem.

And yes I would chose the 150 over the Ave. But then I like truck, and Fords. And in truth the reason the tow capacity is so different on the 2 vehicles, is that the Ave weighs a lot more. So it is rated to tow less.

as for your payload. You need to weigh the truck empty, and subtract that from your GVWR. That will be your payload. So IF the truck weighs in at 5500lbs. and you have a 7200lb GVWR. It will have a 1700lb payload. And unless it is a King Ranch. It shouldn't weigh that much.

Also. IF it has the towing package. the hitch is rated at 950lb for a WDH. How do I know. Because Ford uses the same receiver for all of it's trucks, and the max tow capacity for a properly equipped F150 in 2004 was 9500lb. So that is what mine is. It is stamped right on it. Set it up right, and that TT will follow right along with no wiggle, no wobble. You will have a very relaxed tow. It prolly does not have tow haul. So just turn OFF the Over Drive and ride. the 5.4 love to run around 65 MPH at 2400 RPM, IF it has the 3.55 rear. Running free, clean, and in the power band, and in the +/- 10 MPG area.

So. IF you get a TT that comes in ready to camp at 6000lb. It will have a tongue weight of 750lbs or so. Leaving you with around 750lb of payload, which is plenty. And If you get one like your friends, and you load it to 5200lb. You will have 876lb of payload left. I would be VERY happy with that kind of weights. And I'm happy with mine. My TT sleeps 10, and it does for the week at the beach, and I carry all the bikes and grill. I load 8 bikes on the back, a grill, and that is where all the wet stuff like awning mats are thrown for the trip home.

Contrary to what some say. 3/4 ton of payload is not tooo bad.