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Tow vehicle too small?
Old 02-09-2011, 10:02 PM   #1
Wiley870 is offline
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I've been reading several posts and am starting to confirm my concern that my tow vehicle is too small for my trailer. I'd like some opinions from the experts to better understand if I have a problem or if my setup is OK. Here is what I have:

2008 Ford F350, 4X4, Crew Cab, SRW with airbags
2008 Keystone Raptor 3712ts

Specs on the Raptor per the factory are:

Dry Weight: 12,745
Hitch Weight: 2,840
Payload: 3,755

Most I've ever hauled in the back are a few dirt bikes and a quad.

My concern now is that I should have gone with an F450. I love the 350 and it pulls the trailer fine, but I would really appreciate any input on this.

Thank you.

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Old 02-09-2011, 10:28 PM   #2
Ray,IN is offline
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Hello Wiley, and a huge

From your figures your Raptor has a GVW of 15,500 lbs, and a calculated hitch weight of 22%(3,410#). Locate the trucks towing capacity, GVW, curb-weight-loaded as ready to go camping including all passengers. Use those figures and this Tow Vehicle/Trailer Calculations Demonstrator to accurately determine if your truck has the capacity to safely handle the trailer weight.

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Old 02-10-2011, 06:04 AM   #3
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Here's the info you need....

2008 Ford Super Duty F250 F350 Technical Specifications
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Old 02-10-2011, 06:39 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray,IN View Post
From your figures your Raptor has a GVW of 15,500 lbs....
12,745 lbs + 3,755 lbs = 16,500 lbs GVWR

Rusty
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Old 02-10-2011, 06:47 AM   #5
450Donn is online now
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wiley870 View Post
I've been reading several posts and am starting to confirm my concern that my tow vehicle is too small for my trailer. I'd like some opinions from the experts to better understand if I have a problem or if my setup is OK. Here is what I have:

2008 Ford F350, 4X4, Crew Cab, SRW with airbags
2008 Keystone Raptor 3712ts

Specs on the Raptor per the factory are:

Dry Weight: 12,745
Hitch Weight: 2,840
Payload: 3,755

Most I've ever hauled in the back are a few dirt bikes and a quad.

My concern now is that I should have gone with an F450. I love the 350 and it pulls the trailer fine, but I would really appreciate any input on this.

Thank you.
The numbers you are siting are pretty much useless to the discussion at hand.
Load the truck up like you normally travel and go to the scales. Then hitch the trailer up and do it again. Don't forget water in the tanks etc. Based on these two numbers you will know for certain what you have. Until then all is only a wild guess.
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Old 02-10-2011, 04:35 PM   #6
hooverbill is offline
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All those factory numbers are pie in the sky, and mean nothing. The tow capacity of ANY vehicle is the GCWR of the TV minus the weight of the TV when ready to tow.

With a 5th wheel you also must consider the pin weight. To start, look at the Tire and Loading Information sticker on the left side of the chassis, it will give you the total cargo capacity of the truck when it left the factory...to the nearest one pound.

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