Community Forums

rhubbard · 04-28-2016, 07:14 PM

We are hopefully close to being ready to dip our toes in the water and get our first trailer and tow vehicle. There are so many unknowns and the commitment is substantial $$.
My wife and I are considering a Ford F-150 3.7L with Eco Boost, super crew cab and a 6.5 ft bed. The trailer we are looking at is a Rockwood Signature Ultra Light fifth wheel 32 ft long weighing 8,345 lbs unloaded. I hope the vast experience of the members out there could give us some insight. We have been retired just over two years now and I feel this beautiful country of ours calling out to me. I have been camping most of my life mostly light camping with a tent. In my younger days I backpacked for short trips on the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. My wife's idea of camping is a Holiday Inn. RVing seems like my best hope.
I hope to hear from some of you, thanks!

Skip426 · 04-28-2016, 07:33 PM

Welcome to iRV2 .

I would say if you haven't read the post " tow vehicle sizing " I think it's the first one in the " Towing and tow vehicles " forums , that would be a good place to start.

There are some that may say the combination your looking at will work , but , JMHO. Not enough truck . 3/4 ton for a trailer that size, you could easily top 10,000 lbs loaded.

Gordon Dewald · 04-28-2016, 07:40 PM

I am with Skip;
Do not look at towing capacity. That is a marketing wish number that has a bare truck with 6yo driving. Truck will only have options to increase towing and nothing in it. Not real life.

Find out the GCVW and subtract the dry weight of the truck. Subtract another 1500 lbs for passengers, fuel, hitch, toolbox and stuff. The weight that is left is approximately what you should be looking at. Actual weights would be better when you get close to buying.

Number of thread dealing with towing capacity. Too much truck is safer and more enjoyable no matter what the fellows who say theirs "tows good".

**TonyDi** · 04-28-2016, 08:07 PM

Glad you joined us.

I also agree with Skip, you may not have sufficient towing capacity.

Good luck with your search and Happy Trails!!

Bruce C · 04-29-2016, 01:48 AM

Good luck with your choice.

MSHappyCampers · 04-29-2016, 08:38 AM

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Hope you find the perfect RV for your needs! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Lifemember · 04-29-2016, 08:48 AM

I also agree with skip, I would rethink the truck. After doing it a few times I would not go under a 3/4 ton truck with that setup.

matt.brown · 04-29-2016, 09:17 PM

Welcome to IRV2 and have a great time. Tow vehicle rate weightings can bee miss leading. Do your homework. I wound definitely error on the safe side and getting a vehicle with a towing capacity that exceeded the weight of my camper.