Community Forums

Regannielsen · 08-10-2016, 04:03 PM

I have a 2005 F150 super crew with the 5.4L engine. Nicely equipped with a power programmer, 3" magnaflow exhaust, K&N cold air intake and Ride Rite 5000 lb air bags. I currently have a 5er that is 26' long and weights about 5400 lbs empty. I am looking to upgrade my trailer next year with a newer model that weighs about 7300 dry. Does anyone have this similar set up that can tell me what to expect from my truck with a trailer of that size?

BFlinn181 · 08-10-2016, 05:17 PM

Have you read and digested the rating sticker on the driver's door opening? Carefully evaluate whether you wish to put yourself and family in a vehicle that will be pushing the limits. The empty weight of your trailer, or future trailer is meaningless since the only time you'll tow it empty is when coming from the dealer's lot. Weigh your truck and trailer loaded for a trip and you'll get a better indication of what you're hauling.

Keen Family · 08-10-2016, 07:27 PM

If the hitch has 25% of the weight, and assuming 700 lbs of water and gear (you'll have more), that will be 2000 lbs on the hitch pin. What is the cargo carrying capacity of your truck.

JIMNLIN · 08-10-2016, 08:04 PM

A 7300 lb dry 5th wheel doesn't tell us much however that number may go to 8500-9000 lbs after loading with a 1600-1800 lb pin weight.
If your F150 is the 8200 HD model with a 4800 RAWR then it has the capacity to carry that much pin weight.

Now if your F150 has the smaller 3850 RAWR the most it can carry is in the 1500-1700 lbs .

F150 have GVWR from 6xxx on up to 8200 and RAWR from 3600 to 4800.

It all depends on your trucks specs.

scout4eagles · 08-11-2016, 11:39 AM

There are multiple threads on this site regarding this topic. My experience with my 2010 FX SuperCrew Cab 5.4L with a Max Tow package rated at 11100# trailer and a Keystone Cougar 285 fifth wheel was less than spectacular.
We had a 2005 F150 SuperCrew identical to the 2010. I worked with several dealers looking for the truck but I done a lot of homework prior to purchasing and was fairly sure I wanted at least a ¾ ton and preferably a diesel. My local dealer concurred with me and told me I would be unhappy with anything less. Well I did not heed his advice and listened to another dealer about 30 miles away with the 2010 F150 who showed me the specs and had a couple of people that had the same type truck share their experience with towing a fifth wheel using their trucks. Well I bought the 2010 F150 SuperCrew and saved a whopping 2K over a 2008 F350 SuperCrew diesel.
With the above noted when we looked at the fifth wheel prior to purchase and did a test drive everything seemed fine. We did a little freeway and a little 2 lane test drive that lasted for about 20 minutes. We completed the purchase and then the fun began. The RV dealer also had people tell me about their towing a fifth with F150’s. Long story short it was a big mistake buying a 2010 F150 to tow a fifth wheel this big.
The 130 mile drive home from the RV dealer provided a life learning lesson. The truck struggled to maintain 60-65 on low grades on the interstate with gentle hills. Once I got off the interstate and driving on two lane roads it was continually searching for gears. Once home I made the decision that I needed to purchase a different truck that was at least a ¾ ton diesel. Ultimately I traded it in on a Ram 2500 diesel. The Ram handled it fine and it felt like it was not even there most of the time.
Facts on truck and trailer weights are as follows:
1. Sticker on the fifth wheel said the dry weight was 7415#
2. Pin weight of trailer was advertised at 1040#
3. 2010 FX SuperCrew Cab 5.4L with a Max Tow package rated at 17100# (GCWR) and 11100# fifth wheel trailer towing capacity.
4. Truck actually scaled about 6800# with a full tank of gas, 2 adults, dog and the Superglide fifth wheel hitch. That left about 1400lbs for the pin weight.
5. The fifth wheel actually scaled in at 8600# with a full tank of water, battery, full propane tanks and all our gear.
6. The fifth wheel actual loaded pin weight was scaled at 1700#.

BFlinn181 · 08-11-2016, 12:20 PM

The bulky look of modern entry level trucks fool people, along with the advertising, that the entry level trucks can haul or carry what the 'big boys' do. I've seen and experienced overloaded vans and trucks, and it's not a situation I'd want to travel any great distance with my personal property or family. You won't go wrong by over estimating the weight of the trailer or load you want to carry in the truck with you. The weight ratings that manufacturers aren't real in today's world. Average U.S. male weight today is 195.5 pounds. I think manufacturers still use 150 lbs. Does anyone travel without extra stuff? Coolers, coats, tools, they all add weight, and subtract capacity from the vehicles ratings.

If you want to travel trouble free and with safety, buy the truck you need.