Community Forums

cenfl · 01-30-2011, 05:37 AM

We're new to RVing and would appreciate suggestions from those with experience regarding a light weight toy hauler. Our TV is a 2010 Ford F-150, 4.6, 3 valve V8; 6 speed trans. with tow/haul mode and tow package (not MAX. tow) including trans. cooler and factory trailer brake controller. According to Ford this configuration can tow 9,500 lb. However, after much reading it appears the consensus is that half ton towing should be limited to 7,000 lb. loaded weight. If anyone is towing with a similar TV please share your experience. We would also like to hear any suggestions for specific light weight toy haulers.

DriVer · 02-01-2011, 12:17 PM

iRV2 has a large Toy Hauler Community and they certainly won't be shy in making recommendations to you for a light weight toy hauler.

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Ray,IN · 02-02-2011, 09:38 PM

Again,

Take the time to peruse through the Fifth-Wheel Manufacturers & Dealers for 1/2 ton-rated 5th wheel toy haulers. The selection will be small, even for standard 5ers. That 7K limits sounds about right.

VanDiemen23 · 02-02-2011, 11:23 PM

I'd say 7K is too high for a F150. Toyhaulers have high tongue weight due to the house and tanks being forward. They have a lot of aero drag because of the high ground clearance. You don't say what part of the country you are from, but if your travels are going to include mountains, then you'll definitely need a bigger truck or the reliability will really suffer. In any case, put a transmission temp gauge on the truck.

I bought a 22' Carson Funmover which weighed in at a bit over 5K empty, 8K loaded. Towed it for two years with a 89 K2500, 350, 700R4 tranny with the usual tow packages. I live halfway between Bakersfield and Las Vegas, so there's no way to go anywhere without climbing a grade steeper and longer than just about anything east of the Rockies, and frequently when the temp is over 105. The transmission disintegrated after about 6000 miles of towing. It was re-built by a quality shop but would chuck 2nd and 4th every three trips or so. When I discussed the tow package with the owner of the transmission shop he said "that's for towing sea-doos and fishin boats - not that thing you have!" So after three warranty re-builds in the next year I bit the bullet and bought a K2500HD, 496, and Allison. Not a single problem since.

If your going for a hauler in the 18' range, with no bunk, no walk on roof, single propane, single battery, and no generator, then you'll probably be OK. Pay attention to the hitch setup though and get the rig level. Re-mounting the spare on the back door helps. I see dozens of LA people hauling their motorcycles up into the desert on weekends, and a surprising number have the hitch low burning up the front tires on the trailer and searching for UFOs at night. Makes the rig a challenge in the wind too!