Community Forums

joepic · 03-19-2013, 01:40 PM

I'm thinking of purchasing a new or newer F-150 with either a 3.5L EcoBoost or 5L V8. I hope to find one with axle ratio of 3.55 or 3.73 to maximize towing capacity, which is listed at 11,300 lbs for the 3.5L.

We are also looking at smaller 5th wheels which list their unloaded wts. at anywhere from 6500 to 7200 lbs. and hitch wts. from 1000 to 1500 lbs.

We're planning on traveling through the western US with this setup. Does anyone have any experience or advice with a similar vehicle setup?

RustyJC · 03-19-2013, 02:07 PM

First of all,

If you'll read THIS THREAD, paying particular attention to the posts from SmokeyWren (who has an EcoBoost F-150), a lot of your questions should be answered. Just plug the numbers for the truck(s) and trailer(s) you're considering into the formulas discussed.

There are also some excellent tow vehicle/trailer sizing tools in the sticky post at the top of this forum page.

Rusty

TXiceman · 03-19-2013, 05:57 PM

As noted by Smokey, the limiting factor is the pin weight carrying capability of the F150.

Ken

azdryheat · 03-20-2013, 07:11 PM

We got some pretty steep grades out here in the western US - will your 150 make the grade?

Mitchyb · 03-20-2013, 07:53 PM

My old man pulls a Laredo 29 ft 5er with his Eco boost and the thing is incredible! I used to pull a terry 24c with my 6.0 PS and it would keep pace with me on any mountain pass, don't worry about power, the pin weight is the big concern

joepic · 03-21-2013, 09:42 AM

Thanks for the info and comments!
Mitchyb - Do you know your Dad's trailer and king pin weights?

Mitchyb · 03-21-2013, 09:48 AM

Now I can't quote the exact numbers but I believe he is 10800 loaded and a pin weight of around 750

RustyJC · 03-21-2013, 09:56 AM

A 5th wheel trailer normally carries ~20% of its loaded weight as pin weight. A 10,800 lb trailer would have a pin weight closer to 2,160 lbs. 750 lbs wouldn't even be the tongue weight of a TT which has ~12% of its weight on the tongue, or around 1,300 lbs for a 10,800 lb travel trailer.

Rusty

joepic · 03-21-2013, 10:48 AM

Thanks!

I would certainly appreciate additional input from anyone with actual towing experience of a 5er or TT with a Eco F-150 or the 5L V8 F-150. If you know specifics on weights that be a big help!

Cumminsfan · 03-21-2013, 04:30 PM

Try here or try one of the F150 forums. I know there are quite a few that do it.

RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Fifth-Wheels: Best 5th wheel (for me) towable by F150HD

Groveite · 03-23-2013, 02:04 PM

Check my post on the thread a few above this one dealing with the 150's

SmokeyWren · 03-23-2013, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groveite

Check my post on the thread a few above this one dealing with the 150's

Threads move around in the index as posts are made to the threads. So the thread you mentioned is no longer "a few above this one".

But here's a link to it:
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f45/1-2-t...ml#post1506018

tuffr2 · 03-23-2013, 06:11 PM

I used to tow a 5,200 lb trailer with a 2011 F150 5.0 litre. That was a nice towing combo. Gas mpg towing was 10.3. I really liked the truck.

If I was going to tow a 5th wheel with a F-150 I would stay as lite as I could. KZ makes some smaller nice 5ers.

If I would be towing in higher elevations I would target the eco-boost over the 5.0 litre. Without a turbo gas engines lose 3% off power for every 1,000 feet elevation.

RustyJC · 03-23-2013, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cumminsfan

I know there are quite a few that do it.

With all respect, that smacks of the "But Mom, ALL the other kids are doing it" attempt at justification. I don't know about you, but that never worked very well for me.

If one can do it within the truck's ratings, fine, but I daresay many of those who do it are over the truck's GVWR or even the rear axle GAWR.

Rusty