I have searched dozens of forums and ford.com's website and I'm still confused. I just order a 2011 Ford F350 Crew Cab 4x4 SRW w/ factory 5th wheel prep kit. I'm going to purchase the 25K Reese Hitch and a 2011 Chaparral 355 RLTS 5th wheel (base weight = 10,465 and hitch weight = 1,970). Behind it, I'm going to tow a 5,500 lbs boat which sits on a tandem axle trailer with surge brakes.

How do I calculate what my towing capacity limit is?

 

Since I haven't read every thread over here on the super duty forum, I'm going to assume with you pulling that much weight, you must have ordered the 6.7L diesel. If that's correct, the following link will either clear up or make worse the confusion. Guarenteed!

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-tow-geez.html

Stupid question time: At $50-60K each, why would you order before knowing the real numbers?

 

You are starting down a long and sometimes confusing path. About 9 months ago, I was in the same place, this forum was a great help.

Assuming your new 2011 is diesel and a short bed, you have the same set-up I have got. I have done extensive number crunching, the result of which is here.



The 'Tow Vehicle (empty, wet)' is right off the CAT Scale. With the in-truck payload (passengers, their stuff) and the hitch in the back, the truck weights in at 8,970 pounds, leaving 2,530 pounds (11,500 - 8,970 = 2,530) for pin weight (with no margins). Given the 20% norm for 5th wheel pin weight (20% of (trailer base weight + in-trailer payload)), and a 10% pin weight safety buffer, this puts the trailer's maximum weight at 11,385 pounds. Anything over that and the truck will be over its 11,500 pound GVWR.

Regarding the boat, I don't know. Presume it would count against GCVWR (23,500 pounds). Truck + fiver + boat < 23,500.

Steve

 

This is another good thread to read. Started by yours truly!

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...el-towing.html

Steve

 

dont forget to add in your tires max load rating x2 and subtract that number from your rear RAWR. If the ratings on your 2 rear tires is less then the GRAWR, then subtract that number from your RAWR. example is my rawr was 3800, my grawr is 7000, but my 2 rear tires max load=7280lbs....so 7000-3800=3200lbs.

 

A link to the 2011 towing guides.
https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...11_default.asp

 

Below is a snippet from Ford's website regarding the 2011 F350. If I'm readying it correctly, my 2011 Ford F350 Crew Cab Diesel can tow a 24,400 lbs 5th wheel, correct?

The new Super Duty® has impressive numbers to back its claim of being best-in-class in both towing and payload.* Maximum 16,000 lbs. conventional towing. Maximum 24,400 lbs. 5th-wheel towing. Maximum 6,520 lbs. payload. These are big numbers that’ll impact your bottom line for the better when the workday is done.

*Class is full-size pickups over 8,500 lbs. GVWR.

 

I think that tow rating applies to the 6.7 diesel F-450.