I presently own a 2007 F150 5.0L V8 3.73 axle ratio XLT 5.4 supercrew that we used to pull a horse trailer up to 5,000#. We now are pulling a Springdale 29' TT. It's GVWR is about 9750#, but we are probably at 7600 or so. Our dealer is arranging to get us a truck to look at Monday. It's a 2011 4x4 screw 145" wheelbase, 3.55 ratio limited - 7200# GVWR pkg. We questioned the ability to pull our TT when the catalog states 13,300 GCWR is the max. The sales manager assured us that if our XLT 5.4 pulled the 3.55 wouldn't have any problem. But going back over the numbers with loaded truck, people, dogs, gas, stuff and loaded TT with stuff, water, bikes, etc. I have my doubts. Something about tongue weight should be figured too. We originally considered a 2011 Eco Boost but pricey. I was told that there were only 4 of the 3.73 5.0L's available. We are new to pulling a large TT and now suspect that even our 5.4 XLT could be at it's limit. We don't want a warranty issue and I sometimes pull the trailer myself. We are absolutely at a loss as to how to figure this out and who to trust. Help! Thks.

 

Hi Oakland60!
You are asking the right questions before going ahead with the purchase.
Your real limitation will be the payload. A 2011 4x4 screw will probably have a payload in the range of 1,400 lbs. I would expect your TT to have a tongue weight north of 1,000 lbs. That would leave you around 300 lbs with that truck you are looking at for people, dogs, bikes, firewood, gear and anything else in the truck. I am sure that's not nearly enough.
In 2012, you can get the screw with the HD payload package, but only the 157" WB. In a 4x4, that will give you around 2,200 lbs of payload. That may or may not be enough, depending on how much you load, how many people, etc. The longer WB, btw, will come in handy when towing a 30' TT, and the max tow package as well, with the 3.73 gear, a nice built in brake controller and tow mirrors.
If that 2,200 lbs of payload is not enought, then a super duty is the only other option (besides going to a 2WD / scab / reg cab truck). To be hones, with the TT you are looking at, it may be pushing it once adding gear, etc.

That 2011 4x4 screw will definitely not do it, don't believe a salesperson or anybody else at the dealer. They want to sell that truck, and don't care about your problems down the road. You would even be significantly over the GCWR of 13,300 lbs.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

 

Thanks for your advice. I have been studying the catalog and the online forums and "everybody" has said the Eco Boost 3.73 or 5.0 V8 with higher payload, move up to F250 or wait til 2012 5.0 V8 3.73 HD pkg. Learned so much about payload. Not ONE person has said the 3.55 5.0L (1560#) would work. I'm glad I came back and went with my first instinct. I now believe even the RV dealer skipped some details and we are probably at our max with my 2007 XLT 5.4.
Sent an email to the sales manager to suspend 3.55 viewing and will call first thing in the am. We don't need a safety or warranty problem. Sometimes I pull by myself a day early. Frustrated as usual. Thanks again.
Gail

 

Depending on how important some of the creature comfort's are in an F150 compared to an F250 I would strongly suggest just moving up to the F250. It's a lot more truck and isn't subject to all of the price gouging you will find on an F150, that's how I ended up walking off the lot with mine instead of the F150's I kept eyeballing.

 

Thanks for all the help. Forgetting about the Eco Boost for towing my big trailer. Going with the F250. Better safe than sorry. Gail

 

That's a good move, but I may be a little bias. Both car and RV dealer said a F150 would pull my 35' TT with no problems. I had to order the F250 and they had about 300 F150's on the lot they wanted to sell. I am sure it would but how safe? My F250 is awesome and the whole family loves it. It is very comfortable, I have a wife and 3 kids and dog, they all travel while towing the trailer in the truck and no problems. Plenty of room in the back and nobody is touching each other (we all know that little fight with kids) on the 600 mile trip we took with the camper. Here is what I take on a normal camping trip, tows great with the extra tongue weight, yes that is a 900 lbs golf cart in the bed.

 

I agree, a 30 ft travel trailer and all the gear you mentioned may be pushing it for the F150 even with the HD payload package (if you want to stay within the limits), especially if you need a 4x4 screw.

 

The general rule of thumb is to have the GVWR of the trailer to be within the tow limit of the truck, minus the weight of people and cargo from the trailer weight. Also the trailer and truck weight should not exceed the GCWR of the truck, it's on the vin sticker on the driver's door. I doubt the 5.o with 355's would be a great towing combo for a large trailer, 373's would be a better choice, IMO. The 5.0 with a 355 only shows an 8000lb. tow limit, good for a smaller trailer, but not a larger and heavier one.

 

I have the 5.0 4x4 with the 3.73 rear screw. It has a rating of 9000 lbs with the tow package. The only other F150 with a high rating that high or higher that I know of has the 3.73 rear or the ecoboost with the max tow package that has the 4.10 or 4.11 rear gear. Do not fall for the 3.55 being able to tow anything, one dealer tried that with me and lost.

 

I think if the above ^ is true, the below is a given. The reason is that usually the GCWR is calculated as the sum of the trucks curb weight, plus driver (150 lbs?) plus max trailer weight.


The above is true though, both statements.
Besides these, one should also look at the payload and axle ratings, which usually is much more restricting for half ton trucks than the towing capacity is. Many people forget that. In most cases, you can't tow anything even near the tow rating because you'd be grossly over your payload and / or axle ratings.