I have a 2002 Superduty XLT 4x4 diesel short bed with auto and I am looking to buy another fifth wheel RV trailer. The hitch pin weight is 2,000 lbs. and the trailer unloaded is 12,000. Can I safely tow with that much weight and should I put air bags in to compensate for the weight to keep the truck at the proper ride height. What would be the best air bag arrangement and where to get them?
Thanks,
Terry

 

Can you safely tow that? Yes. With modifications (see below)
Can you LEGALLY tow that? Maybe. Check all your weight ratings. With a 2000lb pin weight that will probably put you over your Payload and/or GVWR. However this usually doesnt bother non-commercial drivers such as yourself.

Modifications to tow

• Air Bags
  - Any brand will do. I personally have Firestone and AirLift (both on one truck.. ) They work the same, and neither has ever given me any grief.
  - Decide if you want OBA (On Board Air) or a place to fill up the bags. Also decide if you want the bags to be independent or share an air source. Mine share an air source but this can cause sway. If your trailer was a tongue pull I would say independent is fine, but for a 5th wheel or slide in camper independent is generally better, but still not required.
• Rear Sway Bar
  - Your truck may or may not already have one from the factory. It would be a good ideal to look. If it doesnt consider getting one. They arent too expensive and make a world of difference.
• Brake controler
  - Well this is obvious (I hope). I know very little about different brands. Mine was wired up when I bought the truck and it has given me no problems. It is a Tekonsha, which seems to be a favorite.

Optional

• Fuel
  - Consider an additional fuel tank. You can get an in-bed below the rail type tank that will add considerable range. However they do get heavy when filled. Just something to consider since you have a short bed and a 29 gal tank. Even with a PSD expect 10-12 MPG with that trailer.

 

What is the weight your truck can be loaded on the rear? This sounds overweight.... you can't fix that. RV is too heavy at the pin for you.

 

The rear gross axle weight is 6084 lbs.

 

Pin weight will only get heavier when you load it up..... I think you need a heaver duty truck to SAFELY pull AND STOP that RV. Whats the length of that 5th wheel?

 

I just found the specs in my owners manual. Says:
F250/350 single rear wheel 7.3 diesel with auto trans and fifth wheel
Max trailer weight 13,100 so if the trailer is 12,000 gvw I should be fine.
Guess I answered my own question. Didn't know that had that info in the book.

 

Load it up and take it to the truck scales..... what does your book say about max pin weight? There is an RV section here on FTE. Go here: Towing, Trailers & 5th Wheels - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Ask a moderator to move this thread there!

 

Max trailer weight is not the only weight you need to worry about. Pin weight equals Payload. What is your payload rating? What about RAWR? Tires? These are all things that need to be looked at.

I disagree with BPofMD. I think your truck will handle it fine if you do as I listed above. It just wont be legal.

 

In other words raise your liability insurance!

 

Nah, thats just wasting money. If youre in an accident and your insurance finds that you are exceeding towing limints they might not cover you at all.

 

Is it a 250 or a 350. I bought a new 5er this spring, it says it weighs 10,355 with a pin weight of 2k. Loaded it weighs in at about 11,200 and the pin weight is closer to 2,200. Dont believe whats in the brochure/manual make sure you weigh it with what you will bring with you and a full tank of fuel, account for people traveing with you etc.

I think if you have a 250 you will be over your GCVWR, can the truck do it yup, will you be legal nope. Just depends if you get stopped or not. I have a 350 SRW, mine tows it great, I have air bags and I am looking into a rear sway bar as well, but my next truck will be a dually for sure.

I dont need a dually but I would like the extra stability, I just need to save the 60 to buy one.

Sarge

 

I agree that a dulley would be better but I have no doubt his SRW can do it.

Let's not forget that there is no difference in towing capabilities between a 250 and a 350. Only ratings.

 

Oh Im not forgetting that but the ratings are what keep you legal. I would almost consider a 450 if/when I replace mine but they are just a 350 with a heavier rating now.

I do however have evil ideas of converting mine to a dually anyway.

You never know...it paid for and new axles have tobe cheaper than a truck payment.

Sarge

 

Plus with a new 450 you will need a CDL, and then insurance gets icky, and DOT gets involved... Better to just stick with 250/350.

 

Moved to the towing forum.