I have purchased a 2012 F-250 6.7L TD with 3.55 gear ratio. I am waiting on delivery of a 2013 Forest River XLR 380 AMP toy hauler. I believe that I now have more trailer than truck. These are the particulars that I do know for sure...
listed GCVW is 23,500. I have installed a Pull Rite Super Glide 5th wheel hitch, topped off the 26 gallon tank and weighed the truck with myself and the fife and dog. That certified weight is 8,750 lbs.

If I subtract the 8,750 from the 23,500 and get 14,740 is this the so called effective working tow rating of the truck?

I do not have the exact UVW (unloaded vehical weight) of the XLR, but the Forest River site is showing 15,268 lbs!

The listed XLR GVWR is 18,000 lbs which tells me I need a bigger truck!

I am looking for clairification on my calcs.

I also know that the Front GAWR is 5,940 and the rear GAWR is 6,100. With this known value how do I know if I will exceed this limit. The Forest River posted Dry Hitch Rate of the XLR is 2,323 lbs.

Any help would be appreciated.

doughatfield46@yahoo.com

 

I have been looking at that trailer also....and the Viper model with a 16' garage.
You need more truck and a lower gear ratio 3.73 or lower.
Tow Ratings - Guides - Tow Capacities

At least a 1 ton, duelly

 

I agree with WestxSRT10. Where I live the law is pretty clear you, can not exceed the GVWR of a vehical or trailer. Everyone has there own level of risk they will tolerate. So anyhow here is a link with alot of opinions which may make you feel better and keep the wifey from throwing a fit.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...w-f-350-a.html

 

Well, the truck has only 5K miles on it. Hopefully I can get a decent trade in on it

 

I've added the pictures of the XLR I just received from the factory to my gallery. One big, now you see why I need more truck. I have the 2013 F-450 DRW 4WD 172" King Ranch ordered as well!

 

Good choice on the 450....no way I'd want to tow that with anything less than a 350 dually or a 450.

 

Good move! Where are the pics of the XLR?

 

Go to his profile and they're in his albums.

 

I added them to what I thought was my garage the first time. I just added again, let me know if you can see them

 

I know I'll need an additional fuel tank. Any recomendations? What abour the Air Lift’s Load Lifter 5000 Heavy Duty Air Springs and Compressor? Will the rear end squat on the 450 DRW?

 

Transfer Flow and Titan make bigger tanks. You have to decide on an in bed tank or a replacement tank under the truck.

 

I would wait on the air springs, until you get the combo together and see how it works. With an F-450 you may not need the air bags.

I would start researching some 19.5 inch tire and wheel combinations for the truck. I have heard that Ford stepped down to 17 inch E rated tires on the F-450.

 

Your correct about the tire and rim, I'm just now looking at the weels on the fleeet order site. All thats availablr for the 450 is the 17" Forged Polished Aluminum w/Bright Hub Covers/Center Ornaments

 

All F-450 trucks are DRW. If you order a chassis cab then you will get the 19.5" wheels and much larger brakes. Don't get stuck on rotor size alone....caliper size and pad area are major factors. You can also order an additional midship tank with the chassis cab models for a very reasonable price.

It sounds to me like you should be looking at the chassis cab models since you can option it exactly like you want. If you purchase an aluminum hauler bed then you will save a lot of weight on the rear springs. You will need an air ride hitch at a minimum because the springs alone in a medium duty truck are too harsh for your fifth wheel pin box. Another option is an air ride pin box or even a Kelderman type rear suspension on the truck.

The current F-450 pickup trucks are really a F-350 Tow Boss package...it is not the same as a chassis cab truck. Try not to get caught up with the HP/TQ ratings between the two models....they are measured in a completely different way with different duty cycles. The F-450 chassis cab will handle that trailer with ease. Happy towing with whatever you choose.

 

Do F450 chassis cabs come in trim levels above XLT? I know they have not available in the past.