2011 f250 crew cab with a 6.2 gas, six speed auto, 3.83 rear end. Trying to find out if this can handle a 33 foot fifth wheel with a Gvw of 12000 lbs. It does have air bags. Curb weight is 7350 counting myself, wife and 35 gals fuel. Pin weight would be 1865 lbs.

 

Welcome to FTE, David12.

You probably have 3.73 gears, not 3.83.

For a bumper pull, I think you're truck is factory rated at about 12,000 lbs, so you should be OK.

 

Thanks,
I know with a weight distribution hitch I am good to 12,500 but I didn't know regarding a fifth wheel. I was told by the dealer who ran the VIN that it was 3.83 but then 3.73 sounds more like it from what I have been reading.

 

Will it tow that 5th wheel? Yes, but it won't be fun, really heavy for a gas motor. And the fuel economy will be dismal.

You could do it for short hauls, but I wouldn't recommend it for long hauls.

 

Thanks,
I always respect the input from other people. It helps in the decision making progress.

 

I see no problems with your truck pulling that trailer for any length of haul. Plenty of people on here, myself included, pull 10,000+ lbs all over the place with a 260-300 hp 5.4 and have no problems maintaining speed. You are only adding a little bit of weight over that but close to 150 more hp and have a couple of extra gears.

 

Sorry, thought you had a conventional tow trailer. 5th wheel towing will be OK. As stated, you may want to add air bags to raise the rear end, but like Josh said, a lot of us (including me) easily tow that much with a 5.4L V-8 and 3.73 gears. You'll be fine.

 

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the input from people who have done it.

 

I did it, hated it and bought a Diesel.

 

I ordered my truck to do almost exactly what you are going to do.
Enjoy the trip!

 

I don't want to start another gas vs. diesel debate (I'll lock the thread if that happens again) but please explain your comment. How is it possible that someone like me can tow 12,000 pounds with an "under-powered" 5.4L and 3.73 gears without any issues (perfectly comfortable tow) but others have experiences like yours?

 

 

Yeah, I completely disagree with that as well. 7,500 lbs isn't much trailer for a 6.2L truck. Even when loaded up it shouldn't be a problem. I've hauled much heavier trailers with my last V6-powered F150.

What about long trips is going to hurt this thing?

 

Your truck is exactly what I had before trading for a dually. But I am pulling a 41 foot toy hauler, triple axle!!! 12,500 empty, 18,000 GVW. Pin weight 2700. It did OK. With the gas engine, 4.30 gears would do much better, but the 3.73's will definately get the job done, you just won't see 6 th gear much. Your lower gears are low enough that you will get the load moving easily. Wind will be the real killer your setup. With all I have said, I wouldn't be afraid to pull your rig around the world with your truck. As others have stated, they do it with less engine than you have. Back in the day, I Used to pull the 30' TT with a 390; then with the 351M. You have a LOT more truck than either one of them.
Happy trucking, and the best to you and yours

 

That is because there is an **** for every seat.

I've pulled with a 5.4 and didn't care for it like he did.

Different strokes for different folks. Buy what you want

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