Likely heading to the US (3 day trip) for a Sabre 5th wheel and won't have the opportunity to pull prior to the long journey.

2011 F250
6.2L V8
Lariat Crew 4x4 6'8 box
Ford says the "5th Wheel Towing capacity" is 11,700lbs
GVWR 9,900lbs
GCWR 19,000lbs
Rear Axle Capacity 6,200lbs

Sabre 5th Wheel
35'4" long
UVW 9,317lbs
Hitch 1,522lbs
Axle Weight 7,795lbs
Fresh Water Capacity 42G
I figure 420lbs fresh water + UVW = 9,737lbs
** I still have just a tad under 2,000 lbs to accomodate gear, propane tanks, etc... I doubt I'll hit even 1,000lbs. for a total of 10,737lbs.

This should work just fine, right? I'm reasonably at 92% of Ford's recommended Max capacity on this unit... and even then, isn't Ford a little conservative in order to prevent people from hitting the max and wrecking transmission, suspension, etc? Anyone see any issues here?

 

I wouldn't fill the fresh water tank to travel...... unless you plan on dry camping. If you are staying in RV parks, put enough water in to handle bathroom breaks and lunches. I'm thinking you will be "legal", but you'll be going slow up hills.

For a close to 36' RV, I'd be wanting the V10 or diesel.

 

In order to know where you stand you need to put your truck on the scales. I am estimating based upon your numbers of a king pin wt of around 2150 lbs.

That 6.2 is gonna get a work out. I suppose it is rated for it but you will have to really drive the truck to manage it.

Plan on an average speed of around 50 mph when planning your stops.

 

You are pushing it .... would not fill water tank. I pull a 34ft 5er total length 35' 10", 14,500 lbs wet and pull it with a 7.3 diesel F250 and it just does the job. Would not even try it with a 6.2 Gasser....

Replacing my 2000 F250 with a 2011 F350 Lariat 6.7 diesel....

 

I contacted Ford... apparently both Ford and GM have some cushion in their ratings. However, Dodge, Nissan, and Toyota don't. Ford has indicated that this is about the maximum they'd pull with their truck but feel it is appropriately matched.

 

you'll be alright.

 

As I said, it will do the job. On a long haul though you will really have to drive the truck. So over time you may want to upgrade. But for now you are ok.

 

Upgrade? hehe... I just bought the truck FOR this trailer... buddy's got a Sabre (different model) but same weight and length... I'm going to take his unit out for a spin and see how she handles.

Thanks for all the input!

 

FWIW, I pull 10,000# conventional with a 5.4L

the 5th wheel will be much easier to tow with, plus you'll have a bit more torque to the ground (depending on the rear end)

 

You'll be fine. Yes there are the naye-sayers and weight police that will tell you are under powered, over weight and you need a diesel.

You'll be happy with your combo.

There's really not much difference between the 6.2 and the older 2V V10. If anything your 6.2 is better. HP is higher and TQ is almost equal, 405 vs 425, plus the 6.2 has the 6 speed tranny. The older V10s had the 4 speed.

How many 2V V10s that are still out there pulling what you will be plus a heck of a lot more? I had a 2V V10 and pulled a fiver that weighs the same as yours. Absolutely no issues pulling that weight. With 300k miles on it I thought I had better upgrade.

Happy RVing.

Scott

 

Not to turn this into a gas vs diesel debate but you do realize the specs of each engine correct?

7.3 PSD - 275HP/550TQ
6.2 - 385HP/405TQ

To the OP - The engine will do fine. Don't be afraid to let it crank out the RPMs. Here is a link to what my older 2V V10 (310HP/425TQ) did towing 11K up a 15-17% grade.

SD thread
6.7 thread
6.8 thread

 

It will be interesting to see what it all weighs in at once you get it and have it loaded. I have a 2WD 7.3 and I just weighed it and the trailer at 19,500lbs. You also have to think of axle weight, and tires. Even with my 7.3 I pull some grades in second at 40mph. You are right at your limit I think...