I have found conflicting reports on Ford's websites on what my towing capacities are. I am about to buy a fifth wheel toy hauler that is 9200lbs dry with a GWVR of 14,000, it is double axle 30' long. So not the biggest by any means and actually probably the smallest fifth wheel toy hauler. Not that I am ever going to load it to 14,000 because I don't think my current truck can pull it. But I think my truck weighs around 7450lbs and the trailer weighs 9200lbs dry, and I will probably load it to 11,000 (with water, fuel and quad). So my question is can my truck handle it...YES OR NO. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I checked out some links from other posts but they are confusing. IF you go to this link below, go to the bottom of the page and find the column that my truck is in, F250 SD Fifth Wheel towing Automatic, 4X4, Crew Cab, SWR, and notice that it says my truck can pull a fifth wheel that is 12,800lbs * The * below says my truck can actually only tow 10,400????? CAN SOMEBODY CLARRIFY this for me. I am about to buy a fifth wheel

https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...D_F250_350.pdf

Another question, whether or not to add fifth wheel pin weight to the truck as to not go over the trucks GWVR. I think my truck weighs 7500lbs with a max GWVR of 8800lbs, how the heck can I tow a fifth wheel if the pin weight is added????

Thanks for your help, I'm looking at buying a trailer in the next few days. Of course the trailer dealer says my trailer can pull it.
Thanks again!!

 

I forgot to mention my truck is a short bed. Thanks!

 

Check these charts out. I found them to be clear and helpful.

http://www.trailerlife.com/output.cfm?id=42175

 

The 2003 Ford towing guide for your truck can be found here:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...D_F250_350.pdf

The maximum factory rating for your engine/chassis combination is 13,100 pounds 5th wheel and 12,500 pounds conventional hitch.

 

Well, that is the overlooked question. If you add the pin weight, you're over your GVWR.

So, despite what the maximum rating is, your pin weight can't exceed 1300 pounds, if your estimates are correct. If your trailer is balanced properly, you want 20% of the trailer weight on the pin, which means you're looking at a maximum trailer weight of 6500 pounds.

 

According to those figures, then, nobody can pull any fifth wheel with anything smaller than a 1-ton dually, since most fifth wheels have at least 1500 lbs of pin weight.

Obviously nobody is checking these figures at dealerships. I see F150's and F250's pulling 30-ft+ toyhaulers all the time.

 

That info is in the Title

 

I think the guide noted by the original poster is relevant.

also
You do have to add hitch/pin weight of the trailer to the payload of the tow vehicle. I agree that you are exceeding the capacities of your vehicle.

I think it is true that often these figures are not checked or understood by dealerships. I think the F250 is more of a TOWing machine, as opposed to a HAULing machine. Personally, I'd have to have an F350 SRW or DRW before considering a 5th wheel or a slide in truck camper.

 

Oops, only read the post not the title....

 

Most salesmen have no idea about what the actual figures mean, much less helping someone truly realize what the "actual" capabilities and limitations are. In those early models the weight of the diesel really put a limit on the carrying capacity. Fully fueled and loaded with gear and passengers puts you right up at the limit. I always chuckled at their "150 lb driver weight".

 

So, if I am looking at this correctly, I need to lose 100lbs to be able to pull the trailer I want to buy? lol.

Well, what would you all do if I really want to buy this trailer that weighs 9500 lbs dry and my truck weighs about 7500lbs?

 

its your call but i bet you could get a dually fairly easily

 

i would say that if you load it correctly you will not have a issue. weither or not it would be legal is a totally different story.

 

yes you will be over the capacity and honestly I've seen it the same trailer pulled by 250s with 4x4 and the 7.3 and it went fine. Remember there is very little difference between the 250 and 350. Just remember its a big trailer give yourself extra room

 

you will def. have enough power to pull it... DOT is the only problem, but they more than likely won't mess with you especially if it is not for commercial use... remember though you may want to put air bags or an add-a-leaf kit on it