Fift Wheel Towing Question
 

I have a 30 Foot Fifth Wheel (Ultra Lite) that i would like to pull with a new F150 with the 3.5 EcoBoost engine.
Trailer weight is 7200# dry 8700# wet
Pin weight 1580 including the hitch.
I tow 4 or 5 times a year 1 of which is over 5K miles the rest are 1-2K
This will be my daily drive.
I would like to stay with a 150 instead of a 2/350 because of the non towing mileage.

What are your thoughts on this?

Rear end and cab? Hills? You are coming close to pushing it

I was thinking 4X4 Scab with 3.73 rear.
Hills = yes.

figure more like 1740 lbs for the hitch wt. The amount the goes in the bed of the truck against your payload.

Also what about the hitch itself? 100-200 lbs.

Rear axle capacity is?
tire capacity is?

I currently have an 06 F150 that I am going to replace early next year. That's why I'm looking at the Ecoboost.
1580 Pin weight
200 Hitch weight
300 Me & Wife
--------
2080 # That's without the toolbox and anything else in the back seat.

It looks like I would be pushing it on the F150.

I'll probably have to go with a 250 6.2 to comfortable tow the Fifth Wheel.

20% of the 5th gross wet wt is going to be more like the King pin wt. Don't take the manufactor sticker as gospel They always under estimate it.

I agree, F250 with the 6.2 would be the right combo

With the 250 and the right rear you will not lose to much mpg and be safer towing.

The F150 with the HD payload option (max payload) may be just your ticket. It has been available on regular cabs and super cabs for 10+ years, and now for 2012 Ford has added it to the super crew. You get a stronger frame, wheels, and rear axle, and a GVWR of 8200...yielding a payload of 2K-3K, depending on the vehicle weight. A super cab 4x4 would be in the middle.

Check out this thread for ideas along the same lines.

Here's the description of the payload package, from the 2011 Ford order guide:


Usage: Increases GVWR to 8200 lbs. for improved payload and towing
Availability:
• XL and XLT: Regular Cab 145" WB (8.0' box) and SuperCab 163" WB
(8.0' box)
Not Available with:
• Off-Road Package (55A0
Requires:
• 5.0L V8 Engine (99F) or 3.5L V6 EcoBoostTM Engine (99T)
• Trailer Tow Package (535) or
• Max Trailer Tow Package (Max TT Pkg. required when ordered with
3.5L EcoBoostTM Engine)
⎯ XL: Max Trailer Tow Package (60M)
⎯ XLT: Max Trailer Tow Package (60P)
Includes:
• XL: High capacity 17" 7-lug steel wheels (64K)
• XLT/Lariat: High capacity 17" 7-lug aluminum wheels (64W)
• Heavy-Duty shock absorbers
• Upgraded springs, radiator and auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• 9.75" gear set
• 3.73 limited-slip axle
• LT245/75R17E BSW All-Terrain Tire


If you're shopping for an F-150 head over here and download the order guide for 2012 to get all the details on the options.

You won't lose any MPG's while towing only, but empty driving is where you'll get hammered. I think an F-250 with the 6.7L is the right answer.

Good call sir, you beat me to it. I think the OP is doing the right thing here. knowing the limitations of your trucks or perspective trucks is very smart.

I think the F-150 HD is a consideration but I think the F-250 is the correct answer.

250 is gonna be the way to go if you figure future needs these things get heavier as your needs change.

Even a 250 gas if you dont want the diesel, your trailer sounds heavy for the 150, just my .02

ordually
Any idea on the mpg going to the 3.73 over the 3.15?
I did not know they made a 150 that was on steroids.

F250 i your answer.
Even with the HD payload package, you'd be cutting it close.

This is just a thought. I read FTE quite regularly and also sit in judgement somewhat frequently with the dealers I service as to whether someone will be allowed to buy the big trailer they want to pull with a lighter duty truck (yes, we really do refuse to sell a towable, if we think the towable would overwhelm the tow vehicle). So far, I don't recall ever reading or hearing anyone say they wish they would have bought a lighter duty truck as a tow vehicle. I certainly do not think everyone needs a 350 and I love my 150 HD, but when in doubt, I would suggest bumping up a size. I think you will find it makes for a better towing experience.

Just my two cents worth,

Steve