Towing capabilities
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 185
Ford has said that their 2011 F150's do meet the draft SAE tow ratings.
Did you not see them load up the F150 with two NASCARS on a bumper pull with WD hitch and tow 11000 around the NASCAR track and run WOT for 24 hours?
Did you not see them load up the F150 with two NASCARS on a bumper pull with WD hitch and tow 11000 around the NASCAR track and run WOT for 24 hours?
New User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
If you're ever there, just west of Laramie there are two bone yards (one w/b the other e/b) where the remains of trailers are piled up. You can see enclosed trailers, RV trailers and semi-trailers all waiting to be scrapped after 'professional' drivers made a miscalculation.
Here is one where an SUV is way over max and attempting to go up a hill in wind:
YouTube - An RV crash to remember
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 185
In that case the other couple thousand pounds of a Super Duty wouldn't help either. Too much square footage on that trailer for the wind to hit. Haven't you ever saw a semi blow over? I have.
So that video only says don't travel that road in high winds. I doubt that a F450 would even help
So that video only says don't travel that road in high winds. I doubt that a F450 would even help
New User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
I was trying to show that if you make a mistake towing you will pay for it.
I would guess what you are saying is that learning the right way to do something and acting not only safely but also responseably is bad thing, right?
What's your point?
The OP asked a question, I offered an opinion based on my experience and education and that apparently set you off or are you just bored?
I would guess what you are saying is that learning the right way to do something and acting not only safely but also responseably is bad thing, right?
What's your point?
The OP asked a question, I offered an opinion based on my experience and education and that apparently set you off or are you just bored?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 2
From: Tri-Cities, TN
That's not an SUV towing that trailer, it's a GMC 3500 DRW! With the winds we get on I-80, a bumper pull trailer can flip no matter what's pulling it as the tow vehicle has no leverage against the trailer to prevent a flip. The lesson? Don't drive I-80 in Wyoming or any other windy highway in high winds with a high profile trailer.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 185
I was trying to show that if you make a mistake towing you will pay for it.
I would what you are saying is that learning the right way to do something and acting not only safely but also responsily is bad thing, right?
What's your point?
The OP asked a question, I offered an opinion based on my experience and education and that apparently set you off or are you just bored?
I would what you are saying is that learning the right way to do something and acting not only safely but also responsily is bad thing, right?
What's your point?
The OP asked a question, I offered an opinion based on my experience and education and that apparently set you off or are you just bored?
You also commented that you would like to see some Ford guys travel "your specified route" which is known for trouble towing. First of all if the weight doesn't have wind resistance, like a 11,00lb load of gravel, it's no problem. Second, I again say it doesn't matter whether you have a 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton or 1 ton that wind would blow it over too. So why show something and say that a F150 can't do it when most others can't either. That is my point.
We are real excited about you, the new 4 post wonder...
New User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
You're absolutely right, how could someone with only four posts know anything?
I'll stay out of it and refrain from posting on what is apparently your turf.
I'll stay out of it and refrain from posting on what is apparently your turf.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,035
Likes: 1,523
From: Maine, Virginia
This was an ECOBOOST torture test and it should have said, "don't try this at home".
I've told this story before but I'll post it again as we're on the subject.
My wife's uncle had a 1999 F-350 SRW reg cab 4x4 with the 7.3L engine. He is a very experienced RV'r who has been pulling trailers across country and through out Colorado, the mid west and the East coast. He was pulling his fifth wheeler camper which is about 12K pound dry. The driver's side rear tire on his truck blew in Colorado as he was travelling along at highway speed.
Because of the grace of God and his experience in towing, he managed to keep his rig under control and fortunately no one was hurt and there was no property damage.
Even though the truck was rated to pull the load, he should have had a dually, he does now, BTW.
My point? All kinds of variables are in place when travelling in a normal vehicle. Add a heavy load to under rated tow vehicle and your living on a prayer.
The F-150 will do the job, but they are not limitless.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
I, for one, welcome BudMan's experience. He was probably too busy towing real trailers a quarter of a million miles to sit in a chair and post more. If someone is a newbie to this forum, it does not mean that they don't have some applicable real-world knowledge to share.
BudMan, welcome to the forum, and realize that not everyone is ready to condemn you for your good advice and insight. And yeah, jdf, the video was not an F-150 but does show the kinds of problems that towing can create.
The "ad wars" regarding tow capacities are way overdone, and most people look at the max towing number without considering things like total payload of their truck and the way tongue weight affects it.
Thanks,
George
BudMan, welcome to the forum, and realize that not everyone is ready to condemn you for your good advice and insight. And yeah, jdf, the video was not an F-150 but does show the kinds of problems that towing can create.
The "ad wars" regarding tow capacities are way overdone, and most people look at the max towing number without considering things like total payload of their truck and the way tongue weight affects it.
Thanks,
George
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
I, for one, welcome BudMan's experience. He was probably too busy towing real trailers a quarter of a million miles to sit in a chair and post more. If someone is a newbie to this forum, it does not mean that they don't have some applicable real-world knowledge to share.
BudMan, welcome to the forum, and realize that not everyone is ready to condemn you for your good advice and insight. And yeah, jdf, the video was not an F-150 but does show the kinds of problems that towing can create.
The "ad wars" regarding tow capacities are way overdone, and most people look at the max towing number without considering things like total payload of their truck and the way tongue weight affects it.
Thanks,
George
BudMan, welcome to the forum, and realize that not everyone is ready to condemn you for your good advice and insight. And yeah, jdf, the video was not an F-150 but does show the kinds of problems that towing can create.
The "ad wars" regarding tow capacities are way overdone, and most people look at the max towing number without considering things like total payload of their truck and the way tongue weight affects it.
Thanks,
George
Johndeerefarmer...the sarcasm is not welcomed here.
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Calm down fellas....were on the same side here. I welcome Budman also. Johndeerefarmer is also a good contributer to this site. When I read posts # 19 & 20 I don't see where Johndeerefarmer was "saying is that learning the right way to do something and acting not only safely but also responseably is bad thing".
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,585
Likes: 1
From: Duluth, Mn.
The biggest problem with the F150/towing capabilities is that Ford advertises the big rating all over the place.
99% of Peeps are Sheeples. They don't read the fine print. They take advertising as gospel. Most ad's say something like "with a properly equipped truck"
Chevy has about the only verbal disclaimer that I've ever heard. Jim Rome states on the radio ad that the Big Tow rating advertised, is for Single Cab Dual Rear Wheel ONLY.
Peeps seem to want a 6500Lb Platinum SCrew, and an 11K trailer. It seems the sales People at Ford Dealerships don't care to tell them that that combination doesn't work.
As Tim said, the 11K tow rating is for a Reg Cab
99% of Peeps are Sheeples. They don't read the fine print. They take advertising as gospel. Most ad's say something like "with a properly equipped truck"
Chevy has about the only verbal disclaimer that I've ever heard. Jim Rome states on the radio ad that the Big Tow rating advertised, is for Single Cab Dual Rear Wheel ONLY.
Peeps seem to want a 6500Lb Platinum SCrew, and an 11K trailer. It seems the sales People at Ford Dealerships don't care to tell them that that combination doesn't work.
As Tim said, the 11K tow rating is for a Reg Cab
