New to the forum here and soon to be Ford F-150 owner. We've been looking at trailers in the range of 6500-8000lb range. I am waiting to purchase the truck until after we (actually, the WIFE) decides which trailer we want.

Assuming we get one that weighs in around 8000lbs once loaded, etc., what rear gear ratio should I get??? The truck will be also be my commuter vehicle with a round trip of 100+ miles so MPG is a factor.

Do I need the 3:73 with that weight? I don't want to go too low and then be struggling on hills, etc. when towing. I've seen people say that the 3:73 is overkill with the EcoBoost, so looking for real world help from you guys who own one. Thanks

 

Welcome to FTE.

You might want to play around on Ford's site, as of this week the new 2012 info is supposedly up there.
Depending on how you spec the truck you want...you'll end up with different tow ratings. I believe a 3.31 in the 4wd will net you about 8300lbs if my memory serves me correctly. Of course the 3.73 with max tow will get you the most available range, just north of 11,000lbs.

 

I would recommend 3.73 gears and also recommend getting the Max Tow Package which i believe comes with 3.73 or optional 4.10. The next step down would be 3.55 and i honestly think there isn't going to be much difference in mpg's between 3.55-3.73 but probably a big difference while towing 8000lbs... Good Luck!!

 

My wife just towed 10500 lbs 900 mi with 3.73s. EB did very well. I towed a 18k know fiver with my 6.7 and she stayed right behind me and her cruise never kicked off. She and I both got exact same mogul of 8.7 going 68. Empty Eco mpg sucks. Got 13.4 all day today going 78 with a tonneau as well. Real bummer......

 

My phone spell checks, sorry. 18000 pounds. 8.7 miles per gal.

 

If you are looking at a travel trailer that weighs 8,000+ lbs, I would for recommend the HD payload package, as your tongue weight could be as high as 1,200lbs, maybe even more. Add people in the truck, gear, firewood, bikes, ...
And if you get that, I think you'll automatically have the 3.73 rear.
I was in a similar boat, and just ordered my 2012 EB, HD payload truck.
Are you looking at the super crew? 4x4? How many people in the truck while towing? How much camping gear? Some more info would help.

Good luck!

 

get the 5.0 with a towing package but that just me

 

He said the trailer would be fully loaded at 8000lbs. I dont think the tongue weight of the trailer would be 1200lbs? I am looking to buy a travel trailer now that has a GVWR of 8200lbs and the tongue weight is only 853lbs. But if the OP is going to order a new truck anyway i certainly wouldn't hesitate on getting the HD package!! Sure wish i new that Ford would have that HD option for 2012! I would have waited instead of biting the bullet on a 2011!!

 

A TT should have a tongue weight between 10-15% of the total weight, so I picked kind of the upper range when I said 1,200lbs. When doing an estimate, that's what the OP should pick to be safe.
But: never trust the TT manufacturers weights, those are empty, dry numbers, no battery, no water, no extras (like the A/C for example), etc. Besides that, people usually underestimate what they will load.

Kev, believe me, once you got batteries installed, extras, and the TT loaded you WILL be > 1,000lbs with an 853lbs dry tongue weight, most likely near 1,200lbs.
Since the OP is buying new anyway, I would seriously consider the HD payoad package. When towing a TT, you can't have too much payload!

The payload package with the screw is what made me wait for the MY2012.
Kev, you may be pushing the limits of the hitch if you go > 1,100lbs tongue weight (with weight distribution).

 

Thanks for the quick responses.

Here's what we will probably end up with. Of the 2-3 different models we are looking at, the heaviest weighed in at 6845lbs as optioned there on the lot. Don't remember what the tongue weight was but the highest one I remember was around 825 lbs. That is without battery (I'd have two) and two 8lb propane tanks. There will be probably 4 people in the truck when we head out, my two boys at 200lbs each, myself at 195 and the wife at 145 (don't let her see that I posted that....) So that's 740lbs. We don't carry a whole lot...2 bikes about 45lbs, then clothes, etc maybe another 250lbs in TT.

Obviously with two boys over 6', I'm needing the Crew Cab and it will be 4x2.

 

I've said many times that the 3.73 is overkill and that statement is pointed at the folks who don't pull heavy or often.

If I were pulling 8000 lbs a great distance I would no doubt get the 3.73, max tow package and anything else that will make the chore of towing easier. Having a safe and reliable tow vehicle is more important than achieving 24 mpg's.

 

I have a dual 6V battery setup. Each battery weighs 65lbs, 130 lbs total, right on the tongue.
I would estimate that you will need around 2,000lbs of payload if you want to be within the limits. When looking at payload, subtract 100-150lbs from what Ford publishes for extras (like the hitch for example). Ford says that a 4x2 screw will have 2,000 lbs payload 4x2 157" WB with the MAX tow package. That will give you around 1,850lbs net after options. I'd go with the HD payload package AND the MAX tow if I were you since you are buying new anyway. That's what I did. It would give you about 2,450lbs of net payload and some margin.
2012 Ford F-150 | View Payload Specifications | Ford.com

That's just my opinion. I agree with tseekins that safety is much more important than mpg here.

 

A buddy of mine has a 35' Jayco Eagle which has a 8000 dry weight.

He had it over in Tampa for some warranty work last Friday and he asked me to pick it up for him.

I pulled it back w/o a weight distributing hitch and my EB did exceptionally well. It seemed to pull it with little effort. Even merging onto I-4 it got right up to 65 with no issues. Braking was not an issue either...

I wouldn't hesitate to pull an 8000 lb travel trailer with my EB as it did a fine job on the 60 mile return to home.

My average mpg's did drop to 13.8 with it on the back tho. Still good for the weight.

IMO.

 

Our tongue weight was 1800lbs and the truck did great. Breakin the law......breaking the law.......oh yea and my 145lb wife weighs 115 on paper, you make want to check your numbers. lol

 

LMAO!!! A great way to start my day!