Hi All,

I have spent the last hour searching the forum but unable to find information directly related to my question, so I apologize in advance if its out there.

The current spec for my 08 F350 SRW is 15,200 as its factory settings.

My question, is there any upgrades out there that I can perform to increase my 5th wheel towing capacity?

If this does information does exist, if you can provide a link, I would greatly appreciate it.

I even called the local Ford dealer and they said, come and and we can talk about it. I would like to get the forums opinion before I go down there.

Thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like they have gasoline powered dually they can't get rid off
You can't change original factory ratings, but lot of members carry more than rating with stronger tires and air bag helpers added to the suspension.

 

Legally, there is no way to change the factory rating. It is what it is.

On the practical side, you can change your differential ratio to a higher numerical ratio (such as swapping a 4.10 ratio for a 4.33 ratio) to help pull the load and adding suspension upgrades (like air bags) to assist with shouldering the load. Upgrading to 19.5 inch commercial tires will help also.

 

Thanks for the quick response and info.

Makes me wonder what upgrades the dealer wants to sell me. May go down for fun.

 

Subscribing...about the only thing non-mechanical (air bags/springs) that you can do is increase your registered weight.

 

The dealer wants to sell you a new truck. What do you want to tow that's beyond the tow ratings of your current truck?

 

DING DING DING DING DING we have a winner. edjunior I believe is correct. They have a GAS powered F450 or F550 down there for ya. Go buy it and tow kajtek1's diesel rig and his load with it. lol Good times.

 

There's more to it than that magical 15,200 number, and Ford's specs do a poor job of explaining this. You also need to consider your pin weight, which is going to depend on load distribution. It's possible to be under the rated towing capacity, but way over on what your truck can handle for pin weight. It's also possible to be over towing capacity, but well within acceptable pim weight.

 

I should have provided a bit more information. This is what I am looking to do with it.

I normally just tow the traditional pull behind with a weight distribution hitch, the loads have mainly been between 10,000 - 11,000 lbs.

I am going to be upgrading my trailer (toy hauler) to a 5th wheel. The trailer sits dry from dealer (actually weighted it on a scale) at 13,384 with a max of 16,500. I am getting the 18k auto power glide 5th wheel hitch installed next week.

I have a friend that pulls a tripple axle 18,000 lb 5th wheel weekend warrior for the past 3 years and never had a problem. Basically the same truck year make and model, only difference is that he has the 8ft bed I have the 6 3/4 bed.

I will have to look up how to calculate the pin weight, not too familiar with that since this will be my first 5th wheel.

Thanks,

 

There should be a manufacturer's spec on pin weight, but they tend to not be accurate. Only way to find the exact pin weight is weigh it on a scale. First you need to weigh the truck without the trailer hooked up, then hook up the trailer and see how much weight it adds to the truck.

 

Well, "by the books", you're probably going to be overweight. You almost certainly will be with the pin weight of the 5er. Just because it will pull it, doesn't mean it should. I know the truck will pull it, but let's face it....you're going to be over the max weight for the truck. All we can do is give you what you ask for, it's up to you what you do with the information.

 

Absoutely correct, I was looking for the forums opinion and I do appreciate everyone taking the time to provide it. I am at a cross roads, the most important thing to me is safety. I need to be able to safely operate the vehicle and stop it when required.

I have now been looking at used F450's..

Thanks again for the input.

 

I think the biggest advantage of new truck will be dually wheels beside stronger suspension. If you plan to do mainly 5th towing, you can buy utility bodies much cheaper (at least in CA) and remove the bed for 5th hitch installation.