First Time Tower
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Iron Range Minnesota
First Time Tower
I just bought a used 2010 F150 SuperCrew 6.5ft box with the 4X4 5.4L 6 speed auto. It has the 3.73 gears (? like I know what that means lol). It has the max tow package with the trailer sway control, built in trailer brake, back up camera, .... I'm going to be towing a 2004 Cougar 294RLS 31ft xlite travel trailer this summer. It has tandem axle with the sway bar hitch/receiver.
I guess I'm just looking for tips and pointers to make the trips safe and fun without worrying to much. I've towed the trailer once before but it was with an F250 6.0 turbo diesel (about 3 years ago, trailer has been parked ever since). I'm so new at towing I don't even know where to find the weight of the trailer. I found manufacturer specs online but no weight, its not listed on the placard on the trailer either.
Just looking for any advise, thanks!
I guess I'm just looking for tips and pointers to make the trips safe and fun without worrying to much. I've towed the trailer once before but it was with an F250 6.0 turbo diesel (about 3 years ago, trailer has been parked ever since). I'm so new at towing I don't even know where to find the weight of the trailer. I found manufacturer specs online but no weight, its not listed on the placard on the trailer either.
Just looking for any advise, thanks!
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Sioux Falls Area
taking a rough guess at the dry weight:
specs indicate 3360lbs cargo capacity and ST225/75D15 tires which would be rated for 2540lbs each (roughly)
dryweight=GVWR-Cargo Cap.
(2540lbs x 4) - 3360lbs = 6800lbs dry. (big!)
well within your tow rating, even with the camper loaded to the hilt.
as for tips towing, adjust your hitch so that there is no rise or sag in the front of the truck when hitched, make sure your sway control is "on" in the truck (mine randomly turns off), and your mechanical sway control is hooked up and working. Make sure your trailer brakes work, and adjust the gain tight enough to feel, but not so tight they jerk you out of your seat.
as for driving ... take 'er easy, and use your tow/haul mode. don't be afraid to grab the trailer brakes at the first sign of sway (though the truck will do it for you if it is bad enough), or pre-emptivly when a semi passes you.
other than that, i bet you'll be quite happy, the new f150 is a superb tow rig IMO.
specs indicate 3360lbs cargo capacity and ST225/75D15 tires which would be rated for 2540lbs each (roughly)
dryweight=GVWR-Cargo Cap.
(2540lbs x 4) - 3360lbs = 6800lbs dry. (big!)
well within your tow rating, even with the camper loaded to the hilt.
as for tips towing, adjust your hitch so that there is no rise or sag in the front of the truck when hitched, make sure your sway control is "on" in the truck (mine randomly turns off), and your mechanical sway control is hooked up and working. Make sure your trailer brakes work, and adjust the gain tight enough to feel, but not so tight they jerk you out of your seat.
as for driving ... take 'er easy, and use your tow/haul mode. don't be afraid to grab the trailer brakes at the first sign of sway (though the truck will do it for you if it is bad enough), or pre-emptivly when a semi passes you.
other than that, i bet you'll be quite happy, the new f150 is a superb tow rig IMO.
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Iowa
Make sure to engergize your brakes once on the trailer every time you go to take it somewhere. To make sure you have a good enough connection to fully energize them.
Just pump it once or twice on the overide switch on the brake controller to feel the trailer pull back on the truck. If you feel it slow you down your good to go.
Just pump it once or twice on the overide switch on the brake controller to feel the trailer pull back on the truck. If you feel it slow you down your good to go.
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Sioux Falls Area
better yet replace them all together and hang one that looks good as a spare.
many people i know say their tires start blowing out after 2 years, regarless of how many miles are on them, or how good they look on the outside.
if you've ever seen what's left of a travel trailer in the ditch, tires start to look pretty cheap. if they go into the ditch and tip, they explode into tiny pieces you need a vacuum cleaner to pick up.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Phx, AZ
The biggest thing to keep tires from blowing(outside of have good tires to begin with) they r rated at 65mph. Do not exceed 65 mph. Tires like to separate after higher speeds.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2010
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From: AZ, SSA
Actually, replace the spare also. If you loose a tire (even new tires can succumb to read hazzards) and have to use the spare, you are likely to loose the spare also.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 804
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From: sunnyvale
go slow till you get the hang of towing and know how it and you react to each situation. if your like me its hard to slow down to towing speed but remember that your out to have fun not win a race and so what if it takes an extra few minuets. because times cheaper than your family's life! and have a good trailer shop help set up your WD hitch that will help you enjoy the ride a lot more! no one wants to ride a bucking bronco for three hours till you need gas again! please do get new tires as well a blowout at 55 in your trailer can be a *&^%$#
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New User
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Iron Range Minnesota
WOW Thank You All!!
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR THE INFO!! I'm glad I joined this site and posted this. This gives me plenty of time to get the trailer ready to go. I appreciate it very much!!
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