Towing Question
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New User
Joined: Dec 2012
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Towing Question
I have a 2006 F-150 XLT SuperCrew Cab with 5.4L V8 Engine. The door GVWC shows 7200lbs but online shows 8200lbs. I have a 3.55 axle.
I am buying a camping trailer next month and do not want to get a trailer heavier than my rating. Does anyone know why the two numbers and which one I should follow?
I am buying a camping trailer next month and do not want to get a trailer heavier than my rating. Does anyone know why the two numbers and which one I should follow?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
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^^YES^^
There is some variable on your truck that you are not accounting for when you look up the weight ratings. What is on the door plate is what your truck was rated for when it rolled out of finish assembly.
There is some variable on your truck that you are not accounting for when you look up the weight ratings. What is on the door plate is what your truck was rated for when it rolled out of finish assembly.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
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Your truck is rated the same as mine. You most likely will want to add rear spring capacity with either overload springs or adding a couple of leafs. The truck will handle towing the weight if the rear springs are beefed up.
Senior User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 277
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From: Brantford
Yes, but you still cant load the truck, specifically the axles above what the factory rating is legally. Now, what you need to do is go through your owners manual, and find the section on trailer towing. From there look for the spec on your truck, (engine, axle, trans., tire size, etc.) and that will give you your GCVW, (gross combined vehicle weight). You need to factor your tare weight of the truck, (truck, fuel, passengers, stuff in the bed, etc.) and what the trailer weight will be. Dont forget to include the load in the trailer. You dont want to be more than the axle weight rating (from door sticker) on the front and rear axles, and the weight rating of the trailer and the corresponding axle ratings for the trailer. I know, uses alot of space to print, but reletively easy to figure out.
New User
Joined: May 2011
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Beware of payload or the lack thereof
Take the GVWR of any trailer you are considering. Multiply that number by .13 and you will have your approximate tongue weight. That has to be subtracted from your trucks payload along with all of the weight you load including bodies.
The F-150's, like most half tons are very light on payload and you will exceed yours long before you get anywhere near your towing capacity. Best bet don't buy any trailer that has a GVWR of more than 80% of your towing capacity and you should be fine. For the record my 06 SCab is rated to tow 8,600#. I pull a 4600# trailer and only have 124# of payload remaining after I load for a trip.
The F-150's, like most half tons are very light on payload and you will exceed yours long before you get anywhere near your towing capacity. Best bet don't buy any trailer that has a GVWR of more than 80% of your towing capacity and you should be fine. For the record my 06 SCab is rated to tow 8,600#. I pull a 4600# trailer and only have 124# of payload remaining after I load for a trip.
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