Hello all. I've had a little problem navigating this site. I just now stumbled into this point to introduce myself. Look forward to reading some of your stuff.

This leads me to ask a question that was on my mind when I ran into this site when searching for Ford truck sizes and engines. That is, if anyone would be so kind as to suggest an answer, "what is the best size and type Ford Gas engine to tow an 8000 pound Travel Trailer?" V-8, or V-10 Triton?

Thanks, Elton57

 

Elton I moved you to here....so we can get some help for you.

Welcome to FTE

 

Welcome to FTE...for your question there are alot of options.

Alot is tied into what years you are looking at.

Also some of this has to do with are you looking at a 1/2 ton model (f150) or F250/F350.

Also a consideration, although minor is the full purpose of the truck. Will this be a daily driver or short commutes and when towing..what distances are you planning on?

Do you owne the TT already or is all this a planned purchase?

 

Thanks senix,
Yes, this is a possible planned purchace. I'm well over 70 yrs and retired, so the truck I use for pulling the trailer will be primarily for that. While at home it'll be a second vehicle for wife and me. I seldom go out alone so it would not be used all that much while at home. I'm seriously looking at a Forest River Extralite Wildcat 26BHS travel trailer. It's 29' long by 8' wide and Weighs 6300 lbs dry for a total possible GVW of 7975 lbs. Not a 5th wheel. So I'll need a good amount of power to drag this around the country. Don't want to get into a diesel. As for the year of truck, don't want to pay the new truck price. Think I should have a F-250 and maybe 4WD for all weather driving in the mountains. Possibly I don't need a F-250 nor 4WD. That's why I'm asking these questions on this forum. A 5 or 6 year old truck with under 60,000 miles would be fine. I haven't pulled a trailer since 42 years ago. Pulled a 31' Nomad with a new Ford F-250, 390 V-8 and 4:11 differential from West Coast to East Coast. During that trip I had wished for the 420 or 425 V-8 (don't recall the exact size Ford had in the '70's).

Thanks again. Will appreciate all your recommendations and or suggestions.

 

Ok, I think a late model 2007-2010 V10 would be perfect for you.

4x4 F250. Auto trans. Well capable of pulling that and more. Beefy enough you can use cruise control as well.

When looking be sure it has the tow mirrors and integrated trailer brake controller.

remember 10% of the trailer will equate to tongue weight. Tongue weight goes against your payload of the truck.

You will not even begin to have to worry about that. I just thought I would mention it.

So across any of these years I mentioned is fully capable of the proposed TT. It is good that you have this particular one in mind so you know what your weights will be. Easier that way so you choose the right truck.

 

Thanks senix,

If I don't get the 29' trailer, I'll get a slightly shorter version of the same or similar one. But right now we are pretty much in favor of the Wildcat 26BHS. So this truck engine you mention will be well within the limits of what I need. Do you have any thoughts on the differential ratio? Transmission Cooler? Also, I assume I would need an equalizer for 800 pounds hitch weight?

A second thought on the V-10. Is there more than one size engine? If so, should I get the larger one?

Thanks for all your info.

 

Same size motor. A v10 is a v10. Gears...3.73 or 4.30's will be fine.

You don't need to worry about anything other than getting one with the tow package. Tow mirrors, Trailer brake controller and receiver are all standard. All you need is the equalizer and trailer. Hook up and go.

Gauges, coolers are all all built in.

Here is a handy link to the towing guides from 2002-present.

Towing Guides | fleet.ford.com

Let me add, 2005 and up V10's are a three valve setup. So 2005 and up are all the same on the motor.

 

Completely agree with Scott. Would encourage you to make no assumptions about new unit that will be chasing you. Make sure everything works before you leave the dealership. The need for quality control is still something most RV manufacturers fail to understand, in my opinion.

Steve

 

We have a 2006 250 w/ a v-10 that we got last Feb. In May we got a travel trailer w/ the same specs that Elton is looking at. Over Memorial day weekend we took the trailer out for our trial run. It pulled a 6% grade at 55-60 mph no problem. I didn't even have my foot in it.Gotta love the tow haul mode. Like they say "Triton V-10, Ford's best kept secret." (Wonder if any of those hats are still available?)