better towing capacity
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 390
Likes: 1
I don't know what gears the F150 has factory. If it has 3:73 now than jumping to 4:11 is not too big of a step. Personally, I would give it a try first and see. If it takes off slow then bump up.
The 10 ply tires should be good to go. The sidewall is where you need the support. As long as the sidewall has some strength to it.
For short tows, going against the advice from everyone else I think you would be fine. I pull ours cross country and so far it has been going good. Ours of course is not a 5th wheel, but in a lot of ways a bumper pull is not as stable as the 5th wheel.
You will of course be better with a 3/4 ton or larger, but don't underestimate what a Ford can do!
A few years ago I looked into trading our expedition for a suburban. When I looked at the GVWR I decided to stay with the expedition. The suburban was only rated around 7400 GVWR, the expedition is either 9400 or 9600 I don't remember which. The 1/2 ton pickups are also a lot lower rating on Chevy.
I am sure my ideas will meet with disapproval but for short tows, if your trailer is under 7000 pounds you can make it work.
The 10 ply tires should be good to go. The sidewall is where you need the support. As long as the sidewall has some strength to it.
For short tows, going against the advice from everyone else I think you would be fine. I pull ours cross country and so far it has been going good. Ours of course is not a 5th wheel, but in a lot of ways a bumper pull is not as stable as the 5th wheel.
You will of course be better with a 3/4 ton or larger, but don't underestimate what a Ford can do!
A few years ago I looked into trading our expedition for a suburban. When I looked at the GVWR I decided to stay with the expedition. The suburban was only rated around 7400 GVWR, the expedition is either 9400 or 9600 I don't remember which. The 1/2 ton pickups are also a lot lower rating on Chevy.
I am sure my ideas will meet with disapproval but for short tows, if your trailer is under 7000 pounds you can make it work.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 126
Likes: 1
I thank you very much for you insight on this matter. it has helped me a great deal to understand what needs to be done, one question, are you running 4.6 or 5.4? and I do believe the towing capacity for the f150 4x2 is also 9400 or 9600, I did check that awhile back but cant remember, will check again. and I do understand that there are a lot of criticism on this matter and I am taking there advice aswell, but knowing what needs to be done and what I need to watch out for is of great importance.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 126
Likes: 1
I just went out and checked gears. im running 4.6 with 3.55 rear end and towing cap is only 7000. I have read others with higher up to 9600 towing with 4.6 liter and 3.73 rear end. so I may just want to upgrade a little to 3.73 rear end gears. and I have read that running 5th wheel does increase towing cap. its been a while since I read it but I do remember there is a difrence between tounge weight and 5th wheel hitch.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver BC Canada
Please heed the advice others have been offering. a 35' 5th wheel is REALLY big, and in no way is a half-ton truck designed to pull that size of trailer. And, you don't even have the most capable setup for this generation of f150. This is flat-out a bad idea.
If you tow this you are risking the health of your truck, the health of your passengers, and the health of those who happen to be on your route. Please reconsider.
If you tow this you are risking the health of your truck, the health of your passengers, and the health of those who happen to be on your route. Please reconsider.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 126
Likes: 1
heeding the advice of others is what I am doing, I do own a 35' trailer and I do own a ford f150, I am not one that can afford to just up and go buy one of these extravagant super duty big rigs to tote my trailer around. so I am getting all the advice I can just to make what I do have work if the case may be that I have to uproot where my trailer is and move it to another location, so an upgrade to the towing capacity to what I do have in order to make it some what safer is my only option. so suspension and brakes will be overly upgraded before I even back up under to hook up. so with all do respect to those who don't agree with someone doing this, I am heeding your warnings. and do so appreciate the advice from all.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 390
Likes: 1
I have to correct the previous statements about towing capacity. I have never looked at the tags on either of my rigs until yesterday. When we got our camper we were looking for a smaller one, but found a brand new 32 foot for the same price as the smaller used campers. While we were at the dealership I looked up on the good ole internet to see what our towing capacity was. My idea of the 9400 pounds was what I had seen on the net, my tag is considerably lower!
But still, I have been towing our 32 foot bumper pull since '09.
Thinking of this post I have to wonder what kind of liability I am setting myself up for towing over my rated capacity in case of an accident?
When we can afford it we do plan on upgrading to a 3/4 ton. I might go against everything I know and go with a diesel when that time comes, but I owned one of those once. I swore I would never get a diesel again.
But still, I have been towing our 32 foot bumper pull since '09.
Thinking of this post I have to wonder what kind of liability I am setting myself up for towing over my rated capacity in case of an accident?
When we can afford it we do plan on upgrading to a 3/4 ton. I might go against everything I know and go with a diesel when that time comes, but I owned one of those once. I swore I would never get a diesel again.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
