I was being facetious. But that has to the the best damn explanation of what a tow rating is that I have ever heard.

 

I can't believe that trailer only has 2 axles, it must not be as heavy as it looks!

 

Fully Loaded it came out to 13,340.

 

I don't derate at all.....but I will do a lot of research and spend a lot of time to make sure that my rig is comfortable and safe (knowing "safe" means different things to different people).

I currently tow a 31' toy hauler loaded to about 7700# with a 17 F250 PSD. As you can imagine, it is within all specs and tows like a dream.

However, I used to tow the same rig with an 08 Escalade ESV AWD (Tow rating of 7800#, payload 1300). Doing some research, I found that this platform was the same as the Max Tow package in the 1500 trucks with a different rear suspension. I also went to the scales and knew what weights I was over and by how much. After doing a lot of trailer/hitch setup and taking the time to learn how loading affected the handling, I was able to tow that trailer without sway control in every environment. Never had one "white knuckle" event or trip. Granted, I might have had to stop once or twice to redistribute load during my learning times, but I was able to tow at 105% of this vehicle's capacity safely and arrive pretty rested. The only issue I had was on really hot days (>100) the temps would creep up on long hills.

Now some will say "it tows it fine, but what about stopping or emergency maneuvers?" (i even saw a post to take it to an empty parking lot and basically take it around a course). The rebuttal for that is simple: don't drive like a jack***. I set the cruise to 65, anticipate problems before they happen, and don't do anything stupid. A cognizant driver that is at the limit or a little over is still way safer than one that is not and within their specs.

 

The problem (to me, anyway) is the specs above are not absolute, as Ford has applied several conditions to their applicability.

Examples:

1) The maximum trailer weight ratings assume a minimally-equipped truck (mandatory options only) plus a driver and one passenger at 150 lbs. each. Additional options, heavier- and/or additional passengers, and cargo must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight (ref 2017 Tow Guide pg 17).

2a) The Super Duty specs assume maximum frontal areas of 75 sq. ft for 5th wheel- and gooseneck towing, and 60 sq. ft. for other trailers. Otherwise, "Exceeding these limitations may significantly reduce the performance of your towing vehicle." (ref 2017 TG pg 15).

2b) More on frontal area considerations (ref 2017 TG pg 39):

3) Altitude (ref 2017 TG pg 39):

4) Fuel grade (ref 2017 Super Duty OM v3 pg 185):

I've towed up to 10K feet elevation, and only with normally-aspirated gassers. Accordingly, I tend to limit (derate) my GCW to ~75% of the "maximum" spec.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

Jim, one of the towing guides I found online only goes to page 10. I think this is the one you were looking at: https://www.fleet.ford.com/resources...de_r6_Nov8.pdf

I agree with you that the specs are not absolute. I generally use the trailer weight number (GVWR) as-is because A) it can be challenging to figure out how to adjust it down and B) the cargo capacity number for the truck is usually passed long before the trailer weight is exceeded. That's not to say the trailer can weigh as much as you want as long as you don't exceed the cargo capacity, you still need to stay under the trailer weight spec.

 

Yes, I was looking at the complete 39 page Tow Guide. My pdf copy includes multiple revision dates (9/16/16, 9/28/16, 10/18/16). Like the Sales Brochure, there appears to be both "short" and "complete" versions.

Regards,
Jim / crewzer