Towing a 10k Camper
#1
04-20-2018, 06:37 PM
Towing a 10k Camper
I'm gonna be purchasing a new camper with a GVWR of 10k lbs and was wondering if I should get a bigger truck.
Current truck is a 2015 F150 Supercab 4x4 3.5 ecoboost, a little over 7k GVWR, Max towing capacity with my options according to ford is 10,700lbs. GVWR, GCWR, towing cap, hitch receiver, etc are all under their maximum weight ratings.
I'll probably be towing it once every month or two, all around the states.
Really don't wanna sell the truck already but what do ya'll think? Ya think all that towing will tear up my F150 or should I be fine?
Current truck is a 2015 F150 Supercab 4x4 3.5 ecoboost, a little over 7k GVWR, Max towing capacity with my options according to ford is 10,700lbs. GVWR, GCWR, towing cap, hitch receiver, etc are all under their maximum weight ratings.
I'll probably be towing it once every month or two, all around the states.
Really don't wanna sell the truck already but what do ya'll think? Ya think all that towing will tear up my F150 or should I be fine?
#2
04-20-2018, 07:23 PM
I'd advise getting your truck on the scales first before you consider what trailer to purchase. See how much room you have with all the equipment, fuel and everything in the truck you would tow with.
Then you will know how much is available payload wise and GCVWR wise.
Off hand I'd be willing to give it a try for at least a season before trading up.
Then you will know how much is available payload wise and GCVWR wise.
Off hand I'd be willing to give it a try for at least a season before trading up.
#3
04-20-2018, 08:30 PM
#4
04-20-2018, 08:37 PM
Lead Driver
Trailer weight isn't going to be your biggest issue. Payload is usually where most half-tons run up against limitations. Also, how LONG that trailer is will make a big difference to how comfortable you are. a 32' trailer will feel much different than a 26' trailer, especially behind an F150.
Read up the many threads about setting up a WDH and search the phrase "CAT scale" and you'll see a lot of us have had this discussion many times. There is great info in those threads if you take the time to dig it out.
Read up the many threads about setting up a WDH and search the phrase "CAT scale" and you'll see a lot of us have had this discussion many times. There is great info in those threads if you take the time to dig it out.
#5
04-20-2018, 11:51 PM
It’s been a few years since I had a travel trailer, but it seems like the OEMs are posting the actual trailer weights from the factory. I think it might actually be required, so look for a placard somewhere. It should have the actual weight of your trailer, options and all. But it will be a dry weight, so no water and probably 1,000 to 1,500 under the GVWR of the trailer
Like Senix said, hit the scale and see where you’re at. But first fill the fresh water tank and load a weekend’s worth of gear into the trailer and your truck. You want to be maxed out.
Even if you’re under the maximum weights, the truck just might not feel stable with that much weight. Then you’ll know you need a bigger tow vehicle.
Like Senix said, hit the scale and see where you’re at. But first fill the fresh water tank and load a weekend’s worth of gear into the trailer and your truck. You want to be maxed out.
Even if you’re under the maximum weights, the truck just might not feel stable with that much weight. Then you’ll know you need a bigger tow vehicle.
#6
04-21-2018, 05:38 AM
Will you tear up your truck towing that much weight? Nope, I towed 15k lbs regularly with a 3.5 and the biggest problem i had with the truck was accelerated brake wear. I had absolutey no trouble with the rest of the truck. Will you be comfortable towing that much? That is a question that only you will be able to answer after you put in some time towing, but do not skimp on your WDH for your new rig and you will be lickley more pleased with your rig. If it were me I would pull it for a year and see how it goes.
#7
04-21-2018, 05:47 AM
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#8
04-21-2018, 04:24 PM
Fleet Mechanic
And don't trust the dealer or weight stickers in the trailer. The dealer will tell you the tongue weight is well below what your payload is to make money. If that trailer is 10k pounds my money says the tongue weight is going to be no less than 1400#. That plus you and passengers and a few items in the bed will be pushing the 1800# mark.
i just don't think the F150 is the truck for this job on a normal basis. If you were hauling something from Home Depot once a year for 20-30 miles I wouldn't worry about it.
i just don't think the F150 is the truck for this job on a normal basis. If you were hauling something from Home Depot once a year for 20-30 miles I wouldn't worry about it.
#9
04-24-2018, 12:59 AM
And don't trust the dealer or weight stickers in the trailer. The dealer will tell you the tongue weight is well below what your payload is to make money. If that trailer is 10k pounds my money says the tongue weight is going to be no less than 1400#. That plus you and passengers and a few items in the bed will be pushing the 1800# mark.
i just don't think the F150 is the truck for this job on a normal basis. If you were hauling something from Home Depot once a year for 20-30 miles I wouldn't worry about it.
i just don't think the F150 is the truck for this job on a normal basis. If you were hauling something from Home Depot once a year for 20-30 miles I wouldn't worry about it.
I agree with your concern about an F150 being the right truck for the job though.
Well everyone, after reading your responses, getting some feedback from some co-workers, and doin a little thinkin myself, I decided just to upgrade to a brand new 2017 F250 6.7L. Thanks everyone
#10
04-24-2018, 01:45 PM
I just upgraded from a 150 3.5eb to a super duty because of a similar situation. The 150 pulled the weight just fine but the trailer was to much for the brakes. My front rotors showed signs of being way to hot and my pads were cracked. Sudden or emergency stops just put to much load on the fronts and would overwhelm their stopping power. The ecoboost is up to the task but the truck needed bigger brakes.
#11
04-25-2018, 07:35 AM
#12
04-25-2018, 08:29 PM
More Turbo
They'll spend another 2k on air bags, wdh, springs etc and tell each other yeah you can pull a 34 foot fifth wheel no problem ...... sigh.......
Been window shopping for a used F-250 6.2L
Don't pull often enough but trailer and tractor is around 9400 to 9700lbs. Will know for sure once some projects get done and can hit the CAT scales.
So very glad you chose a 6.7l for the future and now your whole world just opened up for the future trailer yah'll plan on getting.
congrats!
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