The linked ad in the OP lists the trailer GVW as 11.695. I thought that seemed low for a trailer of this size. Checked the manufacturer's web site and the empty weight for this model trailer (2021) is 11,751. Gross weight rating is more like 13,980.

The OP needs to proceed with caution when looking at trailers. The weight specs can be inaccurate. You need to verify by requesting the information from the data plate on the specific trailer. Salesman will sell you anything and tell you it will be okay.

As others have written, a 12,000 lb gross weight rated trailer will be at the upper limit for the OP's truck based on the stickered ratings of the truck. OP should make a realistic estimation of how much weight (people and cargo) that will typically be carried in the truck on a trip. Subtract that amount from the payload listed on the truck's sticker. The amount left is all is that is available for trailer pin weight. Pin weight can be between 20% and 25% of the trailer weight depending on how it is loaded.

 

He does have the 5th wheel prep and all F250 Tremor w/diesel get the high capacity towing package along with an increased GVWR to 10,800lb. In fact, all Tremor F250's have the F350 leaf packs and Dana rear(unless thats diesel only?). That's why you will see it mentioned on the forums regularly that it is physically the same as the F350.

I know "legal" gets thrown in with payload all the time but I have yet to see where a law is written using the payload number as the determining factor. Not saying that "legal" isn't the correct word but it usually comes down to legal in the sense of liability (lawsuit) incase of an accident, and the potential for being considered negligent for not strictly following the manufacturer's ratings. I don't see that being easily proved in all cases. From a legal as in police or dot standpoint, there seems to be other numbers that they are focused on. Im still not clear on if GVWR is even a consideration other than when looking at GCVWR. I find it interesting that as long as this type of discussion has been going on there still seems to be some uncertainty and lack of examples of specific law. Maybe its because of variances between states 🤷🏻‍♂️.

It's definitely the safe bet to stay within the manufacturer's ratings. Personally, I wouldn't trip if I was over by the weight of a couple passengers or so.

 

You would need a dually for that trailer. Probably an F450 would be best.

 

I was looking a few weeks ago at a 2020 F350 7.3 STX 4dr 4wd SRW short bed. It had 4049 lbs payload. You are paying a payload penalty for the diesel. I know you just bought it but what if you went back to the dealer and said you need more payload and want a higher capacity vehicle? Would it be uncomfortable, of course. However it may be necessary to meet your goal. BTW-congratulations on doing the math before you got on the road. Many campers don't. Good luck and get input from as many sources as you can, I've found you need to know more about towing capacity and payload than the salesmen do.

 

That would be true if comparing F350-F350, but in the case of the OP's specific F250 there is no payload penalty for the diesel compared to a gas F250 with the same options. The diesel gets an additional 800lb of GVWR over the gas version, more than making up for the diesel engine weight.

 

IMHO, payload has no true legal meaning from an enforcement standpoint and likely not from a liability standpoint either as it is not practical to measure.
GVWR is definitely a legal limit. It is the weight rating the manufacturer certifies for the truck and it is likely the weight the truck is licensed for. It is easy to measure with a set of portable scales. The other important weights are the manufacturer weight ratings for each axle.

Payload rating is a good guide for what the truck can carry and stay below the GVWR. The OP wrote that he had not towed or purchased a 5th wheel before. In looking for a trailer, knowing how much of the payload is available for pin weight will help focus his search. Given his experience level, I suggest he stay well within the limits of the truck. It will make for a happier and safer towing experience.

 

When you get weighed by the DOT your GVWR is determined by the sum of your axle weight ratings, the factory GVWR rating means nothing in that regard. However most states do go by the factory GVWR when you register your vehicle, mainly just to determine how much you pay.

 

not sure why someone is telling you to stay away from bumper pulls? we have three kids and pull a KZ Connect 281bh. It fits the family perfectly. It's not a high end unit. We figured, with three kids, we should problaby buy a mid range unit and not worry if they were a bit hard on it. We are three years in with it and it's served us well. We have an F350 PSD with just shy of 3600 on our yellow sticker so we can pretty much tow anything we want.

Good luck

 

This was my understanding. And as far as reg fees go I think you can just pay the additional fees based on what you plan to run at. When I renewed this last year I was asked if I would be staying at the weight I'm registered for.

 

Unable to upload pics App got some bugs (Mods: I can see the picture uploaded but it states "Upload of file failed"). Here's what I've got.

2020 F250 Tremor with HCTP

only Reese fifth wheel hitch, no sidewinder, can not quite make 90 degree turns, but go everywhere and never an issue.

2015 Heartland Elkridge M-38RSRT

GVWR 15,500 Lbs
Dry Weight 13,768 Lbs
Hitch Weight 2,145 Lbs
Carrying Capacity 1,684 Lbs
Width 8'-3/4"
Height 13'-3"
Length * 41'-9"
Square Feet 429 Sq Ft
Sleeping Capacity 7-8
Axles 2 x 7,000 LBS
Fresh Tank 50 Gal
Gray Tank 120 Gal
Black Tank 80 Gal
Water Heater 12 Gal
Lp Tank Capacity 2 x 30 LBS

 

This is interesting. Does it pull OK? Do you get any sag? Aren't you quite above the payload capacity?

My door says 2900 for payload. This trailer shows a hitch weight of 1980.

 

Well on paper it's doable and that leaves you 900 lbs for hitch, passengers, and gear forward of the trailer axles.

 

With the 250 Tremor (HCTP) you need to air up your rear tires if you want to tow heavy.

 

Better check the bed height of the Tremor- we looked at one and it was too tall for our 5th wheel- yeah, it would have worked most of the time, but all it takes is one steep driveway or campground entrance and the underside of the 5th wheel & bed corners are bent.

 

That's B.S. The chance that you'll ever see that low of a pin weight is close to zero. Nobody goes camping with nothing in the trailer. That pin weight may also be the weight of a trailer with no options.

The weights you're looking at are dry weights and they mean nothing. Look at the GVWR and take 20% of that as a minimum pin weight.