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Hello, and thanks in advance for your response(s).
I have a 2008 Ford F150 STX Super Cab. My travel trailer is a 2021 Forrest River Wildwood X-Lite (273QBXL). I have attached a Scan Gauge 2 that I monitor the truck with. My truck has pulled the trailer fine for the last couple of years. I usually stay at state parks around two hours away (I live in Southeast Missouri). When I pull the trailer, my RPMs are around 2,500 on a typical flat roadway. It jumps to around 3,500 when climbing a hill, and when I'm "showering down" on it and trying to merge onto the interstate, it can be much higher. I monitor the transmission temperature closely, and it never gets above 150 degrees.
However, looking through all the options on the Scan Gauge, I noticed a "LOD" feature and found that it stood for engine load. Under everyday driving (pulling the trailer @ 2,500 RPMs), the LOD readout is usually above 85%. When I'm climbing a hill, it hits 99%. So, am I going to blow my motor up? As I stated earlier, the truck has been pulling the trailer fine. Anyway, thanks for your help in advance!
Another question: If you were going to upgrade a 1/2 ton pickup for better towing...what upgrade would you make? FYI - I already have a weight distribution hitch and break controller in my truck.
Another question: If you were going to upgrade a 1/2 ton pickup for better towing...what upgrade would you make? FYI - I already have a weight distribution hitch and break controller in my truck.
Not to be sarcastic but I would upgrade it to a 3/4 ton truck. Big difference in the towing experience. I had a half ton truck before my F-350. I had to manage the transmission (gear selection) and keep an eye on the transmission and engine temperature gauges. With the F-350 I still look at those gauges but only so it puts a smile on my face because the truck manages everything so well for me. The drive is much more relaxing.
You didn't say what the GVWR of your trailer is. Since it's an x-lite I'm assuming that it isn't very heavy and probably fits your F-150 just fine.
Not to be sarcastic but I would upgrade it to a 3/4 ton truck. Big difference in the towing experience. I had a half ton truck before my F-350. I had to manage the transmission (gear selection) and keep an eye on the transmission and engine temperature gauges. With the F-350 I still look at those gauges but only so it puts a smile on my face because the truck manages everything so well for me. The drive is much more relaxing.
You didn't say what the GVWR of your trailer is. Since it's an x-lite I'm assuming that it isn't very heavy and probably fits your F-150 just fine.
The Forest River RV Wildwood X-Lite 273QBXL travel trailer weighs 6,028 lbs dry, has a hitch weight of 752 lbs, and a cargo capacity of 1,724 lbs. The 273QBXL is 33 ft 5 in long, 8 ft wide, and 10 ft 4 in high. It can sleep up to 10 people and has an outdoor kitchen.
33' is getting up there in length. If you experience the tail wagging the dog then the F-150 may not be enough truck. It looks like your trailer's GVWR is going be around 7800 lbs. I wouldn't consider that to be "lite" for a bumper pull trailer.
Don't forget that tongue weight reduces the cargo capacity on the truck. Everything in the bed and cab further reduces the cargo capacity.
Take a look at this excerpt from the 2008 Towing Guide to determine what your truck is rated to two.
33' is getting up there in length. If you experience the tail wagging the dog then the F-150 may not be enough truck. It looks like your trailer's GVWR is going be around 7800 lbs. I wouldn't consider that to be "lite" for a bumper pull trailer.
Don't forget that tongue weight reduces the cargo capacity on the truck. Everything in the bed and cab further reduces the cargo capacity.
Take a look at this excerpt from the 2008 Towing Guide to determine what your truck is rated to two.
Yeah...I'm on the edge for sure. 3/4 ton trucks...even 10 years old are ridiculously expensive though.
I believe the axle code 19 means it has a 3.55 axle ratio.
You are correct:
An axle code 19 on a Ford F150 is interchangeable with other axles that have the same gear ratio. The number 19 indicates a 3.55 ratio, and this code is also known as L9.
Here are some other axle codes for Ford F150s:
15: 3.15 ratio, also known as L5
27: 3.31 ratio, also known as L3
26: 3.73 ratio, also known as B6
H9: 3.55 ratio, also known as L9
You can find a car's gear ratio by decoding its VIN. The VIN is often located on the driver's side of the dashboard, where the dashboard meets the windshield, or on a sticker inside the driver's side door.
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