This has been an interesting read. I like a good debate, and you folks are definately passionate about the subject so it keeps me reading.

On the subject specifically I first wish to share my situation followed by questions which I appreciate the various perspectives and comments. So please continue to share your knowledge, views and experience what every they may be, as these varied perspectives help me in making an informed decission.

I have a 1978 F 150 with the factory towing special package: it consist of 460 4v, c6, 3:85 locking rear axle. Load rated C tires, new electric brake controler, supper cooling etc etc. It is a Lariat regular cab long box that weighs 4350 lbs fueled without me (245lbs or the family) with a GVWR of 6050 on the door tag.

The Ford towing guide I obtained from the local dealer last week reads my truck with a fifth wheel has to GCWR of 15000 lbs. It breaks down that I could have a pin weight loaded 1700 lbs less what ever additional weight I would put in the truck as a load.

So the Truck weighs 4350 and say a load (family 450) adds up to 4800 lbs suggest I could have a pin weight of the trailer of a total 1250 lbs and I would be maxed out.

Bare with me as I am thinking this through.

In terms of a GCWR Ford says the rateing for my truck is 15000 lbs so less the actual weight of the loaded truck (4800 lbs) I could still pull a trailer of 12000 lbs. When you add the pin wieght the trailer to the truck that of course would be reduced the trailer weight capability.

Now heeding the advise of most of you and my gut feel maxing this out could be less than smart if I did this trip.

I have read from your input there are other considerations... grade of the road, distance of the trip, freaquency of hauling, weather, road conditons and so on and this above senario leaves no margin for error or safety based on Fords and the trailer companies ratings.

My senerario is two trips a year thirty miles away with no grade to speak of in the warm dry summer on a secondary hwy. The trailer is a 5th wheel and loaded weighs out at 9300 lbs total. The loaded pin weight lowered the truck 1 1/2 inches (just level) and transferred 1550 lbs to the truck. This put the GVWR over 200 lbs with it fueled and the family in it. (I need to loose weight and run with less fuel to meet the door tag.)

The GCWR however is 15000 lbs less the loaded truck 6250 lbs and the balance of the loaded trailer of 7650 lbs so I am towing 13900 lbs GCVW

My guess is for these two trips I should be drving at least a F 250
But get this. I was looking a a new truck and explained my situation to the Expert at Ford who recommended a new F 150 5.4 longbox, 3:73 with a towing package. Go figure.

Having said all this... I still have not pulled the trailer which I am to pick up late this week (20 minutes from home) What are your thoughts?

Thanks again for your input

Cheers
Ric

 

The new F150 has a higher tow rating than previous models, but for a fifth wheel of that weight I would recommend an F250. You might as well get the F350 SRW for the extra $600-800. It's the same truck with 4" rear blocks and a higher rating. You might also have a problem with clearance on the bedrails with certian fifth wheels. If you'll notice, the F150 has taller bedrails. Also, if you want a crew cab the supercrew F150 doesn't have enough room in the bed to tow a fifth wheel.

I think you know my opinion from the posts above, so I will leave this open for others to comment.

 

Ric, Will you stop agravating dieseljohn. Youre causing him all of this posting time over two 30 mile trips 200 lbs overweight. Shame on you.

John

 

jowilker -

You're a moderator - why don't you start moderating?

Steve

 

A few fun comments is one thing, but I think it's time to move on, this is counterproductive. The intent of this thread was to help inexperienced people to know what's safe, feasable and reasonable. The spirit of the thread was safe towing, and how to acheive it, many people have that question and it should be answered as truthfully as possible, whether it be opinion or fact. Fact: I have towed off a bumper safely in the past, but I would certainly recommend that a reciever or permanent hitch be used over the bumper, but yes, it can be done. Besides, once the reciever is there, there are other uses for it. I don't think anyone that has installed a reciever hitch has never used it after the install when the original intent was a one time deal, if nothing else, put one of those decorative hitch covers on it, or the additional light, although i would have it broken in short order around here... Have I towed over my limit? Yes I have, wouldn't really recommend it. I got lucky in that nothing bad came of it, but I live in rural areas, much different than dealing with the traffic of metro areas. I am towing without trailer brakes on my car trailer, but I do not recommend it be done that way, because it isn't really safe, I probably have depressions in the steering wheel from the close calls I have had as a result of reduced braking. Therefore I will not recommend it, as I intend to take care of that problem. I'm sure everyone can point to something they do that they would not recommend to anyone else to do. I have been pulling trailers for over 22 years in some form or fashion, but someone less experienced may end up in trajedy if they do as I do. I have been lucky, but if I don't do something about it, my luck may well run out. So I therefore will not tell someone it's fine to do something I have done, as I don't know their capabities and traffic conditions, so I generally assume they aren't real knowledgeable, as they are asking, so I go with the safe maximum, not the borderline safe to unsafe practices I have done.

 

Thanx guys. It has been an informative and entertaining thread.
On to somthing new for me.
Cheers
Ric

 

willyjo, move on. Someone made a legitimate post, I made a legitimate response, and all you can do is try to start trouble. FTE has always been a welcoming site and I would hate for newcomers not to feel welcome here or be too timid to post a question because of antics in the forums.

 

Some day I will have to tell you guys about my first towing experience. A long, long time ago. Can you say overconfident and overweight? Oh well, I was young and dumb and there weren't as many readily available resources for information like we have here.

Scott

 

Maybe a new thread of "Tell you worst towing story"

 

Why don't you start that thread. I'm sure it will make for some good reading.

 

Thanks for the encouragement. I thought a thread of testimonials would be light, entertaqining reading yet informative.
I think I will.
Cheers
Ric