Hello-
I have a 04 super crew larait 4x4 5.4 3:73 rearend with an AutoSpring 2 inch leveling kit. I am purchasing a Jayco 30' travel trailer that weighs 7300 pds unloaded. I has a tongue weight of about 850 pds. The trailer will have a weight distribution hitch and sway control.
My question is: Will this cause the truck to squat to much to safely tow? Should I remove the leveling kit from the front end to the truck?
Thanks
Tinman

 

I don't think the leveling kit will affect safety of towing or handling of the truck. The leveling kit may make your truck look alittle overloaded but I don't think you should have any trouble. I wouldn't hesitate pulling the camper with the leveling kit still installed. But this is just my opinion. Good Luck.

 

The trailer unloaded at 7300# will probably tip the scales at 8000-8500 by the time you're actually going to use it (figure stocking it up). That'll increase the tongue weight also. It's getting REAL CLOSE to the max capabilities of your truck. Plus, you need to consider the total weight of the truck/trailer combo, with you and the family/friends onboard, plus full tank of gas (gonna need THAT often!) and whatever supplies you're bringing. That's alot of weight.

Hopefully, you also have the tow package with the trans cooler and larger radiator...there will be a big demand on your drivetrain!!!

You should post this in the "towing" section further down the forums menu...there are alot of knowledgable folks on that site and you'll get great advice!!

Good luck, and congrats on the NICE TRUCK!!

 

Moved to appropriate forum

 

If you have'nt bought the trailer yet, I would'nt buy it, or buy the trailer and get a f250 or f350 to pull it. I don't think you would be happy with the overall performance and stabilaty. I think the max trailer length you can go with on the f150 supercrews wheelbase, is a 27ft trailer,if not you will get alot of trailer sway and white knuckle driving. You can get what you want, but be carefull and good luck. Look at the spec. for your truck, I would stay at least 15% lighter than then my max.

 

Go over to RV.net and ask some questions.

 

Slow down there, we certainly have a crowd of people on FTE that can answer this question and others. Let's try to keep discussions on FTE instead of directing them to other websites when questions can be answered here.

BY THE WAY, THIS IS A DUPLICATE THREAD. READ POSTS IN THE OTHER THREAD.

 

The weight distibuting hitch will keep the rear end from sagging, but with a 5.4 and a 3.73 rear end I don't think you'll be happy with its performance. I would think about a bigger truck to pull that with, but it's still a free country so do what ever makes you happy!....just my two cents....

 

Its still reasonable, but I agree, you are on the edge of needing a heavier truck. If its 7300lbs empty, you will be over the safety limits with it loaded with people, never mind gear.

 

I have to agree with grafekie and others that you will be surprise how the weight will add up. 7300#. Is that with or without the grey, black and water tanks filled. Those add considerable weight. Then you will have to look at all the other "stuff", food, propane, it goes on and on. For that size trailer I would say look at a F250 or F350. They will handle the load alot better with alot less wear and tear on your vehicle.

If not then consider the installation of Air bags. It can help with the added weight on the rear. Diffently get electric brakes wired for your truck-trailer, preferely on both axles. You will not want to depend on your truck brakes. I know a friend that tows a stock trailer, 24' with his F150 (has air bags). It tows fine but his motor sure does have to work when it is loaded.

As for the legal limits on the F150 I have not a clue for GVWR and max length of trailer.

Some other considerations to think about is how often will you be towing, how long are the towing trips, what type of terrain will you be towing.

I tow a 22' trailer with a F350 6.0 . It only weights 6500# fully loaded so I dont really notice it there. I have loan it out to my neighbor. He has a Dodge 1500 with the hemi and he could noticble fell it while towing. Plus his gas millage was BAD.

Can you try a test tow drive, ie do you know someone with a similar size and weight trailer to see how it handles.

Hope this help.

 

Thanks-
My plans are just to tow it a few times a year. None of the trips would be over 200 miles or so. I llive in MIssissippi, so their are not a lot of big hills in the direction I will be going. I will use it at my land during the hunting season, then enjoy it at a few of the state parks around here.
I have the Prodigy brake controller already and just order Firestone Air bags. I use the truck to tow an 18' trailer with a 4x4 38 horsepower Kubuta tractor that has a front end loader and box blade on it now. Weight of tractor and all implements is about 7500pds.
I do not intend on hauling in water in the tanks, maybe just a small amount that will be left in the black tank. The propane bottles will be full though.
I would like to find an older 3/4 or 1 ton truck at a deal, just to ease my mind though.

THanks