I am looking to buy a 5th wheel LITE but need to know what my rear axle can handle for load. I drive a 1994 F150 5.8l with auto tranny. I currently tow a little 18' TT that my truck barely even feels and my father (who used to own the truck) used to pull 5k loads (cars) with no problem. This towing has never been done on a regular basis...maybe 2-4 times/yr. I do not have the towing package but do have air shocks in the rear. Nomenclature plate on my truck shows GVW 6500lb and Rear GAWR 3800lb.

I'm going to look at a 22' Alpenlite 5ver tonight after work...but would be nice to know if I can even do this. Will find out the weight of this 5ver when I see it tonight.

Any advice would be great.

THANKS and I apologize if this post is redundant. I've spend the last 45 min or so trying to find my situation here, so finally decided to post. LOVE THE FORUM BTW!

 

The consensus seems to be that in order to tow a 5th wheel with a half ton, it better be a LIGHT 5th wheel. Your truck is just not set up to tow even a medium-ish 5th wheel. If you don't have the towing package, you should absolutely install a tranny cooler for your tranny, and think about a shift kit as well. Don't expect it to last too long otherwise, and the E4OD is an expensive bugger to replace.

What's the weight on the 5th wheel? Anything more than about 5000 lbs wet, and I wouldn't do it.

 

I will find out the weight tonight. thanks!

 

There are lots of variables like engine tranny differential, gearing, brakes, tires, on and on. So if you have your manual check out the tow ratings.

From the Ford truck Owners Bible and reading Trailer Life Magazine, and I specifically recall studying on the mid 90s models since I have a 94 F250, the mid 90s F150 was at best a 5,000 pound trailer truck and only for occasional use. This assumed you have the highest rated F150 with tow package etc.

Both sources did not like using a 150 for more than once in awhile towing of anything near 5,000#. The brakes, suspension, etc just wasn't up to continued towing.

You might be happier with a bigger truck. Larger trucks make the ride more rlaxing and controlled. You will arrive at your destination with less stress and more safely.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

With a rear axle weight rating of 3800 lbs, you've got maybe 1000 lbs of payload capacity available. At 20% pin weight, that means about a 5000 lb 5th wheel, loaded, which means about 4000-4500 'dry' weight, which is usually what the trailer dealers quote you. Not many 5th wheelers in that weight range. I would look for a ball-hitch travel trailer under 25' to tow with that truck instead.

 

Try more like 1800 lbs of payload capacity available, 6500 GVWR and 4400 lb unladen weight, most of that on the front axle. 2100 lb - 300 for driver and maybe a passenger leaves 1800. 2000 of the unladen plus 1800, if the hitch is centered over the rear axle, equals 3800.

I'm not recommeding this, but trying keep the numbers as accurate as possible for this discussion.

Jim