I'm thinking about getting a travel trailer to live in while I build my next house, and I'm wondering what size my F150 could haul. I have 2 choices- buy one here in FL, where they are a dime a dozen, and drag it 600 miles to SC, or buy one in SC. Obviously, I'd dare haul a bigger one if it was only a few miles, compared to 600 miles. I have no idea what these things weigh, which would be a big factor. I assume bigger ones have brakes? Is it practical to use a mini 5th wheel on an F150? Price will be the biggest factor- I don't care what it looks like as long as it keeps the rain out!

 

Well if it does go "too big" ... give your local guys a shout... We would only be too happy to assist in something like that.

 

In your owners manual is a CGVWR rating

You didn't mention:
what year
what engine
What hitch type

with a 460, AT ,Class III hitch,trailer with brakes

CGVWR should be about 9600 lbs

 

It's a '96, 300 6, auto trans. I know I can look up how much it can tow; I don't know how much various trailers weigh, or if things like wind resistance come in to play. Thanks for the offer, Trigger- I hadn't thought of that.

 

From the 1990 towing guide for F-series

60 square feet of frontal space with HD package or towing package.

Without heavy duty package and/or towing package, do not exceed front area of truck.

So, your rule of thumb would probably work out to a 5K trailer and something 7 feet wide and 8 feet tall. If you put a fairing on your roof, that would be better.

> Is it practical to use a mini 5th wheel on an F150?

No, the weight it adds to the bed will decrease your towing capacity.

 

My 1977 22.5' holiday trailer with dual axle 3 pc bathroom with tub, 50 gallon water tank,water heater,furnace,stove/oven,complete with dishes,camping supplies,food,etc etc

Weighs about 4500-5000lbs .

I would think the more contoured the roof line is the less wind resistance.

I know I would have quite a time pulling my trailer with a 5 litre engine in any configuration.

I have to have the 429/460.

 

I pull a Fleetwood, Pioneer CK180. It is 22' from rear bumper to hitch. It weighs 5200 to 5900 lbs loaded.

I can tell you if you are pulling in the mountians, this is all you will want to pull. I pulled a 10 percent grade at 7000' and I was in first, and thinking of stopping and going into 4wd low to get there.

These engines are good for level, low altitude pulls. Next year my 150 will grow up to be a 250 super duty deisel.