You need at least a three quarter ton. I tow a 7000lb gooseneck with my F150 and it does a good job, but 10500lbs PLUS is too much.
Towing Question
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New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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Towing Question
With an 2005 f150 crew cab with the 5.4L engine, how much do you think i could tow with a fifth wheel hitch rather than a basic ball hitch? Ive got a load with an approximate weight of 10 500lbs. thats including the trailer, possible without damaging anything on the truck or causing future problems?
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 342
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From: South central kansas
Way too much for a 1/2 ton. Rear ring gear will probably go multiple times, followed by a tranny. Plus that truck is not equipped to stop such a heavy load. I would upgrade to a 250 gasser if price is an issue.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Burnsville, MN
A 2006 Supercrew 4x4 F-150 with a 3-valve 5.4 and an automatic transmission and 138.5" wheel base is rated for a "Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight" of 9,200 pounds.
Admittedly the SuperDuty will have better brakes, but that's the Ford rating from their "RV and Trailer Towing Guide"
Admittedly the SuperDuty will have better brakes, but that's the Ford rating from their "RV and Trailer Towing Guide"
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: WA Resident
Originally Posted by grafekie
I'm confused BareBones... sounds like you are agreeing that its too much?
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
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i know a guy that has a 2004 f150 w/ a 5.4 that he tows a 12,000lb 5th wheel with. he travels alot also. i don't think it is a good idea but it will do it. if you do decide to do it get air bags for it. the smart thing to do is get a bigger truck.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Living under the bosses d
Hey, I know w guy that tows 44,000 lbs behind his truck. The difference is that his truck is RATED and DEEMED SAFE to tow that load.
Smartassedness aside, The F150 series is not really made to or engineered for that type of load on a constant basis. Will it do it? YES Should it do it? NO. Good luck even finding a reputable shop to put a 12.5K hitch in it. I would always suggest to derate the truck and know that if your load goes up you can handle it. If you find yourself in a "situation" you will have the confidence that your truck can handle it....either brakeing or accelerating. I Know that the SD is a bunch more money than the F150, But what is safety worth. I think that you may find an older F150 (7700) MAY have a higher tow rating but I am not sure and they no longer make the 7700 series.
Smartassedness aside, The F150 series is not really made to or engineered for that type of load on a constant basis. Will it do it? YES Should it do it? NO. Good luck even finding a reputable shop to put a 12.5K hitch in it. I would always suggest to derate the truck and know that if your load goes up you can handle it. If you find yourself in a "situation" you will have the confidence that your truck can handle it....either brakeing or accelerating. I Know that the SD is a bunch more money than the F150, But what is safety worth. I think that you may find an older F150 (7700) MAY have a higher tow rating but I am not sure and they no longer make the 7700 series.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
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From: Simpsonville, KY
No, the 7700 series could tow less than his 2005. I mentioned I tow 7k with my gooseneck, I do need airbags to keep the load level. Even though the bed load is still within Ford's recommendations it looks pretty sad, and the shock from bottoming out the suspension over every bump is not healthy. Airbags removed that consideration and brought the truck back up to factory spec even with its 1500lb load.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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Originally Posted by fireman660r
Way too much for a 1/2 ton. Rear ring gear will probably go multiple times, followed by a tranny. Plus that truck is not equipped to stop such a heavy load. I would upgrade to a 250 gasser if price is an issue.
You DO have EXACT ALLY the same engine & transmit ion as the 3/4's & 1 tons.
As far as stopping goes, you should have trailer brakes that stop the trailer. Without them, even a 1 ton will have BIG trouble stopping that trailer.
Bottom line.... Yes your truck will do it. I probably would like the extra suspension that a heavier truck would have but would do it if that was all I had. I also wouldn't drive or expect the same response and handling as if I was in a sports car.
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 94
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From: Ohio
biggest problem w/f-150 & 5th wheel towing is the pin weight of the trailer you are towing. Usually pin weight is 15 to 25 % of the trailer weight.(10,500lbs.= 2100lbs. at 20%. I bet your GAWR of your truck will be exceeded. I would upgrade truck to 3/4 ton or bigger or tow less weight.!!!!!!