We have a 2010 F250 crew cab King Ranch, 6.4L, 3.55 gears. We're wanting to purchase a 5th wheel with a dry weight of 12420 and a camp capacity of 4080 (16,000 gross). We don't plan on reaching camp capacity, but still worried about the weight. Is this trailer too heavy for this truck? The owner's manual is inconsistent & we plan on outfitting with rear airbags.

Thanks for your help!

 

Well let me tell you what I did. First I consulted the towing guide. Here is the link:https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...FifthWheel.pdf

I assume 4x4? In that case 15,300 is the max 5th wheel. (4x2 is 15,800) Either way the other important # is GCWR: 23,000 lbs for what ever combo you come up with.

Now what does the cert label on the drivers door pillar indicate for your axle wt's?

Then finally you need to load the truck up with your normal payload, full of fuel and go to your local CAT scale and get it on the scale. Around here where I live it is $9.00. Small price for having good solid info.

My 5th comes in at 14K wet, King pin as advertised was a little of 1900 lbs. Actual pin wt is more like 2100 lbs. You need to be aware that king pin wt could be as high as 20% of the trailer wt.

So with my truck I come in at 5100 (6K axle) on the front, 3160 (6100) on the rear total is 8260 (10K gross on the cert label)

Using this info I determined I could put as much as 2900 in the bed and cab and still be ok and not worry at my axle or tires. Still don't want to exceed the 23K combined wt.

So what are the actual # of the trailer you are looking at? Pics? I think you are close but you would be surprised and what you will put in it to be over.

Finally one other thing, once I put everything in the trailer minus water and frig items, I put it all on the scale again, this ticket I put in the glove box for traveling, If I ever get pulled over I have quick evidence I am ok.

 

Scott, once again you have provided great info. Tow happy, but tow safe buddy. -Glenn

 

There is always more, no magic spring dust here, but thanks Glenn!

 

Go with it rsdunn. Your 3.55 will make it slow going from a dead stop on an uphill grade but your braking and overall handling will be fine. I only say thins because I have towed large 5th wheels with my truck, outfitted with the airbags, and have had nothing but smooth sailing. I weighed in at 23,500 with a work trailer we have and there was no issue with the truck.

Your transmission and braking will be solid. Crosswinds will bother you just a little and the high center of gravity will also keep your attention. Make sure you have good tires, inflated to the max (prob 80psi) and have fun. You have a great tow rig.

 

Scott-

How did you derive the 2900 lbs payload?

 

For 5th wheel purposes, I took my axle rating (6100 lbs) minus the empty wt of 3160= 2940. 2940 would then be including the hitch and the king pin wt and whatever else winds up in the truck.

So that is what I based my decisions on.

So technically based upon the above ticket I am over my 10K gross for the truck by 1,100 lbs. To me not a big deal. Axle limits and the 23K is my concern.

 

RS, I agree with ruschejj, go for it. I towed a 12,500 lb 5er all over the country including alaska with an F250 extended cab short bed. And towed my 17,000 lb 5er with it for several trips. It pulled 17,000 fine but I figured I was gonna burn out the tranny, which shouldn't be a problem with the new trannys. Several things to think about though, you need to check the rating on the rear axle tires. Make sure you weigh the rig and that the rear axle tires are adaquate and keep them inflated to the rated pressure. If the're not rated for the weight you have on the rear axel, REPLACE THEM THEY WILL FAIL. You will love the air bags they'll keep you nice and stable and keep the truck level and the lights out of the sky at night. Keep them inflated enough to keep everything level. Like somebody above said you're not gonna win any drag races with that rear axle and the trailer will push you around a little in some conditions but, over all you should be fine. On edit let me add one more thing. You must weigh the rig, do not trust the dealer or the placards on the trailer, take it to the weigh station so you know what you have.