I am new to this Forum and new to the world of towing a travel trailer. I am asking help in understanding what I can safely tow. I purchased a 2017 F-150, 5.0L, axle code 27, GVWR of 6800, cargo limit of 2133. I purchased it thinking the 5.0L would be best in towing a travel trailer and now understand there is a lot more I should have considered. The used car dealer did not know about towing either. I don't blame him since I should have better understood all factors.
And now my confusion starts. When I look up towing guides I find different numbers? They range from GCWR of 12000 to 5000. My Hitch says "weight distributing 11000, tongue 1100 but weight carrying of 5000 tongue 5000. To add to my confusion, I see another number that says tow limit is 9100? These numbers seem to contradict each other.
So, as you can see I need help! This truck has a back-up assist, factory installed brake controller, tow haul button, but no tow mirrors so I am not sure if it has a tow package. I surely would appreciate any help knowing what I can safely tow. Thanks for any thing you can teach me. .

 

Look at the sticker on the driver's door frame. The cargo capacity number is likely to be your primary limiting factor. Also, there should be a GVWR. That number may help you locate your specific truck in the charts you're looking at. Cargo capacity = GVWR - the weight of the truck.

The two different weights on the hitch indicate what you can tow with the weigh distributing hitch in use and what you can tow when not using a WDH. Also, just because the hitch says X capacity doesn't mean that your truck is actually capable of that amount.

 

Thank you HRTKD. That info helps me a lot.

 

 

Thank you. I was hoping for at least 6000 to 6500 GVWR trailer. But safety is my main concern. Thank you for your help.

 

 

https://www.fleet.ford.com/resources...de_r6_Nov8.pdf

 

Thank you V10man!

 

Page 18 in the link above is what you use to determine tow capacity. You'll have to look at your truck to determine your wheel base, cab configuration, and axle ratio.

Look at your door sticker for GVWR and subtract the actual weight of your truck to calculate payload.

I don't know where the "divide by 0.15" came from and payload rating may or may not be your limiting factor for towing. I'd use the link provided to determine tow rating.

 

 

Okay, I see what you mean though payload and tow capacity are not related. You want to be aware and mindful of both but you cannot draw a relationship between the two. Payload is based on things like tires, axle capacity, and springs. Tow rating is based on things like engine, tranny, and gear ratio. For instance, two other wise identical trucks with a different gear ratio will likely have the same payload and yet have noticeably different tow ratings.

 

65Ford thanks. Things are starting to make sense.

 

65Ford, as suggested I reviewed your link. I found the following info and have a question if you have time. My truck has a 5.0L, 3.31 Axle, Super Crew at 145 wheel base. It shows GCVW 13000 and Maximum Trailer of 7900. Next to 7900 is a note (8) meaning special edition package.

Not sure about the special edition package but would you take this as the maximum trailer I can get GVWR 7900 and GCWR of 13000? My truck GVWR is 6800. Tire sticker shows 2133 as max for passengers and stuff.

The trailer sticker I am hoping for says GVWR is 6500. I have a tuff time reconciling these numbers. And then comes some with a 80% rule.
Your opinion would be great. Thanks again.

 

Without getting into a debate about whether a 5.0 L engine can pull 7900 pounds for any length of time, the easiest way to start is by comparing cargo capacity of the truck to tongue weight of the (loaded) camper. The sticker on the driver's door shows 2133 as the cargo capacity of your truck (with a 150 pound driver and half a tank of fuel).
If you have a camper that is 6500 pounds fully loaded, then you can expect a tongue weight of about 975 pounds on average. Your truck's CCC of 2133 minus the 975 of the trailer's tongue weight leaves you 1158 pounds of cargo carrying capacity. That's fuel, coolers, food, clothes, kids, dogs, wives, girlfriends, a weight distribution hitch (you need one) and however much you might weigh over 150 pounds. If all of that adds up to less than 1158 pounds, then you are in good shape - the lower, the better.

 

WRVON, my wife and x wives don't get along. My wife and girlfriends don't get along either so I should be able to save weight there...LOL, Thank you for your response. I now understand why most responses are suggesting to have my truck weighted. Also how the 15% trailer weight figures into the tongue calculation. Thank you again.