Need check of my tow capacities and advice

tmhudg · 08-20-2014, 06:44 AM

Hi All,

I'm a newbie to RV towing (moving from Class C). I just bought an F150 Eccoboost with Max Tow and I'm trying to figure out what I can tow with it. Yes, I've poured over this forum and am aware of the discussions on 1/2 ton TVs but that's what I've got.

I like the idea of a 5th wheel but I want to understand if I even have an option for a small 25 footer.

To start with, here are my calculations on my max pin wt.

GVWR: 7650
Truck wt.: 5615
Gas wt. (36 gal): 216
People: 270
hitch: 300?

Seems like that leaves me 1250 for pin wt. Is that about right?

If I then calculate that a 5er pin wt. is about 20% of trailer wt., that means I can have a max trailer wt. of about 6000.

None of the small 24-25 ft 5ers I've seen are that light dry, not to mention with additional cargo.

So, is that option out or am I missing something?

Thanks,

Tom

x96mnn · 08-20-2014, 06:54 AM

I do not think your missing anything. The truck will have most power you will need but lack payload.

Only number you may want to double check is the weight of your truck. If the weight you listed is from a scale perfect, if it is off the truck you may be missing some items. Full tank of fuel, accessories that were added either dealer or personal, options such as skid plates, AC, power options, seats all weigh more. Usually the sticker is just a standard and not truck specific but I may be wrong.

KanTC · 08-20-2014, 08:11 AM

to the forum Tom!

Check the "factory" load/payload sticker on your truck's driver side door area... this gives you a more accurate number to work with.

You're correct - finding a 5th wheel with a (empty/dry) pin weight of 'about' 900 lbs will be a huge task, but there may still be some "out there".
The Springdale had some in their line-up (around 2007-08, or earlier), and you can check the Keystone archives.

http://www.keystonerv.com/customer-service [see "Previous Year Specs"]
http://www.keystonerv.com/request-a-brochure [see "Brochure Archives"]

One other thing to consider is that an older model 5th wheel probably won't have the same curved-front over-hang, (& sharper turning radius) so
you may have to purchase a sliding 5th wheel hitch of some type.

Hope this helps,
Terri, the Chevy co-pilot

SmittysRV · 08-20-2014, 08:30 AM

check this out....

http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/towing/

tmhudg · 08-20-2014, 08:41 AM

Thanks,

Just checked the sticker and it has 7650 so that appears to be line up with what I got on the spec sheet on ford.com (yes, I was using that link to get my info).

I think finding a 5er is going to be too tough so I guess I'm back to TTs - and decisions about Weight Distributing hitches which seems hellishly complicated (sigh).

On the TT side, I was looking at say, a Cougar 28RLS which has a dry wt of 6590 and max of 7800. Hitch wt. is 780

So, 780 puts me under the truck payload limit - check.

The truck GCWR is 17,000 which should leave me almost 11,000 for the TT and matches the 11,200 tow rating so I've got plenty of headroom on TT wt. - check.

Any red flags here? I know these are kind of simple questions but I've been reading so much and there are enough variables and fudge factors thrown around that I just wanted to have a sanity check on my thinking. I do appreciate the feedback and help.

Thanks again,

Tom

BirchyBoy · 08-20-2014, 08:46 AM

A WDH isn't too difficult. It takes 5 minutes at most for me to setup and breakdown my Equalizer hitch.

Javi · 08-20-2014, 08:52 AM

That 780 hitch weight will be 1000 before it's all over with

therink · 08-20-2014, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Javi

That 780 hitch weight will be 1000 before it's all over with

X2, 780 is factory shipped pin weight. Remember, it will be 20 percent or so of loaded fifth wheel rate. Likely around 1200 lbs.

Nevermind, I realized you are talking about TT.

BirchyBoy · 08-20-2014, 09:36 AM

I saw a lifted F-350 towing a 5th wheel via a hitch this weekend. He had some sort of adapter on the camper because his truck was too tall.

tmhudg · 08-20-2014, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BirchyBoy

A WDH isn't too difficult. It takes 5 minutes at most for me to setup and breakdown my Equalizer hitch.

I was thinking more about figuring out which one to get vs. hooking it up each time. I tried reading a How To on WDHs and it seemed to have a lot of calculations that hinged on exact tongue weights, etc. and then my head exploded and I stopped reading.

I don't know the first thing about buying and/or sizing one and I don't think I trust a dealer to tell me the truth.

Tom

tmhudg · 08-20-2014, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Javi

That 780 hitch weight will be 1000 before it's all over with

Agreed but I'll still be under my truck payload limit of 1250 right?

Tom

Javi · 08-20-2014, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmhudg

Agreed but I'll still be under my truck payload limit of 1250 right?

Tom

Depends on what else you put in or on the truck and or trailer.. Like I told a fellow the other day... You better make a pit stop BEFORE you buy a Big Mac, cause you gonna be over weight if you don't..

BulletOwner1 · 08-20-2014, 09:54 AM

As long as you are still looking, we have the Bullet 284RLS 2012, and it's dry sticker weight is 5330. Somewhat lighter than the Cougar. Might want to give it a look see.

tmhudg · 08-20-2014, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BulletOwner1

As long as you are still looking, we have the Bullet 284RLS 2012, and it's dry sticker weight is 5330. Somewhat lighter than the Cougar. Might want to give it a look see.

Thanks - will do. I assume your Eccoboost tows it fine? Hills okay?

SmittysRV · 08-20-2014, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Javi

Depends on what else you put in or on the truck and or trailer.. Like I told a fellow the other day... You better make a pit stop BEFORE you buy a Big Mac, cause you gonna be over weight if you don't..

Yup!! I hit the scales once the 5er Toy Hauler was set up with all the standard equipment that stays in it (Linen, Dry food, dishes, tools etc.) and it was way more than the sticker indicated.

F550 low on fuel and empty with 5er no toys, fuel or water.
Steer axle: 5240
Drive axle: 7820
Trailer axles: 12680
total: 25,740 unloaded.

I really want to hit the same scale one of these trips when im fully loaded down.

x96mnn · 08-20-2014, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmhudg

Thanks - will do. I assume your Eccoboost tows it fine? Hills okay?

It would be surprising, the bullet I bet you would not even know was behind you all loaded up, the cougar would keep you alert towing it any distance. It's only a 1000pd dry in the differance but massive.

I have a 6500pd camper dry and was towing with a 1500 ram, after 3hrs hauling I needed a break, I am physically draind. My freinds 5500pd camper on the same truck I could have towed for hrs, did not know it was there.

That's just me.

BulletOwner1 · 08-20-2014, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmhudg

Thanks - will do. I assume your Eccoboost tows it fine? Hills okay?

I am absolutely amazed about the power of that little motor. And yes, it tows very well. I've had times with other rigs going up hills that you struggle to keep the RPM's up and have the throttle to the floor and have other people pass you but with this one I'm the one doing the passing

. You will be pleased, I'm sure.

I usually tow with 6th locked out and use the tow haul feature. I don't have to lock out 6th but I think there is less strain and shifting.

tech740 · 08-20-2014, 08:14 PM

The only thing I see in your calculations is th a ford figures in the weight of a full tank of fuel ad 150lbs for the driver before payload is figured. So you could increase your payload by those numbers. Unless it's a 2014. I have been told they sent figure it in to make it look like it will haul more. I tow a 29ft TT with my ecoboost and have no issues or lack of power. These trucks are amazing.

audio1der · 08-20-2014, 08:26 PM

^ I was thinking the same thing; 150lb driver MAY be figured in to payload but a full tank of fuel is always accounted for.

With all the positive press I see here for the Equalizer I would look strongly at that WD hitch. I like Reese setup, but I love to tinker and play...if you don't, it's not the hitch for you.

tmhudg · 08-21-2014, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audio1der

^ I was thinking the same thing; 150lb driver MAY be figured in to payload but a full tank of fuel is always accounted for.

With all the positive press I see here for the Equalizer I would look strongly at that WD hitch. I like Reese setup, but I love to tinker and play...if you don't, it's not the hitch for you.

Good catch and now that you say that, I remember reading that recently as well. That bumps my pin/hitch limit to around 1600lbs which is better but a 5er would still probably push it.

Re the WD hitch - beyond the actual brand, I was under the impression I had to get the proper *size*/weight rating. Is that true? I'm not that much into tinkering frankly. Would/could I just go to the dealer and say I want a Reese (or whatever brand) hitch and it would work regardless of the actual trailer I have?

Thanks,

Tom

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