Towing a pickup

ndfellow · 07-31-2015, 05:21 PM

I'm looking to tow a vehicle and today my truck is something I already have. F150 platinum that gross weight is 7600lbs. Is this going to hinder my speed allot on my Berk? I average 68 to 70 on interstate

Thx!

Mmnsc · 07-31-2015, 05:32 PM

A couple of questions. Do you have a 360hp engine with a 3000 Alison Transmission? Is your Ford Pickup a 4 wheel drive? If it is only rear wheel drive check your owners manual as I believe on the pickup it is limited to a freewheeling transfer case. On my Ford Explorer I am limited to 65 mph for 6 hours. It is a heavy load and will effect your fuel economy. I have seen other Berks towing big pickups so it can be done. Good luck and safe travels.

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Campin Cajun · 07-31-2015, 06:34 PM

This is one of the limitations I have with mine. I have the 340 w/ the 2500 trans. I'm limited to 5k tow capacity. Hence my Wrangler toad.

But to your question.....it won't limit your speed if, like Mmnsc said, your F150 is 4x4 and flat towable. It will decrease you fuel mileage.

accumack · 07-31-2015, 06:38 PM

I lot of vehicles today are not flat towable that is why the Jeep Wrangler is so popular it can be flat towed and many have no steering wheel lock.

15berkxl · 07-31-2015, 09:41 PM

My Ford Sports Trac 4x4 has a neutral tow switch that disengages the transmission from the drive train. That makes it flat towable

Wayne

speedmerchant · 07-31-2015, 10:51 PM

Don't forget your truck doesn't actually weigh 7600lbs. That is the gross weight (truck plus maximum carrying capacity) The truck actually weighs somewhere around 5800lbs or less. And no this won't hinder your Berk a bit. You'll only suffer maybe a 1-1.5 mpg in fuel economy and barely know it's back there.

I-RV · 08-01-2015, 06:44 AM

ndfellow - The 340HP Berk's Allison 2500 MH transmission is rated at 33,000 lbs and thus the GCWR rating also. I suggest that you weigh your Berk, fully loaded at a truck scale. You need to consider getting up steep grades in the mountains.

RodneyD · 08-01-2015, 07:29 AM

If its not a 4WD they make a drive shaft disconnect for it.

ndfellow · 08-01-2015, 10:49 AM

Thx guys my Berk is a 360 with a 3000 tranny. My truck is a 4x4. I appreciate the feedback!

jcowles3 · 08-01-2015, 12:25 PM

Consult you manual my 4x4 has very specific directions. On one page it states the same thing SIX times!

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GHodge · 08-02-2015, 05:58 PM

I too have a 2013 F150 Platinum 4x4, so it is flat towable. My Berkshire is a 2011 390RB-60. We just completed an across Canada trip and can say we never felt like we were pulling anything. We still averaged about 10 mpg for fuel consumption. FYI, the curb weight of my F150 is about 6000 lbs, the 2015`s use more aluminum and the curb weight is reduced by approximately 700 lbs.

Hope this helps

George & Diana
2011 390RB-50 Bershire

ndfellow · 08-02-2015, 11:51 PM

Thanks George! This is definitely the way I'm leaning. Are you using a blue or other? What breaking system?

Thx!

GHodge · 08-03-2015, 12:03 PM

I am using the Blue OX tow bars with the AirForce-One brake controller. Happy towing, I am sure there will be no regrets.

EJM4 · 08-04-2015, 08:26 PM

I too tow my 2013 F-150. Have had it behind the coach for over 36,000 miles with no issues.

EJM4 · 08-05-2015, 05:19 AM

For some reason, I am not able to edit my above post...

I also use the blue ox towbar and have the Road Master Invisibrake braking system. This is the second vehicle I have used the Invisibrake in and have had no issues. Personally I would either use the Invisibrake or the Air Force One. Both systems offer quick plug and play when hooking up and unhooking.

mikeborny · 11-04-2015, 02:13 PM

Planning my trip west next summer and trying to plan my schedule. Since i am not a full timer, i have a schedule! My question is what my speed will be like driving through mountains. Will be going through Denver to Grand Canyon, to Ventura California, Yosemite, up coast to Seattle, then to Yellowstone. I have a 2014 390bh-40 and will be towing a 2015 wrangler unlimited sahara. My last trip to Yellowstone was with a Fleetwood storm with the Triton v10 with no toad. I recall 45-50 uphill was pretty good in that. Should I be expecting much better with the 340 Berk?

Mike & Amy + 3 and the dogs!
2014 berkshire 390bh-40

mikeborny · 11-04-2015, 02:15 PM

Just ordered the blue ox towbar and airforce one brake system. Hope to have everything good to go for Christmas trip!!

Mike & Amy + 3 and the dogs!
2014 berkshire 390bh-40

Paulie Boy · 11-04-2015, 02:24 PM

If I can give you any help we have a 2014 390BH-60 towing a Lincoln MKX. The MPG sweet spot (10.4) is between 63-65 for us.

Paul

Joker · 11-05-2015, 12:20 AM

Going west out of Denver on I-70...there are a couple good long steep inclines where your speed may dip below 40. The majority of that route isn't that steep of an incline though as you go further west, past vail, you get into a lot of twisty curves with varying uphill/downhill grades and your average speed through there will be much less because you won't want to fly off the road.

Check out google maps and drop the little man on different points along your route (street view). You can virtually drive most of the whole route without even leaving your house.

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