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Old 08-20-2019, 05:41 AM   #21
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Bottom line: It's going to struggle. That's a lot of trailer for a half ton period. Would I do it ? NO ! had a 1500 Chevy with similar size trailer and there is no way it would made mountain passes. It may have made it, but the engine would've been screaming and transmission would've probably been hotter than a firecracker.

My humble opinion....for what it's worth...I wouldn't do it...Period.
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Old 08-20-2019, 05:48 AM   #22
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Trix,
We pull a Roo 21SS (7000lb+/-) with an F150 3.5 ecoboost, Crew cab, 1862 payload (yellow door sticker). We have no problems starting/stopping/towing uphill (I-70W out of Denver), etc.


Your trailer is a bit larger and heavier but well within what I believe are the towing specs for your truck. If you can tow it safely on the flats, you can tow in the mountains. You might lack some getup and go on the up hill but you shouldn't be a traffic impediment either.
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Old 08-20-2019, 06:32 AM   #23
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I had an 3.5 in my f-150 before I upgraded Trailer and truck. It pulled great and with the weight you are stating it should do fine.

Edit. O.k I think I misread some posts. I though thatyou were stating the camper was 6800 (last post page 1) but I believe you are saying 8K-9K base don first post..
If you truly are approaching 9K, I'm sure it would do it, but it would probably not be really enjoyable for you or the truck.
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Old 08-20-2019, 06:32 AM   #24
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We have a Apex 249rbs that has a gvwr of 7000lbs. We pulled it one time with our 2012 F150 with ecoboost and max tow across interstate 68 in northern MD. I was not happy with its performance plus the water temp started to rise on the trip home. We since have bought anew truck and plan the same trip this weekend. Good luck with your decision.
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Old 08-20-2019, 08:47 AM   #25
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I believe also, that you have 3 rear end options as well.. 3:31, 3:55, and 3:73

We had the 3:31 in ours, my brother had 3:55 in his. slight difference in performance.
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Old 08-20-2019, 09:11 AM   #26
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Check your truck's owner's manual, or use this 2015 towing guide:

http://webcontent.goodsam.com/traile...wGuide2015.pdf

If your camper and payload are as much as you say it is. I wouldn't tow it, not even on the flats.
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Old 08-20-2019, 09:51 AM   #27
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Trixie,

Here is the yellow truck label that folks are referring to. On the label, the payload of your truck will be found at the spot with the red circle.



As far as the other truck specs that will be important for determining an answer, you will want to find out which towing package you have (towing package 53B, HD towing package 53A, or the Max towing package 53C) and which axle ratio you have. You can find out this information using your VIN and THIS website to see a copy of your original window sticker (if you don't already have one). Sometimes this site will return a "Check Back Later" result which means that the sticker info is "protected". In that case, if you DO have your window sticker, can you post a photo of the configured options on the sticker's left side?

Again, we're looking for your payload, the towing package and the axle ratio. The tongue weight of your TT will be about 12-15% of max loaded trailer weight rating. Also, the weight of all truck occupants, any carried cargo and the weight of your weight distribution hitch (usually 75-100lbs) will be needed to help ascertain whether you have enough payload.
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Old 08-20-2019, 09:52 AM   #28
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What mountains are between Sacramento and Corvallis? That is just an easy run up I5. You will be fine. It will cost you probably $500+ in just gas. I personally would put it at about 65 mph or just a bit under and on the bigger hills don't be afraid to lose speed down to 55 even though the truck will be able to go faster. Basically run with the 1000s of semis making the trip every day.
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Old 08-20-2019, 10:07 AM   #29
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I tried last night and it didn’t work. I will when I get back from work.
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Old 08-20-2019, 10:08 AM   #30
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What mountains are between Sacramento and Corvallis? That is just an easy run up I5. You will be fine. It will cost you probably $500+ in just gas. I personally would put it at about 65 mph or just a bit under and on the bigger hills don't be afraid to lose speed down to 55 even though the truck will be able to go faster. Basically run with the 1000s of semis making the trip every day.
Siskiyou Pass. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siskiyou_Pass
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Old 08-20-2019, 10:14 AM   #31
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My husband and I have a Ford F150 2015 eco-boost. It’s really my truck, I kind of took it from him and put my company logo on it. But anyways, We recently bought a FR Cherokee 27 footer.

Our truck pulls it perfectly. Been up the grade through Auburn California with no issues. I’ve never took it further up hill than Rollins Lake But, my son is going to college at Oregon State next month and I brought up Vacation up there. My husband and my son does NOT think that our truck can pull our trailer over the mountains from Sacramento to Corvallis Oregon.

Does anybody else have the same kind of truck and hopefully close to the same type of trailer, that has towed over those mountains?

the trailer is 8000 to 9000 pounds. That’s without carrying water. So I may be exaggerating on the weight.
After towing our trailer over Wolf Creek pass in Colorado, which includes about 10 miles of constant 7% grade all the way up to 10,900' I would say go for it! The F-150 ecoboost with tow package is a beast. Our trailer is a couple thousand pounds lighter than yours I had no problem maintaining 45 mph all the way up. The temperature didn't quite hit 3/4. it was closer to 2/3. I have also pulled this trailer over other passes, all over Colorado not even close to an issue and I am not the one holding up traffic.

As an owner of a 2016 F-150 SCREW Ecoboost with max tow, I say do it. Your rig is the max that I would tow with this truck but I would do it. The Ecoboost is the best engine I have driven in a 150-1500 truck. When it gets to high altitude, the turbos make a difference forcing extra air into the engine. Did I say do it?
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Old 08-20-2019, 10:22 AM   #32
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Trixie,

I am very wary about making a mistake matching a tow vehicle to a trailer. There are real safety issues involved that, if ignored, may result in a hazardous towing situation for you, your family and others on the road in your vicinity.

I encourage you to "work the numbers" with us to make sure you are properly loaded and matched to the demands of your towing situation. I would also suggest that, without running the numbers, it may be irresponsible for anyone without detail knowledge of your rig and its intended route to suggest that you will be fine.

Lives depend on it!
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Old 08-20-2019, 10:43 AM   #33
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TrixieS, you have, and will continue to get bombarded with opinions that run the full range from NO! To YES!
True, you should be familiar with the weights involved to know where you are in towing capacity with your truck. That will help you make a decision, maybe.
But you have what you have. If you have towed comfortably up to this point, give it a shot on the longer, steeper trip.
Everyone seems to be afraid of mountain ranges, but most are not near as formidable as folks try to make them. Will your truck struggle? Sure it will, but you just go slower, work the gears, and watch guages. And after you get there, you decide if you want to do it again.
And if you are really nervous and unsure, it's a great reason to upgrade to a new tow vehicle!
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Old 08-20-2019, 10:49 AM   #34
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This trailer is over 32 feet long. The hitch weight is around #900.

Absolute max for a good f150.

Will need expensive anti sway WD hitch. Fancy adjustable ball height.

Likely over payload limit. It will pull the trailer to 75 mph. On flat dry ground it will stop ok.

I would not recommend a half ton truck.

The size of the trailer will cause exciting sway during high winds or traveling near 18 wheelers. $3000 hitch will help. May be enough.

Braking in wet weather will be exciting. Downhill on mountain roads will be hard on the brakes. 3/4 tons have bigger everything. Heavier.

Back and forth to the long term site is swell. Two month trips not so much.

Lots of complaints about this type of setup.

Lots of folks use these. Drive slow.
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Old 08-20-2019, 11:09 AM   #35
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In a moment of weakness, I'll leave the payload stuff alone.

I know lots of people here in CO who use the 3.5 EB to tow 6,000 - 8,000 lb trailers up and down the Ike Gauntlet to go camping. No issues. That's 5-7% grades between 8,000 - 11,000'. Strong engine. It's turbo, so it combats the power loss associated with towing at altitude, too.

Just make sure the WDH is properly adjusted and the brake controller is also properly adjusted. Then, tow away.
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Old 08-20-2019, 11:17 AM   #36
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TrixieS, you have, and will continue to get bombarded with opinions that run the full range from NO! To YES!
True, you should be familiar with the weights involved to know where you are in towing capacity with your truck. That will help you make a decision, maybe.
But you have what you have. If you have towed comfortably up to this point, give it a shot on the longer, steeper trip.
Everyone seems to be afraid of mountain ranges, but most are not near as formidable as folks try to make them. Will your truck struggle? Sure it will, but you just go slower, work the gears, and watch guages. And after you get there, you decide if you want to do it again.
And if you are really nervous and unsure, it's a great reason to upgrade to a new tow vehicle!
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Old 08-20-2019, 01:15 PM   #37
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So maybe a 3500 foot elevation gain then loss with plenty of lanes, "sharp" corners but only as much compared to any other California interstate. I have been over it at least 10 times in my life but don't even remember it being there. The last trip was in a 90s Ryder rental that probably only had 250 horsepower loaded with personal property towing a car hauler with a small car... and it was forgettable as in a non-event.

PS after looking at the elevation on each side, it looks like it only gains maybe 1500 feet on the actual pass, the rest is very gradual gain and loss
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Old 08-20-2019, 01:31 PM   #38
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Originally Posted by TrixieS View Post
My husband and I have a Ford F150 2015 eco-boost. It’s really my truck, I kind of took it from him and put my company logo on it. But anyways, We recently bought a FR Cherokee 27 footer.

Our truck pulls it perfectly. Been up the grade through Auburn California with no issues. I’ve never took it further up hill than Rollins Lake But, my son is going to college at Oregon State next month and I brought up Vacation up there. My husband and my son does NOT think that our truck can pull our trailer over the mountains from Sacramento to Corvallis Oregon.

Does anybody else have the same kind of truck and hopefully close to the same type of trailer, that has towed over those mountains?

the trailer is 8000 to 9000 pounds. That’s without carrying water. So I may be exaggerating on the weight.
I've had the following truck and trailer combos. 2011, 2013, 2016 Eco boosts and now a 2018 F250 gas truck. we ran through hills and had no worries going up. slowed down at the tops as we figured we would. however stopping was a concern especially on downhill's with corners at the bottom which would be narrow in some cases. the Toyhauler is just over 9000 lbs dry weight.

if you are concerned about control you are heading in the right direction. do your math and see what % you are at for total capacity - you may be suprized to see you are too close.
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Old 08-20-2019, 01:38 PM   #39
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I have a 2015 Platinum supercrew 4x4 3.5 ecoboost w/max tow and my trailer is a 30' 7200# dry weight, we have put about 13000 mi towing (2 adults, 1 teen and loaded trailer) all through the Appalachian mountains from PA, WV, NY, TN, VA, NC, SC, etc and it is fantastic! 8mpg avg while towing, but that is what I expected with that weight. I know this isn't the Rockies, but I love the pulling (and passing) power even up hill! My previous F150 was 2010 with the 5.4, pulling the same trailer and there is NO comparison.
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Old 08-20-2019, 02:02 PM   #40
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There are also a number of up and down lower passes, from there to Medford.
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