Ford 150

[holoholo]

I assume this concept has been here many times but wanted to open it up again

We have a 2012 Ford 150 with 5.0 v8 3.55 rear axel super crew cab, 5 1/2 bed. Specs say can tow 13,500 GCWR with max trailer weight 8000 lbs

We like the truck as 99% of the time is not towing and really don't want to drive a tank around in between. Anyone have this similar setup and what have been your issues. Several 5th wheel trailers are advertised built for 1/2 ton trucks. That said, many of these "lite" trailers dry weight is in the 7-8000lb range.

Plan on buying a 5th wheel in the 30ft range. Should we plan on upgrading to at least a 250?

Add air bags to the 150?

Upgrade to a 2016/17 F150 with all the max tow features?

Appreciate input.

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by holoholo

That said, many of these "lite" trailers dry weight is in the 7-8000lb range.

Forget about "dry weight". Use GVW of trailer unless you plan on towing the trailer the way it left the factory with nothing in it, no propane bottles and no batteries.

By the time you add max tow and max payload packages to the F150 you'll be more than the F 250 price wise and still have a 1/2 ton truck. You're going to find that payload ultimately ends up being the achilles heel.

30' 5th wheel = 3/4 ton truck at a minimum.

That's my opinion, get ready for about 19 million others of which about half will be you need a diesel.

[Rrickim63]

If you love the truck, get a different trailer. If you found a 5th wheel you love. Get a different truck. As stated, payload is the killer and most 5th wheel will be over 2000 lbs on bed of truck. Check your payload of your truck on driver door jamb

[Windy]

I have a 34ft TT that I use to pull with a 2010 F150, 5.4V8. I added an extra leaf spring, tow mirrors, and 10 ply tires. It pulled my TT well on the flat but in the CO mountains it struggled. I recently purchased a 2015 F250 diesel with the intentions of upgrading to a 5th wheel. I can honestly say that there is a significant difference the way my F250 handles the same TT compared to the F150 on all terrains.

[Loraura]

Plan on buying a 5th wheel in the 30ft range. Should we plan on upgrading to at least a 250?

Yes.

As pointed out above, you will not have the payload to support a 5er, and many 6000lb+ (dry) travel trailers.

If you plan on mountains, get a diesel.