Is my trailer too heavy for my truck??

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by Maverick50

2015 Forest River RV Wildcat Maxx 24RG
Hitch Weight: 663 lbs
Gross Weight: 10823 lbs
Dry Weight: 6176 lbs
Cargo Weight: 4647 lbs: 67 gals
Grey Water Capacity: 62 gals
Black Water Capacity: 31 gals

Am I missing something?
CGVWR=13,300 lbs
Minus Wildcat Gross Weight: 10,82
Truck and Passengers must weigh less than 2,477 lbs

10,823 (gross) - 6176 (dry) = 4647 lbs (options and cargo)

Nobody, and I mean nobody, puts that much options and cargo into a pull-behind trailer, unless it's some type of toy-hauler. If this person were choosing a vehicle not already purchase, the trailer GVWR could be used, in order to protect for an upgrade later. But since they already have the truck, it makes zero sense to use the GVWR, because it will never happen.

Regarding tow rating:
1000 lbs over dry is the typical estimate for a loaded travel trailer, and should be used here. Call the loaded trailer 7,200 lbs, leaving 800 lbs for people and cargo in the truck.

Regarding the truck's payload:
Not knowing the cargo configuration, protecting for 15% TW is wise. 7200 * 15% = 1080lbs (I'd recommend a 1200 lbs rated Equal-I-zer WDH, even if the TW came in under 1000 lbs, to prevent porpoising).
I don't see the truck's GVWR. Add 1080 to the truck's empty weight, and that will tell you how much is left over for people and cargo in the truck. The WDH should do it's job distribute the TW, and keep the rear axle loaded properly, but you should weight everything once loaded, just to be sure.

If you are the typical camping family that goes out a few times per year, then this should not be a problem (but run the actual numbers, please). If you plan to go long distances every year, and/or camp more than a few times, then you may be wanting for more truck. But again, I suspect you will find yourself within all ratings, once loaded to go.

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by Rkluge777

Should had gone with the ford with the 3.5 turbocharged it can tow 11000 lbs

I agree with this statement. If the question were, which Ford truck should I buy given this trailer. This "P552L" (F150 LD) is going to mean packing the truck and camper reasonably, compared to the "P552H" (F150 HD).

But the question is, can I tow this trailer, with this truck. I think the answer is "yes, with careful packing".

[todtc318]

A big thank you to everyone who responded with helpful information. I belong to several forum sites on various topics and the quick replies and thoughtful advice here are very much appreciated. Of course every forum has those who troll and take pot shots at the situation but as a cop for the past 28 years, pot shots are the norm! I'm looking forward to learning more about the whole trailer world as I progress out of rookie-dom. I've decided to simply try the combo I currently have and see if it feels right. I'll let you know after this weekend, if anyone's interested. Going for the trailer on Sunday. A tech will be there for the walk-thru and hook up.

Thanks again.

Todd

[D. J. Schuler]

I have to get to my Ford dealer and check out the 2.7 Eco boost,my 2011 3.5 Ecoboost doesn't have those figures.

[mike.t]

Originally Posted by todtc318

A big thank you to everyone who responded with helpful information. I belong to several forum sites on various topics and the quick replies and thoughtful advice here are very much appreciated. Of course every forum has those who troll and take pot shots at the situation but as a cop for the past 28 years, pot shots are the norm! I'm looking forward to learning more about the whole trailer world as I progress out of rookie-dom. I've decided to simply try the combo I currently have and see if it feels right. I'll let you know after this weekend, if anyone's interested. Going for the trailer on Sunday. A tech will be there for the walk-thru and hook up.

Thanks again.

Todd

Keep us posted. We all learn something with each persons experience.

[thebrakeman]

Todd,
As I mentioned, I recommend the 1200 lbs rated Equalizer WDH. But the general need for a WDH is not a recommendation, but a requirement for you. Your F150 owners manual (and the 2015 Ford Towing Guide) will clearly state that a WDH is required for TW greater than 500 lbs. You will have double that amount!

Any reputable dealer will not let you leave the lot without a WDH installed (or make you sign a waiver). If you have not specified which WDH you want, many dealer will slap on the cheapest WDH and a separate friction sway controller. These will be effective and do the job. But for only a small amount more, you can have something with integrated sway control that will do a better job at both tasks:
1. The 1000 lbs of TW, 5-6 feet behind the rear axle will mean roughly 1500 lbs applied downward to the rear axle, and roughly 500 lbs removed from the front axle. This means a loss of front wheel traction for stopping and turning. The WDH will re-distribute that ~500 lbs back onto the front wheels.
2. A properly loaded trailer, with 10-15% of trailer weight on the hitch ball, will not inherently sway. The integrated sway control on a good WDH will help stop/prevent sway in the case of a strong cross wind, passing semi, or your emergency lane change.

The Equil-i-zer brand, and the Reese/Drawtite "Dual-Cam" are widely considered the best bang-for-the-buck in these types of systems:
-You can spend less, but they will not perform as well, and will be more difficult to use.
-Or you could go with something with even better performance than these 2, but they would cost several times as much as these (several thousands, vs ~$600).

[spudston]

Originally Posted by todtc318

Hi All. New to travel trailers. My fiancé and I just purchased a Wildcat Maxx 24RG travel trailer. Empty weight is listed at 6176#. I have a 2015 Ford F150 with a 2.7 ecoboost/trailer tow package/6900# payload package. Listed towing capacity is 8000#. The GCWR is 13,300#. I wasn't worried until I started talking to some people (who don't trailer) who tell me the truck may not be able to safely pull the trailer when loaded. Is there anyone out there with real world experience I can borrow??

Thank you!

Hi there, neighbor! I live near Concord (in PH) and have had 6 travel trailers since 1988. I also have a Sherline tongue weight scale. If I can be of any assistance, such as weigh your trailer tongue with my scale, please PM me. I was a towing novice once too!

Ray

[The Big Toe]

Originally Posted by todtc318

Hi All. New to travel trailers. My fiancé and I just purchased a Wildcat Maxx 24RG travel trailer. Empty weight is listed at 6176#. I have a 2015 Ford F150 with a 2.7 ecoboost/trailer tow package/6900# payload package. Listed towing capacity is 8000#. The GCWR is 13,300#. I wasn't worried until I started talking to some people (who don't trailer) who tell me the truck may not be able to safely pull the trailer when loaded. Is there anyone out there with real world experience I can borrow??

Thank you!

SuperSprings and a Sway Bar.

They'll put a sway bar on Focus but not on an F-150.

Go figure.

It still might be tight but you should be okay if you don't load up the whole house

[Jeff from Burlington Ont]

I have a 2011 ecoboost with max tow. I have been pulling a 35 ft fiver at 9800 lbs for 4 years and 30,000 km all over US. With no problems. We just ordered a 42 ft heritage glen at 10,600 lbs. I added air bags in the back of the truck for about $500 which took the towing from 11500 lbs to 13500 lbs. I also found out, 2 years in, that the stock tires are 4 ply only. I had been overloading my tires. I upgraded to 10 ply michilins. They are at 40 most of the year and then 70 lbs when I am towing. The ecoboost has never had a problem with power. I compared a neighbour how had a f250 desiel and he got 25.6 km/100 where I used 28.8km/100. I would have to tow over 100,000km to break even on the up-cost of the desiel Just my experience

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Jeff from Burlington Ont

I have a 2011 ecoboost with max tow. I have been pulling a 35 ft fiver at 9800 lbs for 4 years and 30,000 km all over US. With no problems. We just ordered a 42 ft heritage glen at 10,600 lbs. I added air bags in the back of the truck for about $500 which took the towing from 11500 lbs to 13500 lbs. I also found out, 2 years in, that the stock tires are 4 ply only. I had been overloading my tires. I upgraded to 10 ply michilins. They are at 40 most of the year and then 70 lbs when I am towing. The ecoboost has never had a problem with power. I compared a neighbour how had a f250 desiel and he got 25.6 km/100 where I used 28.8km/100. I would have to tow over 100,000km to break even on the up-cost of the desiel Just my experience

you're passing incorrect info. air bags do NOT increase payload capacity or towing capacity.
not sure who told you that but they were WRONG.

[CWSWine]

Originally Posted by bikendan

you're passing incorrect info. air bags do NOT increase payload capacity or towing capacity.
not sure who told you that but they were WRONG.

Plus with a 10,600 pounds is dry weight for that 5er and an most likely put him over his GVWR and probably way over his max Max Axle Rating and tow rating also.

[Maverick50]

Originally Posted by bikendan

you're passing incorrect info. air bags do NOT increase payload capacity or towing capacity.
not sure who told you that but they were WRONG.

Could be close to Jeff's Wildwood Heritage Glen?
368RLBHK
Specifications
Length: 42 ft
Ext Width: 8 ft
Ext Height: 13 ft 2 in
Hitch Weight: 2080 lbs
Dry Weight: 10924 lbs
Cargo Weight: 3156 lbs
Fresh Water Capacity: 54 gals
Grey Water Capacity: 60 gals
Black Water Capacity: 30 gals
Tire Size: 15"

2011 Ford F150 EcoBoost Specs
GVWR (lbs.): 7,100
GCWR (lbs.): 16,700 (with 3.73 axle)
Payload, mfr. max claim (lbs.): 1,760 (up to 3,060 with regular cab short bed with HD payload package)
Tow capacity, mfr. claim (lbs.): 11,300 (with 3.73 axle ratio)

[CWSWine]

With a 2500 Payload and 300 lbs of passengers and 50 lbs of other stuff in the truck plus hitch this is what you get:

You're adding approximately 650 lbs. to the truck. You have 1,850 lbs. of payload capacity. Fifth wheels typically have 20% - 25% pin weight which gives you a maximum loaded camper weight of 7,400 - 9,250 lbs.

Here is the link to the numbers.

http://www.towingplanner.com/Calcula...50&tc=50&ct=FW

[spock123]

You know if pulling a camper was up to the weight police on sites like this most campers would never get out of there driveway. DOT could care less, drive what you can afford and have fun. The only scales my truck and camper will see is passing DOT scales on the highway. Camp and have fun


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[CWSWine]

Or you could be in the camp of putting bags on the truck and if you can get some where close to level and it moves when you stomp on the gas it's safe to put you family and love ones in it and drive across the country.

[jlgail4309]

42 foot with a 1/2 ton !! WoW that's a lot of trailer !! Is that 3/4 to 1 ton load range ? I wonder if it will hold the road with a good side wind ?

[madmaxmutt]

Originally Posted by CWSWine

Or you could be in the camp of putting bags on the truck and if you can get some where close to level and it moves when you stomp on the gas it's safe to put you family and love ones in it and drive across the country.

Probably still safer than the twenty something in the suburban texting next to you . . .

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[jgump]

Originally Posted by spock123

You know if pulling a camper was up to the weight police on sites like this most campers would never get out of there driveway. DOT could care less, drive what you can afford and have fun. The only scales my truck and camper will see is passing DOT scales on the highway. Camp and have fun


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

Wonder how I'd rate? :-). 33' wildwood 6355 dry, probably 7000-7100 loaded. My TV is a Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi with quadra-lift air suspension. Max tow weight of 7400. Blue Ox WDH. Tows great. But I'm at or maybe a little above tongue weight and near or slightly over ccc. I drive 55-60 and its level, smooth, no crazy sway even with semis passing. Don't plan on driving to Calif (live in Ohio) Most trips will be within an hour or so and occasional 5-6 hour jaunts to the smokies. Would love a big truck but not happening anytime soon. Slow and steady and I'll be just fine as Spock says.


John

2016 Wildwood 27RKSS
2012 Grand Cherokee Overland (Hemi)

[CWSWine]

Originally Posted by jgump

Wonder how I'd rate? :-). 33' wildwood 6355 dry, probably 7000-7100 loaded. My TV is a Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi with quadra-lift air suspension. Max tow weight of 7400. Blue Ox WDH. Tows great. But I'm at or maybe a little above tongue weight and near or slightly over ccc. I drive 55-60 and its level, smooth, no crazy sway even with semis passing. Don't plan on driving to Calif (live in Ohio) Most trips will be within an hour or so and occasional 5-6 hour jaunts to the smokies. Would love a big truck but not happening anytime soon. Slow and steady and I'll be just fine as Spock says.


John

2016 Wildwood 27RKSS
2012 Grand Cherokee Overland (Hemi)

Before I would put my love ones in vehicle that I knew was over weight I would at least put on the scales and see if I was under my axle max loading and even more important if I was under my tire max loading. But that's me - to each their own!!! Some people just don't seem to care or don't want to know.

[deebarjay]

http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/g...0_r1_Jan12.pdf