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Old 03-31-2014, 09:38 AM   #1
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Reg Cab, Short Bed + 5er?

Hey guys. Im in the market for a new vehicle. Im a Ford guy and a specific truck has caught my eye: Tremor. Its a regular cab, short bed F-150 powered by the infamous 3.5L EcoBoost engine, and comes standard with 4.10 gears to boot. This is a $40,000 truck (in 4x4 form) so this EXACT truck is out of my price range. However, I can order a very similar truck, but with a 5.0 and 3.73s and be $10,000+ cheaper. This set-up is rated to tow somewhere in the 8,000 lb range. My camper weights 6500.

Theres no doubt the truck can physically tow the thing. My biggest concern is, can the truck HANDLE it ok? I know when your pulling a camper on a reese style hitch, you want a long truck to help "handle" the trailer. I had first hand experience with this towing a 31' Airstream with a reg cab long bed truck without a WD hitch... it liked to wander needless to say. Will I have the same problems with an even shorter truck but with a 5th wheel?

Thanks guys!
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Old 03-31-2014, 09:51 AM   #2
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Hmm, can't say. I'm subscribing to see where this goes though.

Like you, the odd portion of the equation is the fifth wheel. The short wheelbase will handle much quicker but how much effect that will have? I'll guarantee it'll make backing up the first time interesting!
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Old 03-31-2014, 10:00 AM   #3
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It ought to be easier backing up. "Ought to" are the key words lol. Shorter wheelbase = easier maneuvering! But if its at the cost of white knuckle driving from here on then it might not be worth it.
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Old 04-01-2014, 06:24 AM   #4
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The 5.0 engine will be working REALLY hard.
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Old 04-01-2014, 11:31 AM   #5
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It shouldn't be. The reg cab, short bed 5.0 is rated to tow 8,000 and a super cab is rated @ 9400.

My V10 is rated at 310 hp and 425 ft lbs, while the 5.0 is rated at 360 hp and 380 ft lbs. The 5.0 makes 50 more hp and my V10 makes 45 more ft lbs (which the 5.0 more than makes up for with tranny gear ratios). My towing experience should be similar, if not better with the 5.0

The more I talk about it the more I want a new F-150!
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Old 04-01-2014, 03:21 PM   #6
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Anyone have any info for me?
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Old 04-01-2014, 06:36 PM   #7
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What's your ccc of the pickup in question and what's the pin weight of camper?

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Old 04-01-2014, 11:48 PM   #8
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My Grandfather used to tow a 36' fifth wheel with a '91 single cab long bed Dodge 3/4 ton. He never really had any problems with towing it.

From a power plant standpoint: I am towing a larger, longer and heavier fifth wheel with the 3.5L EB and loving it. So far with 30K on the Odometer (3K towing) the ecoboost has performed flawlessly. I think for towing you would be much happier with the Ecoboost. The torque curve of the engine is perfect for towing. The 5.0L is going to be in 3rd and 4th gear a lot, as that engine makes all the torque at 3500+RPM. Not necessarily bad, but it makes for a much more stressful towing experience (for the truck and the driver). The EB rarely drops out of 5th gear, and spends most of the time in 6th. Granted I am flat land towing, but even going into a 25 mph headwind, the truck just loafed along in 6th gear.
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Old 04-02-2014, 06:38 AM   #9
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Iv heard some pretty good things about the 3.5L and towing. I may end up looking into that motor more. If Im buying new, might as well get what I want! Lol
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Old 04-02-2014, 06:56 AM   #10
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I'm no expert here but I have looked into 5th wheels compatible with my F150 5.0L supercrew shortbed. The biggest limiting factor is the pin weight. The f150 just does not have much cargo capacity. I don't remember the exact number off the top of my head but it's like 1478lbs. I am also concerned with the shortbed and turning but this can be overcome with the right type of hitch.
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Old 04-02-2014, 07:40 AM   #11
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I have a 2007 tundra reg cab with 6.5 box, tow a 32 foot 5th wheel loaded at just over 9000 lbs. I installed E rated tires and air bags and can honestly say the handling is excellent. I get no sway when trucks pass and backing into a campsite is much easier than with a long wheel base. I have a slider hitch but have never had to use it due to the shape of the nose on the RV. (2011 sabre silouette 290RES)

You will be pushing your GVW rating but the towing experience should be fine.

Just my opinion. Enjoy.
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Old 04-02-2014, 07:43 AM   #12
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I have a GMC 2500 shortbed. With my truck and trailer I have no slider and don't need one. And Ai can fit it in the garage

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Old 04-02-2014, 08:18 AM   #13
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I can speak to the OP question. Owned a F 150 with 5.4 with same towing capacity of the desired replacement TV. I now have a 11,200 capable Ecoboost F 150. Hands down the Ecoboost does tow much better and the tranny sits in tow mode in 6th most of the time cursing at 100 kph. The torque available to move the rig to crusing speed, power curve of the acceleration, is very smooth. The ability to pass and go up a hill without dropping speed is a big plus in my books.
Money is always an issue, understand that, I would loose other options to get the power train required for towing. Looks like you hang onto your gear for a while, might be the best option.

My model has Max tow, 7650 GVW option, 3.73 and LT Tires. No slider.

Brian
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Old 04-02-2014, 11:36 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by B and B View Post
tranny sits in tow mode in 6th most of the time cursing at 100 kph.
Brian
O geez! I don't need the tranny cursing at me! Lol, jus kiddin!

And Ill also add, I installed a Reese Sidewinder on my 5er a few months back for my short bed F-250

Im heading to the dealership tomorrow afternoon to see what they can do. You guys have about got me convinced to get a 3.5L lol. Im going to start with my truck of choice, which is the Tremor, and then go from there.

If I could get the truck I wanted, itd be a reg cab, short bed, 3.5L, crank windows, manual locks, no frills except cruise control (it comes in handy!). But the only reg cab short bed 3.5L they make is the Tremor... If I can somehow afford the Tremor, I don't think Id ever sell it lol.

Thanks all for the input!
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