Sorry for the ruckus!

[Doering]

Sorry to create such a problem gents! I feel some sort of response is warranted.
In retrospect, I should have probably joined a truck forum for info about pulling a fifth wheel similar in weight to the Crusader 290 RLT.
I did, however, learn a lot from the thread.
1. I know to pay attention to the payload capacity of the truck in addition to the towing capacity.
2. A properly equipped F150 Eco boost will handle this fifth wheel, although at the upper limits of the specs.
3. While many are concerned with the long term consequences of a 6 cylinder pulling 8000-9,000 lbs, there are no indicators at this time proving trouble with this truck-trailer combination.
The glass is half full in my books. Smart driving, speed control and common sense are telling me that things will be okay. I hope to post pictures of the Crusader in the future!
Thanks for all your advice!

Cheers to happy towing!


PS: No responses required!

[crocus]

Doering, you certainly do not have anything to apologise for, as you asked a normal question. You were not at fault for the thread going way off topic.
It is good that you realise that you would be at the upper limits of the capacity of the EcoBoost. But, as always, it depends a lot on the ratio of pulling to not pulling miles, and the type of terrain you would be hauling your fifth in.
I have a friend that pulls a fifth about 1500 lbs lighter than the one you are contemplating, and he definitely knows it is back there. But under windy conditions, even my 3/4 ton reacts to my "lightweight"!
And as you say, there have been no indications of dependability issues with the EcoBoost. Ford isn't known for producing bad engines.
Good luck with your purchace!

[Herk7769]

Laurie,

You in no way bear any responsibility for what happened. That argument has a way of taking on a life of its own. Any time folks try to make a point with subjective and notional data; no one will be convinced to change their views. Links to manufacturer sites and RV subject matter experts will be much more convincing. Even then there will be those who will respectfully disagree.

It takes all kinds to make a world. Disagreements are fine and welcome. What is not allowed is provocative language and boorish behavior.

When no facts are presented (or CAN be presented ), provocative language and boorish behavior is all that is left. That is when the Moderators and site management need to step in as quickly as possible to prevent hard feelings.

PMs are not "protected speech."
You can not act badly in a PM either as harassment is also prohibited.

[skgeorgy]

Prime Time makes a good unit. If I were to get a fifth wheel that would be the brand I would go with. I have had my Lacrosse since July of 2010. Can't wait for the season to start. The only problem I have with Prime Time is that they keep changing and updating their units. It costs too much to keep trading up.

[padave65]

Personally, I do not buy the skeptic's fears for the ecoboost......That 6 cylinder will be running at very low rpm's. Its torque curve is very impressive. Second, diesel burns at a higher temperature than gasoline. How many diesel's with turbos have been out their for years? My brother has an ecoboost and it towed 11000 pounds up a long signficant grade at 60 mph without breaking a sweat......the engine does not labor while working....If this engine was laboriing than I would be worried about the longevity of this 6banger. It has more horses and more torque than many of the 8 cylinders that will be tacking double the rpm's to match the ecoboost. Which engine is more likely to fly apart...one tacking 2300 or 4500 rpm's? Only time will tell, but I am very confident that if you get an ecoboost with the max tow and max payload, you will be happy towing your Crusader.

[OldCoot]

Diesel fuel has a higher flashpoint, but burns at a lower temperature than gasoline.

[dretired]

Good luck with your Truck and 5th wheel !!

[Doering]

Originally Posted by padave65

Personally, I do not buy the skeptic's fears for the ecoboost......That 6 cylinder will be running at very low rpm's. Its torque curve is very impressive. Second, diesel burns at a higher temperature than gasoline. How many diesel's with turbos have been out their for years? My brother has an ecoboost and it towed 11000 pounds up a long signficant grade at 60 mph without breaking a sweat......the engine does not labor while working....If this engine was laboriing than I would be worried about the longevity of this 6banger. It has more horses and more torque than many of the 8 cylinders that will be tacking double the rpm's to match the ecoboost. Which engine is more likely to fly apart...one tacking 2300 or 4500 rpm's? Only time will tell, but I am very confident that if you get an ecoboost with the max tow and max payload, you will be happy towing your Crusader.

Hi,
Thanks for your advice. Yes, we have decided to go exactly as you say with the Ecoboost. I have not heard a single negative comment on this engine with respect to towing and I've done a good deal of research. With the Max tow package and HD payload package the ratings are 11,300 and 2,600 respectively. If we go with the Crusader 290 we are looking at a unit well under 9,000lbs loaded and a hitch weight under 1,500lbs. These numbers look good to me. Plan on getting the truck before the summer ends. Ya hoooooooo

[dretired]

Originally Posted by Doering

Hi,
Thanks for your advice. Yes, we have decided to go exactly as you say with the Ecoboost. I have not heard a single negative comment on this engine with respect to towing and I've done a good deal of research. With the Max tow package and HD payload package the ratings are 11,300 and 2,600 respectively. If we go with the Crusader 290 we are looking at a unit well under 9,000lbs loaded and a hitch weight under 1,500lbs. These numbers look good to me. Plan on getting the truck before the summer ends. Ya hoooooooo

will you be getting a 4x2 ??

[Doering]

Originally Posted by dretired

will you be getting a 4x2 ??

I think so.

[dretired]

Originally Posted by Doering

I think so.

I have a 4x2 now..it does the job for me.. I know a 4x4 is a good resale point (especially where i live)..But over $3000 more in cost ..and a little less payload capacity and towing capability...

[Herk7769]

Also 4x2 with Posi rear.

[dretired]

Originally Posted by herk7769

Also 4x2 with Posi rear.

YES !! for some reason Ford calls it a limited slip axel...a 3.73..limited slip ..in a Crew CAB..ECO BOOST 3.5 liter..MAX TOWING PACKAGE and HEAVY DUTY PAYLOAD PKG.. 6 1/2 foot box.. 4x2... would be a 2,600lb payload and a 11,300 lb max towing/pulling ..in a 2012 F150

[padave65]

Posi was a GM term...Ford just wanted to be different.........I hope all goes well.

[Doering]

Originally Posted by dretired

YES !! for some reason Ford calls it a limited slip axel...a 3.73..limited slip ..in a Crew CAB..ECO BOOST 3.5 liter..MAX TOWING PACKAGE and HEAVY DUTY PAYLOAD PKG.. 6 1/2 foot box.. 4x2... would be a 2,600lb payload and a 11,300 lb max towing/pulling ..in a 2012 F150

This is the first year that Ford permitted the HD payload and Max tow package in a Supercrew 4x2! The dealer did not think it was possible as they entered the different codes. Had I not done my homework and built the vehicle on-line, it would have been a no go.

One final question for now, as we are very close to signing. The truck will come with 18" rims. Should be thinking about 20" rims? With an extremely fully loaded trailer we will only be at about 65-75% of max payload.
Won't make any appreciable difference in towing stability?

[jd-ford-hd]

Originally Posted by Doering

.......[/SIZE]One final question for now, as we are very close to signing. The truck will come with 18" rims. Should be thinking about 20" rims?..............

NO..! Spec it to where Ford says it will do the job and then leave it alone..!

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by Doering

The truck will come with 18" rims. Should be thinking about 20" rims? With an extremely fully loaded trailer we will only be at about 65-75% of max payload.
Won't make any appreciable difference in towing stability?

I agree with jd-ford-hd. I would stick to the 18s.

Other than looks, I don't see any advantage to bigger wheels and low profile tires.....and I see a lot of disadvantages.

[rkswyo]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

I agree with jd-ford-hd. I would stick to the 18s.

Other than looks, I don't see any advantage to bigger wheels and low profile tires.....and I see a lot of disadvantages.

Besides the fact that 20" tires are terribly expensive! I guess I'm old school because I don't care for the look of the 20's.

[dretired]

Originally Posted by Doering

This is the first year that Ford permitted the HD payload and Max tow package in a Supercrew 4x2! The dealer did not think it was possible as they entered the different codes. Had I not done my homework and built the vehicle on-line, it would have been a no go.

One final question for now, as we are very close to signing. The truck will come with 18" rims. Should be thinking about 20" rims? With an extremely fully loaded trailer we will only be at about 65-75% of max payload.
Won't make any appreciable difference in towing stability?

Be Careful !!!
A "HEAVY DUTY PAYLOAD PACKAGE " should have a 7 lug 17" aluminum or steel wheel an XLT should be Aluminum an XL model steel

[dretired]

OH....And if i am NOT mistaken.. You should get a "E " rated tire with the " HEAVY DUTY PAYLOAD PACKAGE" with those 7 lug 17" rims..