2013 V-Lite 30wfkss

[Larry Tiner]

We will be picking up our new 2013 V-Lite 30wfkss on Monday. I've had many sleepless nights concerned with towing this big of a rig. I have a 2010 F-150 Super Crew with a 5.4 6-speed. It does not have the EcoBoost. 3.73 rear end. Those who are familiar with this rig --- am I in for an eventful ride when I pick it up?

[Wiscampsin]

Congrats on your 2013 V-Lite 30wfkss.

[bigblue08]

Originally Posted by Larry Tiner

We will be picking up our new 2013 V-Lite 30wfkss on Monday. I've had many sleepless nights concerned with towing this big of a rig. I have a 2010 F-150 Super Crew with a 5.4 6-speed. It does not have the EcoBoost. 3.73 rear end. Those who are familiar with this rig --- am I in for an eventful ride when I pick it up?

As long as you have the weight distributing hitch you should be ok. Look over this guide for more info, there are some foot notes referring to a Max trailer towing package
http://www.ford.com/assets/pdf/towin...vF150sep09.pdf

[hehbr]

We just picked up the Rockwood equivalent or your RV ten days ago. My tow vehicle is a 1500 Silverado with 5.3L and 6 speed automatic. I had some initial concerns with stability with passing semis but after the first few passed me all my concerns faded away. I am using a 4 point Equalizer hitch. Brought it back to Florida from Chattanoga with no issues. Enjoy your new rig.

[Old car]

We have the Windjammer version of your trailer and we started out towing with the exact rig hehbr describes. We started out camping just in the flat lands of the Midwest. Truck did fine but I felt it would be over matched once we started into elevations. We switched to the Ecoboost and have loved it so far.

[Old car]

I forgot something; Congratulations on the new trailer!

[Larry Tiner]

Thank each of you on your comments. I feel a lot better. I misstated my rear axle, though it is a 3.55.

[lbrjet]

If the truck wants 3K+ RPM's on big hills let it rev. You will be surprised how much power there is. You didn't say what kind of hitch you are getting.

[Larry Tiner]

Bigblue08, another thank you for the manual you posted for me. After reading it, I feel a lot more confident. VERY informative!

[bigblue08]

Originally Posted by Larry Tiner

Bigblue08, another thank you for the manual you posted for me. After reading it, I feel a lot more confident. VERY informative!

Anytime. That's what these forums are for, to help each other.

[jtatum65]

Larry the only thing I see wrong with your towing rig is its not a Dodge... Just kidding of course. But I can tell you I pull my 2013 V-Lite 30wfkss with a Dodge 1500 5.7L 6-speed with 3.55 rears. And I can say it pulls it with no hesitation on any grade so far. I would recommend if you have a tow/haul option to always pull your trailer in that mode.

Congrats on your new camper and I am sure you will get plenty of enjoyment out if it like all of us do. Oh and this is my 2nd V-Lite with the 1st being a 2009 28WFKS, we liked it sooo much we went bigger.

Happy Camping!!!

[Larry Tiner]

Update response:

I went with the 4-point weight distributor. Things have been running a lot smoother than I had anticipated.
One question, though. It was mentioned for me to go with the tow/haul feature on my truck. I've been told by several folks that this just wastes gas. I rarely go into many hills, much less mountains.
Any input on this?

[Mkayers]

I'm towing a 2013 30WRLS with a 2003 Silverado with the 5.3 but it has the 3.73. No stability problems whatsoever. I always use the tow/haul mode

[jtatum65]

Larry not sure about the Ford trucks, but I would say they wouldn't have put a tow/haul button if they didn't want their owners to use it while pulling a load like your camper. Using tow/haul doesn't allow the truck to go into OD, so you will use more gas. But without it you might overheat the tranny and would be a costly repair bill. I recommend using it.

[SaskCampers]

From the 2010 F150 manual

The Tow/Haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using Tow/Haul.
Tow/Haul can be activated by pressing the transmission control switch on
the end of the gearshift lever (column-shift transmission) or on the side

of the gearshift lever (floor-shift transmission).

Tow/Haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/Haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed.

FWIW, I use T/H anytime I have a trailer hooked up simply for the extra control it gives. And I would be suprised to see much of a difference in mileage on a Ford in T/H.

[08flagvlite]

I have a Dodge Quad cab shortbed with a Hemi and 3:55 rear end, auto trans, and 17" LT TIRES. My truck does not do too well pulling my V lite 30 WRLS, and I have tried tow/haul-6 mpg at 60-62 mph, in OD, no tow/haul mode, 7 1/2 to 8 mpg at best. My truck has a transmission cooler, and I change the fluid every 30k. I live in the flatlands of Florida, and really don't encounter too many hills; except overpasses. It does want to shift in and out of OD when going up these small hills. I think I need a 3:73 or 3:92 rear end to pull this camper better. The 3:55 is really a standard rear end for getting better gas mileage- 20-21 on the highway no camper. Randy

[VaJim]

We just picked up a slightly used 2012 30 WFKSS. Replacing a Cherokee Grey Wolf 19RR 3,000 lbs lighter. Towing with 2010 Ram 1500 Quad 5.7 Hemi Auto with 3.55. So far have driven from Amarillo to Colorado Springs via NM, husband says it pulls as easy as the toy hauler at home that is much smaller. Have weight distribution with double sway bars. Drove through dust storms and strong cross breeze most of the way only one time was there any sway and it was minimal in strong crosswinds in our 450 mile trip. Our truck is rated to 9600 towing at least, we have the extra fan etc as we have towing package on our truck. Hope all goes well for you, ours is a pleasure to tow!