newbie

[Brian Mc]

Hi newbie here We just bought a rockwood 8317 ss tt and are very excited,we take our first trip in two weeks.
My tow vehicle is a ford f150 2008 i am new to towing a trailer but was told i shouldn't have problems towing the trailer i was just looking for a little more reassurance from people who have towed a lot.
I did have the tow package installed.

[flyrotor]

Be careful, that's a lot of trailer for a 1/2 ton... damn dealers

[red.jimbo]

I suggest you read the Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide specific to the model year of your truck and compare it to the specs on your camper.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ions-6577.html

I doubt you will find a consensus on what your truck can handle. Ultimately, it is something YOU must be comfortable with first and foremost. Research, knowledge, experience, and wisdom will make you more comfortable.

Bottom line, driving a vehicle has inherent dangers, driving a vehicle pulling a trailer is inherently more dangerous. Respect that fact, and you will avoid danger.

Good luck, and welcome to the world of RVs, they are great fun!

[aintgotnun]

Welcome to FRF!

[Flyermd]

Hope things go okay Brian Mc...I talked with the Ford folks to see what was safe with my 2009 F150 (3.73, 5.4L V8, Max Tow Package) and here's what they said...10,700 was my "max" at sea level. Running safe, 75% of max = 8025. Then they said you have to take 3-4% horsepower in the engine off for every 1,000' above sea level. I live at 6,000' so my "safe" weight is 7,500#. I'm sure they went conservative, but I figured using 7,500 lbs was about right. I've been towing my 8316SS up and down the mountains and so far it's been great. I hit a 8% incline yesterday at 45 mph, my tach was 3,500-4,000. I have taken it too far yet, but will in a few weeks. Good luck.

[Brian Mc]

Thank you all for your replies it is greatly appreciated,My max tow is for my truck is 8900lbs and my max trailer weight is 8200lbs it is close but i think i will be upping my truck to an f250 next spring.We live in the prairies so it is relatively flat,so sticking close to home and no seriously long hauls this year (except to Saskatchewan) and it will give me a full season to get used to the trailer and towing in general.

[TF-Kevin]

I am new to pulling a trailer also, but after 4 trips now, i am getting more comfortable in towing it, still a little uneasy going down the long hills, but gets getting better every trip, one for week and i can go out again and this time its to the mountains
Kevin