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Old 01-31-2023, 03:25 PM   #1
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F-150 PowerBoost towing a 33' Hemisphere 26BHHL ?

Another common question: can an F150 safely tow a 33'11" trailer? Actually an F150 PowerBoost in my case, which has slightly lower Payload specs.
But never fear, I have include ALL the details for my specific situation:

Trailer: Last week I bought a new 2022 Salem Hemisphere 26BHHL (last '22 on the lot). Trailer dry weight 6700. Overall length 33'9". $40k new. It does have the wide spread axle, not that I'm saying that makes much difference.
The 49 gallon freshwater tank is in the very back which I assume you could use to lighten the tongue weight as you fill it.
Tongue weight: I estimate the tongue weight could be kept to 900# (12% of 7500# with full water). My issue is wondering if the F150 can handle it.

Truck: I am seriously looking at a 2023 Ford F-150 PowerBoost (Hybrid), 3.5L, 4x4, (short) 5.5' bed, the Lariat std equip 501A with Max Trailer Tow 53C. (no HD PP available anymore above the minimal XL trim, so no way to boost payload capacity from Ford).

Towing capacity is not an issue. As always the issue is how the tongue weight encroaches on the available payload, and the rear axle GAWR capacity spec itself. I've already decided I will install a $3k sway ELIMINATION hitch the 3P from ProPrideHitch.com, and I think this will eliminate the general fear of trailer induced sway.

Payload: The F150 spec for mine with best Max Tow option is 2100# max for Payload. However this is max so it is for a plain featureless best case for a stripped down XL, as you add options the actual sticker payload goes down. Mine has Payload of 1489# (and it has a sunroof, rear tailgate step, 7kw inverter, max tow, all of which drops the Payload down). It is on the lot, and they are rare, if I was ordering it I would drop the sunroof and tailgate which might give me another 150# or so, perhaps.

So: Available Payload is 1489#, not much. It is just the 2 of us (retired and not skinny) in the cab, and if I only assume another 50# of cab stuff I figure 500# of load, added to the tongue weight of 900# and you get 1400# so only 89 below capacity. Of course this is speculation and easy to let the tongue weight over that amount.

I figure I have the trailer induced sway (side wind, etc) issue controlled. Remaining is the overall downhill issue with a 9000# trailer pushing a 5000# truck down a hill. But I've heard the F150 does a pretty good job with sensing trailer loads and trailer braking, plus there is the manual trailer brake control on the dash.
What I should do is wait and get a better PowerBoost with fewer options just to give me some margin in the payload.

Axle: I hear it is common to overload your axle as nobody measures it up front. Well there is no max spec on an empty F150 rear axle as to its actual curb weight, only the GAWR sticker capacity, which is derated to 4150# on mine. I can't weigh the actual so I don't know how close it is (unless I talk the sales guy to go to a CAT scale before I buy it).

Ok that's the long of it. Any informed comments? I really do NOT want a bigger truck BTW.
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Old 01-31-2023, 03:30 PM   #2
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Why bother to ask if you are firm on not getting a bigger truck? Your RV, your life. Me? I would not tow that combination.
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Old 01-31-2023, 03:43 PM   #3
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The fictional dry tongue weight is already 890lbs. So there's NO way it'll be 900lbs, when loaded for camping.
Add that it's nearly 34ft long, I would never tow that length of trailer with a F150 and I own a F150 3.5 Ecoboost with the Max Tow package.
I'll bet that when subtract the weights of everyone in the vehicle(including the driver), truck cargo and the WDH, then the trailer's batteries, water, dealer add-ons and trailer cargo, you'll be over the truck's payload capacity.
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Old 01-31-2023, 04:18 PM   #4
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That is between my prior TT and my current, based on my experience with both in a truck that is better equipped for towing, I would not do it, but I have more concern about the sway although the pro pride should help. I had a Blue ox at the time.

I also agree the actual TW will be higher, almost for sure over payload and maybe over rear axle which I would be more concerned with. The dealer should allow a test drive that includes a scale stop unless it is a very long distance.
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Old 01-31-2023, 04:31 PM   #5
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Are you sure the fresh water tank is in the rear of the trailer? On our 2020 26BHHL, it is over the axles. Do you have 2 - 20# tanks in your tongue weight? We upped ourselves to 2 - 30#. The front cubby holds a lot and you'd be surprised at the weight of everything. What does your hitch weigh, ad that will count in your 89#.
IMO, you are underestimating the weight of the trailer, and over estimating the truck. We sold our Z71 1500 and went to a 2500 GMC before we bought this trailer. You may be able to get it moving, but will it be sale to stop it safely? Steer like a motor boat? Will you have your foot in the radiator doing 30 mph up a hill?
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Old 01-31-2023, 05:03 PM   #6
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One more thing to consider. When I was looking at a truck a few years ago, the dealer was trying to sell me something other than a Z71. When he asked why I said because it comes with the transmission cooler and higher rated towing capacity. He showed me one and said this one tows everything the Z71 can. After a few minutes of reading the brochure, I asked him if he was going to be upgrading the rear end for free? He asked why? After showing him how the capacities changed with the gearing, he said he never noticed that before.

Point being, make sure you know what you are buying, and that it is what you are expecting, and not what dome dealer is trying to sell you.
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Old 01-31-2023, 05:09 PM   #7
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Your tongue weight will be 890+hitch plus equalizer for about #1100. Of course you will need two big batteries for another #150. Plus propane might be nice. Another #80. Total #1330. Not including the DW nor you nor #50 of misc.

Visit a cat scale near you. The will give you the weights on both axles. You can see if the sticker is correct.

So you should be well over the listed payload.

The front of the rv is 80 sf. Therefore exceeds SAE secs thus does not meet testing criteria. See Ford literature.

Then too this is an extremely long trailer for a half ton truck. The fancy, heavy hitch will help. But, too long for me.

On a nice sunny day it might be great. Might be ok other times.

Likely it will need air bags or overloads. The truck must not squat.

On long trips you will be stressed.

My DW loves her short bed Ram diesel. Drives it daily. Drives like a truck!
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Old 01-31-2023, 05:56 PM   #8
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2018 F150 3.5 Ecoboost, 5.5 Foot Bed, Max Tow Package.
1855 Payload Capacity 7000 GVWR

Towing 28 feet tip to tip, 900-1200 lbs tongue weight depending on water level. Keep it at 900-1000 as there has not been any reason yet to add more water. Trailer weight is around 6700 lbs

I am very close to my limits for axle weights towing per the CAT scale. Just me, no other passengers and whatever gear I have in the bed.

If I had known I was going to buy a trailer I would have at least gone with a longer bed as the wheel base is a bit longer and I believe it tends to bring the payload up some if I recall. And a few extra inches adds more stability.

I would not tow more than a 30 footer(over all length) with my truck. I read people say they pull well over 30 footers and do not feel it. I don't believe them. I can tell I am pulling a good size load, especially with some wind although never has moved the truck.

Truck and trailer handle fine with a Husky four point WDH. Never had a sway from a semi yet. But I am one to do 55 in the right lane all the time, mainly for fuel savings as I am in no hurry. Came down some decent hills in Alabama just recently without a problem for the first time. Was curious as to how that would go.

BTW, I had a loaded cargo trailer sway on me years ago pulling it with an E250 van in the hills of Tennessee. Never want that to happen again.
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Old 02-01-2023, 01:56 PM   #9
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In my opinion, you are asking for trouble, I would never tow something that large & that heavy with such a light duty truck. Especially light duty on the brakes! Which would come into play if your trailer brakes or controller failed. You’d have to use the “runaway truck ramp”. Ah, but not all steep grades have those ramps, soooooo loooong, byeeeeee…………wham!
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Old 02-01-2023, 02:22 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Sbosserman View Post
In my opinion, you are asking for trouble, I would never tow something that large & that heavy with such a light duty truck. Especially light duty on the brakes! Which would come into play if your trailer brakes or controller failed. You’d have to use the “runaway truck ramp”. Ah, but not all steep grades have those ramps, soooooo loooong, byeeeeee…………wham!


Looks as if the consensus here is that you should not do it.
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Old 02-01-2023, 03:55 PM   #11
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I agree with the consensus. There is no way I would tow that camper with a half ton truck. I would be looking at a three quarter ton gasser. You will be well over payload.
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Old 02-01-2023, 04:22 PM   #12
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Been There - Done That

Been there, thought my Ram 1500 could tow a Rockwood 2612WS with an Equalizer hitch. While I was just under payload it was still a handful in cross winds and around semi's.

What got me was I thought with the TT only being a couple feet longer and 1,000 lbs heavier than my Jayco it would be no problem but it presented enough surface area to make it ungainly. Purchased a 2500 huge improvement in handling.
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Old 02-01-2023, 04:48 PM   #13
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In my opinion, you are asking for trouble, I would never tow something that large & that heavy with such a light duty truck. Especially light duty on the brakes! Which would come into play if your trailer brakes or controller failed. You’d have to use the “runaway truck ramp”. Ah, but not all steep grades have those ramps, soooooo loooong, byeeeeee…………wham!
Nobody worries about brakes. If they did you think they would be pulling those huge 5th wheels with just a 1 ton truck?

The guy pulling 16000 lbs with a 1ton is in just as much trouble as the 1/2T pulling 8000lbs if the trailer brakes fail.

Oh and in the Ford line the 1 ton brakes are the same size as a 3/4 ton.
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Old 02-01-2023, 04:53 PM   #14
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The front of the rv is 80 sf. Therefore exceeds SAE secs thus does not meet testing criteria. See Ford literature.
The only effect exceeding 80sf frontal area has is reduced fuel economy. Does not influence towing in any other way (assuming one is not trying to tow an actual barn). It's such a minor concern it can be ignored as long as you're willing to spend the money on fuel.

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Old 02-01-2023, 05:17 PM   #15
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Apparently the OP has chosen to not come back with a reply.
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Old 02-01-2023, 07:46 PM   #16
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We all know he is at the dealership making a deal on the F150 🤣
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Old 02-01-2023, 07:50 PM   #17
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The only effect exceeding 80sf frontal area has is reduced fuel economy. Does not influence towing in any other way (assuming one is not trying to tow an actual barn). It's such a minor concern it can be ignored as long as you're willing to spend the money on fuel.

-- Chuck
You think manufacturers list maximum frontal area because they are concerned about a fuel economy number that they don't have to test for?

Frontal area is about wind resistance and the load it places on the tow vehicles systems.
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Old 02-01-2023, 08:07 PM   #18
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I agree with the consensus. There is no way I would tow that camper with a half ton truck. I would be looking at a three quarter ton gasser. You will be well over payload.
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Old 02-01-2023, 08:08 PM   #19
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After towing various trailers and with various trucks for 15 years I finally learned how pleasant towing can be when I bought more truck than I need. Now I have better braking, more than enough power on steep grades at high elevation, and an acceptable ride. And if I decide to trade trailers again I don't need to worry about the truck being inadequate. I wish I'd gained this wisdom about 5 trucks ago. Here's a trustworth statement: "It's better to over-buy than to buy over".
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Old 02-01-2023, 08:30 PM   #20
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The OP indicates, by model, this is over 9000 lbs of trailer to tow. The hitch weight will be between 1100 and 1300 lbs. No way a 1/2 ton, regardless of how it is equipped, will be adequate nor safe to tow that much trailer.

I've said it before, our full size 1/2 ton with factory tow package and our 7600 lb gross trailer with WDH at 26 ft behind it is all the truck wants to handle. Even then, we have to be conscientious in loading the trailer and the truck.

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