Education on tow vehicles

[redtang02]

put to test

I finally got to try out the new tv and it performed great! No problems, extra power, smoothest tv I ever had. Gas mileage was 9.2 mpg (according to vehicle computer)on flat ground. The in dash brake controller felt good, no jerking coming to a stop and solid braking on freeway and off.

 

[grhodes50]

Thanks for keeping us updated, redtang02.
I guess the built in anti-sway on the new truck works good. Good to know the built in brake contoller works good as well. Gas mileage seems to be about what I thought it would be. I wouldn't be surprised if it gets a little better when you get a few more miles on the truck.
Glad you had a good towing experience.
Keep us informed on how the truck does. I'm still trying to decide between the 150 and a 250.

 

[bikeman-FRF]

Interesting thread, I guessing ford is offering this f150 "max tow package" to get the towing numbers up. Toyo bosting the 10,000# towing capacity is quite the thorn in the us manufacturers butts. Thing is the f150 can probably actually tow 10,000+ without blowing out the rear end. I would imagine it is equiped with a 3/4 chassis and heavy brakes and such.

I think in future years, as Obama and gov implement the new fuel mileage regulation, we will see more 3/4 ton trucks manufactured since they are exempt to cafe laws and such.

Congrats on the truck (even if its a ford...J/K)

 

[Round Mound of Sound]

The Ford 150 may be able to pull what Ford say's, but what about the gas mileage, and the power needed of hills.
With my Chev 2500HD it has the power, mileage with out the trailer on the road is about 20 mpg with the trailer its about 12 mpg.
A 3/4 ton could pull the Queen Mary out of dry dock!!!

 

[grhodes50]

Round Mound of Sound,
I agree that the ¾ tons can out pull the ½ tons and have better payload capacities, but we're talking about a vehicle that I pull a tt 12 to 15 times a year. Probably less than 750 miles total and where I live we only have a few small hills that my current 5.4 V8 handles no problem. Most of the time it's used to drive back and forth to work and to run every day errands. I'm looking to upgrade my payload capacity and maybe my wheel base.
Ford came out this year with the MTP for their ½ tons. The suspension and payload capacity is better. It comes with anti-sway technology, brake controller and towing mirrors. It's probably best compared to the 1500 HD's that Chevy had or still have.
I'm weighing the difference between a ½ ton and a ¾ ton since I expect my work mileage to change for the better in the next few months. I like the ¾ tons but the ½ tons with the MTP may suit my needs better.
What I'm looking at now is the price difference and if it would be worth the extra bucks, for me, in my situation.

 

[redtang02]

Thanks all. I know all the benefits of diesel vs. gas when towing round mound, and diesel comes out on top, no doubt. But, for us who tow once, maybe twice a month, don't go much further than out of next state and don't want a diesel, the F150 I have fit the bill perfectly. Thank you all for the great input and keep the dirty side down.

 

[redtang02]

grhodes. The price of the F150 was less (not by much) than the F350 with 5.4 L motor but the 350's in gas had a lot less creature comforts in it. And it being my main transportation vehicle like you, I really like comfort. Remember also, to get a 250 or 350 with the same towing cap. as the max trailer tow on an 150 you will need to get a diesel. I do not remember what the tow capacity of a F350 with a V10 was but again, it was more money without the comfort stuff. Let me know if I can help anymore grhodes.

 

[grhodes50]

redtang,
I was thinking of the V10 in the 250. With the added weight that a 250 has over a 150, I didn't think the 5.4 V8 would be enough. That's where I'm getting the price difference, about $4,000 plus the 150's seem to have better rebates.
I don't really need a 250 to pull my tt but I would like better suspension (payload capacity) than I have now.
I have a tounge weight of about 850 lbs. My tt and truck sets pretty level, but it's squats a little too much (1¾") compared to where it normally sets and I've adjusted my hitch (equil-i-zer) about as well as I can.
Now that Ford has added the MTP on the 150's with better suspension, brake controller and tow mirrors I think the F150 would be a better choice for me.
But man, the F250 with a V10 sure would be nice.
More truck than I really need though.

 

[redtang02]

grhodes
I also was looking at the F350 with V10 with 4:10 rear(F250 was only $500 less) But it had bare necessities, sticker cost more, no incentives from Ford, and it was a lot more truck than I needed for day to day use. The payload on my F150 is 1500 lbs.I did get the longer wheel base on it. I am not sure what the tw of my camper is but I also have the equalizer hitch (4pt) I have a 2009 Rockwood 8306SS and it towed it great. The entire set up sets level and the ride was very comfortable, almost like it wasn't there. I quess you have to think into the future if there is even a chance you will get a bigger camper or a 5th wheel, then it would be a diesel or V10 for sure. Good luck.

 

[grhodes50]

Thanks for all the info redtang. Having someone sharing their first hand experience helps. I'm leaning more towards the F150 with the MTP along with the built in brake contoller and the towing mirrors. I'm thinking of an XLT with the captain's chairs.
My son bought and '09 FX4 last December. It doesn't have the MTP but I believe it has a tow rating of 9300 lbs. It is a nice truck, rides and drives good and he really likes it. He doesn't pull a trailer but he works for an oil company and the 4 wheel drive comes in handy sometimes when he has to go out to a rig.
Keep me updated on how your truck is doing.
Thanks again.

 

[gerrym51]

I have also looked at the f-150- but for a fifth wheel.

to get the strongest possible F-150 towing and weight capacity

Is to get a Supercab with an 8 Ft box. (3.73/max tow max weights

2660 weight capacity(for 5th wheel pin.) and 11,300 towing capacity.

8200 gvwr.

Based on what I read the f-150 at its max is slightly stronger than
the base f-250.(using base 5.4)

of course the max engine is 5.4 in the 150- you can get bigger engines
in f-250 and up.

I cannot get the 8 ft box with a supercrew.

gerry

 

[redtang02]

gerrym
Mine is the supercrew with a 6.5 ft bed and that is the longest they offer in SC. I don't know if I would want anything less than an 8 ft with a 5th wheel because of trailer hitting cab on severe turns. I would question using a F150 towing a 5th wheel even with the MTP. I have seen F150's towing smaller 5th wheels but I do not know how they tow. I would think anyone with a 5th wheel would be better off with a F250 or 350 with V10 or diesel.

 

[Dave and Monica]

I don't know if I would want anything less than an 8 ft with a 5th wheel because of trailer hitting cab on severe turns.

I was under the impression that most of the newer 5th wheel trailers were designed for the shorter 6 - 6.5' box. I also believe that there's a slider style 5th wheel hitch that allows tighter turning for manuvering into campsites.

Dave

 

[Fivecodys]

OOHHHH. whatever you do don`t bring that up over on RV.net. funny how thing like that work out.

Yep.....And lord help you if you own a Tundra like me.

Bill

 

[Fivecodys]

I was under the impression that most of the newer 5th wheel trailers were designed for the shorter 6 - 6.5' box. I also believe that there's a slider style 5th wheel hitch that allows tighter turning for manuvering into campsites.

Dave

You are correct. The Pullrite Superglide. It's works great!

Bill

 

[gerrym51]

I am aware of the superglide. And I have looked at the 6.5 box.

I have looked at several and configured several on the ford website.

the key thing for me is towing my future(i think) rockwood 8265s

around the country(my plan).

different ford configurations give different towing capacities and pin load
capacity. the 8ft box with supercab is highest.(if i order 6.5 or 8 will get 2wd. gives more total than 4wd)

also 8 ft box gives more storage capacity with hitch in box.

Just two of us . the new 2009 ford f-150 actually tows more
than f-250 using same engine(5.4) the small rockwood(relatively) should be easily handled by it.

thanks for everyone comments

gerry

 

[grhodes50]

gerrym51,

I believe that the new f150's with the right options can tow a 5'er without any problems, but alot will depend on the size of the 5'er and where you towing.

I don't have any first hand experience towing in the Rockies but I don't think I would want to try it with the 5.4 V8. I think a V10 or diesel would be best.

I have read where the slider hitches work well and most seem not to have any problems with a 6½' box, but as you said the 8' box will give you a higher towing capacity and more storage room.

You will, of course, have to remember that whatever you store in the bed will subtract from you pin weight capacity as well as you GCWR. The pin weight or hitch weight capacity is where I believe the 250's are alot better than the 150's.

Good luck and hopefully we'll both end up with a tv thats fits our needs.

 

[gerrym51]

gerrym51,

I believe that the new f150's with the right options can tow a 5'er without any problems, but alot will depend on the size of the 5'er and where you towing.

I don't have any first hand experience towing in the Rockies but I don't think I would want to try it with the 5.4 V8. I think a V10 or diesel would be best.

I have read where the slider hitches work well and most seem not to have any problems with a 6½' box, but as you said the 8' box will give you a higher towing capacity and more storage room.

You will, of course, have to remember that whatever you store in the bed will subtract from you pin weight capacity as well as you GCWR. The pin weight or hitch weight capacity is where I believe the 250's are alot better than the 150's.

Good luck and hopefully we'll both end up with a tv thats fits our needs.

thanks for the info- the main problem people have(including me) is the
the new f-150 is a totally different pick up. the old f-150 wa simply
the 1/2 ton verision of250/350(obviously) the new f-150 has no real
comparison.

it obviously is not going to tow a gazillion pounds. I plan on keeping my
total weight in fifth wheel with everything in it less than 9,000 total.
my pin in truck should be max 1100.

gerry

 

[grhodes50]

gerrym51,
Tell if I'm wrong, but doesn't a 5'er usually have a pin weight that is approx 20% to 25% of the trailers weight? If so that would mean a 9,000 lb 5'er would have an approx pin weight of 1,800 lbs to 2,250 lbs.
I'm not trying to burst your bubble, but that's my understanding.

 

[gerrym51]

gerrym51,
Tell if I'm wrong, but doesn't a 5'er usually have a pin weight that is approx 20% to 25% of the trailers weight? If so that would mean a 9,000 lb 5'er would have an approx pin weight of 1,800 lbs to 2,250 lbs.
I'm not trying to burst your bubble, but that's my understanding.

actually the 5ver is 6400 dry weight 8400 max trailer loaded trialer.

i was talking of shooting for total weight of full trailer and supplies/
plus people in truck of 9000 pounds.

I know 5ver makers lie about weight so i planned on a big saftey margin
on paper and hope to be no more than 9500 pounds.(total trailer/supplys/people)
the pin weight from trailer manufacter is 1100 pounds(they say)

the ford supercab/8ft box with max weight and tow package is

8200gvwr 2650 weight in truck and 11,300 towing

I am paying attention to weights.

If i bought a fiver that was over 8000 pounds dry weight(probably 10,000 loaded)
their is no way i would consider the f-150.

however i have researched both the f-150 an f-250.

the f-150 supercab/8ftbox/max tow and trailer pack and weight pack slightly
beats the base f-250(with 5.4l engine).


the good thing about the 250/350/450 etc is that they can be fitted
with both bigger engines and even higher weight and towing packs
not available on f-150.

5.4 is biggest on f-150.

the advantages of the f-150 over 250 is only in the base model comparison.

the f-150 is and has more creature comfort and the big deal of far
more leg space(width) in passenger seat of f-150.

if your only going to get the base f-250(5.4l) engine than your better
off getting the f-150 if your weights are within it limits.

gerry