Towing & Hauling

Can I tow a 31' travel trailer with a slide out that weighs 6380lbs w/05 F150 fx4?

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Old Sep 1, 2008 | 01:33 PM
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one028's Avatar
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Can I tow a 31' travel trailer with a slide out that weighs 6380lbs w/05 F150 fx4?

i have been looking for a travel trailer for a long time. i finally found a really nice trailer, but it is 31' long with a slide out and weighs 6380lbs dry. i have a 05 f150 fx4 with the 5.4l engine. will i have any trouble towing this trailer. i want to buy it now, but im scared ill have a problem towing.


thanks...
 
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Old Sep 1, 2008 | 01:59 PM
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as long as you dont plan on camping in the mountains you will be OK. remember OD off and take your time.
 
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Old Sep 1, 2008 | 02:44 PM
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what gears are u running. you will ok, but like paralyzer says: stay out of the mountains. Take your time while pulling. Don't overwork the truck. I got keystone springdale 29rkl. Its in my picture gallery,
 
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Old Sep 1, 2008 | 09:14 PM
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That is 6300 dry plus all your supplies and water...wow. I don't think I'd tow anything that heavy with my 05 personally, it just sounds way too heavy.

You'd definitely want to get a Gryphon so you can maximize your towing power and also keep an eye on temps while towing that hog.
 
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Old Sep 1, 2008 | 09:25 PM
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Thats alot of trailor!
 
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Old Sep 1, 2008 | 09:57 PM
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he still has about 2500 lbs before he reaches his max trailer weight...
 
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 07:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Paralyzer
he still has about 2500 lbs before he reaches his max trailer weight...
Which is meaningless. That trailer will probably be close to 8k when loaded, which will probably put him over either GVWR or GCWR. You have to saty withing all limits, not just max tow.
 
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 09:12 AM
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Ouch man I would get a smaller trailer.
 
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 09:29 AM
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I love these posts... interesting responses all true and insightful.

The F150's due best if you keep the trailer weights below or at 5k.
I agree that a dry weight camper at 6700#'s will be at or close to 8k when loaded with supplies, linnens, dishes, water, sewage fuel etc.

These 25' and bigger trailers are best left to larger trucks, but to answer the original post, will it tow it without problems..... Sure.

Tranny heat will be an issue, WD bars will be required as well air bags will help greatly.

With the price of fuel there are a lot of 3/4 and 1 ton trucks out there for sale cheap! You might consider one just for towing and keep your F150 too.
 
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 11:28 AM
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the trailer price is way to good to pass up..i would hate not to buy it, but if my truck will have a hard time pulling it i may have to pass it up. i really want to try it though....im torn...
 
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 11:43 AM
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i think you've been given a possible route to try - WD hitch, airbag the rear and regear it to a lower ratio is a start.

along with that you will need a good trans cooler, possibly even making your own plumbing for it as well to cut out the part that goes to the radiator (if the 04+ does that).

if it was me i'd definately try it, but uh yeah thats pretty close to my cut off.
 
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 07:53 PM
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I tow that much all the time with my Expedition. I have a 97 4x4 with the 5.4. With a WD hitch, the air ride, etc. it does just fine. I'm usually pulling a 20' flatbed trailer with my Mustang on it. Mustang weighs close to 3500 w/ fluids, etc. in it, trailer is almost 2000 and I have about 2000lbs of gear. Sometimes 3 other people in the Expedition. Usually around a 14,000lb rolling load. It is over gross ratings but it does just fine. Plenty of power, controllable, stopping with the trailer brakes is no problem at all.

Although on the Expy I do have a shift kit in the trans, electric fan conversion, headers, full exhaust, all synthetic fluids, etc. It gets run hard but serves me well.

The newer 5.4 (and all around newer, improved truck) should do just fine with that load I would think.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2008 | 12:57 AM
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Yes it will pull it just fine. take your time dont pull with the hold tanks full.
I have a 30 with a super slide and the trailer is 6600#dry. I have a 99 f150 xlt 4x4. OD off and ease into the gas and make sure that the rig is set properally.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2008 | 07:08 PM
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Originally Posted by jason8225
I tow that much all the time with my Expedition. I'm usually pulling a 20' flatbed trailer with my Mustang on it.
There's your answer. If you tried to pull a 20ft. enclosed trailer you'd think your Expedition pulls like crap.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2008 | 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by one028
i have been looking for a travel trailer for a long time. i finally found a really nice trailer, but it is 31' long with a slide out and weighs 6380lbs dry. i have a 05 f150 fx4 with the 5.4l engine. will i have any trouble towing this trailer. i want to buy it now, but im scared ill have a problem towing.
If it's that good of a bargain buy and resale it. Put the money towards a lighter trailer with better options or a more capable towing rig.
The F150 can and will tow it but the truck and your nerves will be taxed!
 
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