Over the Limit??

[Rich H.]

Wondering if a 2011 F150 with the ecoboost motor, 4x4, crew cab, and a max tow package can tow the following: Kodiak Travel Trailer Model: 300 BHSL Dry Weight: 7526 Tongue Weight: 833 Length:36 ft 11 inches

[glc]

Yes, as long as you don't load up the cab and bed with too much stuff. You will definitely need a weight-distribution hitch. Fully loaded, your tongue weight could approach 1200# which counts against your max payload.

[Rich H.]

With people and cargo in the cab, their will be about 915 pounds in the cab. The rest of the stuff will be placed in the trailer. Just trying to keep everything legal.

[glc]

What is the max payload with that package?

[Rich H.]

1900

[canadian_screw]

A 37' trailer IS NOT a half ton trailer. No matter what the weight. That's a 3/4 ton trailer

[Rich H.]

Thanks for the information, but could you expand your explanation a little further as to why. My father thinks that his f150 listed above as the ford dealer and rv dealer said he would be okay. I'm just trying to keep things safe for everyone involved. If a 3/4 ton is needed, gas or diesel? Sorry for all the questions, just trying to do the right thing.

[glc]

Only 1900 payload is going to push it over max with that cab/bed load and a loaded trailer.

[Rich H.]

Will it be over the max tow rating? Having a family dispute and I'm trying to dispute that the trailer is too much for the truck and an f250 is needed. How would you go about explaining this?

[glc]

Max tow rating is for a completely unloaded truck - I believe it assumes a 150# driver and 1/4 tank of gas ONLY - and minimum tongue weight, I believe that's 8%. You will be within the max tow rating but over the max PAYLOAD rating. Engine is not the issue, chassis is.

Bottom line - if you don't already own the truck and that is the trailer you want, buy the right truck for the job.

[MossyOak3006]

You would be surprised what a half ton will do. Me and my dad have 5.4 Screw 4x4s. Mine is a 2006 with 35s and 4.56s, his is a 2009 with 285/70s and 3.55s. We have both pulled our 8,000-9,000lb tractor on a 1,900lb 20 foot trailer quite a few times. If we just keep it about 60mph it does pretty good. We've pulled it on rough gravel roads too. Never had a problem

[glc]

"Never had a problem" but you are over legal weights. That's an issue only an owner can decide whether to deal with or not. There's a big SAFETY difference between towing a bigass tractor around your farm and into town, and loading up your family for a vacation with a TT.

[canadian_screw]

I do not think that the weight is that much of an issue. However at 37' long and probably close to 9000 pounds loaded. How is a truck a little over half the weight and about half the length going to stop that trailer going wherever it wants to, like say the ditch because you hit a bad crosswind? Sure you can get sway control, but like I said earlier that trailer is really better suited to a f250 or better. The 6.2 in a superduty should be adequate for that trailer. Will a max tow f150 'tow' that trailer? Sure it will. Will it be a worry free, enjoyable experience? Not in my opinion. Save yourself the trouble and get a superduty

[MossyOak3006]

I didn't think about how much surface a camper has. I've never pulled one. I can see how strong wind can be a problem

[Rich H.]

The search for the F250 begins.