2009 - 2014 F-150

Towing question.

  #1  
Old 01-18-2014 | 09:51 PM
Ricjr76's Avatar
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Towing question.

Looking for opinions/answers. I own a 2012 f150 super cab 4x4 ecoboost 3.31 with tow package. Ratings say 9400# capability, 1660#payoad, 7200#gvwr. Was looking at purchasing a travel trailer with a weight of 7406#, cargo cap of 2200#, and tounge wt. of 933#, 33' in length. Do these numbers look compatible or am I looking for trouble.
 
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Old 01-18-2014 | 10:08 PM
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Too much. That's a 3/4 ton or better trailer.
 
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Old 01-18-2014 | 11:17 PM
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Definitely with that trailer, once loaded up with people and cargo in the trailer and the truck, you will be over GVWR and GCWR. Also that 3.31 ratio is a killer for towing. If you have oversize tires, that will make it even worse.
 
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Old 01-19-2014 | 01:07 AM
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Im surprised Ford would put a tow package and 3.31 gears together.
 
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Old 01-19-2014 | 10:22 AM
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The EB will tow fine with 3.31's - 1st gear in the 6 speed is a stump puller and the EB has plenty of low end torque. However, notice that it's just a towing package, NOT max tow. 6th gear will essentially be useless.

You will run out of payload/GVWR long before you hit the 9400# max tow rating or the limits of the engine and gearing.

Will the truck tow that trailer? Sure. Will it be safe and stable? Probably not.
 
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Old 01-19-2014 | 10:56 AM
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As far as the transmission, a lot depend upon which one he has. If the selectshift, he can lock out gears. If not the transmission will be hunting for gears no matter what type of surface he is towing on. If for no other reason than wind resistance.
 
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Old 01-19-2014 | 11:36 AM
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I would say it depends on how often, how far, and where you tow. If you stay out of the mountains, it will tow ok on flat ground. Just be careful and don't get in a hurry.

Ideally, you should have a F250 or F350 with a V10 or preferably a diesel.
 
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Old 01-20-2014 | 01:35 PM
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Went to the scale today. Me,a full tank of gas, about 250# in the backseat. 6040#. Gross for the truck is 7200. That only leaves 1160#. Definitely cutting it close.
 
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Old 01-20-2014 | 03:10 PM
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TOO close for that trailer.
 
  #10  
Old 01-20-2014 | 03:27 PM
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And I would be willing to bet that 933lbs tongue is for an empty trailer. A lot higher loaded.
 
  #11  
Old 01-22-2014 | 08:20 AM
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I have the same setup exept I'm 4x2. My travel trailer is a 26 ft Starcraft Starstream in at about 7600lbs fully loaded & my boat is a 2010 Dusky 257 weighing in at about 8200 loaded and Honestly, unless you plan on drag racing on a red light, the truck tows fine with the 3.31 gears with the 5.0. I can keep it on cruise control in tow mode at 65-70 on 6th gear anything beyond 70 it drops to 5th which I lock to avoid the tranny from hunting. I really have no complaints at all. Fuel economy is great with these gears weather towing or not. All the higher gear ratio will do it make the truck more peppy at take off and a bit more when punching it when passing. All I have as mods are Gibson exhaust & drop in K & N.

Good luck.
 
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Old 01-22-2014 | 03:53 PM
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  #13  
Old 01-22-2014 | 10:11 PM
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Buy a super duty or a smaller trailer. Max numbers reflect an empty truck on flat ground at sea level doing 55mph. Once you have people, hills, bad weather etc you cut your capacity quickly.
I tow 5,600 24ft with my screw and I wouldn't tow much more with a half ton. At 33ft you also have to consider wind load and surface area to get pushed around...
I am more comfortable around 70% of max ratings for my own preference. That gives me enough brakes and handling to be comfortable should something go wrong.
 


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