This didn't get any play in the 04' Forum, so I'll bring it up here.

Can the guys pulling fifth wheels with their SuperCrews (97-03 or 04 models) tell about how big/heavy of fifth wheels they tow and how the SuperCrew does in this area?

Thanks guys,
Jon

 

Ford does not support 5th wheel on the Super Crew (not sure about new 04 model). People have done it but be aware that Ford says NO.

 

I work at an RV Dealer (Sales Manager) and we have installed FW Hitches in a SCrew. The FW had a base weight of around 7700lbs and GVWR of 9,000+lbs. We used the Reece Slider Hitch.
The customer loves it. I will probably be seeing him at the race in Atlanta in a couple of weeks. It can be done but again FORD doesn't recommend it.
Mark

 

Can anyone explain Ford's stance on this one.

If we're talking about a smaller fifth wheel, what's the concern?

 

I believe there are 2 issues, the short bed and the fact that our trucks are more like an expedition than a standard f150. Ford is just covering their *** against warranty claims.

 

Do you really think you'll be comfortable pulling 6000+ pounds with a light duty truck? A Superduty will do it many times better and easier. Heck, they are even cheaper than the 2004 F-150 with rebates as long as you stay away from the diesel. Price out a Crew cab 6.5' bed F-250 vs. a Supercrew.

I suspect the issue is with the frame. The forces of a 5th wheel hitch on the frame of pickup require some strength.

 

I did some research on this because I was thinking of getting a 5W to replace my motorhome. The '04 is very capable of towing a 5W as long as you get a slider hitch such as a Pull-Rite. The beefier frame, stronger engine, etc., make this very doable. My problem was that the 5W I wanted needs an F350 diesel.

The Titanium brand of 5W is probably the best since it has a stepped front overhang. Their website even shows an older SCrew hooked up to one of their lighter 5Ws. I would not, however, attempt to tow a 5W with my current '02 SCrew because its not nearly as strong as the '04.

 

More like an Expy? I don't think so... Where did you get that impression? A Supercrew is a SuperCab frame with a Crew cab... Super/Crew... That's why the bed is short.

I think that there are several issues, one possibly being the short bed but the thing that stands out the most to me is the tranny in the SCrews and then the frame... The 150's have the weaker tranny with the exception of the L (and H-D). Slap a fifth wheel on there with a lot of weight in the bed and then add the weight being pulled AND then add the wind resistance.. Well, that's a lot of pull for the truck... Yes, I tow with mine and it does have limits, especially the brakes and in windy conditions.. I don't think they would be all that great for 5th wheels. Maybe for the smallest of them, but that's about that.. The frame is weaker than that of a Superduty and you must remember it is a light duty truck - nuff said there...

Now, put yourself in Ford's shoes.. What would you do?

I think I would be taking the same position as they do to be quite honest... Additionally, this helps out the sales of their SuperDuty line by swaying buyers to get the truck more suited to do the job.

 

I understand the physics of the thread but whats the difference pulling 5000lbs off the hitch attached to the frame or the FW attached to the frame

 

Go to rv.net and do a search under the 5th wheel section. You will get tons of info. I have a 2001 Screw with the 5.4. I tow a 5600lb wet 5th. i have had no problems, Up or Down hills.

good luck

bob