We currently own a 2001 Ford F-150 Supercrew Shortbox.

We bought a 25' Mallard, no slide, 5th wheel knowing NOTHING about

anything. Stupid move. Don't do it!

Got the hitch after tons of trouble.

3100 Automatic Superslide 16K from Pullrite. Short,short box, and now we are

enlightned.

Suppose we should get a chip to help pull this trailer? It doesn't tow real

bad, but it could use some extra power. Let me know what you think. TIA...

Patricia

 

This would be better in the towing section, but definatly a bad move to get a 5th wheel with a supercrew. If you want to keep the camper you need to upgrade to a super duty or you can get a smaller camper. Not much else can be done when you get to big of trailer for your truck. I am sure your current truck can do it, but it won't be fun. Good luck and put this in the towing section, you will get a lot of more answers there from guys who tow all of the time.

 

Only 2 things can improve noticable towing power. Shorter gears and forced induction. Everything else will not provide much improvement for towing.

 

Dont forget brakes!!!!

 

i think a chip would be the way to go along with a KN filter and cat back exhaust. as for brakes you should be good, the trailer should have electric brakes on it, you'll just need to purchase the electric brake controller for the inside of the cab. this just plugs right under the dash. if your truck already has the trailer tow package then it's a breeze. good luck

 

Ford does not reccomend you pull a 5th wheel with that truck.
Your max gross combined weight should be in the 11,000 lbs range depending on tire size, engine size, gear ratio.
All these specs should have been investigated before ever settling on a trailer.
The dealers are of little help when it comes to a close application and they want to sell the trailer and make it your towing problem.
Most pullers are F250 and larger so they don't have to think much about it.
Using a 150 loaded to max GCW can still create longevity problems depending on the pulling that is done.
In steep hill country at low speeds the 4r70w trans can balloon the converter from the engine torque which in not related to over heating, as one example.
In any event 4.10 gears should be used with gas engines to make pulling overall an eaiser experience as well as a cooling package and larger battery for the extra lighting on the trailer.

 

if they are over it won't be by much. i just pulled a 29' pull type (these are usually heavier) with my 03 s'crew and i was under 6000 kg or 13200lbs. it will pull it without a problem but yes your right they might be over there gross. i would suggest you get the gross of the trailer and then the truck and add them up. my guess is they will come in around 11000-12000lbs. now if they have a light weight 5th wheel it might not be a problem.

 

The problem is GVWR and spring/axle ratings with 5th wheel's trailers. Add a 400 pound hitch to your bed, 500 pounds of people and 800-1200 pounds of tounge weight from the trailer and you are over GVWR even if under GCWV by 2000 pounds.

 

APT makes a good point.
The specific trailer weight distribution, number of axles and balance all figure into the final ability to legally pull the combination.
This is why it should be fully investigated before a decision is made to use a weight combination close to max GCW.
I have done this and found that the tire rating is even derated by 10% under certain conditions.
For example, a trailer that is front loaded too heavy can exceed the hitch rating and possibaly the tire rating even if the gross trailer weight is within limits.
I carry on the truck, a full set of specs and information about the combination I tow with in case there is a problem with the law while out on the road.
No one can know fully what all the information is unless it is documented.
This is why the dealers cannot really zero in on a close max combination, especially the salesman.
Bottom line is there is some minor engineering in all this that is not always apparent to many. The only amount of safty is the rating are usually on the conservitive side for use protection. If it is exceeded---oh well!
Everytime you go out on the road in your car and pass a towed trailer, how do you know if that combination is safe.
I have seen some awful towing action out on the road and with liscense plates from far away that I would never tow under such conditions.