I have a 2003 F-150 Super Crew XLT, 4x4, 5.4L, 17 inch tires, trailer tow group, trailer brake controller, will be using a weight distributing hitch, and 3.73 limited slip rear axle. I cannot seem to find the towing capacity. In my owners manual it states 7100/7200 lbs with the 3.55 axle. The 3.73 axle was put on as an option but there is no documentation with a 3.73 axle in the manual. Any info would be appreciated.
I am currently shopping around for a toy hauler travel trailer. The toy haulers that I have narrowed down too are 4000 to 5000 lbs empty, then add water, cargo, and a 900 lb Goldwing and its puts the total gross weight range from 7000 lbs to 7400 lbs.


Thanks, Art

 

At 7000 to 7400 you're gonna be at the top of what you're rated for. I would recommend a bigger/extra Aux tranny cooler and a tranny temp guage.

 

Very few toy haulers are not meant for half ton pickups. You'll be over the vehicle and combined ratings. 6000 pounds is about the limit I'd use an F-150 regularily for.

As far as what your actualy rating it, I belive it is 7200 pound. What the axle gives, the 17" wheels taketh away. However, your 12500 combined rating, minus the 5500 pound truck, minus passengers and cargo puts you right around 6k for the loaded trailer.

 

APT,
The toy haulers I am looking at are Ultra Lites for 1/2 ton pick ups. But of course the toy hauler sales people say that these models are no problem for the truck that I have so they can make a sale. I figured I would be on the end of the vehicles rated capability but was not sure. Looking at the 2006 F-150's with the same options as my 2003, the rating jumps to 9100 lbs (what did Ford change?). Would love to have an F-250 but it is out of my price range.

Viper,
Thanks for the heads up on the tranny cooler and temp gauge.

Art

 

You can actually pick up a 250 for not much more than a similarly equiped (5.4 and what not) f150. Another thing I considered was a certified used SuperDuty. A one or two year old low milage truck wouldn't be a bad option. If you're gonna be pulling alot I would consider upgrading if you have the funds. I pull 6500ish pounds with mine (5400# dry TT) a few times a year. It's doing ok, but I'm sure it's adding more wear to the f150 over what a SuperDuty would be. I've added a troyer active trans cooler and a temp guage to my stock setup. Things get hot here in FL

 

Like Viper said, you can do it, but even those "lightweight" toy haulers are heavy. Check out www.rv.net toy hauler forum to find out how underestmated the dry weights are. I've been looking at TY's for a couple years. The only ones I'd consider pulling regularily are the expandables from Travelstar.

 

Wow, never read that forum there. Some of those guys are WAY up there in weight.

 

Check out www.kz-rv.com Some of the best quality RVs on the road today. Very well built and they stand befind their product. I have a 33ft fifth wheel from them and I love it.

As far as the 250 v 150 goes. If you are going to buy a 250 with the 5.4L your towrating would be less than a 150 with the same tranny, gears motor etc. The truck weighs more but the power train is the same, just something to think about.

Not sure what part of the country you are from, but in the northeast, a good family owned dealership is at www.thervmart.com

 

I had the same question. Could not find any thing about a 3.73LS and 17" wheels (stock on mine). 6500 (GVRW) is all I am going to push. I am going to check into a tranny cooler.

 

7100 pounds according to the 2003 brochure for 4x4 Supercrew 17" wheels. Not listed in Owner's manual.

 

Check this one out, I've been looking for a toy hauler also.
http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/nitrous/

 

This camper has a cargo rack in front that you can load your motorcycle or ATV on the front. There is a ramp you fold down to drive it on.

http://www.jayco.com/html/catalog/fl...106&mod_id=494

 

That's still 5333 pounds dry empty. Add options, water, gas, and toys and you'll be over 7000 pounds quickly.

The only toy haulers I'd consider are the Travelstar expandables 18SD, 21SD, or the 23TB. Maybe the 25 & 27TB.