max RV weight
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Troup, TX
max RV weight
I have a 2007 F150 Super Crew with a 4.6 liter motor. I do not have a towing package.
My question is what is the heaviest thing I should tow? I want to get an RV but should I get a bigger truck?
My question is what is the heaviest thing I should tow? I want to get an RV but should I get a bigger truck?
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,506
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From: Puyallup, WA
Anywhere from around #2000 up to around #6000....
Depends on a lot of factors.
Best thing you can do is get your truck weighed as it sits right now. Look at the GVWR for your truck on the door jamb sticker. Subtract the weight ticket amount from that figure and that's basically what you have as allowable 'payload' left for your truck.
'Payload' is then anything you put in or on your truck after you weighed it. If you were in the truck when it was weighed, then you are already included.. If the kids and dog where not there, then they are additional 'payload'.
A trailer will have a certain amount of tongue weight. This amount is 'payload' when it's hitched up to your truck. Most TT have about 10-15% of their total gross weight as tongue weight. So, a #6000 TT will have anywhere from #600 - #900 of tongue weight. If you only have #1500 of 'payload' after doing the math above, that trailer is going to take a good chunk of that 'payload' away. Not much left if you haven't loaded the dog and kids in yet!
If you don't have the factory 'tow package', then you will need to get a class 3-4 frame mounted hitch. 7 pin connector, proper fuses and relays for the various functions of the trailer besides it's running lights and a trans cooler if it does not already have one.
Mitch
Depends on a lot of factors.
Best thing you can do is get your truck weighed as it sits right now. Look at the GVWR for your truck on the door jamb sticker. Subtract the weight ticket amount from that figure and that's basically what you have as allowable 'payload' left for your truck.
'Payload' is then anything you put in or on your truck after you weighed it. If you were in the truck when it was weighed, then you are already included.. If the kids and dog where not there, then they are additional 'payload'.
A trailer will have a certain amount of tongue weight. This amount is 'payload' when it's hitched up to your truck. Most TT have about 10-15% of their total gross weight as tongue weight. So, a #6000 TT will have anywhere from #600 - #900 of tongue weight. If you only have #1500 of 'payload' after doing the math above, that trailer is going to take a good chunk of that 'payload' away. Not much left if you haven't loaded the dog and kids in yet!
If you don't have the factory 'tow package', then you will need to get a class 3-4 frame mounted hitch. 7 pin connector, proper fuses and relays for the various functions of the trailer besides it's running lights and a trans cooler if it does not already have one.
Mitch
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Joined: Mar 2009
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Don't think weight, think length. You'll run out of safe length before you run out of weight capacity.
Length = billboard sized sail. That plus light short truck equals upside down in a ditch. I would rather tow a 24' trailer weighing 8000 lbs than a 32' trailer weighing 4000.
Keep it under about 26' and you should be fine.
Length = billboard sized sail. That plus light short truck equals upside down in a ditch. I would rather tow a 24' trailer weighing 8000 lbs than a 32' trailer weighing 4000.
Keep it under about 26' and you should be fine.
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From: Victoria,BC Canada
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From: Joplin MO
On a stock class 3 hitch, WD bars are *required* if you are over 500 tongue and/or 5000 gross.