I have a 2006 F-150 SC 4x4 4.6 with 3.55ls. I just bought a 30 foot Crossroads TT no slide dry weight of 4800lbs, loaded probably 6000lbs. I have a brake controller and a weight dist. hitch and the truck pulls it fine on the backroads but on interstate she dogs it. I can run about 65, but usually keep it around 58. Remember that the weight is not the real issue on travel trailers it is the ten foot box catching the wind that you notice. I pulled a 63 Chevy C20 that weighs 7000 lb add the car hauler I was pushing 8500 lbs almost 300 miles on interstate and it pulled easier than my camper. I would invest in an Edge Evolution made a world of difference in my truck also gives you a trans temp gauge, and engine load gauge which really let you know how the truck is doing.

 

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The 4.6 with 3.55 gears is what makes towing a TT a struggle for you. While I agree a tow tune will help, that combo is not going to provide the performance a 5.4 with 3.73 gears will, as the OP's truck has.

I'm not dissin your truck, just stating the facts.

 

i do agree that what you tow matters. i big box will be harder to pull than something less obstruct to blocking wind. although i re-read the post and where he said the weight is not the issue, it mostly is what will hold you back.

YDM i can agree with you on the TT.

 

When my wife and I were looking at campers we had a hard time finding one that fit our requirements and met the towing capacities of my 04 F150 and it looks like you are running into the same problem. We ended up upgrading the truck to a F350 diesel so we would be able to tow any camper we found and ended up getting a 5er that is 9k empty and 11k gross and I have towed it both empty and loaded and there is a world of difference between the two even with a diesel.

I would really recomend finding a lighter camper light camper if you cant upgrade the truck or upgrade to a F250 and it does not have to be diesel to get the job done either but is a plus when towing a 9k brick wall down the road. It will also make for a more enjoyable trip for all involved good luck.

 

How about something like the KZ Spree 280RLS? Even this Sportsmen would be better (weight wise) than that Coachmen.

 

I just bought a used 19' travel trailer which has a 5600 lb GVWR and alll loaded up it pulls good with my 09, FX4 but I am glad I didnt go any bigger on the trailer. THe posts above are right about the wind too it really makes the trailer feel heavy when your driving into it.