I have a 2010 F-150 XLT Super Cab, 4.6L V8, 4x4, 145" WB.
My wife and I are trying to get the biggest travel trailer we can tow without blowing up our engine. We live in CO and will travel to CA, OR, WA, so in the mountains.

GCWR - 13500
GVWR -7000
axle ratio 3.55

I find a wide range of GVRs from RVtrader.net vs company websites, whats up with that?

Any incite would be greatly appreciated!

 

I would not go over 5000 lbs because of the mountain driving. The 4.6 doesn't have much low end torque, even if it's the 3 valve with 6 speed transmission.

Have you considered trading the truck in for a newer one with an Ecoboost? If you want a BIG trailer, I'd get a Super Duty with a diesel.

Officially, your max tow with a 3 valve is 7900 lbs. However, the truck will run out of GVWR and GCWR long before you reach that number and it won't get out of its own way.

 

Living in CO you are at higher elevations and towing in the mountains substantially reduce hp of the engine due to the thinner air/less air pressure. You can tow a TT with that truck but you will be in the slow lane with the big rigs in the hills. If you aren't a patient man, I'd recommend you trade for a more powerful truck. The turbo engines are less affected by the thinner air at higher elevations because of the forced induction.

 

AND, what glc told you about GVWR and GCWR is important. If you get a big travel trailer, the tongue weight will also be high. An F150 simply does not give you too much latitude in the GVWR.

If you're going for a big trailer, get a SuperDuty.

- Jack

 

I would also say get a super duty.