F150 (max 7000 tow rating) pulling Safari 25?

[Eckhart]

We're newbies considering a Sarfari 25 (weight rating 7,000 / 7,300 lbs) - our 2008 F150 (5.4 liter V8 with tow package) is rated for a max of 8,000 lbs.

This is over the 80% rule of thumb (87-91%), but I'm wondering if the fact that it's an Airstream ameliorates the downside.

Comments?

Thanks.

[SteveH]

We're pulling a 25' Excella, '01, with an '07 GMC 1500 (tow rating 7800 lbs) 5.3 Liter engine, with no problems. However, I will say I would not want to tow anything bigger with the truck.

[SRW]

I tow a 28' International weighing 7,300 lbs with a 2008, 5.7L, V8 Tundra that has a towing capacity of 10,000 lbs.

While I am happy with how the Tundra tows the 7,300 lbs I sure wouldn't want to tow 10,000 lbs.

SRW

[n2916s]

I have towed my 31' Sovereign (max gross 8300#, actual weight with our normal load 7700#) 30,000 miles over the past three years with a 2004 Nissan Titan.

While my Titan is rated by Nissan to pull 9500#, it isn't all that different in weight or power from your Ford.

Personally, IMHO, you should be fine. Drive defensively, keep the tv and trailer running gear well maintained, go easy.


mike

[ROBERT CROSS]

Your truck will tow it,
Make sure you have a properly set up WD hitch and quality brake controller.
Is it the optimum?, no. Is it the worst? not likely. You won't know what your comfortable with til you try what you have. The Stream will outlast the truck so the oportunity to up-grade is down the road. With the proper set-up you may be slow but you can be safe.

What's important?......get Stream'n

[dmac]

I tow my 2003 Safari 25 with GVWR of 6300 with a 2005 F150 rated to tow 9000. Perhaps your truck has a different axle ratio. I do recommend a trans temp gauge and possibly extra trans cooler fan. I think your trailer is about the same as mine, but with heavier duty torsion axles... so you could load it a bit lighter.

[moosetags]

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

We have a 2005 25FB (7300#). We used to tow with a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe (1/2 ton) with the 5.3 liter V-8. It towed OK, but did not exactly inspire confidence. Our 3/4 ton Suburban does a much better job.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Eckhart

We're newbies considering a Sarfari 25 (weight rating 7,000 / 7,300 lbs) - our 2008 F150 (5.4 liter V8 with tow package) is rated for a max of 8,000 lbs.

This is over the 80% rule of thumb (87-91%), but I'm wondering if the fact that it's an Airstream ameliorates the downside.

Comments?

Thanks.

Yes it can be done, and done safely. Just watch what gets loaded into the trailer (I had to put a scales at the door on ours)

FWIW we tow(ed) ours for about a year with our 2003 F150 4.6l V8 with factory tow package. Tranny cooler and temp gauge are almost a necessity. We towed on relatively flat ground and stayed out of the deep mountains. Our 1975 31' has similar weight characteristics to your 25'.

Aaron

[TinLoaf]

I just towed my 25 foot Safari through the hills of the Ozarks to Branson, MO. The F-150 5.4 handled the load admirably. I was able to hold 60 mph up the grades in 3rd (OD off) with the torque converter unlocking only on the largest hills. That put the RPM no higher than 3,000.

I've pulled I-90 all the way to Seattle with an Excursion diesel. I haven't had the the F-150 in the mountains yet, but after it's performance yesterday in Branson I'm confident it will tow the mountain grades near Butte, MT and the Idaho border in 2nd at 4,000 rpm. It won't be the beautiful experience it was with the diesel, but it will be good.

So in summary, you're set up is a great match in my opinion. In fact I enjoy towing with the F-150 much more than with the Excusion because the steering and control is so much better. Get out and enjoy it. Just be sure to turn off the overdrive.

Also, I'm using an Equal-i-zer weight distribution/sway control hitch.


Steve

[Zugbug]

I tow a 23' Safari with my 2006 F-150 rated to tow 9600. Performs extemely well I climb into the Seirra Nevadas a couple of times a year no problems at all.