Is F-150 sufficient?

[J. Morgan]

Originally Posted by overlander63

The only problem with that scenario, even if you don't tow 98% of the time, you will still be towing a very large, heavy Airstream 100% of the time when you do tow.
I've towed our 31' with all kinds of trucks over the years. The most capable tow vehicle we had for it was our 2008 model F250 gas. It did very well, and believe it or not, rode and handled better, towing or not, than the F150 4x4 Supercrew that replaced it. Both got the same gas mileage.

The biggest problem I have with that position is that a 3/4 ton couldn’t pull my 31’ any truer or more comfortably than my 1/2 tons.

With my premium hitch, my twelve year old tow vehicle tows like it is on rails. Handling wise, there really isn’t any room for improvement.

[Safetyfirst]

Originally Posted by Dan P G

I'm also struggling with this decision, although I'm probably aiming at a lighter Airstream, thinking around 25. The kicker for me is payload; to get to the better numbers in the F150 you have to go to the longer wheelbases which won't, alas, fit in my garage. If I'm reading the payload calculation table correctly, a 2018 F150 super crew with 5.5 box (145 inch wheelbase) 4x4 with 3.5 ecoboost and 3.55 rear end tips the scales at 2,030 pounds payload.

My question is, do they calculate this with a stripped down model? How much do the real world numbers go down when you start looking at higher trim lines with more electronic goodies?

the adaptive cruise and lane keeping assist are fantastic. once you get used to them they are great tools. i wont get another vehicle without them.

[kendrick.l.j]

My two cents, if you want a New Classic you are going to need a 250/2500. If you want/need to keep the 150/1500 then you buy a much lighter trailer. Pretty simple.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by kendrick.l.j

My two cents, if you want a New Classic you are going to need a 250/2500. If you want/need to keep the 150/1500 then you buy a much lighter trailer. Pretty simple.

Hi

Even going from the Classic to the same sized FC pulls a bunch of weight out..... Lighter may not mean smaller.

Bob (with a F-250 and a 30' Classic)

[gypsydad]

This topic comes up at least once every couple of weeks with everyone who owns an F150 EB or other 1/2T PU having favorable things to say. Then there are the "other" crowd who own 3/4T or 1T who have different opinion. You note the "experts" who have towed "40 years...." etc.

My experience with "then new" 2012 Platinum F150 EB, 4x4, SuperCrew, short bed, was excellent with my 2 25' AS's over 6 years. My only issue was payload was very low- 1039#. I looked hard when moving to a 28' AS this past spring. Aside that both can "tow" 10K # plus trailers, I ended up moving up to the F250 6.7L diesel for 4 main reasons: payload capacity, torque power (950#'s), heft for towing larger trailer, and breaking ability.

After 19K miles, what have I learned:
1) The 3/4T does an excellent job towing with engine brake, collision avoidance equipment, and available torque/HP.
2) The extra payload and capability for towing is nice to have for adding additional equipment, kayaks, generator, or other "things" the wife buys while traveling.
2) The extra length and heft (weight) of the 3/4T saved us from a certain collision last week on our way to Alumalina in SC. While traveling at 65mph rounding a highway turn, the traffic ahead was stopped dead; no brake lights visible. I am sure in that situation, had I had my F150, the 28' AS would have pushed us into the car in front. We slowed quickely and missed by about 2 feet.; lighter tow vehicle would not have stopped us.

Buy what you want; listen to who you want, to feel better about your choice; but be safe. Actual experiences will make a believer out of you; they surely did me and the wife; first with our WDH last year, and now with our F250 towing the new 28'.

[mattskav]

Originally Posted by Safetyfirst

The 2017 F-150 with Eco Boost and max tow package would make towing the Classic 30 "legal". My question is whether there is enough power and braking. I traded my Super Duty thinking we wouldn't go as big as the 30 but then we toured one....
Anyone towing a 30 with the F-150 and happy about performance?
Thanks

I tow a 23D BH with an F150 Lariat, I've always said the trailer rides heavy, and I'm not in love with it. We really want to trade up for a 28' and went to look at a gorgeous used Platinum F150 Max Tow EB this past weekend. I was stunned that, despite having about 180 lbs more payload it rode even softer than my truck.

I then drove a brand new gas 2017 F250 camel interior Lariat Ultimate. That's the way I'm going, 2900 lbs payload on the sticker. Rides just fine. Has a real hitch with a 1500lb dead weight capacity, no endless DPF nightmares to deal with on the diesel front and It would clearly tow a 28 like a dream.

Yes the F150 could do it, but it's not going to be much fun to pilot...

If you have to have something for the garage and can live without some of the amenities like a sunroof then I think an F150 Lariat super crew 6.5 with the heavy duty payload package and max tow with the 3.5EB and 3.73 rear would probably be the way to go.

[Bobbo]

Originally Posted by SailorSam205

There is a spreadsheet being built on the F-150 forum reporting truck payloads. Also has trim, engine, options for each truck. There are a few trucks with > 2,900 lbs payload, over thirty report more than 2,000 lbs, and nearly a hundred > 1,700 lbs. So from the 150 people who have reported, you can easily get reasonable payloads if you order appropriately.

My F-150 is on that spreadsheet at 1895#.

[james.mileur]

Originally Posted by Bobbo

My F-150 is on that spreadsheet at 1895#.

Got link?

[Bobbo]

Originally Posted by james.mileur

Got link?

Here is the thread https://www.f150forum.com/f82/post-your-payload-332538/

Here is the spreadsheet https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?...K72JuHJWuenvwI

[Rust]

I also have been towing trailers for 30 plus years and had 1/2 tons and F350 diesel and went back to F150 after towing a 28 foot Sunnybrook with the F350.
It preformed better then my f350 other then torque, better mileage and way cheaper to run.
In 2011 bought a 28 foot flying cloud and have been towing with my 2nd F150 and would never think of a truck bigger then that. Never an issue with breaking, or control with these trucks lounge weight is heavy on 28 foot flying cloud.
One person said you tow 100% with a 30 foot trailer, yes true and the rest of the 95% your truck is not towing. So if you have it hitched up properly from a propositional and breaks on both vehicals are maintain and the correct tires on the vehicals you should not have an issue with a f150.
Yes I did all research on weights? Go to a towing specialist not most RV shops, since they tell many stories to RV buyers.

[james.mileur]

Gr8, thx

[rodsterinfl]

Absolutely,
I am now on my third F150. What others say is correct that it is all about configuration. A max tow Lariat loaded can tow about 12,200# with a payload of around 1700# with max tow. If the 30' is within those parameters, and, it is, then it is fine. The limiter will be the payload figure. It will tow the 30' by pulling weight. My 25' tongue is heavy at 1000# but it does very well. When you look at a Ford F150, open the driver door and look for the tire sticker (load sticker). It will give you the payload of that particular truck based on options, springs, etc. THAT IS the figure for cargo, people and tongue weight for that truck. Gas weight is already accounted for in that figure. The numbers are all over the place as each truck has different wheels, tires, options, etc. My '17 has a few features that my '15 did not have regarding towing. It has curve control that supposedly reads body roll and speed to brake. There are some other goodies but that one is interesting.

[billrector]

Originally Posted by rodsterinfl

Absolutely,
I am now on my third F150. What others say is correct that it is all about configuration. A max tow Lariat loaded can tow about 12,200# with a payload of around 1700# with max tow. If the 30' is within those parameters, and, it is, then it is fine. The limiter will be the payload figure. It will tow the 30' by pulling weight. My 25' tongue is heavy at 1000# but it does very well. When you look at a Ford F150, open the driver door and look for the tire sticker (load sticker). It will give you the payload of that particular truck based on options, springs, etc. THAT IS the figure for cargo, people and tongue weight for that truck. Gas weight is already accounted for in that figure. The numbers are all over the place as each truck has different wheels, tires, options, etc. My '17 has a few features that my '15 did not have regarding towing. It has curve control that supposedly reads body roll and speed to brake. There are some other goodies but that one is interesting.

I'd really like to get an F-150, but the payload seems very limited, especially with 4-wheel drive. Between my trailer, generators, water, cooking equipment, solar panels, chairs, fireplace, etc., I'm up to 1750 and I probably forgot a few things. I guess I need to go the F-250 route or similar.

[Dan P G]

With a weight distributing hitch, is part of the tongue weight taken off the TV, or is it just distributed to the front axel? In other words, if the TT is specified to have a hitch weight in the ballpark of 800 pounds, do you have to subtract that full amount off the TV's payload capacity? I realize the ultimate best way is to actually weigh the fully loaded rig and make sure the weights are within capacity, but how much of the stated hitch weight do you consider when deciding on a TV/TT combination?

[Dan P G]

As an aside, I went to a dealership yesterday to look at the 2018 F-150. I asked the sales guy if he had some data on how much various options added to weight (and accordingly subtracted payload) and he looked at me like nobody had ever asked such an outlandish question. He went and asked the manager, and came back to tell me that all the trim lines and option choices had the same payload.

I opened the door on the fairly well loaded Lariat we were standing next to, pointed at the sticker displaying a payload about 400 some pounds less, and said, "oh, really?"

He didn't have much to say on the subject after that.

Everybody always says not to trust what the salesmen tell you about towing capacity, but it is dispiriting to see it brutally in action...

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by Dan P G

With a weight distributing hitch, is part of the tongue weight taken off the TV, or is it just distributed to the front axel?

Yes, if properly set up, approximately 1/3 of the tongue weight is transferred back to the trailer axles and the remainder distributed to the front and rear axles of the TV.

[Dan P G]

Originally Posted by Adventure.AS

Yes, if properly set up, approximately 1/3 of the tongue weight is transferred back to the trailer axles and the remainder distributed to the front and rear axles of the TV.

Thanks! That's helpful for deciding how much payload capacity I'm really going to need.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by Dan P G

As an aside, I went to a dealership yesterday to look at the 2018 F-150. I asked the sales guy if he had some data on how much various options added to weight (and accordingly subtracted payload) and he looked at me like nobody had ever asked such an outlandish question. He went and asked the manager, and came back to tell me that all the trim lines and option choices had the same payload.

I opened the door on the fairly well loaded Lariat we were standing next to, pointed at the sticker displaying a payload about 400 some pounds less, and said, "oh, really?"

He didn't have much to say on the subject after that.

Everybody always says not to trust what the salesmen tell you about towing capacity, but it is dispiriting to see it brutally in action...

If you want a useful answer about configurations vs payload, find a dealership that sells lots of "white trucks" and talk to the fleet sales rep. Unlike front-line salespeople, fleet sales have to know what they're talking about, because people don't just wander in "just looking" when they're making fleet purchases, they expect to get the truck they need.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

If you want a useful answer about configurations vs payload, find a dealership that sells lots of "white trucks" and talk to the fleet sales rep. Unlike front-line salespeople, fleet sales have to know what they're talking about, because people don't just wander in "just looking" when they're making fleet purchases, they expect to get the truck they need.

Yup, for GM look for the dark gray "business elite" signage.

[rodsterinfl]

I will share this with you. Recently I was shopping for a truck again. I contacted a Ford dealer in Naples about a truck and, in my brief conversation with the salesman, I mentioned what payload rating I needed to be at or near. He said, "oh an F150 can tow around 13,000 pounds, no worries." I then got into an instructional discussion on the difference between payload and tow capacity but it turned negative. He said he would call me back, he was going to check. When he called back he had spoken to someone who, for 30 years had steered people into trucks based on their requirements. Note, he had already given me pictures of the door stickers and I knew the information of the truck we were discussing. He told me that the truck had a payload of 3300# and could tow 11,900#. I referred him to the door load sticker which stated payload was 1603#. He said ignore it. The Ford manual specifically states that the load sticker is payload.

The advantage to a half-ton truck is ride and size for a daily driver. If it meets your payload requirements then it is a good choice. When traveling you can put some things in the trailer instead of the truck bed. That helps keep payload down. F150s I have seen, go up to around 2300# payload. Naturally, the higher trim levels are lower. I had a Lariat almost loaded with a payload of 1720#. My new truck, a Platinum is more feature laden and has the 36 gallon tank which takes 100# off payload via the ARC weight (reserve capacity-options). The new truck is 1583#. I know at least 100# is the bigger tank option. Another heavy option is the twin moonroof.

Take the payload figure as it is and work from there. There is no reduction because of using a WD hitch. WD hitches do not all function the same nor do they truly evenly balance weight completely. In the "RV handbook" it describes the hitch as taking a weight and perfectly distributing weight across the towing axles- truck and trailer. Hitches all work differently and the result varies. You cannot use "after figures" to calculate your tongue weight. BTW, Fords, in my WD hitch notes says, "Ford vehicle front height cannot be lower than pre-hitching height or damage to the suspension may occur." This is referring to the front axle. So, you measure the height of the front before hitching then measure after hitching and adjust to no lower than the pre hitch- a limited adjustment. The specific weight of that adjustment may or may not be reached with the hitch. Point- go with the payload rating.

You should be able to find an F150 that will meet your need unless you have several family members that will travel in the truck.