Towing a 25' Flying Coud

[Rambler]

I am considering upgrading our 19' Bambi to a 25' Flying Cloud. Our Honda Ridgeline won't tow the 25'. I would prefer to stay with a pickup. Does anyone had a recommendation regarding a Ford F-150? I've been impressed with the company's turnaround and the looks. Interested in knowing your experiences and thoughts.
Thanks.
Rambler

[2airishuman]

hi rambler

i've driven the new 150s and LIKE them.

but it's not enough truck for my trailer.

e'pod just ordered and took delivery on one,

here's a couple of his posts and pictures....

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...bed-60674.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...tml#post833351

cheers
2air'

[moosetags]

The new F-150 will probably do the trick for you. A late model 25 footer is probably going to weigh out at 7,000+#. You are going to need a transmission fluid cooler and load range D or E tires to handle the load with a half ton. Many half tons do not come with these.

Brian

[n2916s]

I tow my 1986 31' Sovereign (#8300 GVW) with a 2004 Titan which is very close to the F150 in weight and power. My trailer has been weighed in road ready trim at #7900 (I don't carry a lot of "stuff"). Tows just fine although on an average trip through the Rockies I will enjoy some time in 3rd gear @45mph in the "granny" lane. Stops like a champ. Never a white knuckle moment. 40,000 miles so far...

There are folks hereabouts who believe that towing with anything short of a 3/4 ton diesel is, well, stupid. I disagree. If your TV and hitch are properly rigged, tires properly inflated and equipment maintained, a properly rated half ton works just fine.

On the down side, my truck gets 11mpg towing which is a pain in the wallet...

mike

[jm2]

have been very happy with our 1997, 1999, 2002, 2005, and 2008 F150 Supercab 4x4 with 6.5' beds.

all have been equipped with the factory towing package.

have towed a 1976 31' Sovereign, a 1981 31' Excella II, and a 2002 25' Safari Six Sleeper, using a Tekonsha P3 brake controller that currently sits on top of the dashboard in the factory tray that's there. I drilled a 1" hole in the tray and snaked the connector cable down to the trailer harness connector. the rubber mat in the tray will cover the hole.

am currently equipped with the 5.8L V-8, automatic, electric 4wd, 18" whls & tires, etc. I always order my Fords from the factory, so that we get what we want, and don't have to pay for options that we don't want or need. it usually takes ~4 weeks to take delivery, and I believe that it's the least expensive way to buy or lease a new vehicle.... we usually pay something very close to "paper cost" before including whatever current local / regional / national promotional offers apply.

reliability has been good. suffice it to say, we expect to order a 2011 or 2012 replacement in about a year.

some will prefer the Crew Cab over the Super Cab, but we use the cargo space of the smaller back seat and the larger bed, while keeping the overall size "parkable" here in the 'burbs.

[A/S Squared]

If you can afford it go for a diesel P/U. I used to tow a 25' Safari with a 1/2 ton GMC 2wd and got 9-10 mpg. I'm currently towing a 30' Classic with a 3/4t 4wd GMC and I'm getting 14-15 mpg. Plus if you ever decide to go to a bigger trailer you will have the TV to handle it. Just my two cents.