Need help with towing package

[Docv]

Having a Ford F-150 platinum 2017 without a towing package wanting to tow a classic 30 foot as
What towing package do I need and what is the best place to have it installed
Plus what would the estimated cost be?

[joshjack]

I don’t believe there is going to be a “towing package” per se. You’ll need a proper hitch, trailer wiring, and a brake controller. Might want a transmission cooler if you don’t have one already.

[majorairhead]

Oh boy, I'll probably open a can of worms with this,

F250

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Docv

Having a Ford F-150 platinum 2017 without a towing package wanting to tow a classic 30 foot as
What towing package do I need and what is the best place to have it installed
Plus what would the estimated cost be?

What engine?
What transmission?
What rear end ratio?
What is the towing capacity?
Price would be anywhere from $500-$15000, depending on how the truck is currently equipped. Without more info, any response is pure speculation.

[n2916s]

30' is a big puppy! As noted above, You will need at least a Class IV hitch. A brake controller and an auxiliary transmission cooler. If you have P metric tires on your Ford, you might consider moving to an LT tire with a lower profile and stiffer sidewalks.

Drilled/slotted brake disks were helpful with brake fade on my old Titan - don't know if the F150 could use them...

[GMFL]

That is a BIG trailer and your truck will pull it......BUT. without a factory towing package that would indicate that your truck was not set up to tow heavy loads long distances. You probably do not have a transmission cooler or proper rear ended gears to tow an 11000 lb trailer. Brakes and disc size may also be smaller.
As “overlander63” stated with out more info it is hard to say.

Now I’m going to say it........
DRUM ROLL PLEASE..............

THAT TRUCK ‘WITH” A FACTORY INSTALLED TOW PACKAGE WOULD HAVE A VERY TOUGH LIFE PULLING A 30’ AIRSTREAM. JUST SIMPLE MATH.

There I said it

I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant's faithful one-hundred percent!

[Docv]

It is a 3.5 v6 ecoboost 4 we 10speed withtow mode super crew 3.55 elect lock rear axle with trailer brak control it has a class 4 trailer pack I think that may not be enough
Thanks for all your comments
Docv

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by Docv

It is a 3.5 v6 ecoboost 4 we 10speed withtow mode super crew 3.55 elect lock rear axle with trailer brak control it has a class 4 trailer pack I think that may not be enough
Thanks for all your comments
Docv

I think your good. There are people on this forum that think you need a diesel or F250. But if your payload is OK, you should be fine. I pull a 28’ with an 2017 F150 XLT 3.5 Ecoboost like your with 1730lbs of payload nd I can accelerate up a steep incline. So you will have plenty of torque in a max tow mode package. I’m guessing with that tow mode you probably have a big enough cooler for your transmission, but check. Another person on this forum stated they pull a 30’ with a Dodge 3.0 diesel that has less horsepower and torque than the F150.

As to hitch well.....You will get lots of opinions. I have a Propride hitch. Expensive. But it will make your driving experience more pleasurable and give some added safety. But you can get by with others that are cheaper. The WDH and how you set it up is really a very big part of the towing experience. So do your research. The bigger the AS the more wind your going to catch etc. So that’s why I have a PP hitch. It eliminates sway. Good luck. Big decisions. But don’t sell your truck and get an F250 unless you REALLY need the payload or your going to be pulling more than driving it without towing. IMHO.

By the way ALWAYS tow in tow mode, so that your engine is in the highest torque range and transmission doesn’t over heat.

Also the fact that you have a Platinum may limit your payload because they come loaded with sun roofs etc. Check the sticker for payload.

[n2916s]

Originally Posted by Docv

It is a 3.5 v6 ecoboost 4 we 10speed withtow mode super crew 3.55 elect lock rear axle with trailer brak control it has a class 4 trailer pack I think that may not be enough

Thanks for all your comments

Docv

Well, in that case, an auxiliary transmission cooler and you should be good to go.

What does your payload sticker say? That will be your main limiting factor.

[LostCowboy]

F250

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Docv

It is a 3.5 v6 ecoboost 4 we 10speed withtow mode super crew 3.55 elect lock rear axle with trailer brak control it has a class 4 trailer pack I think that may not be enough
Thanks for all your comments
Docv

You didn't mention payload? Look on your drivers door for the sticker with the "payload" numbers. Some F150's do not have enough payload...my first F150 Platinum only had 1139 lbs...I was overloaded each trip for first couple years and did not realize the importance of this number..

You likely have the oil cooler but for the transmission cooler, you may well have this already too if you have the trailer brake and tow package; check your sticker again or ask your service guy at the dealer to verify what you have. It is recommended for towing larger trailers for sure, especially if your going to be going up/down any mountains...if just in FL, maybe ok without it. Class IV hitch is good for up to 10K lbs.

[eldin]

I would add a heavy duty battery and alternator .

[doctorlewis]

I agree with some of the others -- get a F250 or a Chevy 2500HD. Yes, your truck will probably pull the trailer but if you get into any mountains that is going to be a big strain on your current truck.

[bwoodtx]

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

I am sure it will pull it(maybe), but will it stop it????

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Docv

It is a 3.5 v6 ecoboost 4 we 10speed withtow mode super crew 3.55 elect lock rear axle with trailer brak control it has a class 4 trailer pack I think that may not be enough
Thanks for all your comments
Docv

Are you SURE the truck doesn't have a towing package? Many of those things are what a truck with a towing package is equipped with. While I have seen some trucks equipped with a receiver, I don't think I've seen one with a OEM brake controller that didn't have the tow package.

[us3rnam3]

Originally Posted by Docv

Having a Ford F-150 platinum 2017 without a towing package wanting to tow a classic 30 foot as
What towing package do I need and what is the best place to have it installed
Plus what would the estimated cost be?

First thing read this https://rvlifemag.com/towing-half-to...e-quarter-ton/

My experience: In my driveway I have a 2016 F250 diesel Lariat and a 2015
F150 XLT with a V8 and 6 speed. last summer the F150 towed our 2014 27FB International on a 14,000 mile trip to Alaska and back with no problem. The 250 belongs to my son and is used exclusively to tow his 40 ft+ 5th wheel trailer. I Drive the 250 when I need a second vehicle, it is a brute no one in our families prefers to drive it. I did three towing mods for my F150. 1) AIR LIFTS for the rear wheels. I don't think they are any better than adding new shocks as recommended in the above referenced article. 2) I had the Ford brake controller installed because i like where it is installed in the dash. 3) I installed Micheline LT tires in the truck and Airstream. A must if you are going to Alaska.
If I were buying a new F150 I would opt for an XLT with the 3.5L Ecoboost and 10 speed transmission, and add the shocks and LT tires as recommended in the above referenced article. I also have a Hensley hitch a gift from my son when he moved to a 5th wheel, I really like the Hensley.

[DBinSD]

Many people pull with a F150. However, the stoping power will be very limited. The trailer is a "big dude" and you have light gear.
At least get a weight distribution hitch to even things out. The tongue load will take up most of your payload capacity.
Remember that payload includes you, passengers and gear.
As mentioned previously, these should be minimum:

Class IV hitch
Trailer brake (in truck)
Transmission cooler
LT tires

Good luck!

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by majorairhead

Oh boy, I'll probably open a can of worms with this,

F250

Yes you will.
Having said that since I have been there and done that I second the motion.

[Daquenzer]

I have a 28’ Serenity. I stop just fine with the F150. That’s why there are trailer breaks. And those need to be set properly. If the truck is doing most of the stopping then they aren’t.

The choice between an F250 and F150 is basically down to how much you will tow and how much payload you will need. With a few modications an F150 will pull a 30’ just fine as stated above. And the F150 is a whole lot better everyday vehicle than and F250. Having said that if you are going to be towing 6 months of the year all over the country then an F250 may make more sense. You will need more payload simply because you will be taking more stuff along.

When I fully retire (and I have the money) I will probably try to get a used F250 diesel, because my plan is to travel more and I won’t need the pickup for an every day vehicle. I know of a dealer in WI that always gets in used diesels that have low miles. But that’s only because I like the extra power; not because it would be totally necessary

By the way anyone going over 65mph while towing is in danger land. Most of us drive 60 to 65 on the Interstate. Don’t be in a hurry. Stop often. And enjoy the moment. Maybe in wide open country 70mph is OK. But that’s pushing things. You will learn that speed is not your friend while towing.

[Olscot]

Having driven 3+ million miles in big rigs and watching the destruction when a too light tow vehicle jack knifes pulling a too heavy trailer I wouldn't risk my life doing it. My C-10 low rider will pull my 31' er just fine but you won't see it happening. With my old F-250 powerstroke I can relax and enjoy the scenery.