Tow Vehicle

[Big Can Man]

Hi, newbie here. Planning to purchase a 30' Serenity. Will a F150 be enough to safely tow, or would we need a 250.

Looking forward to feedback

Thanks
Ernie

[Hans627]

I can't answer your question (I have a 25FB and tow it with a RAM 1500). Sorry!

But I do want to welcome you to the forum.

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by Big Can Man

Hi, newbie here. Planning to purchase a 30' Serenity. Will a F150 be enough to safely tow, or would we need a 250.

Looking forward to feedback

Thanks
Ernie

What are the max towing specs for the F150 you have in mind? What is the weight and tongue weight of the 30 footer?

[kb0zke]

According to the airstream.com site, the 30' Serenity has tongue weight of 880 pounds, with a gross weight of 8800 pounds. From what I've read here, that tongue weight should be taken with a large grain of salt. Just adding a hitch would likely move that up to around 1000 pounds. Yes, a weight-distributing hitch will move some of that weight around, but I'm guessing that an F150 will be pretty close to the limit just with the trailer. Then add in all the stuff that will ride in the bed of the pickup and you will likely be overweight somewhere. Get the F250 and be safe.

I'm looking for a 34' which has a GW of 9800 pounds. I'm planning on an F250 for the tow vehicle.

[kscherzi]

For safety you'll need a F1050. Get the dual diesel engine option. You'll also need dualies up front with triples in the rear for safety and traction. To get adequate payload double rear triples are your best bet. Order your truck for no less than 50,000 lbs of payload. You'll appreciate that extra capacity and safety buffer.

Sure a F150 can work, but for safety of your family and others, the F1050 gives you that little extra bit of insurance.

[Williker]

Towing capacity for 2016 F150
http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/towing/

[Williker]

http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/towing/

Specs for F150. There are more than a few models that will tow your trailer.

[Echelon73]

I have a 30. I started with a half ton pickup and was just never completely comfortable. Even after upgrading to a ProPride hitch and LT tires. The half ton had enough power, but it felt like the trailer was pushing me around sometimes. I changed out my truck for a 3/4 ton and it tows much more comfortably in my opinion. Others tow a 30 with a 1/2 ton (or smaller) and seem happy, so it is really hard to say. Will a F150 tow it? Yes, it will tow it. Will you be happy with it? Only you can answer that question.

[Moflash]

Originally Posted by kscherzi

For safety you'll need a F1050. Get the dual diesel engine option. You'll also need dualies up front with triples in the rear for safety and traction. To get adequate payload double rear triples are your best bet. Order your truck for no less than 50,000 lbs of payload. You'll appreciate that extra capacity and safety buffer.

Sure a F150 can work, but for safety of your family and others, the F1050 gives you that little extra bit of insurance.

Troll


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[PaulnGina]

I would highly recommend an F250. The F150 might be fine pulling an empty 30' trailer, but once loaded with all of your "stuff", you'll appreciate the added capacity of the F250.


PaulnGina
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke

Blessed and highly favored

[xrvr]

Other than giving you more payload a three quarter ton with the same engine as a half ton is not necessary. Get the diesel in the three quarter ton, then you'll see the difference.

[PaulnGina]

Originally Posted by avionstream

Other than giving you more payload a three quarter ton with the same engine as a half ton is not necessary. Get the diesel in the three quarter ton, then you'll see the difference.

There's something other than diesel??? 😀👍


PaulnGina
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke

Blessed and highly favored

[GCinSC2]

Do you plan on short trips, longer or really long. And pack light, heavy or tie stuff on the roof? Has to do with payload. Flatland only or Rockies calling your name. Hear the engine saying yup, can do or oh no not a grade again!

Know anybody that can take you for a demo ride, their rig, even that will give you a feel for the road.

I'm a 3/4 T fan, many are not.

Choose wisely but have fun.

[xrvr]

Originally Posted by PaulnGina

There's something other than diesel??? 😀👍


PaulnGina
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke

Blessed and highly favored

Yup, you can get a three quarter ton with a gas engine, don't know why you would though.

[Ambot]

Start here http://www.airforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=152877

Watch it on the f-250 depending on equipment the payload will vary wildly, at times just 100lb more than a f-150

[Wingeezer]

Originally Posted by Echelon73

I have a 30. I started with a half ton pickup and was just never completely comfortable. Even after upgrading to a ProPride hitch and LT tires. The half ton had enough power, but it felt like the trailer was pushing me around sometimes. I changed out my truck for a 3/4 ton and it tows much more comfortably in my opinion. Others tow a 30 with a 1/2 ton (or smaller) and seem happy, so it is really hard to say. Will a F150 tow it? Yes, it will tow it. Will you be happy with it? Only you can answer that question.

This pretty much parallel's my experience.

I had a GMC Sierra 1500 gasser when we bought the AS - it was fine with our previous 27ft SOB (much lighter than our present AS).

I did tow with it for a while and in a pinch could have kept it, but I just felt it to be marginal. Switched to a Sierra 2500HD Diesel and much happier - for me it was the right move and I am glad I made the change. A much more relaxing experience no matter where we travel, and a better matched TV IMHO.

If you already have the 1500, why not give it a try?


Brian.

[joel]

I also say go with the 2500. Just because some one goes with a smaller vehicle and gets away with it does not make it safe....... besides the wt handling issues you might get lucky and not damage your vehicle or you could by an expensive trans. Towing to a vehicles max capacity is never a good idea nor is it safe. Just looking at horse power and torque #'s do not tell the whole . Power curves are diff with every vehicle are diff. You can have a gas and a diesel with equal up and torque a new they will tow very differently. Good luck and be safe.

[Big Can Man]

Thanks to all who replied.. I'm leaning toward a F250

Thanks again....
Ernie

[PaulnGina]

Originally Posted by Big Can Man

Thanks to all who replied.. I'm leaning toward a F250



Thanks again....

Ernie

Keep us posted.


PaulnGina
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke

Blessed and highly favored

[dkottum]

Do you have an F150, tell us more so we can make a useful recommendation.

The modern half-tons coupled to Airstreams with modern weight distribution hitches are a very capable with a comfortable ride for you and your Airstream as your head to your destination, and a nice daily driver when you arrive or at home.