Visit our Popular Forums

slowmover · 12-26-2011, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

I pretty much do the same Bart...when the boats up top the ob and most other equipment goes in the Burb.
Plus there is a portion of the TW that gets sent back to the trailer. I really feel that the Classic deserves two 4000lb axles, that way we wouldn't have to worry about how much we "wanted" to overload.
676lbs of ccc 'taint much

Bob

X2. That's a "big" trailer by any definition.

richinny · 12-30-2011, 07:04 AM

thanks everyone for all your input. i made some changes to the configuration to add a few items and to add the heavy duty payload package. i had to start with the XLT model and most of the options added back in and a few i wasn't getting before. it ended up with a list price that was less than the FX4. all went well until the dealer no longer was willing to match the invoice plus $300.00 that he happily agreed to do a week ago.

so for now i'm still shopping but i know exactly what i want to build.

richinny · 12-30-2011, 07:33 AM

the final configuration is:
2012 F-150 XLT Super Crew 5.5' bed
color - Blue Flame
3.5 ecoboost engine
Automatic trans. w/tow haul
3.73 electronic locking rear axle
XLT convenience
XLT chrome package
XLT plus package (8200 # GVWR)
max trailer tow package
max payload package
keyless entry keypad
rear view camera
LT 245/75R/17E tires
tailgate step
California emissions pkg. (NY registration)

mefly2 · 12-30-2011, 08:46 AM

Given all of the great input (from those with much more experience than I have), the underlying theme seems to be to advise you to get a heavier duty truck than a 1/2 ton F-150. It seems like your mind was made up on the F150 before you started - and you are quite set on an F150. Although the F150 which we have used as a TV since 2005 was great for our previous TTs - and we dearly loved every feature of the Lariat 4x4 trim level, it simply was not up to the demands of a heavier TT such as our AS - with its 631 pound hitch weight and its 5800+ pound mass! (see avatar pic) You are looking at considerably higher mass.
*
An equalizer hitch can only do so much. It can not, however, compensate for the transmission, rear suspension, axle, or tire load capacity of the 1/2 ton class of TV.
*
You will love your new truck just as much as we did our F150 ... but for pulling a TT of any length or mass, our new 3/4 ton beats the F150 hands down in virtually every category (except initial cost). The available torque is much higher on the available Turbo diesel which makes hills no longer a challenge; the mass of the TV increases the safety / controllability vastly, and our suspension is no longer challenged. Incidentally, we chose a different brand because it does not require the addition of DEF or urea to meet the EPA diesl emission guidelines. Perhaps I am just over cautious, but I have investigated many accidents over the last 40 years which were likely "linked" to TV choice and pushing the envelope to the extreme. Clearly you have spent much more time on this forum than I ... suggest that you reread the advice above.

One last suggestion before you commit the $$$ is to go to your TV dealer and ask to test drive a similar TV - either new or used - with your TT hitched behind. Be sure to drive where there are some mountain passes as well as be alert to tail wagging possibilities ... another $.02

mefly2 · 12-30-2011, 10:58 AM

PS - click on this link for more considerations.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f48/our-loss-35568.html

and, a Happy New Year to all ... be safe out there.

mojo · 12-30-2011, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mefly2

PS - click on this link for more considerations.

I don't get the connection. Are you implying that a 3/4 ton diesel would have avoided this tragedy that the owners chalked up to inexperienced towing?

fmr.capt.evi · 12-31-2011, 08:17 AM

Hi again, richinny,
Just to add to the confusion, if you're the kind of guy who would enjoy playing with the capabilities of a sophisticated transmission, then consider one of the higher trim levels...it will include a user-friendly console shift lever....worth it!

mefly2 · 12-31-2011, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojo

I don't get the connection. Are you implying that a 3/4 ton diesel would have avoided this tragedy that the owners chalked up to inexperienced towing?

Not implying that at all ... that link is suggested reading for ANYONE that will be towing and buying a TV....to reiterate: go to the TV dealer and ask to test drive a similarly equipped vehicle (with the specified TT & hitch) and then be aware of the potentials for tragedy ... and, perhaps, pray for the best and prepare for the worst. I tend to be extremely cautious from years of pre-flight check lists.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 01-01-2012, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mefly2

One last suggestion before you commit the $$$ is to go to your TV dealer and ask to test drive a similar TV - either new or used - with your TT hitched behind. Be sure to drive where there are some mountain passes as well as be alert to tail wagging possibilities ... another $.02

Hi, I have worked at new car dealers since 1968 and I don't know of, and never heard of, or even seen, a dealer let someone hitch up a trailer for a test drive. Yet alone take it to the mountains???????

mefly2 · 01-08-2012, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, I have worked at new car dealers since 1968 and I don't know of, and never heard of, or even seen, a dealer let someone hitch up a trailer for a test drive. Yet alone take it to the mountains???????

We don't all live in California!

herrick51 · 01-12-2012, 01:31 PM

With the 34',be sure to get the maximun tow pkg. with brake controller. Also the 8200 gvw pxg which includes heavier springs and larger brakes. At this point it might be cheaper to buy f250 /6.2l eng

richinny · 01-12-2012, 04:56 PM

thanks herrick.

yes, i knew about the 8200 gvw pkg. and i understand the frame is thicker. i just wish it was offered on the short screw too.

i'm trying to keep the curb weight in the non-commercial range. ny limits that to 5500 pounds unless i add a cap that i have no need for.

AirHeadsRus · 01-12-2012, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richinny

the final configuration is:
2012 F-150 XLT Super Crew 5.5' bed
color - Blue Flame
3.5 ecoboost engine
Automatic trans. w/tow haul
3.73 electronic locking rear axle
XLT convenience
XLT chrome package
XLT plus package (8200 # GVWR)
max trailer tow package
max payload package
keyless entry keypad
rear view camera
LT 245/75R/17E tires
tailgate step
California emissions pkg. (NY registration)

Great Choice Ricky
The truck is up to it and your trailer will thank you in 20 years!
Joe

Air-Texas · 01-12-2012, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richinny

thanks herrick.

yes, i knew about the 8200 gvw pkg. and i understand the frame is thicker. i just wish it was offered on the short screw too.

i'm trying to keep the curb weight in the non-commercial range. ny limits that to 5500 pounds unless i add a cap that i have no need for.

Let me know how it works for you...I am pricing a new F250 to tow mine.

mefly2 · 01-13-2012, 11:05 AM

Understood about pricing the F-250. If you are considering the pulling torque available with a diesel unit, suggest to also look at the whole spectrum of 3/4 tons out there. Some require DieselExhaustFluid (DEF) / urea and others don't ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, I have worked at new car dealers since 1968 and I don't know of, and never heard of, or even seen, a dealer let someone hitch up a trailer for a test drive. Yet alone take it to the mountains???????

Perhaps, too far for some to drive, but ...addendum:

Can-Am RV :: Try Before You Buy

"... Try Before You Buy

An exclusive Can-Am opportunity.

No doubt about it ...Handling and driving comfort are vital considerations with a new RV purchase, and only XXX lets you experience this first-hand, for yourself, before you make a purchase decision.
It's unlikely you'd invest in a vehicle without test-driving it...we wouldn't want you to purchase an RV without a test drive either. We know you'll make a more informed decision if yu experience towing the trailer before you buy it. ... You don't need a hitch to test drive a trailer at Can-Am
Don't have a hitch on your vehicle? Don't dismay. Our service professionals can hook you up with a temporary hitch for a nominal fee...

An ever-changing selection of cars, SUVs, minivans and pickups are always hooked up to a range of towables, ready for your test drive. And if you want to test drive a specific towable unit, we'd be happy to accommodate your request..."

Air-Texas · 01-13-2012, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mefly2

Understood about pricing the F-250. If you are considering the pulling torque available with a diesel unit, suggest to also look at the whole spectrum of 3/4 tons out there. Some require DieselExhaustFluid (DEF) / urea and others don't ...

Perhaps, too far for some to drive, but ...addendum:

Can-Am RV :: Try Before You Buy

"... Try Before You Buy

An exclusive Can-Am opportunity.
."

What is DEF? never heard of it. What does it do, do Ford F250s need it?

Getaways · 01-13-2012, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richinny

the final configuration is:
2012 F-150 XLT Super Crew 5.5' bed
color - Blue Flame
3.5 ecoboost engine
Automatic trans. w/tow haul
3.73 electronic locking rear axle
XLT convenience
XLT chrome package
XLT plus package (8200 # GVWR)
max trailer tow package
max payload package
keyless entry keypad
rear view camera
LT 245/75R/17E tires
tailgate step
California emissions pkg. (NY registration)

We got a 2011 XL, 4Door, 4WD ecoboost, auto, 3.73, all the same packages in the XL line (except the emmissions pkg), and they threw in the rear view camera because they messed up what they told us it came with. However, we got the 6.5' bed and while I don't like parking this big long truck, I wanted the wheelbase and she wanted the bigger bed for hauling stuff.

I know 4WD and the longer bed/wheelbase add a lot of weight. However, couple of years ago at a scout camping trip we were all down in a meadow. It started to rain and no one without 4WD could climb out of the meadow in the mud. One person pulled 11 cars and trucks out with his 4WD - one at a time of course. So since this will be used for camping and towing (someday) - we don't plan on getting stuck ever again.

slowmover · 01-13-2012, 08:40 PM

Cheaper on all fronts to be pulled out. We go through it often enough in the oil field. 4WD doesn't pay for the miles not needed.

ROBERT CROSS · 01-14-2012, 06:26 AM

Really depends...up here it's a big help, especially during the Winter when the Burb is used occasionally for peace-of-mind travel.

Camping, what kind? We are not "pad campers", never camped with hook-up's, the fact that we just may be by ourselves in an area with very few services,
4wd has saved our butts at quite a few remote sites.

To be a pulled you need a puller.

For us...wouldn't/never have had a TV w/o 4wd.

Bob

mojo · 01-14-2012, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REDNAX

Cheaper on all fronts to be pulled out. We go through it often enough in the oil field. 4WD doesn't pay for the miles not needed.

I guess you have never experienced going sideways with an empty 2WD pickup in the snow or tried to go uphill on a slick road. Or been stuck somewhere alone where there is no one to pull you out. I think it pays for itself in the few miles when it is needed.