Difficult decision on 1/2 Ton TV with AS EB25 - what would you do?

[mefly2]

We contemplated a new F150 hybrid with max tow package to tow our EB 25 ... but payload for a nice Lariat with fancy tailgate and sunroof (neither of which we particularly want) is 1345 lbs.
Without those two options, the F150 Lariat payload jumps to 1570.
Chevy Silverado LTZ max tow is 1598 lbs
Ford Expedition XLT max tow is 1680 lbs
The door stickers are unique to the vehicle VIN. They specify combined weight of passengers plus all gear for combined cargo weight.

Quite a dilemma since I finally dropped the $$ for a Sherline scale which indicates a tongue weight (with full propane tanks, AGM factory batteries, minimal gear stored in front ~ 30 lbs, mattress topper, and NO water) of 1,000 lbs.
The hatch in the rear of the Eddie Bauer does not seem to mitigate the tongue weight measurably.

Wife, me, and dogs plus tonneau cover are just over 500 pounds???
We had a nice 3/4 diesel but prefer the 1//2 T for daily use ...
We prefer to not have another 3/4 T...
What would you do?

[Dennis C]

I’d buy a 3/4 ton truck.

[J-Dog]

You may be able to shave some of the tongue weight by upgrading your batteries to lithium, and if your propane tanks are currently steel you may get a set of aluminum. Not sure how much you would save weight wise perhaps someone may know some of the numbers. My wild guess would be about a hundred pounds.

I guess if you really wanted a half ton you could make it work.

[JonDNC]

Originally Posted by Dennis C

I’d buy a 3/4 ton truck.

This

[Ch47d1sg]

Fwiw. I just recently moved into a 3/4 ton diesel tv for my fc30rbt. Cargo capacity and weight were the key drivers. After 6 mos pulling with heavy half in the mountains we switched. Full load out I still have 1200 lbs capacity. Pulls better than my 1//2 and because it’s heavier much more stable.

[majorairhead]

I'm towing with an F250.

3,111 pounds payload.

I've read the endless debates on tow vehicles, ad nauseum.

It's 3/4 ton for me. The only move I'd consider is to an F350.

[AgBullet]

Ah, the 1/2 vs 3/4 Ton Debate! SO much has been written on this, I hope you have a chance to review previous threads. Having pulled a 25 and a 27 with a 1/2 ton Lariat and am now pulling the 27 with an F250, I suggest you test drive the 250. Wheel base is longer, sure, but it really isn't as unwieldy as some have said. I'm not afraid of using it as a daily driver, and find I can park just about anywhere I want. Regardless, you'll get a lot of differing opinions here. I'm sure it will work out just fine for you.

[uraljohn]

Ford offers a F150 with Max Tow Pkg and a HDPP (Heavy Duty Payload Package). Go to a dealer and talk to the commercial rep not a regular sales associate. You will have to order it. Not likely to find one sitting on the lot especially now. This will up the Payload/Cargo capacity to the 3k LB level.

We tow a 2019 FC 25 RBT with a 2013 Ford E150 XLT van. However, the factory GVW on this van is 8600 LBS with a 2538 LB Payload/Cargo capacity. These vans are out there but hard to find with all the right stuff. took me 6 months to track a nice one down. Good luck finding the right truck.

[Colossus]

If I’m reading this correctly you’re at 1500lbs payload with only “lightly” packed to camp. Add in a full tank of fuel and a heavy hitch/sway set up you’ll have even more of an issue. If the purpose of this vehicle is primarily for camping /towing, I’d go with the 3/4 ton and enjoy camping vs having to worry of payload and packing on every trip out.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by uraljohn

Ford offers a F150 with Max Tow Pkg and a HDPP (Heavy Duty Payload Package). Go to a dealer and talk to the commercial rep not a regular sales associate. You will have to order it. Not likely to find one sitting on the lot especially now. This will up the Payload/Cargo capacity to the 3k LB level.

We tow a 2019 FC 25 RBT with a 2013 Ford E150 XLT van. However, the factory GVW on this van is 8600 LBS with a 2538 LB Payload/Cargo capacity. These vans are out there but hard to find with all the right stuff. took me 6 months to track a nice one down. Good luck finding the right truck.

X2^

Same at a Chevy dealer. The number you quote for the Chevy Maxtow is at the lower end. Can you do with a double cab? That's a payload + of 200#. Sunroof? 75#....and so on.

I spec'd my 2015 as a double cab, 6.2L Maxtow LTZ with not a lot of free flow options. It is still FAR from a base vehicle. My door sticker is at 2034#...and the new generation gained 300# of base capability. You should be able to order (probably not just find, in today's tight circumstances) and LTZ well over the 2k mark.

[kscherzi]

I tow a 27FB with a F150, 1660 lbs payload. Its really not a problem. Trailer tongue weight is about 950 lbs. Your weight distribution hitch ought to move about 200 lbs back off the truck and onto the trailer. As long as you're not intending to carry a large heavy generator, piles of firewood, and every tool you own with you, you should be fine. Living in a suburban/urban area as a daily driver this truck is plenty large enough.

[Dennis C]

The core of this discussion is the fact that the OP is trying to use a single vehicle for multiple things. I appreciate that fact; sometimes it’s not practical to have a dedicated tow vehicle and a different vehicle for daily driving. Using a single vehicle for multiple purposes requires compromise. If you choose a vehicle that’s more comfortable for daily driving chores, then it’s likely to be less capable at towing. If you choose a vehicle that’s more capable at towing, then it’s likely to be less comfortable.

The questions to answer are: Where are you willing to compromise? Are you willing to buy a vehicle that is at or over the maximum towing limits in order get more comfort on your daily drive? Are you willing to potentially compromise safety when towing for a more comfortable daily drive? What is it that makes you want a 1/2 ton truck as opposed to a 3/4 ton truck? Is it ride quality? Is it overall size? Will a “heavy half” truck be as comfortable as you’d like, or will it be stiff like a 3/4 ton truck?

In my mind, the numbers are telling you that you need a 3/4 ton truck. Your heart is telling you that you want a 1/2 ton truck. Only you can decide which one to follow.

[RamRider]

Does the 1000 lbs include your WDH? That will probably be the deal breaker, if you really want a 1/2 ton check out the special order Ford otherwise a 3/4 ton is the best tow vehicle for the 25 and up Airstreams.

[DCPAS]

How well does the Expedition tow? If you can get away with not putting a whole lot of extra stuff in it, why does that not work? The hybrid F150 is very cool, but I doubt that you get a lot of benefit from the electric motor when you are just cruising.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by RamRider

Does the 1000 lbs include your WDH? That will probably be the deal breaker, if you really want a 1/2 ton check out the special order Ford otherwise a 3/4 ton is the best tow vehicle for the 25 and up Airstreams.

That 25' and up is a misnomer. For a 25' specifically, with their notoriously high TW, it is a valid discussion.

I actually have some difficulty keeping 10% TW (coupler) weight with my 30'Classic.

Fully loaded for a long winter's trip I am at 963# with a GTW of 9553#, for only a 10.08% coupler weight. Now my receiver weight is 1037#, which still seems to be a couple hundred pounds lighter than a 25'er.

And yes, I have moved my heaviest items to the front to fill available storage space...like tools, batteries etc under couch. All pop and beer and bottled water in the sofa arm compartments. Rest of heavy items consolidated as close to axles as possible given available space.

I also hear the a 34' triple is even lighter on the ball than a 30'er.

[Bobbo]

You know the answer. The numbers don't lie. Really, REALLY, wanting an insufficient 1/2 ton to work doesn't make it work. Use reason to decide, not emotion.

Originally Posted by uraljohn

Ford offers a F150 with Max Tow Pkg and a HDPP (Heavy Duty Payload Package).

That is only on the stripped down base model truck. The OP wants the bells and whistles.

[jondrew55]

I’m not sure if you are saying you already have the F150 or are trying to decide between a 150 and a 250. Are you towing the trailer now? With what? I’ve towed similar sized trailers to my GT 25’ with a Tundra and it was doable. But when I got a new truck in anticipation of getting another trailer it was 3/4 ton hands down. I’d never say never, but the biggest I see us going might be a 27’.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Not Ford family here but I'd go with the 1680 payload.
Plus I'd rather use an SUV over a P/U.

“It's better to have what you don't need when you need it, than not to have it when you don’t.” or “you may think you don’t need it but when you do….you’ll have it.”
RLC

Bob
🇺🇸

[Ray Eklund]

Wow... I hope you do not fly your family in a private aircraft...and overload it, as well.

Common Sense applies to Trailer and Tow Vehicle combinations. Not comfortable ride, cheaper options of tow vehicle and hitch choices.

Tire choices are not decided by comfort and price, but what is appropriate for your choice of travel and needs.

Drive the highways and view the poor choices of tow vehicle, hitch and trailer being towed. I want to be among those who are giving their advice with smart combinations of Tow Vehicle to Trailer.

Wake up. Accidents are often due to poor choices. If you want a soft cushy ride... towing a heavy trailer is not a good choice. Hotels would be a safer choice.

[Capt who]

What's the saying. You can't have your cake and eat it to. Why would get a TV that is barely adequate.