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  1. #1
    Left The Driveway
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    Towing with F150

    I have seen a bunch of negative comments on towing with a Ford F150. We have a 2018 Ford F150 with 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 4X4, FX4, max trailer towing package, 4.55 axle. According to the email from Ford I received it has a towing capacity of 12700lbs. We are looking at a 297RSTS travel trailer. Will this pickup safely tow this trailer?

  2. #2
    Paid my dues 😁 FT4NOW's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MaryHolderby View Post
    I have seen a bunch of negative comments on towing with a Ford F150. We have a 2018 Ford F150 with 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 4X4, FX4, max trailer towing package, 4.55 axle. According to the email from Ford I received it has a towing capacity of 12700lbs. We are looking at a 297RSTS travel trailer. Will this pickup safely tow this trailer?
    I had a 2013 F150 Supercrew ecoboost same options as your truck except 3.73 axle. My previous TT was very similar in weight to the 297. I had no issues towing it and it performed great. I had higher hitch weights and caused me to either get very close or go over my payload once loaded with people. I also had a truck bed tool box that was fully loaded which didnt help. I think my hitch weight was closer to 1100lbs to give you some perspective. The only issues i had were my truck rotors; they warped. I always wondered if it was caused when towing or a defect with the Ford rotors. I read other people had warped rotors, so i cant say for sure. Either way, if youre within all your weight capacities, your truck will do a great job. You will be happy you have the ecoboost when going up mountains!

    Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
    2023 Momentum 398M-R
    2023 Ford F-450

    SOLD - 2021 Reflection 311BHS
    SOLD - 2017 Momentum 399TH

  3. #3
    Seasoned Camper Thorvald's Avatar
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    That is a 9995 lbs GVWR trailer, as always with 1500 size pickups setup for towing your within limits for the tow rating but likely on the edge with Payload. That is the real killer with 1500 size, no payload to speak of (However Ford has options to solve that on an F150).

    The hitch is likely to weigh (using the 10 to 12% guide) from 1000 lbs to 1200 lbs! Then don’t forget all the little extras, driver, passengers, extra cargo in truck, etc.

    I tried to look up your truck but for some reason Ford doesn’t post a payload chart that I can find so your best to check your door jamb for the tire sticker showing what your payload is from factory. Then to be 100% sure fill up the truck with fuel (max) and drive to your local CAT scales and weigh the truck empty but with full fuel load. Then subtract your GVWR of the truck from your weight and you’ll know what you can truly have for payload.

    Where your likely to run into issues is a 34’ trailer weighing 10000lbs loaded being towed by a lighter tow vehicle (brakes, tires, tail wagging the dog, etc) but from what I have read (and others have posted) that Eco F150 is a pretty capable truck.

    Be curious to see the specs from the door Jambs on your truck, the Ford website claims are a little over the top but all manufacturers post a base 2wd truck with very little options.

    Take a picture of the tire stick and the capacity’s sticker (both on the door jamb) and then we can easily do the math for GCWR and Payload.

    Cheers
    Tim
    2022 Momentum 25G (aka "Baby Mo")
    2020 Ram 3500 Laramie SRW | 6.7 HO Aisin | 6’4” bed | 3.73 gears | air suspension | 3694# Payload
    Blog Post: 1500 Pickup’s and Towing - The REAL numbers with example
    Blog Post: 2016-2018 Imagine 2800BH - 3500 lb Axles Tire Rubbing Issues

  4. #4
    Seasoned Camper Thorvald's Avatar
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    Actually now that I have spent some time on the Ford website, reading the 2018 manual and the useless towing guide, I’d LOVE to see the stickers from your truck. I can’t find anything on the 4.55 axle, its not even listed in the manual and if you got the HD Cargo option your payload could be in the F250 territory. Be interesting to see.

    EDIT: Ok I give up, how can you get a 4.55 on a F150? Tried using the build my Ford in both Canada and USA and can’t get it to show up as an option, only 3.73.
    2022 Momentum 25G (aka "Baby Mo")
    2020 Ram 3500 Laramie SRW | 6.7 HO Aisin | 6’4” bed | 3.73 gears | air suspension | 3694# Payload
    Blog Post: 1500 Pickup’s and Towing - The REAL numbers with example
    Blog Post: 2016-2018 Imagine 2800BH - 3500 lb Axles Tire Rubbing Issues

  5. #5
    Big Traveler Wicked ace's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Thorvald View Post
    EDIT: Ok I give up, how can you get a 4.55 on a F150? Tried using the build my Ford in both Canada and USA and can’t get it to show up as an option, only 3.73.
    He doesn't have that axle ratio unless he went aftermarket. Some of the guys with tall lifts and big tires will do that so they can get the truck to move.
    Also the tow capacity he cited is the max for that cab/bed/engine listed for 145" wheel base. The FX4 option is an offroad package that is available on all trim levels. IMO all it does is add weight and decrease payload. I'd be willing to bet his payload is in the 1500# range or less, so close to maxed out . Add to that the short wheel base with a long trailer and he has a recipe for disaster. I'll bet some salesman saw a big fish and is trying to set the hook.
    2018 F150 XLT 301a, Screw, 4x4, HDPP, Max tow, Andersen Ultimate w/ Curt Double Lock hitch.
    2019 Grand Design Reflection 150 series 260RD.... SOLD!!!!.

  6. #6
    Site Sponsor sande005's Avatar
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    I've got and older F-150, Eco, Max Tow, HD Payload (which yours does not) - 17" E tires, 3.73 rear. At 10,000 lb GVWR for the trailer, you will be pushing it. Tongue weight (TW) could get as high as 1,300-1400 lbs. In order of priority, the limits are:
    Receiver on the truck: This is the most restrictive. Mine is stickered to be a max of 1,100 lbs. Between TW and weight of the hitch, you'll likely be over for it.
    Payload: Check the door sticker. This is TW plus hitch, plus any after-it-rolled-off-the-factory-line additions, plus all passengers (except for a 150lb driver), plus any other stuff you load in the truck. Without the HD Payload Package, you probably will be overweight.
    Being over on payload may mean you are over on tires and axels too - you'll need to find what your specific ratings are for your truck.
    Then, finally, is the tow rating, which you will be fine on.
    Now, if you pack a little light (~1,000 lbs of stuff/liquids in the trailer) AND get lucky that you can balance things to keep on the light side of tongue weight without getting sway as you tow, you might get the tongue to be as light as 1,100 lbs. But the receiver rating is still the barrier.....
    2017 Imagine 2670MK
    2012 F-150 SCrew, Eco, 4x4 6.5 box
    Max. Tow, HD Payload, Airbags, ProPride hitch
    (Previous: Jayco 26.5RLS Fifth, Revolution Pinbox)

  7. #7
    Site Sponsor Cate&Rob's Avatar
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    I think sande005 has described the limitations very well. With a TT, the question becomes can you carry enough weight on the tongue to prevent trailer sway and still stay under the 1200 lb Class IV hitch rating. The truck has capacity beyond 1200 lbs for carrying other stuff.

    As discussed in other threads, the Heavy Payload option on F150 seems to be one of Ford's best kept secrets. Although it is in the brochure, most dealers do not stock one and many don't even seem to know about it. In addition to the Ecoboost engine, the key parts of this package are 3.73 axle ratio, additional rear spring leaf and LT tires. (BTW, the axle ratio referenced in the original post for non-HDPP would be 3.55, not 4.55)

    Before the aluminum body, the HDPP GVWR was 8200 lbs with a payload of 2300 lbs. This required special 7 lug wheels that were unique to this package. With the aluminum body which weighs 700 lbs less, GVWR was reduced to 7800 lbs and payload increased to about 2600 lbs. Without the HDPP, payload a newer aluminum truck will likely be somewhere around 2100 lbs payload. The reduction in GVWR allowed Ford to use standard 6 lug wheels while still increasing payload. The above numbers are for 4x4 CC 6.5 box.

    One of the most significant parts of this package are the LT tires. I am not aware of any other half ton pickup with original equipment LT tires. There has been discussion on this and other forums about increasing towing stability by changing out the passenger car tires for light truck tires. You would have to make sure that the OE wheels could handle 60 to 80 psi in the tires.

    From various discussions on this forum (and personal experience), I think a small 5th wheel is a better choice for a HDPP F150 than a large TT. Several are towing these 5ers without the HDPP, you will have to be more careful about pin weight.

    Rob
    Cate & Rob
    2015 Reflection 303RLS

  8. #8
    Site Sponsor sande005's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cate&Rob View Post
    .....
    From various discussions on this forum (and personal experience), I think a small 5th wheel is a better choice for a HDPP F150 than a large TT. Several are towing these 5ers without the HDPP, you will have to be more careful about pin weight.

    Rob
    Been there, done that. My HDPP 2012 150 has a payload of 2166 lbs. At the time, also had the second smallish Jayco Fifth (26.5RLS). After all was said and done, while traveling we were spot on the max. for payload. I had to be real careful in picking the right hitch combination, etc. to keep the payload down (forget about getting a slider - too heavy!) Last year lost it due to delamination. Went shopping for a replacement, and no matter the brand in the same size/configuration, they all had gained 4-600 lbs. and I was not willing to go that far over payload. Grand Design had not hinted at their 150 series at that time, which might have worked - but it is a bit smaller than my old one. The new F-150's with HDPP will be much better suited, but you still have to shop very carefully - you'll still be very close to the line. Since a new truck was not in the budget, changed it up to the GD 2670MK. Now have lots of excess payload.

    While not quite as "luxe" as the Reflection line, take a look at the Imagine's. Ignore the published weights - concentrate on the GVWR, and assume about 13% of that on the tongue. This will give you a "fat" number to estimate with. In most cases, trailers are not loaded all the way up to the Gross, so you can be reasonably comfortable that your actuals will work, even if your math suggests you are getting pretty close to maxing out. But heed the advice, and start with actual weights from a truck scale, to see where your truck is starting out before passengers, trailer and stuff.
    2017 Imagine 2670MK
    2012 F-150 SCrew, Eco, 4x4 6.5 box
    Max. Tow, HD Payload, Airbags, ProPride hitch
    (Previous: Jayco 26.5RLS Fifth, Revolution Pinbox)

  9. #9
    Setting Up Camp
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    Rob, how does one tell if a 2017 Eco 150 4x4 has the Heavy Payload and Max Tow packages already on it? I am looking at a GD 303 but still undecided if I need a F250 diesel or not. Thanks for the help. George

  10. #10
    Setting Up Camp
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    If you have the original window sticker on the truck it should be listed on there. If not a Ford dealer should be able to run the VIN and tell you.

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