Asking the experts for advice on the F150 vs Reflection 150 series 290BH question.

[BradWilliams]

Hi new to the forum and asking before my wife and I make the jump from TT to 5er and from another brand to GD. We own a 2017 F150 - Lariat. 5.0L v8 with the trailer tow package. 3.31 rear axle.

Curb Weight 4784
GVWR 6800
GCVWR 14200
Payload 2016
Towing Capacity 9000

We have been towing a KZ sportsman 261BHLE with a GVWR of 7,000 no problems. We are looking on making the jump to the GD Reflection 150 series and have found a great deal on a gently used 290BH. I need to add a fifth wheel hitch in the bed of the truck (recommended hitches appreciated) and I am considering adding an airbag set up (airlift or firestone thoughts??) to the rear axle to help. I have already upgraded the tires to Bridgestone LT's from the stock passenger junk. The handy dandy sticker on the door indicates 2016 of payload on the factory tires. I'm a retired truck driver with a million safe miles so I really wanna be sure my math checks out. 2016lbs in payload, less the driver, passengers, dogs and snacks oh yeah and the hitch (call it 635 lbs) leaves us with 1381 pin weight on the fifth wheel (on stock tires.) With the LT tires and airbags exactly how bad an idea is this? Would you upgrade the suspension and haul it? do we really need to just bite the bullet and get a bigger truck? I'm not looking to argue with anyone, I genuinely want your opinions and someone smarter than me to double check my math... please... I hope....

[llr2800]

what is the GVWR and pin weight on the Reflection? A loaded 5th wheel will probably be 15-25% of GVWR on the pin/

Most non-HDPP trucks I would say no to any 5th wheel, but I have not seen that high of payload either

[huntr70]

Hi new to the forum and asking before my wife and I make the jump from TT to 5er and from another brand to GD. We own a 2017 F150 - Lariat. 5.0L v8 with the trailer tow package. 3.31 rear axle.

Curb Weight 4784
GVWR 6800
GCVWR 14200
Payload 2016
Towing Capacity 9000

We have been towing a KZ sportsman 261BHLE with a GVWR of 7,000 no problems. We are looking on making the jump to the GD Reflection 150 series and have found a great deal on a gently used 290BH. I need to add a fifth wheel hitch in the bed of the truck (recommended hitches appreciated) and I am considering adding an airbag set up (airlift or firestone thoughts??) to the rear axle to help. I have already upgraded the tires to Bridgestone LT's from the stock passenger junk. The handy dandy sticker on the door indicates 2016 of payload on the factory tires. I'm a retired truck driver with a million safe miles so I really wanna be sure my math checks out. 2016lbs in payload, less the driver, passengers, dogs and snacks oh yeah and the hitch (call it 635 lbs) leaves us with 1381 pin weight on the fifth wheel (on stock tires.) With the LT tires and airbags exactly how bad an idea is this? Would you upgrade the suspension and haul it? do we really need to just bite the bullet and get a bigger truck? I'm not looking to argue with anyone, I genuinely want your opinions and someone smarter than me to double check my math... please... I hope....

If memory serves me right, the empty pin weight of the 290 was right around 1300lbs.

Add propane in the tanks, a battery, and all your "stuff" into the trailer, and you will be well over the carrying capacity.

[Pap and Mimi]

Don't pay any attention to the GD supplied "pin weight" as it is for an empty, dry camper. A good ROT is 20% to 25% of the camper's GVW, or find where someone has posted their actual pin weight. Compare the pin weight to your 1381 calculated for your, which may be off by 150# since I think is the allowed weight for the driver, so 1531 might be what you have to work with.
There are multiple weight limits, but payload is the one that gets hit first in almost all towing situations, especially 5'ers.
I had 2K Air Lift bags on my 2016 F150 and it helped to stabilize the ride when towing.


Good luck and enjoy

[RickLight]

My similar 273MK is running about 1600 pin weight. My 4400lb axles are very near their limit, so check the trailer specs carefully.

[powerscol]

Sorry to say you need a bigger truck. You will be maxed out on everything and overloaded - Period!

Skip the F250 and just get a SRW F350 and never look back. Happy trails and Merry Christmas

[Scott'n'Wendy]

If memory serves me right, the empty pin weight of the 290 was right around 1300lbs.

Add propane in the tanks, a battery, and all your "stuff" into the trailer, and you will be well over the carrying capacity.

If they add 1000 pounds of 'stuff' to the trailer that would add 180-200 pounds to the pin. So 1500 pin weight leaving a touch over 500 pounds of payload left for driver, navigator and hitch.
Doesn't seem 'well over carrying capacity' to me?

[Captcolour]

I'm wondering how your F-150 has a payload of 2016! My 2016 F-150 5.0L V8 6.5" bed SuperCab XLT trim tow package was like 1,563 lbs.

[luvmyrv]

I'm wondering how your F-150 has a payload of 2016! My 2016 F-150 5.0L V8 6.5" bed SuperCab XLT trim tow package was like 1,563 lbs.

His curb weight stated in the post of 4784 seems light to me. OP's 1st post and hasn't been back so who knows? Seems like his own math, be curious to see the door jamb stickers, and if he actually scaled his truck, or got the curb weight off a Ford brochure. But I am with you, 2016 payload for a 1/2 ton seems high....but we have heard of some with heavy duty trailer package that can get up there....till the OP comes back and responds, we're just guessing.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

OP's 1st post and hasn't been back so who knows?

He has been back...just not responded.