Reflection 150 series + F-150?

snovak

New Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2022
Messages
3
It sounds like these 150 series fifth-wheels are designed to be pulled with as little as a F-150 (or equivalent 1500 series) pickup. My question with the Reflection 150-series 298BH. Can you actually pull it with an F-150? I have a 2019 F-150 with max tow package and 3.5 ecoboost motor. I currently drag around an Imagine 2800BH, which fully loaded is around 7.5 - 8K lbs. That, by itself, feels like a lot. I'd be weary to add another 2K lbs to that. Every year we travel from Florida to Maine and back, at least. I feel like, the 10K+lbs range would be too much, even though the truck is rated to tow 10.5K lbs.

https://www.granddesignrv.com/showroom/2022/fifth-wheel/reflection-150-series/floorplans/298bh
 
It sounds like these 150 series fifth-wheels are designed to be pulled with as little as a F-150 (or equivalent 1500 series) pickup. My question with the Reflection 150-series 298BH. Can you actually pull it with an F-150? I have a 2019 F-150 with max tow package and 3.5 ecoboost motor. I currently drag around an Imagine 2800BH, which fully loaded is around 7.5 - 8K lbs. That, by itself, feels like a lot. I'd be weary to add another 2K lbs to that. Every year we travel from Florida to Maine and back, at least. I feel like, the 10K+lbs range would be too much, even though the truck is rated to tow 10.5K lbs.

https://www.granddesignrv.com/showroom/2022/fifth-wheel/reflection-150-series/floorplans/298bh

First off, welcome to the forum. I think you'll find quite a bit of debate on this forum about how much one can safely tow with a half-ton truck. My personal opinion is that you'd be much better off with a suitable three-quarter-ton truck. Especially with a tow from Florida to Maine.
 
The F150 would need the 3.55 or 3.73 axle and the heavy duty max payload suspension package to have enough cargo capacity for the pin weight. Just having the tow package is not enough. For any trailer in this weight range I would recommend a F250/F350 SRW or other brand equivalent
 
I couldn't believe how many half tons I saw pulling 5th wheels on my recent cross-country trip. I guarantee every one of those was over payload.
 
Fifth wheels are a different beast compared to travel trailers.

Yes, in general you can tow a 150 with a 150. Many people do it. It wasn’t until someone on the internet discovered GVWR around 1997 and appointed himself the ultimate towing expert that the whole debate started. So far I haven’t seen any evidence that the roads are littered with broken F-150 parts from towing fifth wheels.

Note that the 298BH doesn’t have rear storage, unlike the 278 and 268BH. The rear storage gives you the flexibility to load more at the back to keep the pin weight down.

However, for going that distance I might recommend a 3/4-ton to do it in comfort.
 
Wow, what a great forum! I want to thank everyone for taking the time to provide their feedback. As much as I'd hate to trade up on the F-150, my family and I are considering full-timing after this year's summer trip, which actually hasn't ended yet. This is the longest so far, having been out since the beginning of June. The more we RV, the more we fall in love with it. We'll finally land back in FL come October. While back at home, I'm going to be searching for a used F-350 and considering a jump up to the Solitude 3740BH-R :eek:

Fifth wheels are a different beast compared to travel trailers.

Yes, in general you can tow a 150 with a 150. Many people do it. It wasn’t until someone on the internet discovered GVWR around 1997 and appointed himself the ultimate towing expert that the whole debate started. So far I haven’t seen any evidence that the roads are littered with broken F-150 parts from towing fifth wheels.

Note that the 298BH doesn’t have rear storage, unlike the 278 and 268BH. The rear storage gives you the flexibility to load more at the back to keep the pin weight down.

However, for going that distance I might recommend a 3/4-ton to do it in comfort.

An interesting point about the 268BH, thanks Easycamper. But yes, we'll be doing LOTS of driving in this setup. So, I'm thinking "go BIG".
 
The search function (top right on the menu bar) is extremely useful... there is an almost-identical thread going on right now:

https://www.mygrandrv.com/forum/showthread.php/45886-F150-with-eco-boost-towing-fifth-wheel?p=448879#post448879

There's also a lot of good information in this sticky in our Reference Library:

https://www.mygrandrv.com/forum/showthread.php/14865-How-To-Determine-Your-Truck-s-Trailer-Towing-Capability

Rob

That is a very similar thread. Sorry about that Rob. Good info there. Thanks for that.
 
It sounds like these 150 series fifth-wheels are designed to be pulled with as little as a F-150 (or equivalent 1500 series) pickup. My question with the Reflection 150-series 298BH. Can you actually pull it with an F-150? I have a 2019 F-150 with max tow package and 3.5 ecoboost motor. I currently drag around an Imagine 2800BH, which fully loaded is around 7.5 - 8K lbs. That, by itself, feels like a lot. I'd be weary to add another 2K lbs to that. Every year we travel from Florida to Maine and back, at least. I feel like, the 10K+lbs range would be too much, even though the truck is rated to tow 10.5K lbs.

https://www.granddesignrv.com/showroom/2022/fifth-wheel/reflection-150-series/floorplans/298bh

I think in your post you answered your own question. If you are not comfortable with it than don't do it, you'll only regret your decision and as you stated you already feel like the truck is maxxed with your current trailer.
 
Grand Design says that model travel trailer's dry weight is 8986 lbs. Add your "stuff" and you would be just under the tow capabilities of a 1/2 ton Max Tow with the RV package. You can do it, but you'll be max'd out.

I would suggest you go with one of the premium hitches like a Hensley or Blue Ox with the best sway system you can get. If the truck squats, it can be leveled up with AirRide 5000 air bags on the rear.
 
Grand Design says that model travel trailer's dry weight is 8986 lbs. Add your "stuff" and you would be just under the tow capabilities of a 1/2 ton Max Tow with the RV package. You can do it, but you'll be max'd out.

I would suggest you go with one of the premium hitches like a Hensley or Blue Ox with the best sway system you can get. If the truck squats, it can be leveled up with AirRide 5000 air bags on the rear.

It's a 5th wheel. All 150 series are 5er's. He'll be way over his payload.
 
Ok let me state good day to everyone.
we pickup or Grand Design Reflection 150 Series 226RK in 2 weeks.
We own a 2021 GMC Sierra 5.3 ltr. 4x4 5.8ft bed crew cab with complete tow package.
According to GMC the dealer & Grand Design with all the weight specifications our truck should have no problem with this 5th wheel leaving almost 2000 lbs remaining.
The only recommendation was for me to add air lift at some point to provide a more comfortable ride as well as provide leveling however this was someone opinion and I will consider this option.
I will provide more information in 2 weeks to the thread.
Biggest thing to remember as I found out researching is ever truck design or model has different load numbers… so do you research before jumping.
You can find load calculator online that will do it all just by inputting you vin number.
Good luck and safe travels
 
Ok let me state good day to everyone.
we pickup or Grand Design Reflection 150 Series 226RK in 2 weeks.
We own a 2021 GMC Sierra 5.3 ltr. 4x4 5.8ft bed crew cab with complete tow package.
According to GMC the dealer & Grand Design with all the weight specifications our truck should have no problem with this 5th wheel leaving almost 2000 lbs remaining.
The only recommendation was for me to add air lift at some point to provide a more comfortable ride as well as provide leveling however this was someone opinion and I will consider this option.
I will provide more information in 2 weeks to the thread.
Biggest thing to remember as I found out researching is ever truck design or model has different load numbers… so do you research before jumping.
You can find load calculator online that will do it all just by inputting you vin number.
Good luck and safe travels

Towing capacity to pull is meaningless
Hauling capacity to carry is the only important figure

The 226 will weigh 1600 plus with a hitch
What is the payload rating on your drivers door?
 
Towing capacity to pull is meaningless
Hauling capacity to carry is the only important figure

The 226 will weigh 1600 plus with a hitch
What is the payload rating on your drivers door?[/LB 61C9444F-2FBA-496D-BC16-BA7FCE9EEA38.jpg61C9444F-2FBA-496D-BC16-BA7FCE9EEA38.jpg
 
2022 F150 Powerboost
2022 Reflection150 226RK

I have only towed it about 400 miles.

It hooks up, unhooks and pulls just fine. I know I am right at my trucks maximum payload and thought I might need air bags but after towing it some I don’t think I will need any help for the suspension.

It follows just fine with no push from passing trucks, we had some moderate cross winds but they didn’t bother either. It is easy to get in and out of gas stations because of the short wheel base.

The Powerboost has more than enough power to maintain speed, it does downshift on just about any sort of an upgrade but with the 10 speed it is designed to do that so the RPMs stay in the sweet spot. With it in Tow/Haul mode it almost never goes into 10th, it stays in 9th and will downshift to 7th on hills. With tow/haul mode on it never drops back to use just the electric unless it is in park, if it is in gear the gas motor runs all the time. Also just a note, I think the electric portion of the hybrid is no advantage for towing, in fact I think it takes away because it makes the truck heavier and gives the Powerboost a lower payload than the non-hybrid models.

Overall we are very happy with this rig so far.
 
2022 F150 Powerboost
2022 Reflection150 226RK

I have only towed it about 400 miles.

It hooks up, unhooks and pulls just fine. I know I am right at my trucks maximum payload and thought I might need air bags but after towing it some I don’t think I will need any help for the suspension.

It follows just fine with no push from passing trucks, we had some moderate cross winds but they didn’t bother either. It is easy to get in and out of gas stations because of the short wheel base.

The Powerboost has more than enough power to maintain speed, it does downshift on just about any sort of an upgrade but with the 10 speed it is designed to do that so the RPMs stay in the sweet spot. With it in Tow/Haul mode it almost never goes into 10th, it stays in 9th and will downshift to 7th on hills. With tow/haul mode on it never drops back to use just the electric unless it is in park, if it is in gear the gas motor runs all the time. Also just a note, I think the electric portion of the hybrid is no advantage for towing, in fact I think it takes away because it makes the truck heavier and gives the Powerboost a lower payload than the non-hybrid models.

Overall we are very happy with this rig so far.

Thanks for you input and just happened to be the same unit we are getting. Very helpful
 
Do not do it. Standard F-150 will not carry it.


Upon what do you base your claim?

F150’s have payload ratings from 1700 to 2100 pounds depending on what option packages are installed. The pin weight on a Reflection 226RK is less than 1200 pounds leaving between 500 and 900 pounds of payload. A bit of caution about what all is added to the F150 and how the trailer is loaded is needed if one wants to be sure to not go over payload, but it can be done.
 

Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days

  • New Ad-Free experience on this RV LIFE Community.
  • Plan the best RV Safe travel with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.
  • Navigate with our RV Safe GPS mobile app.
  • and much more...
Try RV LIFE Pro Today
Back
Top Bottom