Tow vehicle for a 22MLE...

[jaylight65]

We just purchased a new 22MLE - gross weight about 7,000 lbs. I have a 2017 F150 2.7 ecoboost that will pull it, but the trailer moves it around a bit too much for my comfort (truck weighs about 4500 lbs). I also have a 2002 E350 with a 7.3 diesel, but it has some miles on it and broke down three times during our recent trip out West (wife is none too pleased with it). So... part of my deal with buying the new trailer is to consider a new(er) tow vehicle. What to do?

I have looked at the F150s with a 3.5 and a max tow package, but I wonder if they will have the same issue as my current F150 (lightweight). I also realize that I could upgrade to a 3/4 ton (F250 or Ram 2500).... but I wonder if I really need that much truck. I wonder about gas mileage (I like the 20 mpg the ecoboost gets)... and general upkeep. On the East Coast, the F150 does okay. I worry about being out West with those big grades in the Mountains (looking at you Utah!!) - and we do like going out on long trips out West when we can. Those mountains also make me wonder about a non-turbo configuration.

I almost need a "Super Duty" 1/2 ton that gets 20 mpg. Don't think those exist....

Thoughts/ideas/insights?

 

[NB Canada]

That small a trailer should not be moving your truck around

I would say you need to do an adjustment on your hitch

Did you redo the hitch when you loaded all your stuff in it or is it as the dealer set it up?

 

[jaylight65]

As the dealer set it up. Trailer sits nice and level. I had a similar issue with my 1970 Avion T26 - which is lighter and way more aerodynamic. I think it is part of the pure physics of having a light truck - even with a weight distribution hitch. Plus, per my dealer, the max he would recommend towing with this truck is about 7500 lbs total. You put some gear in the truck and another person, and you are right there. I would prefer more of a margin for error.

 

[NB Canada]

As the dealer set it up. Trailer sits nice and level. I had a similar issue with my 1970 Avion T26 - which is lighter and way more aerodynamic. I think it is part of the pure physics of having a light truck - even with a weight distribution hitch. Plus, per my dealer, the max he would recommend towing with this truck is about 7500 lbs total. You put some gear in the truck and another person, and you are right there. I would prefer more of a margin for error.

My half ton pulls my larger trailer just fine because I redid the hitch

You understand that once you add weight the hitch setup from the dealer is useless

Buy a new truck if you want but I am sure your current truck is very suitable for that size of trailer with a proper set up hitch

Good luck

 

[Ynot4me2]

I have the same configuration as you. What wdh do you have? I have the Husky Centerline, and it took me 3 trips to a CAT scale to get it tuned in ok. Noisy and heavy wdh, but it works as advertised. One day, I might change to the Anderson to save on weight, noise, and my back. We travel with 1/3 fresh water. The TT is usually between 6200 and 6500. Tw around 760 give or take. I debated going to a 3/4, but then Covid hit and prices went ridiculous. When traveling, my truck is full. Beer cooler in the back, basic tools and spare parts, blackstone... Lately, I upgraded to LT tires (Michelin Defender) and added Timbren SES. Both of which changed the regular, non towing ride morw harsher, but towing made a positive difference. Going up the crazy East and West (East being the craziest) Canadian coast grades was no problem. That little 2.7 EB is really impressive. Going down was not as pleasant. Not white knuckle but not pleasant either.

 

[jaylight65]

I have a Blue Ox weight distribution hitch on it.... and you are right, I have not tuned it at all. The truck is also darned close to needing new tires - had not considered going to LT variety, although if they will help.... will ponder.
And what you say rings true - the motor and tranny will pull it - just not always pleasantly. I also agree on the crazy price of trucks now. I am, though, beginning to see some reasonable used ones come on the market in this area.... just not sure going to a 3/4 ton is worth it.

 

[Stealth13777]

I have a Blue Ox weight distribution hitch on it.... and you are right, I have not tuned it at all. The truck is also darned close to needing new tires - had not considered going to LT variety, although if they will help.... will ponder.
And what you say rings true - the motor and tranny will pull it - just not always pleasantly. I also agree on the crazy price of trucks now. I am, though, beginning to see some reasonable used ones come on the market in this area.... just not sure going to a 3/4 ton is worth it.

You’re definitely right at that line between the F150 and the 250. I tend to think the 2.7, while a great package, isn’t the best setup for heavy towing. You saw it first hand downhill. As an example, my current setup downshifted in the Rockies and there was rarely a grade I needed the brakes at all - still a 150, and not even appreciably more power than your 2.7, but better engine braking. Plus they actually put a thicker frame under the heavier 150s (there are 3 frame thicknesses they use depending on rating).

I think you would probably be happiest with a used 6.2 V8 F250. Decent power (plenty for that trailer), heavier truck, but also about as good as you’ll get on mpg from a gas HD. It won’t get 20mpg though

Alternative is a heavier 150. I didn’t look up the specs on that trailer, but if you have the payload, the hybrid 150 seems a good option. It’s about the heaviest F150 (and the most powerful), while also getting the best empty mpg. Or if you are willing to go with a lower option package, find one of the HD Payload (no, max tow is not the same thing) F150s. They are rare, so you would have to specifically hunt one down, but it’s as close to an HD 1/2 ton as there is. Most will have the 3.5.

In the meantime, dial in that blue ox. It’s just chain links to adjust if it’s the swaypro - try more (or less) and see what works. Helped immensely with both my old and current trailer to get it set on the right link.

 

[BoredWeasel]

we tow with a gmc 2500 and have no complaints. We use an andersen wdh, helps with sway control as well.

While advice is all well and good, you do what you need to make the travel and trip more comfortable. Keyboard warrior advice is all well and good, but at the end of the day, it is your enjoyment and confidence that is most important

 

[BeerBrewer-MGRV]

Have you considered replacing the hitch with a Hensely or a ProPride?

 

[mrffrank440]

I took a different route when we bought our new 2020 - 22mle. I rented from Enterprise Truck, purpose for towing, 3/4 ton trucks. I rented over the course of 2 and a half years both the Ford F250 gas and diesel and Ram 2500 gas and diesel. Since I am about 5 years from retirement, I was on the hunt for a truck as I did not want to have such a large payment after I stopped working. My patience paid off.

Certainly there are people with a 22MLE using a 1/2 ton truck. Heck, I met somebody pulling this with a Tacoma, although even he admitted that a truck change was in his immediate future.

Ultimately, we went with the RAM 2500 diesel. The truck is just a shy under 8000 pounds itself. I get about 18 mpg 70/30 city/highway and about 23 empty on the highway. Towing is about 13 to 13.5. We live in Atlanta and are once-a-month long weekend warriors. Fantastic mountain/lake campgrounds within 150 miles from my house and about 300 miles to the beach campgrounds. The benefit of a diesel becomes very clear when driving through the beautiful mountains of Tennessee and western North Carolina. The combination of 850 pounds of torque and the engine break sold both my wife and I.

I became friends with my local Enterprise Truck guy, and I asked him if he would buy a used Enterprise vehicle. His response was NO to a car, but YES to these 3/4 ton trucks, as they are regularly maintained, especially the diesels. Furthermore, those trucks that do get abused or beat up are sent to auction houses and those are the trucks you see on dealer lots. However, those that Enterprise themselves sell are as close to "new" as you can get from a rental agency. They do have a warranty as well ! Got a 2020 RAM 2500 Big Horm diesel with about 47k on the clock. I verified the service intervals and had it checked out by local RAM dealership. Check this out and see for yourself.

 

[huntr70]

We just purchased a new 22MLE - gross weight about 7,000 lbs. I have a 2017 F150 2.7 ecoboost that will pull it, but the trailer moves it around a bit too much for my comfort (truck weighs about 4500 lbs). I also have a 2002 E350 with a 7.3 diesel, but it has some miles on it and broke down three times during our recent trip out West (wife is none too pleased with it). So... part of my deal with buying the new trailer is to consider a new(er) tow vehicle. What to do?

I have looked at the F150s with a 3.5 and a max tow package, but I wonder if they will have the same issue as my current F150 (lightweight). I also realize that I could upgrade to a 3/4 ton (F250 or Ram 2500).... but I wonder if I really need that much truck. I wonder about gas mileage (I like the 20 mpg the ecoboost gets)... and general upkeep. On the East Coast, the F150 does okay. I worry about being out West with those big grades in the Mountains (looking at you Utah!!) - and we do like going out on long trips out West when we can. Those mountains also make me wonder about a non-turbo configuration.

I almost need a "Super Duty" 1/2 ton that gets 20 mpg. Don't think those exist....

Thoughts/ideas/insights?

What tires do you have on the F-150?

If they are P metric tires, get rid of them and put decent rated LT tires on. It will spot a lot of that movement you are feeling.

 

[goducks14]

Sell the BO. I have one and they're not very good for sway. Invest in a better friction sway control hitch like an Equalizer or any of the friction spring bar types. While a Pro Pride or HA are fantastic they're major overkill for your truck and TT.

The 22MLE comes from the factory with under 10% TW. You should get weights on your TT and truck to make sure you're balanced properly. Sitting level means nothing if the TW is too light.

 

[Gijake]

I would like some opinions. I recently had medical issues and had to sell my 22 F350. Also just not going to be comfortable pulling a 35ft 5th due to those issues. So I am purchasing a 23 Chevy Colorado with a payload of 1500lbs and 7700lbs max towing. Max tongue is 770lbs. I feel the truck is spec'd ok for the 22MLE. It'll be a weekender around the southeast. So here's where I'd like some opinions. I can't afford a larger truck - even some of the used I've looked at. If the Colorado and 22MLE setup doesn't work - I won't get the camper but will get the truck for things around the house. Thanks in advance.

 

[NB Canada]

I would like some opinions. I recently had medical issues and had to sell my 22 F350. Also just not going to be comfortable pulling a 35ft 5th due to those issues. So I am purchasing a 23 Chevy Colorado with a payload of 1500lbs and 7700lbs max towing. Max tongue is 770lbs. I feel the truck is spec'd ok for the 22MLE. It'll be a weekender around the southeast. So here's where I'd like some opinions. I can't afford a larger truck - even some of the used I've looked at. If the Colorado and 22MLE setup doesn't work - I won't get the camper but will get the truck for things around the house. Thanks in advance.

Not a good fit at all The tongue weight will be higher than that
Full size trucks are the same price as small ones. Just that most full-size trucks on lots are loaded up with options
Get a bare bones full size

 

[jaylight65]

All of you raise several good points. First - I am hoping that I am only five or so years from retirement.... so, yes, agreed, I am motivated to buy something that will serve us well long term... and does not require a huge payment when I have more free time. My wife also just joined Harvest Host and is actively talking about the new places we can go - all about 150 or so miles away. Guess a new trailer will do that (the old Avion was not loved by her). So, I see a time in the near term where we will be pulling much more frequently. I also admit that I have spent little time looking at the 3/4 ton trucks... of any sort... and buying something used does not bother me (the new ones are crazy expensive in my opinion). I plan to look at a Ram 2500 Diesel this weekend to see how much I like it.... we will see where it all goes..

Thank you to everybody - asking questions is how we all learn....

 

[Gijake]

Thanks - I thought the tw would be around 650lbs - I will look at some smaller tt's but when i look at the 22' they don't have many I like.

 

[BoredWeasel]

I would like some opinions. I recently had medical issues and had to sell my 22 F350. Also just not going to be comfortable pulling a 35ft 5th due to those issues. So I am purchasing a 23 Chevy Colorado with a payload of 1500lbs and 7700lbs max towing. Max tongue is 770lbs. I feel the truck is spec'd ok for the 22MLE. It'll be a weekender around the southeast. So here's where I'd like some opinions. I can't afford a larger truck - even some of the used I've looked at. If the Colorado and 22MLE setup doesn't work - I won't get the camper but will get the truck for things around the house. Thanks in advance.

I own a canyon as a daily driver.... I love the truck but wouldn't tow my mle as with the wife myself, gear, and tongue weight it would be over max gross weight

 

[todd5.0]

I pull an Imagine 2150 trailer with my 2015 F150 SC 4x4 w/ 2.7L Ecoboost. The trailer loaded weighs 6200lbs and the truck weighs 5050lbs. The aluminum body does make the truck light compared to a 2014 F150. I changed the factory 17" wheels to 20" Platinum wheels. I have an EZ Lift WDH. I towed my trailer from Oregon to South Dakota a couple of years ago with very little problems.
If I were to buy a new/used truck, it would be a 2021 or newer F150 Powerboost with 7.2kw generator.

 

[Altidude]

Hi,

I also own a 22MLE. Love it. I also have a '19 F150 4x4 with 3.5 and max tow package. My rig is a bit unusual with 3 large Group 31 AGM batteries. It is lots more tongue weight than yours. I use a Blue Ox Sway Pro hitch.

I tow without drama in the mountains of Colorado. Google Cottonwood, Monarch, Rabbit Ears, Fremont, Raton, Eisenhower tunnel grade and many more. Only the Genesie grade out of Denver hit my temp gauge going up on a hot summer day. Still tons of power but was getting warm for first time. Decents are ok but be aware that these engines have relatively less compression braking than a diesel or larger gas engine. Yet I towed mine over all of those passes without notable brake heat or fade.

Now lets talk about "moves around too much". I elected to install Helwig sway bars front and rear. Also Helwig overload springs in the rear to compensate for the mentioned battery weight. They do not "engague" with daily driving or towing but help with bumps and dampening. Finally I strongly urge you to upgrade your shocks to more capable. I run Rancho adjustable 9000 series. There are many others.

Your truck can tow that trailer for sure. If you are in Colorado all the time and fully load your trailer maybe you want more, but otherwise you can get what you want with a few far cheaper upgrades.

Lastly the Ford Eco Boost engine in 2.7 or 3.5 can deliver Eco 20 mpg or boost. With a trailer boost may mean 8 mpg. Diesels can do better with a load. But those cost more. You driving and use will help you decide what is right for you.

Hope this is useful

 

[Harvestmoon]

We have a 22MLE and recently moved from a 2017 Silverado 1500 5.3L (standard half ton) to a 2023 F-150 3.5L PB max tow. The Chevy towed it fine although I did add a set of helper springs to get it to ride more level and controlled. Most standard half tons are sprung to have a good ride empty and will ride low and bounce when loaded anywhere near their max payload. We only made the jump to the Ford because my local dealership put one on the lot with the max tow package, 7.2kW propower, and pretty much exactly the features I wanted and none that I didn't. Then they discounted it, put factory rebates on it, and offered a pile of cash for our trade-in. What's a guy to do?

The 3.5L PB has power aplenty and is super smooth with the 10-speed tranny. The max tow comes with a heavier rear axle, rear spring, and gear ratio, so I don't fret as much over tongue weight and load in the bed. We have the E2 hitch and it works great. I can feel a little wiggle getting passed by semis but I think you'll get that with any TT unless you really overkill the tow vehicle. We have not tackled any heavy mountain towing with it yet so can't speak to that.

This is a long way of saying your current F-150 2.7L EB should tow a 22MLE adequately although probably not effortlessly. You might consider some sort of aftermarket spring assist to provide a more controlled ride. Keep the trailer light and properly load balanced and make sure your WDH is set up. I scale mine with and without the WDH spring bars to check the set up is giving me ~50 percent distribution of the tongue weight. That said, I'll be the first to say having a good truck makes the drive more enjoyable. I wouldn't be in a rush but you'll know your next truck when you see it.