Tow vehicle for a 22MLE...

[carlmill47]

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?

I have the f150 with 2.7 eco towing 22mle with 7000 gross rating for the trailer. It I believe Ford shows about 8000-8500 with that set up. Ours is great with no hassle crossing the Appalachians. We did previously have the 3.5 which was rated to pull 14k +, clearly overkill. If handling is poor, get another opinion on the hitch.

 

[Billh662]

We purchased a 2020 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4x4 and have been very happy with it. I added an AT Oil Cooler after our first trip to Death Valley (Toyota in their *wisdom* removed them a few model years earlier) when AT oil temps rose near 240*. Now it never gets above 215* even towing uphill in 115* heat near Las Vegas. The engine temp gauge barely budges either. And I get great engine breaking with the 5.7L V-8.


I've got an e2 WDH and on most trips I stop at the CAT Scales to make sure everything is within spec.

As other have said, I feel a little push when passed by a semi but otherwise it feels very solid.

That said, I really have nothing else to compare it to, but I never feel like the trailer is too heavy for the truck. The Tundra is a bit heavier than your F150. I think I'm about 5500# curb weight so this may make a difference.

And the gas mileage is ~10mpg, but it's regular gas so that helps a bit. I also feel Toyotas are pretty bomb proof. I've have 4 of various models and they just go and go. 250k miles minimum. Reliability is my main concern.

BTW, my wife and I LOVE the 22MLE!

 

[Howell4]

I have a Hennsley hitch that completely eliminates sway for sale for $1,000 dollars

 

[retired_engineer]

I was towing our 2023 22MLE with a 2015 XLT 2.7L RWD Scab with the 53A tow package up until a few weeks ago. The trailer comes in a bit under 6000 lbs loaded with empty tanks. Mathematically the trailer was well within my various weight ratings. I was able to get the WDH (Weigh Safe middleweight) setup that it rode smoothly but I would get pushed around in heavier winds and I didn't care for the performance in the mountains or really hilly areas of the Piedmont.

I've replaced the 2015 with a 2023 Screw XLT 3.5L 4X4 with the max tow pkg (53C). For me that increased the truck weight by about 900 lbs. The suspension is also beefier so I have less lift in the front and sag in the rear. I am still breaking the truck in so my towing has been limited based on Ford's recommendation. With the WDH setup everything feels more solid. I had some limited distance on a windy day at highway speeds and didn't feel like I was being pushed around like I was in the 2015. It also has performed better on the hills. To me it was worth moving to the 3.5L though I miss my 21 mpg around town.

We also looked at F250 XLTs since they were similar in MSRP. We opted against that as the trim lines were not really equivalent and we would have had to move up considerably in price for the must haves my wife required.

 

[retired_engineer]

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.

When loaded with empty holding and water tanks our 22MLE tongue weight is 760 lbs according to the hitch scale. Add another 108 lb for the hitch head and bars and you are over the max tongue weight for your vehicle. The empty dry weight from the factory was a bit over 600 lbs as I recall.

 

[sbrain61]

I had the same problem towing an equally sized camper with a 1500 Ram. The problem was solved by replacing the tires with 16 ply. Turned out the wimpy tires I had on the truck were too flexible causing the truck to feel like I was being pushed around.