Towing with a Ford F-150

[Dale01]

We are newbies to RVing. We own a 2023 Ford F150 4x4 supercrew XLT 5.0 V8 with a max tow package. 3.73 axle. GVWR:7050 GCWR:18,400 Max Payload:1823 Max towing 13,000
Front GAWR:3525 Rear GAWR: 3800. We are considering buying a Grand Design Imagine XLS 23LDE UVW: 5597 Hitch:524 Length:28'5". We hope to travel across country. We will not be full timers. Will our truck tow this camper? Does anyone that owns the 23LDE have any thoughts about this camper. We live in NC. Does anyone know a good RV dealer in the area? Thank you for any help you can give.

 

[Second Chance]

Welcome to the forum!

Thread moved to New To RV'ing, Purchase Questions & General Concerns

This question has been asked many, many times. Read through the (entire) thread below - lots of good information there:

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

I'm sure someone will come along who owns an Imagine XLS 23LDE to answer some model-specific questions for you.

Rob

 

[rottekatz]

I had a 2017 F150, 3.5L EcoBoost, Crew Cab, Short Bed, and towed a 8000 pound trailer by a manufacturer not to be named and the only issue I had was when towing in the mountains of Colorado sometime the turbos would heat up and limit speed. With the 5.0 naturally aspirated engine you will not have that problem. Camp on..

 

[TahoeMac]

Hello,

Bought our 23LDE in July '23... Tow w/ a 2017 F150 w/ the 5.0. ~1900lb payload, 9500lb max tow, 1000 max hitch weight.

Tows nicely! Worst case for me was in AZ and towing it at 6000ft in 100 deg heat (Salt river canyon) and I could maintain 4000 rpm (max torque) at 40 mph in 2nd gear (I have a 6 speed, you could probably could do better with the 10 speed). The road is windy and steep, so 40mph is basically the posted speed.

You will want a good weight distribution hitch. I use the Weigh Safe mid weight and try to keep the hitch weight around 800 - 850lb.

If you get to light on the hitch you will feel trailer sway in wind and high speeds as there is a lot of weight in the back of the trailer with the kitchen in back.

Cheers

 

[SkipRD]

I have a 2020 F-150 but with the Ecoboost and a 2024 XLS 23LDE. Just now starting to put the combination through its paces, but so far it's fine. We analyzed all of the specs (GVWR, GCWR, axle ratings, tow ratings, wheelbase to trailer length ratio, etc.) and concluded that the truck was more than adequate. Purists might argue that the rig would tow better with an F-250, but I doubt the marginal improvement would be very noticeable.

As to the trailer itself, we love it. We've been RV'ing since the late 70's, in all sorts of RVs. So, when we downsized from a Class A, we were worried that the combination of smaller space and reduced storage would be an issue. It hasn't been. The trailer's layout is just as livable and makes the most of available space for storage, giving us more than we need. There are a couple idiosyncrasies (like the bathroom storage is a little weird), but nothing we can't work around. The only change we've noted between traveling in this trailer and our prior Class A is that we pack food and other items only for 7-10 days, which will necessitate a stop at a Walmart every so often to replenish. Not a big deal. We leave for a three-week trip to Florida next week and a 7-week, 7400-mile trip in July (which includes traveling all the way from Atlanta to Banff National Park) and we have no hesitancy about doing so in the 23LDE.

We did do a couple mods. We added a second battery. The unit uses a 12v fridge and we thought a little extra battery capacity would be good if we stopped for a couple days with no hookup. (We'll probably upgrade to LiFePO4 batteries at some point.) We also added MaxxAir fans to the kitchen and bedroom. The little goofy fans that come with the unit didn't impress us, and much of our camping is done running only fans for ventilation (rather than the AC).

The only thing I'm not too sure about so far is the hitch. I agree with the comment above that you'll want a high quality WD hitch. I originally wanted an Equalizer brand, but that didn't work out (long story), so I ended up with a Camco R3 hitch that I haven't made up my mind about yet. I actually have access to a free Hensley hitch. I didn't go for that originally because I've had Hensley hitches before and they can be kind of a pain to hook up, but now I'm thinking I may switch over. Or maybe go for a different brand of WD hitch. Not sure. This is still a work in progress.

Hope that helps,
Skip

 

[Rabbit]

We are newbies to RVing. We own a 2023 Ford F150 4x4 supercrew XLT 5.0 V8 with a max tow package. 3.73 axle. GVWR:7050 GCWR:18,400 Max Payload:1823 Max towing 13,000
Front GAWR:3525 Rear GAWR: 3800. We are considering buying a Grand Design Imagine XLS 23LDE UVW: 5597 Hitch:524 Length:28'5". We hope to travel across country. We will not be full timers. Will our truck tow this camper? Does anyone that owns the 23LDE have any thoughts about this camper. We live in NC. Does anyone know a good RV dealer in the area? Thank you for any help you can give.

I tow a much heavier and longer 3100RD with a 2019 EcoBoost 3.5V6 10 speed trans. In the 2019 model, my engine produced higher torque than the 10V8, but your combo should tow very well. I live outside Chattanooga and tow frequently through the same mountains you will, including NC. Your truck should do fine with your rig, just use a well rated, proven WDH and set it properly (do your homework).

 

[Rabbit]

Reading all the posts in this thread I’d add more about my F150 experience. Before I start, I’m not arguing about the relative capability of ANY competing brand. To each his own. Nor about the F250 or F350. If my circumstances were different, I’d likely we in a 250, but I am very happy with my current 2019 F150.

My first F150 was a 2010 10.5 V8 6 speed and I towed a 26’ other brand via the southern route to Grand Canyon, north to Moab, then (to avoid Denver) south to SantaFe, then east to Memphis and home. That truck struggled frequently and did a lot of gear searching. I traded to a 2016 to get the lighter body and better mpg. The truck version was so new to the market the dealer didn’t have any literature about the engine choices, so I went with the 10L V8 6 speed. I soon regretted it as it performed only marginally better than the 2010, plus we were in the market for a bigger TT ( we succumbed to slideout envy). I traded for a 2018 3.5L ECOBoost 6 speed and loved that trucks road performance towing our new 35’ TT. Far superior to the prior V8s. But I got a great offer to trade for a 2019 F150, same basic truck, but with all the safety upgrades, especially blindspot while towing a trailer. Biggest improvement was the 10 speed trans with tow mode, which negated the concern for rear end gearing. We eventually went with our current 2022 3100RD for its lighter tongue weight and floor plan ( we love it). This truck/trailer combo now has over 20K miles together, traveling monthly throughout the eastern US far north to far south. I have used a SwapPro by BlueOx since 2018 after the dealer installed Ezlift failed on a trip with the 26’ TT.

My current setup was tuned-in to tow the TT and Truck level ( front of truck is less than 1/2” high). It did take a two inch rise ball to get the WDH set up. I feel nothing from 18 wheelers (I do feel box trucks slightly). Cross winds are not white knuckle. Mpg is 9-11 on highways. It takes 6-7% grades at speed up or down (very good engine braking, combined with tow mode maintains speed with minimal braking). I now enjoy steering correction comparable to when not towing. Emergency braking is excellent, by the way!! I just replaced tires and brakes at 89k on the truck. TT has GY Endurance replacing the OEM Westlakes.

Hope this helps someone.

 

[robmcqueen]

Reading all the posts in this thread I’d add more about my F150 experience. Before I start, I’m not arguing about the relative capability of ANY competing brand. To each his own. Nor about the F250 or F350. If my circumstances were different, I’d likely we in a 250, but I am very happy with my current 2019 F150.

My first F150 was a 2010 10.5 V8 6 speed and I towed a 26’ other brand via the southern route to Grand Canyon, north to Moab, then (to avoid Denver) south to SantaFe, then east to Memphis and home. That truck struggled frequently and did a lot of gear searching. I traded to a 2016 to get the lighter body and better mpg. The truck version was so new to the market the dealer didn’t have any literature about the engine choices, so I went with the 10L V8 6 speed. I soon regretted it as it performed only marginally better than the 2010, plus we were in the market for a bigger TT ( we succumbed to slideout envy). I traded for a 2018 3.5L ECOBoost 6 speed and loved that trucks road performance towing our new 35’ TT. Far superior to the prior V8s. But I got a great offer to trade for a 2019 F150, same basic truck, but with all the safety upgrades, especially blindspot while towing a trailer. Biggest improvement was the 10 speed trans with tow mode, which negated the concern for rear end gearing. We eventually went with our current 2022 3100RD for its lighter tongue weight and floor plan ( we love it). This truck/trailer combo now has over 20K miles together, traveling monthly throughout the eastern US far north to far south. I have used a SwapPro by BlueOx since 2018 after the dealer installed Ezlift failed on a trip with the 26’ TT.

My current setup was tuned-in to tow the TT and Truck level ( front of truck is less than 1/2” high). It did take a two inch rise ball to get the WDH set up. I feel nothing from 18 wheelers (I do feel box trucks slightly). Cross winds are not white knuckle. Mpg is 9-11 on highways. It takes 6-7% grades at speed up or down (very good engine braking, combined with tow mode maintains speed with minimal braking). I now enjoy steering correction comparable to when not towing. Emergency braking is excellent, by the way!! I just replaced tires and brakes at 89k on the truck. TT has GY Endurance replacing the OEM Westlakes.

Hope this helps someone.

I have heard of people overheating the Turbo on the 3.5 L when towing heavy. That is a big trailer to tow with a light weight 1/2 ton. Glade to hear you got the truck and trailer set up good, It would not take much for that trailer to get out of control.

 

[Tough4x4]

Your truck should do fine, as others have said. We have a 2023 23LDE and tow it with a 21'F150 Screw Powerboost. It's set up for max tow paired with an Equalizer hitch. No problems at all. We have been through the hills of East Tx and the hill country of central Tx. No bounce, no sway. We plan to take on the Rockies closer to summer. MPG not great with the powerboost, but plenty of power while staying in the lower RPM's when cruising. We love the floor plan of the LDE. We camped in January with freezing temps and the trailer did fine. The campground may of had some issues with frozen pipes but we had plenty of water to use in our fresh tank that kept us satisfied. I think you'll love your trailer.

 

[Rsprainer]

We are newbies to RVing. We own a 2023 Ford F150 4x4 supercrew XLT 5.0 V8 with a max tow package. 3.73 axle. GVWR:7050 GCWR:18,400 Max Payload:1823 Max towing 13,000
Front GAWR:3525 Rear GAWR: 3800. We are considering buying a Grand Design Imagine XLS 23LDE UVW: 5597 Hitch:524 Length:28'5". We hope to travel across country. We will not be full timers. Will our truck tow this camper? Does anyone that owns the 23LDE have any thoughts about this camper. We live in NC. Does anyone know a good RV dealer in the area? Thank you for any help you can give.

I have an imagine 2970RL that is 8300 pounds empty. I’m close to full payload capacity of my F150. I have to watch how I load the trailer. All is good. Added RAS road active suspension to the truck to better keep the nose of the truck at factory height and the truck handles well with the larger trailer

 

[retired_engineer]

You should be fine with your truck. Just be aware that as delivered it will likely weigh a couple of hundred pounds more and have a higher tongue weight than the published dry specifications. You will also add some more weight once the batteries and propane are taken into account. All should be well under the maximums for your truck but something to keep in mind so you aren't surprised when you weigh it.

 

[SkipRD]

We are newbies to RVing. We own a 2023 Ford F150 4x4 supercrew XLT 5.0 V8 with a max tow package. 3.73 axle. GVWR:7050 GCWR:18,400 Max Payload:1823 Max towing 13,000
Front GAWR:3525 Rear GAWR: 3800. We are considering buying a Grand Design Imagine XLS 23LDE UVW: 5597 Hitch:524 Length:28'5". We hope to travel across country. We will not be full timers. Will our truck tow this camper? Does anyone that owns the 23LDE have any thoughts about this camper. We live in NC. Does anyone know a good RV dealer in the area? Thank you for any help you can give.

I have a 2020 F-150 but with the Ecoboost and a 2024 XLS 23LDE. Just now starting to put the combination through its paces, but so far it's fine. We analyzed all of the specs (GVWR, GCWR, axle ratings, tow ratings, wheelbase to trailer length ratio, etc.) and concluded that the truck was more than adequate.

Just a follow-up to my earlier post. We're on a 3-week trip to Florida with the F-150 and 23LDE as loaded as they ever will be: frig is full, 2/3 full fresh water, 1/3 full in both grey tanks. Checking the weights, I got this:
Steer Axle: 3060 lbs (limit - 3450)
Drive Axle: 3440 lbs (limit - 3800)
Truck total: 6500 lbs (GVWR- 7000)
Trailer Axles: 6040 lbs (GVWR - 6995)
Combined Weight: 12,540 lbs (GCWR - 16,200)

Overall, I'm satisfied. We have enough capacity left to cover us in case my wife decides to take up rock collecting.

And, although there aren't a lot of steep hills in Florida, I have had to accelerate pretty hard a couple times and the truck seems to be doing fine. Gas mileage is not great (about 10 mpg) but tolerable. Again, I'm satisfied.

You're truck is a different model with slightly different specs, but hope this helps nonetheless.

Skip

 

[SteveCass]

. we have nearly the same package setup, but we went with the 5th Wheel, felt more on the safe traveling side…GD 230rl, we have towed for about 45K plus now from west coast, to Montana, east to eastern Kentucky….we did add airbags for keeping the truck level, but the best move was to put on load D tires, felt load E was a bit excessive, much more stable while towing…..it handles mountain grades very well, but after all these miles we have started using other roads than I 10, 40, or any other interstates, just to many potholes, bad bridge abutments, etc….Anyway, safe travels!

 

[MBtraveller]

Should Be Fine

We are newbies to RVing. We own a 2023 Ford F150 4x4 supercrew XLT 5.0 V8 with a max tow package. 3.73 axle. GVWR:7050 GCWR:18,400 Max Payload:1823 Max towing 13,000
Front GAWR:3525 Rear GAWR: 3800. We are considering buying a Grand Design Imagine XLS 23LDE UVW: 5597 Hitch:524 Length:28'5". We hope to travel across country. We will not be full timers. Will our truck tow this camper? Does anyone that owns the 23LDE have any thoughts about this camper. We live in NC. Does anyone know a good RV dealer in the area? Thank you for any help you can give.

You are describing our truck and rig. Our truck is a 2020 version , however. We have travelled with this setup across the plains (ie. Wind) with no problems. We are presently in Brownsville, TX after pulling south from Canada at the end of January. Fine trip.

 

[RV2600RB]

Hello,

Bought our 23LDE in July '23... Tow w/ a 2017 F150 w/ the 5.0. ~1900lb payload, 9500lb max tow, 1000 max hitch weight.

Tows nicely! Worst case for me was in AZ and towing it at 6000ft in 100 deg heat (Salt river canyon) and I could maintain 4000 rpm (max torque) at 40 mph in 2nd gear (I have a 6 speed, you could probably could do better with the 10 speed). The road is windy and steep, so 40mph is basically the posted speed.

You will want a good weight distribution hitch. I use the Weigh Safe mid weight and try to keep the hitch weight around 800 - 850lb.

If you get to light on the hitch you will feel trailer sway in wind and high speeds as there is a lot of weight in the back of the trailer with the kitchen in back.

Cheers

I’ve been down (and up) that road with a 22,000lb motor home with tow car. There is no way I would do 40mph on it.
Rich

 

[Bob Davis]

Regarding F-150s I can add my experiences pulling an Imagine 2600RB in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. It does just fine. I have a 2017 F150 Lariat with the 5.0L V8 and 3.55 rear. I added Firestone Ride-Rite airbags but I don't think I really needed them. I only have to put 15PSI in them to make the truck perfectly level with the Imagine hooked up. It pulls very smooth. Some say that it would not work well if I pulled into Colorado or steep mountainous terrain. They are probably right, but for now I can pull it just fine. I ran several different towing Calculators, plugging in the Cargo, curb weights, tongue weights, GVWR, towing capacity, etc. and it came out with some weight to spare. My F150 has a transmission temperature gauge and it is always in the center or less than engine temp. The F250 no doubt would be more suited in the hills.

 

[TahoeMac]

I’ve been down (and up) that road with a 22,000lb motor home with tow car. There is no way I would do 40mph on it.
Rich

Not around the hair pin turns next to cliffs... obviously.

 

[DWGERLI]

This is great info. We are also looking at this same model and will be pulling it with a F150. Bases on your experience with tghis trailer, I think it is a done deal. Thank you for the post.

 

[uwskier]

Regarding F-150s I can add my experiences pulling an Imagine 2600RB in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. It does just fine. I have a 2017 F150 Lariat with the 5.0L V8 and 3.55 rear. I added Firestone Ride-Rite airbags but I don't think I really needed them. I only have to put 15PSI in them to make the truck perfectly level with the Imagine hooked up. It pulls very smooth. Some say that it would not work well if I pulled into Colorado or steep mountainous terrain. They are probably right, but for now I can pull it just fine. I ran several different towing Calculators, plugging in the Cargo, curb weights, tongue weights, GVWR, towing capacity, etc. and it came out with some weight to spare. My F150 has a transmission temperature gauge and it is always in the center or less than engine temp. The F250 no doubt would be more suited in the hills.

Same trailer, different but comparable truck I had in the GM 5.3L, but even in CO, AZ, and NM in the summer months, I had no issue with the "wimpy" GM 5.3L. I think you'd be surprised how well your 5.0 would do in the hills.

OP, you'll have capacity to spare. Happy camping!

 

[JoeASawyer]

Very interesting. We also have the same truck with the same engine and are picking up our 23LDE Thursday 3-21-2024. Bought a weight safe hitch. Still in the box. Just arrived today