Towing experience needed - do I have enough truck?

[ZX3ST]

I'm considering a trailer upgrade and was hoping some of you out there can give me a sanity check?

Current setup
2019 F150 XLT
Supercrew cab, 5.5ft bed, 145in wheelbase (this is the standard, IE not long wheelbase)
Max tow package - 3.5L ecoboost, 3.55 differential, 10sp transmission

With my particular configuration, Ford says 12,700 max towing, 18,200 GCWR. Door sticker says 7000lb GVWR and 1878lb payload.

I'm currently towing a 20ft open Aluma tilt trailer with my GT350 on the back. Total loaded weight is about 5400lb. I have no complaints on the towing experience or fuel mileage. I feel it hauls quite nice, and I have been getting about 12.5-14.5mpg depending on the track I'm visiting. I am not currently utilizing a weight distributing hitch. (I would be using one with a larger trailer)



I've been considering upgrading to an enclosed trailer. I'm looking at going to a 8.5x24 aluminum unit. I figure fully loaded I'll be in the 7500lb range. Absolutely no more than 8000lb under any foreseeable circumstances.

Thoughts? Is this a mistake? I don't want to paint myself into a corner and have to move to a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.

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[K4fxd]

It will probably be OK especially if you have trailer brakes, but a 1 ton would be safer. Larger better brakes and stiffer springs.

 

[Kenbike]

Your F150 would be working hard pulling a large box trailer. The frontal area makes a big drag and the added weight would be felt. If you stay around 55 on two lane roads it would be ok. Getting up past 70 mph and if you get into hills or mountains it would be to much.
Had a F150 and a horse trailer of about the same size and weight you are considering.
Decided it was unsafe pulling the larger trailer and upgraded to a F350 with a 6.7 diesel and it was hardly working pulling in the hills and could run 80 mph for hours on the highway.

 

[IamCDNJosh]

So I actually have some experience in this department. I used to have a travel trailer that had a 26 foot box and was just about 30 feet in length from the tongue to the bumper.

I have a 2015 F150 ecoboost which is similarly equipped as yours (Max tow etc) the only difference is that I have the 6.5 foot bed giving me a 157" wheel base. I towed this setup well over 10k miles, up through the rockies in Canada etc.

I'll say that you're okay here first because you have a max two package F150, that gives you additional cooling for towing this load. I've towed this setup up some pretty steep grades in 100 degree heat without issue (no temp warnings, and AC going full blast).

Its a very capable truck as long as you stay within its limits (which you are). My recommendation for you would be to get a good weight distribution hitch with sway control as well as you might want to consider some airbags in the rear. Now if you were on here asking if you could tow a 5th wheel I'd be telling you to get a new truck....

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

 

[Jimmy Dean]

I towed 9000 lbs with my 5.4L 2wd f-150, lifted full size bronco on the trailer in the back, big ole brick up in the wind the bronco's grill was at the roofline of the 150, and that was on stock tires, I had over 600 lbs of tires in the bed of the 150 as well. 950 miles straight shot. really shitty mileage, started the tow at 4600 ft elevation, ended at 8 ft elevation. Towed it at 65-70 the entire way, no issues, only real time it kicked down was on large bridges.

mileage sucked.

your truck is fine, if it is 4wd thats better for any sticky situations. 3/4 or 1 ton would be MORE than sufficient, with a dually having the extra security of increased stability and having an extra wheel on the back in case of a flat.

even an OBS 7.3 would be more than enough truck for your needs. I wouldn't go with any 1/2 tons older than 97 though for towing that.

I will say, I prefer the V8s for towing as well, but many swear by towing with that 3.5. It'll be fine. and will handle higher elevations better than a V8 gas truck (also, the V8 150s don't have a truck motor anyways...)

 

[K4fxd]

I've got a 1st gen 5.0 F150 and I find the engine perfectly fine. What I love about it is give it 3/4 throttle and when it hits 3500 RPM it knocks the tires loose.

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