Posted by MoparNorm on Thursday, August 26, 2004 at 10:01AM :
In Reply to: Need advise on trailering for the first time.... posted by dave on Thursday, August 26, 2004 at 8:43AM :
...is get your ferd manual and double check the towing capacity. The mention of the F-150 sends up warning flags. A half ton truck may not be up to the task of pulling the combined weight of POWER WAGON, trailer, truck occupants and cargo. I know that all manufacturers claim that their 1/2 tons can pull the Queen Mary, but conventional wisdom tells us that even the 3/4 ton trucks can be marginal tow rigs when built by 'lessor' brands.
Figure the weight of the POWER WAGON wet with fuel, tools etc. add the weight of your cargo, tools, gear, camping equipment etc. add the weight of you and your passengers AND the trailer. Now total those numbers for a gross weight. Now let's suppose that number is in the ball park of 10,000 lbs. I would think that the F-150 towing rating of 5,000 lbs has just been greatly exceeded. In addition you should always tow with about an 20% margin of error, or no more than 4,000 lbs in a 5,000 rated truck, especially if you haven't towed before.
I know you didn't want to hear this but we have posted warnings here before, that were unheeded, only to see pictures posted of the unfortunate results.
Towing packages for 1/2 ton trucks are meant to be used for tent trailers and other small trailers such as 'ultralight' travel trailers.
My 1 ton cab and chassis Ram is rated at 23,000 with the Cummins and 163" wheelbase, it weighs 8,000lbs empty. Add fuel and driver, passengers and cargo you have approx. 9,000 lbs, to deduct from the 23,000 which leaves you with 14,000 lbs capacity. Figure in experience of the driver, the type of terrain that you'll be traveling and you can see how much truck it really takes to comfortly and safely tow that load. A top notch trailer with stabilizer and electric brakes would allow you to handle a tad more,...with experience, at 55 mph, but towing requires a learning curve.
Don't be discouraged, towing can be fun and productive, just make sure that you can chew what you cut-off. Learn and get some test miles experimenting with your rig.
MN
MN
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