arobinson
mississippi
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Joined: 04/04/2008
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We looked at a new (2009) Cruiser RV Fund Finder X189fbs today and we own a Ford F150 pickup TV(rated 6600 GVWR). I thought I remembered reading in this forum that a good estimate for picking a TT to tow safely was approximately 60% of the GVWR of your TV. Is this correct?
If so then the 5855 GVWR of this trailer would be too much. Correct?
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propane1320
Edmonton, Ab, Canada
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Joined: 07/06/2008
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Need some details on your truck... (year, engine size, diff ratio, 4x4 or 4x2, reg. cab/ext cab/ supercrew) then I can look it up for you.
2005 Jayco 29BHS dragged by a 2002 F150 7700GVW w/4.10's running on clean burning Digital Propane injection. Or gasoline. If I'm feeling rich that day.
Yeah its old, and it wishes it was a Super Duty, but it beats makin' payments! 
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acadianbob
St. Paul, MN
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That seems like too much for your truck if that is the right capacity. We tow about 5,000 out of 9,200 and that is plenty for me. Part of the equation is how "satisfying" the tow is. I think you'd be disappointed.
Bob, Wendy,& Spanky the Fox Terrier
F150 FX4 5.4L 3.73's
Surveyor 235RKS
Reese Straight Line
Prodigy
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FleaM35A2
East TN
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In my opinion, maximum tow ratings are just that. As long as you're not exceeding your maximum axle or vehicle weight ratings, and you're braked and distributed properly, I say tow on!
I think a lot of people are afraid to use an engine to its maximum potential. You will lose MPGs regardless of what you are towing, so don't be afraid of higher engine speeds. Just keep your maintenance up; remember that many of today's engines are far better designed than they used to be.
I had a 98 F-150 that I frequently towed 7500 lbs with. Was it as fast as a diesel on take-off? No. But I still made it where I was going, had all the brakes I needed, and could easily cruise at 65-70 on flat terrain. It would kick down to second and lock down the torque converter for big hills, but I was able to maintain 55 minimum and I was right in the meat of the powerband running around 3700-4000 rpms. Crest the hill and it was back to 65 @ 2000 rpms.
1971 AM General M35A2
1969 Holiday Rambler 27 Ft.
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acadianbob
St. Paul, MN
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Double check that figure though; it sure seems low. Are you sure that isn't the GVW with a load in the bed? I also have a F150 and am rated at 9,200; although I think that is a ridiculously high figure for an F150. I wouldn't tow over 6,000 with this truck for any significant distance.
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smkettner
Southern California
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http://www.fordvehicles.com/help/guides/towingguide/
2001 F150 SuperCrew 5.4 Lariat Offroad 4x4 Tow Package 4.10 Truetrac
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
12K SuperGlide, KGE3000Ti 2.3kw rated 2.6kw max
Frank's voltage booster, Prosine 1800 powered by 4 GC2 batteries
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surveyorjp
Missouri
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arobinson wrote:We looked at a new (2009) Cruiser RV Fund Finder X189fbs today and we own a Ford F150 pickup TV(rated 6600 GVWR). I thought I remembered reading in this forum that a good estimate for picking a TT to tow safely was approximately 60% of the GVWR of your TV. Is this correct?
If so then the 5855 GVWR of this trailer would be too much. Correct?
I think you are confusing your ratings.
GVWR is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. That means that is the maximum weight carrying recommended for your truck. In other words, the total weight on the four tires on your truck. It has nothing to do with towing capacity other than whatever tongue weight your trailer exerts on your truck. I suspect this is where you got the 6600 lb number from.
GCWR is Gross Combined Weight Rating. This is the number that determines your towing capacity. It is usually your trucks weight with a driver and fuel subtracted from your GCWR. I suspect your towing capacity on your Ford F150 is higher than 6600 lbs if it has a v8 and a factory towing package. I would guess your truck to have a GCWR (truck and trailer combined) somewhere between 12000 and 14000 lbs.
When folks talk about the 80 percent rule (which I disagree with) they are referring to towing 80 percent or less of your factory rated towing capacity. I say tow up to your GCWR, as long as the load is balanced and no individual axle is overloaded. In fact when we are really loaded down, I am right at the limit on my truck's 12500 lb GCWR.
If your truck has a v8, preferrable the 5.4L, and a factory towing package, it should easily be able to tow a trailer with a 5855 lb gross weight. Sure you will feel it back there, but I suspect you will be under your trucks GCWR easily.
* This post was
edited 09/06/08 10:38pm by surveyorjp *
2005 Surveyor SV-291 Tows smooth as silk!
1995 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie SLT 4x4 5.9L V8 low miles, It ain't pretty, but it's paid for!
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cjones122
Washington
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I tow at near my max with my f150 (8600+). Rated at 9200. I don't try to push it, and relax and take it easy. Does fine for me! I did upgrade to a Reese dual cam anti sway hitch to remove the sway. It's all good!
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arobinson
mississippi
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Thanks to all who responded to my question. The figure that I quoted was from the driverside door sticker-GVWR 6650. The front GAWR was 3400 and rear GAWR was 3400. The year model is 2005, engine size 4.6 (I am pretty sure-where do I check this number?)it is a 4x2 with a regular cab.
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curveballer98
Home
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I don't know if I'd try to tow that much with the 4.7L. My buddy has the 4.7 and another has the 5.4, huge difference, the 4.7 is pretty weak, even passing when unloaded seems to put a pretty good workout on his engine.
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