This is an extremely helpful video. Thank you very much for posting this. Love all the detail you are including. I am in CO and looking at a 30RB and F250 and had many questions you answered!
GREAT VIDEO!!!! You know your equipment, conducted your research and used great decisions making process for what was good for your situation. This will help all the 1/2 ton towers understand what they need & give them confidence to tow. For people that mandate diesel, 3/4 & 1 ton trucks for towing. Hopefully this shows them too if properly equipped a 1/2 can do it too. Great job! *slow clap*
You are spot on, my f150 was ordered by the dealer with the exact options you have. Most people dont know these trucks even exist and think it is just a half ton truck. These trucks have the capacity of prvious 3/4 ton trucks and are purpose built by ford for towing. Generally these packages are on fleet trucks. Our local dealer added the packages to several trucks they ordered. If you dont know what to look for, most sales guys dont either. You really have to study up, or find people like us who have them. My f150 easly out tows my old f350. Problem is, unless someone spells it out like you did, you dont even know what they are. I knew part of what i wanted, sales guy knew nothing, i looked at several door codes and and window stickers when i found a row of trucks with that setup. I basically stumbled into mine by sheer luck. As an fyi, the 13,500k towing after our options are just 20" wheels. But you can change to load range c tire or better to get that capacity. My truck has the 13K capacity and i have only ever been near 10k. For those guys that freak out about not having a diesel and a one ton, that does apply in some cases but these new trucks and the engineering behind them allow it.
Great video, you covered lots of details and data that most people don’t consider, especially nice that you talk about what speed you could go up the mountain passes and what the grades were. Also very good that you talked about how the brakes performed going down mountain passes. I will take my time and go downhill grade, I start out slow at the top and let the transmission do a lot of the work rather than the brakes. I would personally get an F350 that is lowered with airbags when the kids want to get in and out and then raise it back up when you’re on the road. I also would’ve gone with a diesel.
That practical way of thinking you have is awesome...I myself do that...that truck config is amazing and it's easily seen you do your proper research for all your equipment...I wouldn't mind getting one myself like that. The problem is that youtube channels like TFL truck misguide people into thinking big, expensive diesel trucks are needed to tow anything....and that's not true. Very honest, logical video...awesome!
Thank you. A great honest talk about towing with an F150. After 40 years at Ford and in Powertrain Engineering for all that time I went with a 2017 F150 XLT SC with an 8’ box and a 5.0 Liter. I know a bit less on torque but a much better engine. I tow a 1972 Avion like an Airstream 28’ but want a newer Airstream with a passion. 30’ is the goal so thank your for sharing your thoughts. Well done!
With the right truck options, the right load tires and with that hitch setup, that half ton is just fine. One thing to note most leave out. The rear axle rating. Drive over a scale and see how your load is balanced. Make sure your loaded properly across the truck and trailer.
I tow with an F150 equipt with the 3.5L as well. Helpful hint for downhill travel is to use your transmission to help control your speed. You’ll save your brakes.
Wow, good info. I have almost the same setup...8000 lb camper and an F150 with the max tow package, so I'm always tuning in to videos like this one. I thought I knew just about everything about the packages that are available but I've never heard of the beefier payload package.
Sweet ride, loved all my ecoboost 3.5 's 2015,2018 now2021 hybrid. Has great power and not to bad fuel economy with a good ride. Would love to have a 6.5 bed.
We have a 2016 30 ft international signature , I think it’s basically same weight but we tow with a 2015 6.7 Cummins 2500 I love the extra stability and Exhaust brake , I had a Tundra 7 mpg sucked but what I Really like and everyone should consider when buy a Camper and truck remember when you go get GAS vs Diesel , it’s soooooooo much easier getting to Diesel pumps (truck stops) vs trying to wiggle around the gas pumps and finding a place you won’t get stuck . Not to mention 15-18 mpg
Enjoyed your video! I too can attest to the ProPride hitch and the difference it made from the friction system I had before when pulling my 30' Airstream.
It does seem to work great. You have more experience than I do as I've never towed anything without it but in my limited experience I've never felt any swaying.
@@johnjessjourney2352 I should have done more research up front and not endured the friction based system. I have a 3/4 ton truck but it never felt right pulling my AS. I drove semis for over 13 years (1+ MM miles) and was sensitive to what I was pulling. Found out about ProPride and called their office beforehand. Was able to speak to Sean at length (a great, unhurried experience btw) and decided to push forward after learning it was based on physics (I still subscribe to math and science). As for the purchase price, best ~$3k I have ever spent; like you, Safety supersedes other considerations. Again, good video!
I had a 2012 F150 with similar equipment to hours. We trailered a 5000# empty weight probably 6000# loaded trailer all over Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, without a single problem. We had the six speed tranny and no problem going up Loveland. That Ecoboost is a great engine, I had 130,000 miles when I sold and all it ever needed was a new battery at 35 months, so Ford paid for it..I did change to bigger rotors and pads at 80k miles. A bit more than a standard brake job, but worth it. I did have the 20” wheels which gave me a little more room. Looks like you may have the 18” wheels, so check fitment first. You validated my experience with the F150. I currently run a motorhome, with a Jeep toad, but when I get out of that, it will be to a hybrid F150…Maybe they’ll have a plug in hybrid by then.. thanks for the excellent review..
Yes, bigger breaks would be good. We just had our first major issue - clutch in the 10 speed tranny just went and it needs to be rebuilt. I've since read that 10 speed tranny has a lot of issues
Great video, spot on the info. Only thing I might have opted for (which isn’t available with the max Trailer pkg) was the 5.0 V8. As far as longevity is concerned, I think the higher mileage is proving the 5.0 Coyote to be more reliable than the twin turbos.
I do have a 2017 f150 with 5.0 coyote engine that pulls our 30 ft TT . It does the job but I see my transmission gets hot like 225 degrees if I push it to 70 mph. If I go down to 65 mph in flat road is ok at 210 degrees
JohnJessJourney Absolutely. I guess we were convinced that a 23 to 25 foot was about as large as you wanted to go with an F150. I will definitely factor in that fancy hitch.
@@macmovieman1 We've towed our 30' about 15,000 miles over the past year. With the truck setup and the hitch I've never felt unsafe and its towed beautifully. With that said when you get to the larger Airstreams your biggest concern with the F150 is your payload capacity. I dont know how feasible it is to tow with a standard F150 but most people don't relaize you can get an F150 with the payload capacity of an F250.
Great video on truck matching. Lots of facts and details that aren't cover on truck/trailer vids. However, if you custom order a truck today...oh baby, being a big check book. Truck prices are caaaaaarazy.
We have the same truck with the exception of our 5.0 v8. I don't know how but our payload is 2550. We are currently searching for the right trailer for our truck. Thanks for your info.
Good job on spec'ing this. I have a 2022 version of this truck. They are not unicorns but are still rare. However, ford stopping building this truck in 2023. They might reintroduce this as an F-200, but only time will tell. Max Tow/HDPP was a 5-10% build for F150 overall. I have an RCLB with 141 wheelbase. Yours is much long with that long bed (yours is 157/164 i think, which helps alot, except for turn radius) , so would tow better. Longer wheelbase of the truck is better. The MaxTow/HDPP is something that people don't understand. An F150 with HDPP is really a 5/8ton for modern trucks. If you get an F250, you pay in gas mileage but have bigger breaks and 1k+ more weight.
True, very rare combo, I also have a 8200 GVWR package, 2013 model, back then they had 7 lug wheels but all the other stuff you have. But I have the 5.0L, so not as much power and a lot heavier truck, as mine isn't aluminum. Mine is also an XLT. Also considering an Airstream, so your video was helpful. I am trying to keep my load well under the 9500 # max tow, like under 7000 or 8000 if possible for potential mountain towing as well.
@@johnjessjourney2352 Ha, it's funny you say that, while I'm in no hurry, I was looking at brake upgrades, but the thing that makes this payload package cool in 2013, is also a detriment because my selection of brakes for the 7-lug wheel is very limited. In terms of power, while today's standard might say I'm under-powered at 360/380, hp and ft/lbs, that's way more than most or any trucks 20 years ago and WAY more 30 and 40 years ago, when people were also towing Airstreams with not only trucks but also full-size sedans. But like you, it's not all about the going, sometimes it's about the stopping!!
Great video, thanks for sharing...and yes, your F-150's payload is 300lb. Higher than my 2017 F-250 crew cab diesel. Had no idea you could build one with a payload that capable. Impressive 👍
@@wadebrewer7212 The payload is a big plus when towing but it is not the only factor that makes towing less stressful. The video shows he is also using the ProPride 3P hitch which is hands down the safest hitch to use towing travel trailers. Another important area half tons fall short regardless of the build is a relatively light GVWR of around 7100 lbs. This is where the HD trucks will provide a much more planted tow because they are much heavier . The airstream he is towing is also shorter and more streamline than most travel trailers in the 7500-8500 weight range. Our taller, boxier GD travel trailer was pushing our F150 around pretty good in the winds and from big truck push. We have a 3P hitch too and it eliminates sway but the entire tow rig still got pushed around as a unit. We eventually traded the F150 for an F350 for the increased payload of 3600 lbs and a GVWR of 11,500 lbs. Our diesel F350 empty weights more than our F150 loaded and still gets 12 mpg towing our 7500lb GD trailer. Our F350 is not a daily driver and is used mainly for towing our trailer. The difference in towing experience is just far superior to our F150.
@@fedguy9182 I ended up buying a 22 Cummins. Had a 1500 and with little trouble out it traded in with 154k miles, still got 12k for the trade. Stick with what you know. I had years ago an F350 single wheel with the sick liter (yes, I spelled thst wrong on purpose). It ran well and I twoed with it, but since owning Ram, I'm sold on them being a good vehicle. Let's see how the 22 does.
We tow our Rockwood trailer 26 ft 6,000 dry weight ford150 eco boost 3.5 liter with Max tow package.With a safe weigh Hitch. It tows like nothing. We wouldn’t tow a longer length then 26 feet or heavier. We would be worried about it being a little heavier on tongue weight. We’re happy with our truck and towing payload of our trailer and truck together. It tows very nice on high grade roads. Enough torque. Our truck has the engine break.
It's because the diesel engines are so much heavier than gas engines, which takes away from Payload. Payload isn't a function of power as much as the capability of the suspension and frame.
Awesome!! I've been towing my 37ft 8,400lbs dry travel trailer all over and in blustery wind conditions, Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnels, and it handles it great. I get very little pushing (more blustering) from semis, and basically no pulling. I upgraded my stock GY Wranglers to E Rated Michelins Defenders, and that exposed the tires are the weaker link than the light weight of the truck, especially in blustery wind conditions. I get zero swaying sensations out of those stiff GY Endurance trailer tires, Blue Ox, and Michelins, and gust will push the set-up as a unit. A Hensley has always been my last "Hail Mary" option if I didn't have confidence in my set-up before upgrading to a 1 Ton diesel, because my next upgrade is to a 5th anyway.
Thank you so much. We’re planning to get our own Unicorn almost exactly like yours. Special order, of course. And we will be trading up to a 30 foot International. With all the naysayers insisting you need a 250 or 350 for this size rig, it was awesome to hear your good experience. If Ford says it will tow 14,000 pounds, it should be fine. Knowing it IS was reassuring.
My pleasure Stuart. I will also note that having a Propride / Hensley hitch on the Airstream has also made all the difference in the world while towing. It's expensive but I think its worth it as you tow these 30' + Airstreams. If you're not familiar with the hitch I talk about it here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zO8YohZ6_UY.html Cheers, John
Those are nice hitches. Another thing that helps, most newer trucks including the F150 have sway control built into the way power is applied to the the rear wheels. I am sure that feature does not help near as much as the hitch you are using but just an added bonus.
I ordered a similar truck; with the payload package, but with an 8 foot bed and extended cab (for a 163" wheelbase). Also, a 5.0 instead of the Ecoboost. Less torque than the Eco, but it is still rated to tow 11K pounds. It's a nice truck. My only issue with it is the 10-speed transmission feels a little slushy to me when I step on the gas.
I have a cross roads 33SI, 35 foot, dry weight, 7250. As loaded, 8154. My f150 with EcoBoost turbo, no problem. 5% grade for 18 miles, 55mph and 9.5 mpg. Normally, 12 to 14 without big hills.
John and Jess - GREAT video and explanation. We've ordered a unicorn (2022 F-150 XLT 6.5ft bed, 3.5 eco-boost max payload and towing) ourselves to pull our Airstream Flying Cloud 28rb twin. We'll probably go with the Propride also, but I want to calculate precisely how much weight (from the 195lb hitch) I can shift to the AS's axles. Hoping to get it under 100lbs. Thanks again!
We have a 2018 F150 configured exactly as you do, but in an FX4 model. We are pulling a 28 foot Airstream International Signature model, slightly less heavy than yours and we travel with all three trailer tanks empty. I am getting 11.7 MPG under similar conditions as you state. I always . . . ALWAYS . . . use premium gas and get better performance that way. In my research of fuel types, Most folks that understand fuels state that, in the F150 EcoBoost engine, you can get 1.5 to 2.0 better per gallon when towing a trailer, by using premium fuels. Try it a few times and see for yourself. Just a quick thought this evening.
I have 2017 f150 2.7L eco-boost and 10 foot dump trailer. I tow average 15k pound total and towed up to 18k time to time. I don’t use special towing attachments and have at least 500 pound in my truck beds all the time. Unless it’s local steep up and down hills, it has no problem on freeway. With 55-60m/h speed and decent weight distribution, up to 12k is an easy easy towing for f150!! Trust me.
I have a 2011 f150 3.5 ecoboost with tow package 289k mikes no issues, upgraded to a 2019 f-250 Larait 6.7 diesel and I tell u it’s like night and day , I mean I pull a cougar camper and that diesel pulls like a train and most important the engine exhaust brake ,
The HDs are awesome. Ours is even more "Unicorn" like, we have a 500a Lariat (Canadian Model) with the HDPP/MTTP , 2405 pound payload. Tows our 28 foot TT very well, great power from the 3.5 EB. I agree about the engine braking just too small an engine to add much, the transmission does downshift like a fiend trying to help.
Hi John, I've got what you have with my 2013 F150 Super Crew I purchased last year. The truck had 61,000 miles on it at that time. Now has 74,000. At present I tow a Thor Chateau 22D, and the truck tows great. Very happy with the setup. The tow/haul feature works great thru all the driving and braking.
Great video I totally agree with you who needs that big f250 when your only towing for weekends and vacations. Your f150 with the EcoBoost is more than enough for the weight of your trailer and the miles you do under tow... Plus your maintenance cost and your fuel mileage is better and makes sense... For all those folks giving you shit it mean they dont have a f150 EcoBoost... Because if you did you would know it could pull a house of its foundation... The Banks family
Beautiful setup! No doubt you researched the hell out it. My wife is also vertically challenged, fortunately some ugly chrome sidesteps came on my F150.
I purchased a 2500 HD Duramax, even though at the time I didn’t need that kind of HD capability I knew I might someday and ended up buying a larger camper and the truck tows without any strain snd still gets 15mpg highway
Cause a Rebel is an offroad truck, not really made for towing ( low payload and offroad suspension + tires ). I have a Silverado RST 2021 with max tow package and it has 2108 pounds of payload. Crewcab, 6.5 foot bed ( good wheelbase ) and 4wd. Still changing for a Silverado Custom 2500HD diesel.
It is interesting how much 3/4 ton ( and I guess 1/2 ton) trucks vary in payload. My 2019 Silverado 2500 has close to 3,000 payload with a 9500 GVW. That’s with the 36 gallon fuel tank full. Of course the diesel knocks that down quickly.
Nice trailer. Those airstream are nice but heavy. My uncle fishtailed his on i77 and rolled it down the median and flipped the van on its side so be careful. I just got a 30 foot osias Shasta but weight is about 5200 and the f 150s seem to pull good.
Yikes! The proPride hitch we put on pretty much eliminates all trailer sway and greatly mitigates the risk of fishtailing, so hopefully we'll keep it upright. Aloha, john
I traded my 2016 F-150 3.5 because it had difficulty towing my '05 Airstream 30' Slideout, 8600 pounds, in the mountains and overheated in the summer months. The truck was the 156-inch wheelbase Platinum, with a 3.55 differential. I loved the truck, but it just couldn't handle the total weight I never carried water.
Good truck, had one before my F250. My only comment is that if getting into 8% grades, the F250 braking is better for safety. My previous F150 brakes were an issue, along with cooling system on 8% grades. Do not get me wrong, the EcoBoost is a great engine, ours was Max tow / payload as well, with high performance Roush Cold Air etc, reprogrammed transmission. For same $, went to F250 to get improved handling.
I agree with everything you said. If it wasnt for the larger size and height I would have opted for the 250. The brakes are the the one lacking item in my current setup. I havent felt unsafe yet but beefier brakes would have been a plus.
That setup should be more than capable for 30’ airstream. Impressed by the payload. I am towing GD imagine 2400bh (6500lbs) with my 2015 GL450. It tows just fine and I am getting 11mpg.
Awesome video. However. Don't know about the truck being heavy enough for that size trailer. I saw a video a while back and apparently a huge gust of wind flip an F150 pulling a 27ft Serenity.
That truck doesn't seem heavy enough to emergency brake with a trailer that heavy going 30+MPH, but I grew up with duallies pulling big gooseneck horse trailers.
And if your truck has a manual mode, usually whatever gear your truck selected to go up a Hill is the same, you would use to go down the incline. But I usually go one lower. When I drove tractor-trailer if I was in fourth gear going up a Hill. I go down the Hill at third gear.
I’m truck shopping-I have the first Gen of Ford’s 3.5L ecoboost in my Ford Flex, which is the same engine as the F150 and we had a fairly rare problem that required a lot of engine work (dual air turbo replacement-this is the “boost” mechanism in a Ford ecoboost engine) and nearly required an engine rebuild (we got lucky). This all happened at 100k miles and was so frustrating. I know an F150 ecoboost is the most logical choice but I’ve been traumatized…😵💫😬
I hear you. We haven't had any issues so far at 60k miles. Although there was a leak on one of the front gaskets that was replaced under warranty. ( It was a small oil leak )
I'd be surprised if Pro Trailer works with that hitch. I have the Hensley, and could never get it dailed in...some have claimed to get it to work, but the way that hitch articulates, I'm not sure the system would be able to accurately back a TT.
love the video, I have one question for you. How many inches of "jack" are you running the Pro-Pride at and 2nd question ... are you running the 1400 lbs spring bars?
Hey Jim, I have the 1000lb bars. My hitch weight is somewhere between 800-900lbs. I'm not sure I know what you mean by inches of jack... Do you mean how much I have the weight distribution bars dialed up?
Nice job!...quick question, was there a learning curve in hooking that hitch up?...I understand it can be a pain to learn how to plug that stinger in properly.
Not really... It was never too difficult, even in the beginning. Once in awhile it can be challenging to get the stinger in if the ground is sloped all crazy - by crazy I mean where the truck is is out of plane with where the trailer is. But even under those circumstances it just takes a few more attempts in lining everything up - not a huge deal. I just drove through eastern Montana on a two lane road with semis passing the other direction at 70 mph and I was happy yet again to have that hitch.
I just bought a 33ft airstream. I have a 2019 f150 3.5 max tow package and bought a propride hitch. The dealer says no problem with this truck, my friends are skeptical. Guess I'll find out. I towed my 19 ft airstream as if nothing was behind me and it weighed in at 5000 lbs and that was up and fow some pretty steep grades. The 33 is just under 8000. This video makes me feel a bit more comfortable.
The one thing to check is your payload capacity. If you don't have the heavy duty payload option on the truck you could easily run out of payload if your hitch weight is, say, 900-1000 lbs for the 33'trailer plus hitch weight. ( Although I don't know what your trailer weighs, just guessing ) One person commented that they were able to cheaply add an extra leaf spring on their f150 to help with the payload. Not sure if they also had to change out the wheels.
@@johnjessjourney2352 well I have a spare 4939 lbs of towing left on a dry trailer weight and a spare 1800 of cargo weight counting the hitch and tongue weight. I bought a propride hitch so I was told it distributes the trailer and tongue weight better then most tow packages. Thinking of adding falcon adj shocks to the back
Update. Towing has been fine plenty of power. At times even with the pro pride hitch big rigs that pass me do suck me over a bit. Nothing bad you get use to it after awhile. What I can't get use to is dangerous truck drivers and there's plenty out there. My only concern is long down hill stretches. I have gone down a few but am a bit concerned about longer extended down hill grades. I generally try and keep my speed 45-50 mpg but have had a couple times where I felt I was using the brakes a bit too much to keep it there even with using the 10 speed transmission.
@@johnjessjourney2352 payload is right at 3300 on my truck, hitch weight is a bit heavy at 1200lbs so have a bit of a buffer zone. I generally don't carry more then 600lbs of cargo past the hitch weight.
Loveland pass is 12,000’ only if you don’t use Eisenhower Tunnel max elevation 11,158’. I’m pretty certain you chose what 99% of travelers choose which is the tunnel😎🇺🇸. Great post though!
Hi John, it's a propride hitch. I review / talk about it in more detail in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zO8YohZ6_UY.html
My grandparents towed their 30' airstream into their 60s with a town car. 4.8L and a body on frame, it handled it well. Not to mention the rear air from the factory. Throw an equilizer into the mix, and they didn't really have any problems. They did have an issue when an airbag erupted. Damaged the car and the trailer; they were fine. Insurance covered the body damage and the trailer is from the 70s, so it was worth repairing. They sold it a couple years later as they started downsizing. My grandfather is 98 now and still going strong.
They used to tell me that at rallies, somebody would pull a pup airstream with a bicycle. Airstreams are super light and can be towed with just about anything.
How difficult is it to hook up with the Pro Pride trailer hitch? I’m currently using the Andersen system which is light, easy to hook up, but performance isn’t very good. I’ve been thinking about switching the the Pro Pride but it looks heavy and difficult to use.
Lining up the truck while I back into the hitch is no sweat with the backup camera. Most of the time the stinger ( what they call that steel piece that protrudes from the truck's hitch ) slides into the propride easily. But there are instances where it's taken me a little longer to get it in properly. Those instances are typically when the ground that the trailer is on is out plane with the ground that the truck is backing up on. When that happens it usually just requires some minor adjustmens to the hitch jack. Once the stinger is in its easy to lock the connection in place. The only other thing of note is that that stinger piece that fits into your truck's hitch box weighs around 40lbs ( just a guess ) and I have to lift that in and out of the hitch box before / after I tow. Techinically I could just leave it in there but I just don't want to drive around with that steel stinger protruding out the back of the truck, less I mistakenly back into something and spear it.
John, Do you recommend a 5.5 or 6.5 Box to tow a 24 ft travel trailer? Thank you, John, Your impressive and informative video appeared on my Apple TV Box RU-vid last night just as I am getting ready to purchase a Ford F150 3.5L XLT 4x4 SuperCrew Ecoboost to tow a 24 ft ATC toy hauler without any toys. I will contact the dealer about ordering the same packages as you and the Propride. ML
The particular package we got with the heavy duty payload ONLY comes with the 6.5' box. Unless of course it changed since our 2019 model. But just speaking generally I never heard anyone complain that they have TOO much storage capacity in their truck. So I'd go for the 6.5 bed. In addition the longer bed means a slightly longer wheelbase and longer wheel bases offer more stability when towing. So that's a plus too. Happy Holidays! - john
I have Airstream and have diesel GMC 2500 hd. 16 mpg. Diesel is a dollar a gallon cheaper than Premium gas. Fortunately Airstream is aerodynamically designed. 30% less drag. Sorry I would never do what you have done. Get the 250 and be done with it. I don’t have to use a fancy tow bar with my 3/4 ton. Each to his own. Love America!
So after 4 years, any changes in Truck, trailer, etc? My 2020 King Ranch has about everything you have. I’m not towing yet due to health but keeping an eye on what everyone else has.
No changes, still towing. Although last summer the clutch went in the tranny, so that had to be rebuilt. It might have been my own fault for not using tow mode for the first three years, which keeps it from shifting too often when towing.
I have the exact same truck. Love it. Had an 18, payload was 2449. Now have a 19, more options including a tailgate step, and the payload is 2500, no idea how they did that. Looking at a jayco 27.5 rlts with a loaded pin around 1800 or maybe 1900 pounds. The math will just barely work, but it will. On the upgrade brake comment in your video, putting bigger brakes on the truck is problematic. However, putting a disc brake kit on the airstream (I am assuming it has electric drums) would be a HUGE upgrade, not expensive if DIY, and would yield the greatest bang for the buck. Plus, when you go to sell it, you would likely recoup most of it back, and also make for a tastier trailer that stands out from the pack.
Thanks for the tip. I admittedly haven't spent any time looking into what I can and can't do regarding upgraded brakes but if what you say is easier I'll definitely consider that.
The bike racks are 1UpUSA racks, specifically these in black: www.1up-usa.com/product/roof-rack/. I have them mounted on a typical Thule bar that's mounted to tracks in my Pace Edwards tonneau cover.
I have a 2018 3.5 ecoboost, it has the max towing package but i was unaware of the heavy duty payload package. Do you know if i swap the gears, 3.55 to 3.73, add a leaf spring, and get new higher rated tires and rims would be the only thing id need to do to match the HDPP? It is definitely the cheaper option than selling and ordering a new one.
I'm not 100% sure but this is what they show on the Ford site for the heavy duty package: F-150 Heavy-Duty Payload Package (Option Code 627) Increases GVWR to 7,850 lbs. on XL and XLT LT275/65R18C OWL A/T tires (5) 18" silver aluminum heavy-duty wheels Upgraded springs 9.75" gear set with 3.73 electroniclocking rear axle 36-gallon fuel tank
JohnJessJourney right that’s all I could find as well, my current GVWR is 7050 and shows payload of 1750ish. But the only difference would be the 3.73 gearing and different springs. It may not be “official” on the sticker but I would at least feel better when I do get a trailer and haul stuff in the bed knowing that I essentially got the HDPP aftermarket
Sounds like max towing on the truck is 13,200 lbs trailer the trailers gross trailer's max weight is around 8800 lbs. The tongue weight is usually around 10% or 880 lbs. The payload capacity on the truck is 2453 - 880 =~ 1573 lbs of payload remaining for passengers, fuel, bikes, etc. Sounds like it should work. If you really want to be 1000% sure you can goto a CAT Scale and get the exact weight.
