Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

[grey2112]

Howdy gang. I'm sort of new to the world of trucks and towing/trailering. I bought a 2011 Ford F150 XLT with a 3.7L V6 engine 2 years ago and have only put on 8000 miles so far. Vast majority of it has been towing a 19 foot boat with a 2-stroke engine and 60 gallon fuel tank - so probably about 3500 pounds total using a single axle boat trailer.



We are now wanting a bigger boat - a 25 foot boat with one motor, 125 gallon fuel tank - probably a total weight to pull of 6000-6500 pounds.



I looked up my max towing weight allowed on my current truck and it looks like it is about 5500 pounds or so.



So, here's the question - it appears I need to swap out for another truck. I honestly can't imagine getting much larger of a boat, so something that could safely tow 6500 pounds would be ideal. We maybe do 1-2 trips a year down to the Keys (about 500 miles on interstate, at 65 mph or less most of the time). I am a very safe driver, and wife likes to drive the truck as well.



Our only other experience with towing was using a Suburban 2500 with 8.1L engine to tow a 31 foot travel trailer (dual axle with electric brakes). It had an anti-sway system on it.



So, do I need to get a F250 Superduty gas engine (don't really want or need to go diesel) or would an F150 with v8 or Ecoboost v6 do everything I need to do and then some? Again, I'm looking for safety, decent MPG (yeah, I know - you can't expect great MPG when towing - LOL), and reliability. I love the 2011 F150 I have now, and the wife thinks it is more comfortable and quieter than our Sonata) but we definitely need more towing capacity for our new boat.



Any special things to look for, axle ratios, anti-sway control, special towing packages, etc.?



Was thinking of waiting until the end of the year and seeing if I can get a killer deal on a 2012 or 2013 model year at the end of the year as well as a decent trade on my very low mileage truck.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

any decently equipped (tow package and correct gearing) 1/2 ton will be able to handle that load. Jump into the ecoboost debate thread if you want, long story short its just as good as the 1/2 v8's, if not better.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

you truck is only restricted to the 5000lb limit due to the 3.7l v6 set up. maybe a f150 with a v8 or eco would work

 

[QC]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

Our only other experience with towing was using a Suburban 2500 with 8.1L engine to tow a 31 foot travel trailer (dual axle with electric brakes). It had an anti-sway system on it.

That's more experience than many. You'll be fine. Agree, with the others on tow vehicle choice unless you get another case of 2 footitis .

 

[emilsr]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

We are now wanting a bigger boat - a 25 foot boat with one motor, 125 gallon fuel tank - probably a total weight to pull of 6000-6500 pounds.

In that size/weight range you can get away with a properly equipped 1/2 ton truck.....I did for several years with no problems. Be advised though that you're going to be up against the truck's limitations (if not over) once you load it up with gas, gear, coolers, tent, dogs, etc. A full gas tank alone weighs 750 lbs, so the weight adds up quickly. I bit the bullet late last year and bought a 3/4 ton gasser. Better to have more towing capacity than you need (rather than just enough), and IF I wind up with 3 foot-itis I won't have to get a different truck.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :lol:

 

[tazrig]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

In that size/weight range you can get away with a properly equipped 1/2 ton truck.....I did for several years with no problems. Be advised though that you're going to be up against the truck's limitations (if not over) once you load it up with gas, gear, coolers, tent, dogs, etc. A full gas tank alone weighs 750 lbs, so the weight adds up quickly. I bit the bullet late last year and bought a 3/4 ton gasser. Better to have more towing capacity than you need (rather than just enough), and IF I wind up with 3 foot-itis I won't have to get a different truck.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :lol:

^^^+1 And don't forget to factor in the weight of the trailer too. Also, just stating the obvious here but it's way cheaper and much better to go with the OEM factory tow package than to start adding on later.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

Here's my .02


A half ton with better power WILL do it BUT when you got your current boat did you think you'd go bigger? Do you want to be asking this same question again in a year or two if you DO decide to go bigger or pick up a big rv?

Some folks like to trade in every couple of years, some don't....

I would STRONGLY consider a 3/4 ton with load range E tires on it... It will probably get about the same mpg as the 1/2 ton and will ride only slightly firmer... not the end of the world for a vehicle that you are only driving 4k miles a year and IT WILL do all that you ask and more where as the 1/2 ton will be nearly maxed out. The stiffer suspension and stiffer tires will also give you an extra margin of stability on the highway and bigger brakes are always appreciated....

 

[littlerayray]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

it is a 2011 if you go over the rated towing limit you risk voiding your warranty

 

[Mason78]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

I grew up working on a farm and have been towing trailers since I could reach the pedals.

You do not need a 3/4 ton for a 6,500 lbs boat. Even fully loaded, you will be well with in a properly equipped 1/2 ton's capability. You can get a F150 with 11,100 lbs rating. 2013 Ford F-150 | View Towing Specifications | Ford.com.

If you were going to tow 6,500 lbs or more on a daily basis I would recommend the 3/4 ton. You mentioned a few trips a year and I assume shorter trips to the lake. You will be fine with a 1/2.

I have a 2012 F150 with an Ecoboost and 3.55 axle and I have pulled a skid loader/trailer combo that was just over 9,000 lbs. The ability of trucks has increased a lot over the last couple decades. Not just horsepower/torque, but better drivetrains and suspension systems have made 1/2 ton trucks as capable as 3/4 or 1 ton trucks from 20 years ago.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

According to ford the max allowable towed weight with a standard hitch and the factory installed receiver on an f-150 is 5000 lbs

To get 11,xxx weight you need a WDH or fifth wheel.... While it IS POSSIBLE, a 6500 lb BOAT is on the high side for a half ton truck

http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/13flrv&tt_f150.pdf

 

[tazrig]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

Not to start a brand war here but you can get certain new Chevy 1500's with a 12k pound towing capacity. I have an '03 2500HD crew cab 4X4 with an 8.1L gas engine, Alison tranny and an 8 foot bed which is basically a 3500 with 2500 springs in the rear. It only has a 10K towing capacity and it is a beast. The new 1500's properly equipped are rated to tow 2k more and believe me it's not 1/2 the truck my 2500HD is. It's all in how they are rigged and equipped. I tow a 9,000 lb load (boat and trailer) with it no problem. I was shocked when one time 2 years ago I had to use a friends new 1500 extended cab to tow the same load, as mine was in the shop, and there wasn't that much of a difference in feel. His truck was one rated for 12,000lb towing capacity. If you're not totally hooked on Ford it might be worth you looking into. Just my .02

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

I had to replace my truck over the winter and went with a Silverado 1500 with the 5.3 V 8 just because it has 9500 lb towing limit. So far I am very happy with it.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

I tow my 2550 ( little over 6k on the trailer) with an '04 F150 4x4, 5.4 Triton w/ 3:73's. Trans is the 4 speed O/D flavor. Tows fine, except on the long grades in the Vermont / NH mountains, she be a workin'. Wish she had more engine / trans speeds sometimes, but the towing ability is fine in most conditions and on flat grades, doesn't seem like anything is back there at all. Son's '09 (same truck, just newer) has the 6 speed xmission and seems to handle the weight much better / easier on the grades.

This is just my experiance.

PS: Make real sure your trailer brakes are right for the rig and are working properly. I went from drums on one axle to Kodiac discs on both axles last year and was like night and day when needing to stop, especially in a hurry.

 

[grey2112]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

Thanks for the advice so far, guys. I just am having a problem with the idea of spending a decent chunk of change to swap out trucks after 2 years, not to mention then having to cough up an extra $10k or so for the boat upgrade after I trade/sell my boat. So I want to do the right thing.

Some more info on our usage:

No kids, wife doesn't commute so the truck (our 2nd vehicle after the Sonata I use for everyday driving, commuting) is strictly for towing and the occasional trip to Home Depot or the dump to haul off tree branches, trash, etc. This explains the very low mileage on the truck.

I seriously doubt we'll ever want/need/could afford a bigger boat than a 25-27 footer. We live in west central florida with no plans on leaving the state or driving in more elevated terrain. We use only good ramps to launch the boat. 99% of the time it is just me and the wife boating, though occasionally I want to be able to take 2-3 diving buddies and gear.

Most of our hauling trips (with the exception of the 1-2 times a year to the Keys) are to a ramp less than 25 miles away, on good roads at a max speed of 55mph.

SO I guess given those parameters I just don't know if I can justify an F250 vs. something like the Ecoboost with 3.55 and E-lock. It appears hard to find the Ecoboost with the 3.73 - just don't know if given our usage going with the heavy duty max tow package and 3.73 would be worth the extra money vs. sticking with the 3.55 and regular tow package.

 

[Quit It]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

Not to start a brand war here but you can get certain new Chevy 1500's with a 12k pound towing capacity. I have an '03 2500HD crew cab 4X4 with an 8.1L gas engine, Alison tranny and an 8 foot bed which is basically a 3500 with 2500 springs in the rear. It only has a 10K towing capacity and it is a beast. The new 1500's properly equipped are rated to tow 2k more and believe me it's not 1/2 the truck my 2500HD is. It's all in how they are rigged and equipped. I tow a 9,000 lb load (boat and trailer) with it no problem. I was shocked when one time 2 years ago I had to use a friends new 1500 extended cab to tow the same load, as mine was in the shop, and there wasn't that much of a difference in feel. His truck was one rated for 12,000lb towing capacity. If you're not totally hooked on Ford it might be worth you looking into. Just my .02

His truck was rated before the SAE testing. It caused Chevy to DROP a lot of their ratings. The best, properly equipped (meaning stripped 2-door) 1500 is not rated for 10,700. http://www.chevrolet.com/content/da...w/02_pdfs/Trailering Guide MY13 eBrochure.pdf

Ford and Dodge haven't reported their new maximums for their 1/2tons but I'm guessing they'll drop a few thousand as well.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

So I am going to chime in here with my $.02 because I just went through this. First off a 25 foot boat with that fuel is going to weigh more than you think. Add in trailer, gear etc and it will be even more.

Started off with a 2007 Avalanche with a Stingray 215LR bow rider the boat and trailer clocked in around 6K Motor had enough power but the suspention because it was the SUV not truck suspention was bad

Upgraded truck to 2012 Silverado 5.3 with 3.08 rear end. Towing was so much better due to the truck suspention.

Upgraded boat to Bayliner 25 foot cruiser clocking in at 7K empty 1.5K trailer and about another 1K in fuel, gear people etc so about 9.5K 2012 Silverado did not like it mostly due to the 3.08 rear end.

Upgraded tuck to 2013 Silverado 2500 Duramax, Its really nice pulling with a diesel but the big think I notice is the suspention, the boat is not throwing the truck around any more. Now that I am pulling this with a 2500 truck I see how dangerous the 1500 truck was. I looked at the ecoboost etc. The numbers are great but I am not sure if the suspention would be to little.

I would go for a gasser 2500. The extra suspention and breaks are worth it. I stop way better with my 2500 than my 1500 did.

Also take this in to consideration. Wilmington, NC is about 150 miles away so 300 miles or so when I take the boat down to the coast. With the gas 1500 it cost $210 in fuel, with the Diesel 2500 it costs $120 in fuel. Way better mpg when towing.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

According to ford the max allowable towed weight with a standard hitch and the factory installed receiver on an f-150 is 5000 lbs

To get 11,xxx weight you need a WDH or fifth wheel.... While it IS POSSIBLE, a 6500 lb BOAT is on the high side for a half ton truck

http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/13flrv&tt_f150.pdf

My 07 Tundra is rated at 10800lbs. no mention of a WD or fifth wheel
The thing the op is going to need to pull 6500lbs is some horsepower. If not the transmission will be constantly shifting

2013 Ford F-150 | View Towing Specifications | Ford.com



www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/towing Nothing mentioned here about needing a WD or fifth wheel other then tow package required. Conventional/Fifth-Wheel Towing is the same

 

[agallant80]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

According to ford the max allowable towed weight with a standard hitch and the factory installed receiver on an f-150 is 5000 lbs

To get 11,xxx weight you need a WDH or fifth wheel.... While it IS POSSIBLE, a 6500 lb BOAT is on the high side for a half ton truck

http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/13flrv&tt_f150.pdf

Thats incorrect. A class V hitch is rated for 18.000LBS A class IV hitch is rated for 10,000-12,000LBS depending on who you ask. Most Diesel if not all will come with a Class V which is what I have.

This link may help you figure out what type of hitch you need. I think all 1500 trucks will come with a IV hitch.
Trailer Hitch Classes Review | etrailer.com

Class V Trailer Hitch Receivers:

Designed for heavy-duty trucks or vans to tow larger trailers
2-1/2" x 2-1/2" reveiver hitch opening
Specially designed to handle heavy duty towing
With a weight distribution system you can handle up to 18,000 lbs with 1,800 lbs of tongue weight
Can use any class III or IV accessory with use of a reducer sleeve
Class V Ball mounts are sold separately.
Will work with hitch balls with 1-1/4" shank

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

If you DO decide to bump up to the F-250, you really should NOT limit yourself to just a gas engine. Yeah, I have a gas engine, because the Admiral doesn't like the smell of diesel.

HOWEVER. Diesel would probably have to cost TWICE AS MUCH as gas, to actually be more expensive down the road, because you're going to get almost twice the MPG out of that diesel rig, than a gas rig. My F-250 gas gets about 10 MPG pulling the boat (that's WITHOUT the camper in the bed).

 

[agallant80]

Re: Newbie needs some towing/trailering advice

+1

I would really consider the Diesel in a 2500/250 truck. I was warry when I bought mine two weeks ago but the fuel range and better MPG is so worth is not to mention the power. I do 't even really feel the boat behind my truck.