Can a 2017 Ford F-250 SRW Safely Tow a 5th Wheel RV with 17K GVWR

Updated 04/14/2020 | Published 04/12/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Ford Super Duty Prep Package - 18K

(741)

$1965.00

Question:

can a 2017 f250 srw gas 6.2 tow a fifth wheel camper with a gvwr of 17,000 lbs safely

asked by: John C

Expert Reply:

According to the 2017 Ford Towing Guide it looks like the max a 2017 Ford F-250 SRW 6.2L V8 can tow is 15,700 lbs and that's if you have a 4x2 with the 142" wheelbase, an 8' bed, and a 4.30 axle ratio. So the only way you'll be able to tow a trailer with a 17K GVWR safely is if it's empty and you have a pickup that matches the above specs.

If you have the 3.73 axle ratio I wouldn't go over a trailer with a 12K GVWR, and for a 4.30 axle ratio that would range from 14.5K - 15.5K.

For a 5th wheel base rail system I recommend the Reese Under-Bed Kit # RP87FR which fits both a long and short bed 2017 F-250, and is the same thing you'd get as an OEM puck system (minus the gooseneck part).

Then for a 5th wheel hitch I recommend the Demco Hijacker # DM8550024 because it provides a very comfortable ride and has an autosliding feature so you don't have to get out of your cab for tight turns like you would for a manual sliding hitch, or the Reese M5 # RP30921 for a long bed as it also offer a very comfortable ride quality and is one of the newer members to the 5th wheel hitch family.

Both of these options fit directly to the puck system so you don't need an adapter. I have attached some review videos for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G