What Size Travel Trailer Can I Safely Pull With My Ford F-150?

Updated 10/08/2024 | Published 10/07/2024

Question:

I have a Ford F-150 short bed 4x4 with a 3.5L full hybrid V6 10-speed auto with 3.73 lock RR axle and max tow package. My GVWR is 7350 lb, the max payload listed on the sticker is 1546 lb, and the max tow rating is 12700 lb. There is also a hard, tri-fold tonneau cover on the bed. I am looking to purchase a conventional travel trailer in the 24-26 ft range with a loaded weight of 7000-7500 lb range with a tongue weight listed at 480 - 600 lbs. Specifically, Im looking at the Jayco 19 MRK or 21MML or the Grand Design Imagine XLS 22MLE or similar. Do you feel my truck will be able to pull a trailer of this size? We do a fair amount of mountain and interstate driving and will be traveling in our trailer for extended periods. We have considered trading in our truck for a 3/4 or 1 ton, but really love our truck and would definitely keep it if we can tow a trailer as described above without struggling up hills or when getting passed by semis on the highway. Any advice you could provide would be appreciated.

asked by: Cindy T

Expert Reply:

Hello Cindy, thanks for getting in touch, and for providing all of that detailed info. I do feel that your truck will be able to safely pull the travel trailers you are looking at. The Grand Design Imagine XLS 22MLE you mentioned has a GVWR of 6,995 lbs and this will be well under the max towing capacity for your truck. A 3/4 or 1 ton truck would handle things a bit better, but with your truck having a max tow rating on 12,700 lbs, you are well within the safe range. You may see a bit of squatting though.

If you plan to be towing frequently, you may want to consider a few upgrades to help your truck handle the load. A transmission cooler and rear suspension upgrade are what I recommend. An air bag kit would allow you to fine-tune your suspension, so the truck can ride perfectly level which will make your whole setup a lot more stable.

Can you tell me what year your F-150 was made? Let me know and I am happy to look into it and recommend some options for you.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Cindy T.

10/8/2024

Thank you, Jesse for your reply. My truck is a 2021. From the research I've done, I'm getting the idea that payload capacity is more of a factor for us than the towing capacity. With just my husband and me in the truck with a full tank of gas, our available payload is only around 800 lbs. I've read that hitch weight should be calculated as 15% of the total weight of the loaded trailer. For even a small, loaded trailer of 6000 lb, that would be a hitch weight of 900 lb. I don't really know if I'm figuring this correctly. We are considering replacing the heavy, rigid tonneau cover with a lighter, soft one. We're even thinking about removing the rear seats to lessen the weight of the truck and improve our available payload. I know that there are a lot of variables that go into hitch weight, including how the cargo in the trailer is distributed. It is all a little overwhelming at times. Again, thank you for taking the time to provide this information.

Jesse M.

10/8/2024

@CindyT The 15% tongue weight is a good general rule to use but every trailer is different and loaded differently so your exact tongue weight may be more or less. It is hard to say. Using a tongue weight scale like part # BTBRV44FR can help you get a more accurate reading. I agree that you are going to be cutting it close, so anything you can do to reduce tongue weight or overall payload will be advantageous. An air bag kit will definitely help with ride quality and handling. Here is what I recommend for your truck: - Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle # AL47PD Keep in mind that this kit will not fit vehicles with Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) suspension or the Onboard Scales option. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Cindy

10/8/2024

P.S. We also would plan to get a weight distribution hitch. We're looking at the Andersen WHD.

Jesse M.

10/8/2024

@Cindy Also a good idea. We do not sell the Andersen WDH here but I am familiar with it. I have mixed feelings about it. It is a good affordable option and it can work well on smaller trailers like 3,000 or 4,000 lbs. I have heard that with bigger campers it is not so great and it really doesn't produce good results. My recommendation would be the Blue Ox TrackPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control # BLU47FR. The Blue Ox systems are known for being super durable and for producing great results regardless of trailer weight. They are easy to set up and made here in the USA.