Minimum truck for 9,000 gross towing

[newbury]

Payload sticker on my 2016 F150 says 1937 lbs and that's without any of the heavy payload options that were available. So essentially 1 ton. I understand that with the optional "Max Payload" package that sticker reads close to 2500 lb.

And for the 2023's

2023 Ford F-150
The maximum payload for the Regular Cab 8' box 4x2 with 5.0L gas engine and Max Trailer Tow and Heavy‑Duty Payload Packages is 3,315 lbs

I had a 1967 Toyota HiLux that probably had about a 500lb payload capacity that would easily carry 1,000 lbs of newspapers for our Boy Scout paper drives. Really worked well, it had what I'd call a "creeper gear". We'd be collecting papers in the flat suburbs. My Dad would put the truck in idle, point it down the street, it would creep along, several scouts and my Dad would load papers with my Dad occasionally correcting the steering.

 

[Gem99ultra]

Decision made:

Bought today 2018 Chevy LT 5.3L w/max towing pkg. 53,000 miles. Rated tow 11,300#

Replies & suggestions were greatly appreciated! Saved me from making a huge mistake.

Thanks again.

PS 1997 Chevy 1/2 ton, step-side short bed, 3-door, 5.7L, 138k miles, will be up for sale shortly. Bought new, 1-owner 27 years ago.

 

[Jstpssng]

That sounds like a better truck. I was going to post a picture of my Colorado frame, to show why I would never tow a trailer approaching it's 7000 lb rating.

 

[rangerfredbob]

Those are a pretty solid rig, get a brake controller in it and you should be good to go... has almost twice the power of your old 5.7L and will get over 20mpg...

 

[Gem99ultra]

Those are a pretty solid rig, get a brake controller in it and you should be good to go... has almost twice the power of your old 5.7L and will get over 20mpg...

The 'LT with Z71" package came with Classs D hitch & factory brake controller. Or at least this one came with it. I'm thinking I'm all set. I'll hook up my trailer today to check to be sure all the circuits are set up the same.
Thanks again for the numerous inputs. You guys did save me a pile of money. ▓

 

[Panik]

The 'LT with Z71" package came with Classs D hitch & factory brake controller. Or at least this one came with it. I'm thinking I'm all set. I'll hook up my trailer today to check to be sure all the circuits are set up the same.
Thanks again for the numerous inputs. You guys did save me a pile of money. ▓

So the GMC I referenced in my earlier post was a Z71 - give some serious consideration to installing some suspension airbags. The install is pretty easy and they make reasonably affordable blue-tooth/compressor packages that allow you to change pressure on the fly from your cab.

I bring it up because bags made a heck of difference in creating a much more stable towing platform when I towed heavy with my Z71.

Congrats on the truck purchase!