Travel trailer hard to handle 2019 Ford F150

[LS Tractor Owner]

Yep, a very good quality weight distribution hitch and sway control will help, but that is a big arzz trailer for that truck!

 

[Snobdds]

Too much trailer for the truck. The chassis and suspension are too soft for that voluminous load.

 

[dalola]

As others have pointed out, it's not the weight, well within the towing limits of the truck (assuming you meant 3.5, not 2.5...), it's the surface area! That is like a huge parachute!

If the hitch/sway upgrades don't get her in a comfort zone, the only other option is a HD truck.

 

[Jchonline]

To summarize: bigger truck. I see these guys pulling campers 3 times the size of their trucks up into the mountains all the time. Most of them are on the side of the road with their hoods up from overheating. What he is doing is dangerous. Sure the specs are there but this is the problem. Chase the specs only and you end up with a bad decision. This is one area where our grand ideas just dont pay off!

 

[timswi]

I pulled a 32' Bumperpull TT with two different half-tons over the last 7 years. My 2013 Denali with integrated everything did a pretty good job in terms of sway. My 2016 without integrated brake controller etc was awful, got blown all over the place if there was a cross wind.

Bought a 2019 GMC Denali Duramax HD, barely know the trailer is even back there..Little to no sway at all. Sometimes it is more truck that's needed.

Additionally, there are driving techniques that are necessary when pulling any large camper..I see people heading to the mountains running 70+ MPH and swaying all over the place..Adjust speed and know how to use the trailer brakes correctly helps a bunch too.

 

[ovrszd]

Just had this discussion with a good friend. Has a medium sized camper trailer that he pulls with 1/2T truck. Sold the truck and bought a Jeep GC. I lectured him pretty hard about what he's up against. He kept saying he thinks the Jeep will pull it. I kept agreeing with him. The debate was about "safely" pulling it.....

 

[KennyG]

As an F150 owner, I will note that although the tow capacity may be over 11,000 lbs, the tow limit without a WDH is 5000 lbs. So, if the setup described isn't equipped correctly, it is way overloaded.

 

[shooterdon]

IMHO, replacing the truck to pull the trailer is not a wise investment.

Trailers are less costly to replace. No one who is "camping" needs a 38' trailer. Get a 27' trailer and start with something reasonable.

You use the truck ever day...the camper a few times a year.

BTW, I used to pull a 43' Toyhauler 5th wheel with an F350 Dually diesel. The day I got rid of the 5th wheel was one of my better days. Then I traded the F350 on an F150 and have been a "happy camper".

 

[BLSXJ]

When my 2011 F-150 was new I helped a buddy bring home a new toy hauler, empty dry and new it was a 5000lbs

the towing capacity of my F-150 is 9200 lbs

we had a nasty cross wind that day and the tail wagged the dog all the way home. and yes I had a WDH and sway bar connected

Does your SIL have LT or P tires on his truck???

Can he add some water to the storage tanks on the trailer to help lower the CofG?

 

[3Ts]

Also, check the weight of the tongue. As in actually measure it with a scale. If it's not within the 10% - 15% you will have problems no matter how big the truck is.