What can I tow ? Sooooo confused

[sailorman]

After pouring over internet Ford charts related to my truck, I can 't convince myself what weight I can tow.

Stats:
2013 F150 XL, Regular cab 145", wheel base, 8' bed
3.7 L engine 3.55 ratio regular axle
6 speed auto trans.
GVWR 6750 lbs.

At least class IV hitch - hitch was replaced after accident with what I believe to be a Ford OEM . Number AL3Z17D826E . Can 't find much info on it, but repair guy said it was an upgrade from what I had (class IV) . It has no rating sticker on it .

Also confused as to what I can tow with or without weight distribution hitch (receiver hitch, no bumper hitch) . I know the limiting factors are probably the engine and axle ratio .

 

[4570Man]

Your biggest limitation is braking. I personally wouldn't tow more than about 5,000 pounds with trailer brake. The 5.4 liter in my F-350 don't like my gooseneck that weighs about 11,000 pounds.

 

[sailorman]

Your biggest limitation is braking. I personally wouldn't tow more than about 5,000 pounds with trailer brake.

Am I reading this right ? Even if trailer had brakes you wouldn 't tow more than 5000 lbs ?

 

[4570Man]

Am I reading this right ? Even if trailer had brakes you wouldn 't tow more than 5000 lbs ?

I wouldn't. What does Ford rate it at? We tow a camper that weighs about 3500 pounds after you load it up with stuff with a surburban. The tail wagging the dog is a huge problem with campers. If you are towing a tractor it would handle more.

 

[sailorman]

I wouldn't. What does Ford rate it at?

Near as I can tell from charts, 5600 Lbs with no mention of brakes .

 

[newbury]

After pouring over internet Ford charts related to my truck, I can 't convince myself what weight I can tow.

Stats:
2013 F150 XL, Regular cab 145", wheel base, 8' bed
3.7 L engine 3.55 ratio regular axle
6 speed auto trans.
GVWR 6750 lbs.

At least class IV hitch - hitch was replaced after accident with what I believe to be a Ford OEM . Number AL3Z17D826E . Can 't find much info on it, but repair guy said it was an upgrade from what I had (class IV) . It has no rating sticker on it .

Also confused as to what I can tow with or without weight distribution hitch (receiver hitch, no bumper hitch) . I know the limiting factors are probably the engine and axle ratio .

What does it say in your manual?
Looking at this pamphlet you are limited to 5,000 lbs. So you probably don't need to worry about a WD hitch with only 5,000 lbs.

 

[4570Man]

I'd guess that is pretty accurate. You definitely need brakes for that load. I tow my Dixie chopper on a lawnmower trailer with a GMC 1500 without trailer brakes and it pushes the truck pretty good. I have towed the F-series Kubota and the Dixie chopper on an equipment trailer without brakes behind the F-350. It pushes the truck pretty bad. Not a chance I would hook it to a 1/2 ton without brakes. I'm pretty sure Ford says you are required to have trailer brakes on loads over 1500 pounds. My mower and trailer is over 1500 pounds and it affects the stoping distance pretty bad behind the 1/2 ton.

 

[sailorman]

Oh, I forgot to add, I 've got some sort of tow package listed on the window sticker I save . It does not list what that includes .

 

[sailorman]

What does it say in your manual?
Looking at this pamphlet you are limited to 5,000 lbs. So you probably don't need to worry about a WD hitch with only 5,000 lbs.

That was the pamphlet I 'm work off of, but it seems to have conflicting charts .
Note:




Remember I have 3.7 L engine, 3.55 axle, and 145" wheelbase .

 

[tcartwri]

Oh boy.

With your engine and gearing combination, things will get a little uncomfortable at around 7000 lbs. Your chassis will certainly take that, but you will be working the drivetrain. The number you see in your owners manual is the "suggested" maximum. Your legal maximums are found on the drivers door sticker. Those are the numbers you may not exceed legally.

Any trailer rated for more than 3000 lbs is required by law to have at least one braking axle. Braking is not an issue

Your bumper receiver is rated for up to 10,000 lbs by itself. It's up to you to select the stinger and ball of the correct capacity.

It is highly recommended to use a weight distribution setup for anything over 5000 lbs. Particularly RV's.