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Quazi02

Florida

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Posted: 05/01/12 08:31am

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I am interested in getting a Keystone Springdale Travel Trailer that is 32' long and weighs around 7,000 lbs.

I have a 2010 Super crew F150 with the 5.4L V8. The specs say that the truck can tow up to 8,500 lbs, but I am concerned with how the truck with handle a trailer of this size.

I plan to drive on the interstate a lot and I heard that the F150 frame is flexible and not stiff enough to keep the trailer in line on the interstate and that a F250 would be better for a trailer of this size.

Does anyone have any input on this and does anyone have a suggestion on a safe trailer weight and length for interstate driving?

imadtchmn

Macon, GA

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Posted: 05/01/12 08:36am

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I had a coachmen that was the same size and weight as yours and pulled it with a 98 Expedition with the 5.4 and it pulled fine. You just have to have it set up right, meaning having the trailer level and the proper weight on the distribution hitch. I never did use any sway bar and never had any issues.

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downtheroad

Pacific Northwest

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Posted: 05/01/12 08:46am

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First...what is the "weighs around 7,000 lbs?"
Is that the dry weight or the trip ready loaded weight?

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therink

Rochester

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Posted: 05/01/12 08:49am

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Also, what axle ratio do you have?

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NewsW

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Posted: 05/01/12 08:57am

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There are spec for weight and maximum frontal area.

Quazi02

Florida

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Posted: 05/01/12 09:08am

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The 7,000 lbs is the dry weight and the truck has a 3.15 axle ratio.

tekman741

Gardner, Ma

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Posted: 05/01/12 09:29am

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I have a springdale 296bh I went out and bought a used 04 chevy 3500 6 litre here's my opinion the 296 I picked up from the dealer last weekend was empty except propane Dry Weight lbs 6925, probably more like 7100. The frame of the 3500 took it on like nothing but the engine I felt a little, not a lot, was under powered. Granted it's a 4 spd tranny with tow haul and not one of them thar newer 6 spd tranny's. just personal experience. I now want a diesel.

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M GO BLUE

Southgate, MI

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Posted: 05/01/12 09:34am

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Can it tow that trailer? Sure

Can it tow it safely? NO

Too much length of the trailer and the weight is suspect...

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Posted: 05/01/12 09:45am

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Quazi02 wrote:

The 7,000 lbs is the dry weight and the truck has a 3.15 axle ratio.

More than likely your rear end is 3:55, fairly common on F-150's (I have one) and in and of itself poses no major problem. Short answer is that the trailer is way to much for your truck. The first problem is payload or the lack thereof. Your truck probably has no more than 1500# of payload capacity and your 7000# dry trailer will have a GVWR of around 8500# (probably more). This will give you a tongue weight of around 1100#. Add in the weight of your WDH and you will only have a couple of hundred pounds left for you the family and all your stuff. Bottom line you will exceed the trucks GVWR which is never a good idea.

Second you likely exceed the GCWR which I'm thinking will be around 14,000#. The truck will be nearly 6000# + the 8500# (+) TT. Third you are right at and will probably be over your trucks tow capacity as the 7000# trailer will likely be at least 8500# and fully loaded likely more.

The 5.4L will pull it but it won't be fun, particularly safe or legal. 32' of trailer behind an F-150 is a lot of windage to go along with all the weight. IMHO: A 3/4 ton would be a far better choice. Good Luck!