love2tow
Northern Illinois
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Joined: 05/25/2012
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Hello all,
My wife and I have decided that it is time to hang up the tent (for now) and get into a TT. With that said, I have been doing a lot of research regarding what I can/should tow with the truck I already own. I think I have much of it figured out but wanted to get the advice of people who have been doing this for a while 
My questions/concerns:
1. Is the TT too long
2. Too much weight for my truck? (Payload)
3. SHOULD I tow this TT? (Not can I tow it)
Tow Vehicle: 2010 Ford F150
- 5.4 V8
- 3:55 gears
- Tow Package (Trans cooler, wiring, etc...)
- Aftermarket brake controller
- Aftermarket towing mirrors.
- 1510# Payload Capacity
- GCWR 15500#
- Towing Capacity 9600# (Yeah right)
Travel Trailer: 2012 Kodiak Model 241RBSL
- Maximum loaded weight 6000#
- Tongue weight (6000* 14%) 840#
- Total length is 27 ft
So there is the info. I'm concerned with the payload of my truck and the tongue weight of the TT. 840 is over half of my payload. I have not had the chance to hit the scales with the truck loaded up but I'm fearing that I will be dangerously close to the max payload. (Only 670 left for passengers and gear.)
My initial thoughts are this trailer is too big/heavy for a 1/2 ton. I love to tow but don't want it to be a horrible experience because I don't have the right equipment. Plus, I don't want to put my family or other's on the road in danger. Please let me know if I'm accurate in my assessments and if I'm missing anything. I appreciate your help.
Thanks.
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JaredWPhillips
Henryville, IN
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Joined: 07/25/2011
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It WILL tow it, but it won't be much fun. With proper equipment you should be safe, but it still wouldn't be fun. You'll spend alot of time in a low gear, high-revving RPM's and feeling like you're dragging a mountain behind you. I towed a large TT/Toyhauler with my half-ton truck that was right near the towing and payload limits. Yes, it towed it, but it was no fun. Every trip was stressful. A smaller trailer was much more enjoyable, and we took many more trips because it wasn't a hassle to drag around such a barge.
TV: 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500 ext cab 4x4 5.3 V8. GoodYear Wrangler Authority E-Rated tires, FireStone AirBags.
TT: 2004 Gulfstream Amerilite 21MB
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five'er
Canada
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Joined: 09/25/2006
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IMO.. No problem..
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downtheroad
Pacific Northwest
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Joined: 02/18/2003
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The gearing is not optimal....but it will tow a 6000 lb. GVWR 27 footer just fine...and it WILL be fun.
It's not a "barge" and it's not a "large toy hauler."
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane."
GMC Duramax LBZ
Komfort
Reese Dual Cam HP
Our Rig Picture...CLICK HERE
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lat471
Lebanon, PA
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Joined: 06/15/2007
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I don't see a problem unless your going out into the Rockies. But that's just MHO
07 Cameo F35FD3
The Black Cloud
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love2tow
Northern Illinois
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Joined: 05/25/2012
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I appreciate the feedback. Like I said, I just want to be safe. And... I don't plan on taking any trips through the Rockies. Our daughter is only 2 months old and we want to get her started in this asap. So we figured we would do midwest camping (I live in illinois) for a few years and upgrade after that. I'm already putting funds aside monthly for my future diesel. Once I have that, we can tackle the western trips. Unfortunately, it's not the right time for us to get exactly what we want out of the gate, but I'm trying to avoid getting something that we will outgrow in a year. One walks a fine line when trying to do this with a 1/2 ton truck.
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6.7 tow rig
kentucky
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Joined: 05/21/2010
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When you get to hills its going to slow down considerably. However, I doubt you are wanting to set any land speed records so you will be fine. I pulled a 27' Wildwood that weighed 7157 lbs per the scale, all over the southeast with a 2006 f-150 with the 5.4. Mine did have the 3.73 rear end, but I think yours has the 6 speed transmission which probably makes up for the rear end. You will be fine. Dont fill the bed up with firewood to the roof or haul lead bars and you will be fine. Enjoy it. I am speaking from experience
2012 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins 4x4 3.73 rear end
2013 Primetime Lacrosse 318bhs
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danager
Edmonton Alberta
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Joined: 09/11/2010
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I have the identical tow vehicle, just with the integrated brake controller. I tow a TT that is 31' from hitch to bumper. Dry is 5,400 with a GVWR of 7,400. I load somewhat conservatively, should come in near 7,000 when towing.
The truck tows it well, knowing I am going camping, not in time trials for the pole position... I have no problem on hills either, higher altitude climbs are a different story.
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Desert Captain
Tucson
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Joined: 02/19/2011
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I think you're good to go. The 5.4L is an excellent motor just don't be afraid to stick your foot in it. Max torque comes along at about 3600 rpm and max HP at about 4400. You won't hurt it running it at either number as needed. The 3:55's will be fine, that's what I am running in my 2006 SCab 5.4 and you have the serious advantage of the six speed trany.
My trailer weighs in between 4600 and 5000 depending on the load/destination and it tows like a dream. Long 6 percent grades are not a problem at 55 mph. With your six speed trans another thousand pounds will not be an issue.
With 1500 lbs of payload you are right to be concerned as that is the number you will challenge first but even with half of that in tongue (and hitch weight), you can still bring the family and requisite tools and toys. Load up and take it to the CAT scale and you will know exactly where you stand. When the P rated tires your truck probably came with wear out replace with LT's and life and towing will get even better. Good Luck! 
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love2tow
Northern Illinois
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Joined: 05/25/2012
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Thank you all for your responses; they are easing my mind and making me more excited about this next venture.
Desert Captain, you are right about the tools and toys part. I keep forgetting that I can put items in the TT. We are light packers when it comes to camping so this may not be an issue at all.
In terms of tires, I have been researching those as well. Figured the Passanger tires would not be sufficient. I will stick with the same size, but just need something with a better sidewall.
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