love2tow
Northern Illinois
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Joined: 05/25/2012
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Thank you for your feedback on the setup. It is nice to hear that we will be okay with the tt we were looking at.
You mentioned the Ford Trailer Brake Controller being a good addition. What do you feel are the benefits over an aftermarket controller? I didn't even think about putting one of those on because I figured the dealers would have an inflated price for something that wouldn't offer any real strengths. But... if it works better with the truck, I will look into it.
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jwrightabq
New Mexico
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Joined: 02/14/2011
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love2tow wrote:Thank you for your feedback on the setup. It is nice to hear that we will be okay with the tt we were looking at.
You mentioned the Ford Trailer Brake Controller being a good addition. What do you feel are the benefits over an aftermarket controller? I didn't even think about putting one of those on because I figured the dealers would have an inflated price for something that wouldn't offer any real strengths. But... if it works better with the truck, I will look into it.
Here's a good thread about a DIY installation of Ford's OEM Trailer Brake Controller: http://www.f150forum.com/f38/2010-trailer-brake-install-48262/.
In my experience, the OEM controller has the following advantages:
- The controller fully integrates the trailer brakes with the truck, including the truck's ABS and sway control programming. In my rig, braking is smooth and seamless, as though the trailer is part of the truck.
- The controller placement is on the face of the dash within easy had reach, unlike the awkward placement of an aftermarket controller.
- The controller readouts are in the middle of the instrument panel, so there's no need to peak around the steering wheel.
- Other than dialing in for the brake's of a specific trailer, there is no additional set-up.
Yes, the OEM controller will cost more than another, but so much that the difference lingers. I have a Tekonsha Prodigy controller that I used with our previous pop-up rig, and it's a great controller. I could easily have used it in the F-150. But I much prefer the OEM option.
John
2010 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 5.4 4x4
2011 Lance 2285
2008 Acura MDX (still own but not to tow)
2006 Fleetwood Timberlake pop-up (SOLD)
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love2tow
Northern Illinois
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FINALLY going to purchase our TT tomorrow and hopefully take delivery sometime next week . Was hoping to have it earlier in the season, but Life happens. The plus side is it gave me more time to prep my truck. (Tires, integrated trailer brake, etc...) I will post pics once I pick it up.
Thank you all again for your guidance. It will help make this a much safer and more enjoyable adventure.
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tjar66
Camarillo CA
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Joined: 03/09/2004
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My FIL tows with a like set up and has been for many years. He is never in a big hurry.
2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins
2007 Desert Fox 305j
2004 TRX 450r Mine
2005 Yamaha Raptor 350 Wife's
2006 Honda 300ex Sons
2007 Honda 250ex Daughter
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Bonefish
Midland, TX
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Joined: 01/08/2008
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Time will tell if you are happy with the setup or need to make changes. Our first year was a lot of fun camping but also a real learning experience. Our first setup was similar and there were challenges. Bucking some strong headwinds for one here in west Texas.
An additional note make sure your truck tires are up to the actual towing and load job. I have been looking at new trucks and some OEM equiped tires were not really up to the load standards for the truck. Looked like they were selected to give a nice ride. The Ford centers have a real good towing information handout for their trucks.
When you go to pick up the camper do a detailed walk through and have them show you where everything is located and how it works. I will make for a more pleasurable first camping experience.
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JiminDenver
Denver, Co
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Joined: 09/09/2011
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We DO tow in the Rockies with a Expedition with a 5.4 towing a 25 ft TT. (4200 dry, 7000 gross) I can't see any issues with you towing on the flat.
The biggest issue I have on the flat is mindlessly keeping up with the next guy and then look down to see I'm doing 80.
2011 GulfStream Amerilite 25BH
2007/2003 Ford Expedition
Nights camped in 2011 21
Nights camped in 2012 16
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love2tow
Northern Illinois
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An additional note make sure your truck tires are up to the actual towing and load job. I have been looking at new trucks and some OEM equiped tires were not really up to the load standards for the truck. Looked like they were selected to give a nice ride. The Ford centers have a real good towing information handout for their trucks.
When you go to pick up the camper do a detailed walk through and have them show you where everything is located and how it works. I will make for a more pleasurable first camping experience.
Thanks for the advice. I have tires being put on my truck on Tuesday. I was between the Firestone Destination AT and the Revo 2. Although they are more expensive, I'm going with the Revo's for the better ride (quieter too) Oh, they are LT tires. Moving away from the passenger tires.
And, we are just going to try to make the deal tomorrow. My concern is buying now and having half my warranty time be over the winter. But, I am going to request that they go over EVERYTHING after I go over it and fix anything that might be off. I won't take delivery until this is done.
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Cedarhill
Deep South
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Joined: 09/20/2011
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I have a hard time believing any manufacturer would equip a tow vehicle with a set of tires that would not safely tow the load for which it was designed. Did you actually retrieve the load rating of the tire and determine that it was inadequate? What were the ratings and how much did they differ from the tow ratings?
I have heard of people putting very heavy duty truck tires on a light duty truck with the expectation that it would render the tow vehicle more capable. Not true! Tow ratings take very many factors into account and tire capacity is just one of them.
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Ron3rd
Upland, CA USA
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Joined: 03/22/2004
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I think you'll be fine with that setup and I say, "go for it". You won't win any speed contests, but that's not the point anyway. Nice combo for a well equipted 1/2 ton like yours IMO.
2007 Tundra SR5 CrewMax 5.7 V8
2004 Aljo 250LT
Eaz-Lift WD Hitch
Single Friction Sway Control
Prodigy Brake Controller
Honda EU2000
"I have this plan to live forever; so far my plan is working"
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love2tow
Northern Illinois
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Cedarhill wrote:I have a hard time believing any manufacturer would equip a tow vehicle with a set of tires that would not safely tow the load for which it was designed. Did you actually retrieve the load rating of the tire and determine that it was inadequate? What were the ratings and how much did they differ from the tow ratings?
I have heard of people putting very heavy duty truck tires on a light duty truck with the expectation that it would render the tow vehicle more capable. Not true! Tow ratings take very many factors into account and tire capacity is just one of them.
I did get the load rating and everything was within the limits with the passenger tires. However, I'm one of those overkill people. I like to KNOW my stuff is going to work. Ford says my truck can tow 9600#. I'm sure it could, but it wouldn't be good for it...
I needed new tires anyway so I figured I might as well upgrade while I'm at it.
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