crankbait
midwest
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I have a ford f150 5.4L 373RE 4x4 2004model year, my tt is a 30 foot cherokee by forest River. Iam at if not a few pounds over my total weight limt and I know it. I cannot afford to trade vehicle or tt trailer. I want to go to souther alabama for the winter driving on roads with very little grades, I never drive over 55 and do not get in a hurry. Have reese camsway equilizer hitch and brake contro. will I be ok to do this. thank you.
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rhondavid
Birmingham, Al
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You may be in more trouble than you think. There is more to it than just towing capacity. Check out RV Towing Tips site and learn more about weighing your TT and TV and doing the math on GVWR and GCVWR.
Good luck. We would love to have you here for the winter.
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crankbait
midwest
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Thank you for your quick reply. I have done the math and fully loaded and ready to go I would be about 1000 lbs over weight. I realize that is not good. but the only choice I have is do it or stay home. As I said, I would like to do it and take my time and use caution. Hopefully I can make it.
crankbait
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mkirsch
Rochester, NY
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If you are not using actual weights you obtained yourself at a truck scale, then you are probably WAY more than 1000lbs overweight. The published curb weights of trucks and dry weights of travel trailers are always hundreds of pounds low, due to the addition of optional equipment and customizations.
What numbers are you using for the calculations? There is the possibility that you're using the wrong numbers and from a weight perspective, you're okay...
For example, if you use the GVWR of the trailer in your calculations instead of its actual weight, it could make it look like you're overweight when you really aren't. The actual weight of most travel trailers is usually nowhere near its GVWR, even with all your stuff loaded and ready to go.
Is there anything you can leave behind to reduce the weight?
There are several different weight limits to keep in mind, too. You've got axle and tire limits (Front: GFAWR/FAWR, Rear: GRAWR/RAWR), the GVWRs of both the trailer and truck, and the combined weight rating (GCWR) of the rig as a whole.
Maybe you're okay, maybe not... Maybe you're worse off than you thought, too...
You need to provide more information.
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samsontdog
Sac. Ca summer, Yuma Az winter
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If you are involved in an accident being over weight you would be in a world
of hurt to your pocket book. But I guess if you are a gambler "go for it"
samsontdog 
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fla-gypsy
North Florida
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A lot of people tow overweight. Nearly every 3/4 ton truck on the road pulling a big 5th wheel is over on payload capacity. It can be done. I do not reccommend it however.
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rhondavid
Birmingham, Al
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I would not think about it. I have towed my Jayco with my F150 and I can tell you it was not a great experience. Not sure why you think there are little grades. Depending on your route you could find some long inclines that will certainly stress the F150 to the max.
When you tow overloaded, you are putting yourself, those in the truck and everone else on the road at risk of injury or death. Why would you want to risk that. In addition, the strain on the F150 will be great and will run the risk of burning up the engine, transmission and or rear end. Again a pretty high price to pay for attempting to tow this TT.
I really think you need to re-evaluate you situation and either get a smaller TT or a bigger TV.
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Terryallan
NC
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crankbait wrote:Thank you for your quick reply. I have done the math and fully loaded and ready to go I would be about 1000 lbs over weight. I realize that is not good. but the only choice I have is do it or stay home. As I said, I would like to do it and take my time and use caution. Hopefully I can make it.
crankbait
What weight are you over on? The recommended combined weight, recommended tow capacity, or the recommended payload rating? All those numbers are Fords recommended weights. they are not law. It is only what Ford will warranty the truck to do without hurting it.
If however. You are over on the DOT axles laws. You could be in trouble. But Your pretty safe on that one.
As for towing over Fords recommended weights. It is up to you. I probably wouldn't do it. But then thinking about it, I probably have lots of times. Won't necessarily be unsafe. But it probably won't perform the way you want it to. Only you will know how well it tows.
BTW. You can gain 500lbs or more towing cap, By going to one size shorter tire. If you have 18s. 17s will give you 500lbs more, according to Ford.
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dougsee3
Calgary AB
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A year model number of the Cherokee would help to nail down some numbers.
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Erie Tom
Willoughby, ohio
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The older 5.4 liter are know to throw spark plugs requiring a head replacement. . Stressing the engine may not help the situation. I had an older F150 with the 302. I would blow thw right side exhaust manifold when it was pushed. After 3 manifolds I said the truck won. I keep it for a fishing truck and bought the diesel I have now for the RV..
The other part is family safety!!! Yes,, you can get it going but the question is can you stop it?
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