Congrats on your new truck! As we retired, ordered ‘21 F350 7.3L Lariat CCLB 4x4 3.73 gears ; LB has 48gal gas tank, 11500# GVWR Then we bought ‘21 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2898KS 5th wheel ; 36’ , just under 12K max GVW; truck tows this with no problem, plenty of room for a retired couple . Strongly recommend that you allow plenty of “cushion” with the max weight of the camper you select. Take time to study the camper features, lots of choices, options. The longer your rig, the fewer campsite choices available, particularly in National Parks. Have fun, enjoy the process!
I recommend the Gen Y goose neck hitch for your truck. Get the adaptor ball kit, this will bring the ball back slightly. It is an awesome hitch set up. I have the same truck you have and we pull a Brinkley Z 2900, pulls like a dream. Good luck with your new adventure.
We have the exact same truck as you except it's a 22. We bought it just like you with the expectations that someday we will buy a fifth wheel and tow it around the country. We still have a couple years to go until retirement so the truck is my daily driver and I wanted gas. 30,000 miles and no complaints. We decided that we needed to try renting trailers to see what we would like in the future. The first thing we rented was a 28 foot travel trailer and took it 500 miles away. It was the first time I had ever towed anything and it towed like a dream. It was then that i had to quickly learn about getting into and out of gas stations. We then rented a 42 foot fifth wheel and I bought a pullrite 16K superglide hitch. The hitch was heavy but hooked up beautifully to the puck system. We pulled the rig from chicago to north carolina and had absolutely no issues going up or down the mountains. The engine braking in the tow/haul mode worked perfect downshifting for me. I got into a couple tight spots because of my inexperience but the sliding hitch worked great and we were able to get ourselves worked out. After that trip I was convinced that the truck and the hitch work perfectly together and I now have my sights on a 35 foot brinkley to see the country. Hope that helps and happy journeying.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad to hear it is working so well for you and that the engine braking is doing its thing. Thanks for the hitch info as well. Really helpful info for us! Thanks
Check out the Reese Goose Box. It will fit your need, easy to hook up, and will keep your bed space available. Not to mention the goose ball will not eat into your payload like a fifth wheel hitch.
I am running a 2022 F350 Lariat SRW 4.30 standard bed crew cab with the 7.3 and 3996 payload. We are full timing in a Jayco Eagle 355MBQS (43ft / 15,300 lbs). Using a curt crosswing hitch attached using my factory goose ball setup. I run all the math on the weights using a spreadsheet and CAT scale regularly. Everything is in the green but we are close on payload. Everything else has plenty of room. Truck pulls like a dream and tow/haul downshift “engine braking” works better than I thought it would on steep hills. The crosswing gives us 7” of offset off the goose ball and weighs in at 127 total pounds but is easily removable by 1 person in 10 mins. Really like how easy it hooks up and unhooks. Super happy with this rig all the way around. No regrets.
Thanks so much for that info. I am pretty sure we will but just a little under those numbers so gives us more confidence. Glad to know the engine braking is performing on steep grades. Thank you!
@@retirementlife4us485One more thing. I installed Timbrens in replace of my factory bump stops above the rear axle. This limits the amount of squat possible and really helps steering. My previous 5er was a 16,300 Jayco Northpoint that I ran with a Reese goose box on the same truck. This was actually over my payload just a little and the squat was affecting my steering. The Timbrens are awesome and I love that I don’t have to mess with them like the folks that air bags up and down.
I just order a 24 F350 king ranch 7.3 srw longbed with 430 to pull a 43 for Montana 3901Rk 14.8 dry / 16 loaded I coming from a ram 2500 and 34ft cougar setup. I did a ton of research and ford was the best /only gas option capable of handling a rig north of 15k and still leaving some head room. I worry about the death wobble and lifter issues, but hope it’s resolved in the 24’s. I will be adding on some timber end after reviewing them and taking the recommendation of big truck big rv. I hope I love it as I hope u love yours, these trucks aren’t reasonably priced anymore and they r trending up!
@@vincew.6905I am at 40k miles and death wobble has not been an issue at all. Jury is still out on the lifter failure issue but I hear that is mostly from 7.3s that idle a lot (delivery vehicles etc). Before the Eagle we had a Northpoint that was 16,300 gross. I think you will lose a little payload to the long bed and larger gas tank so watch the pin weight. But I was able to pull the Northpoint without too much trouble other than high wind with the high profile Northpoint. The low profile eagle is easier to pull with my standard bed. Good luck!
@@vincew.6905 thanks for the comment. And thanks for the recommendation on the timbren. I am going to tow a little and see if air bags or timbrens are needed. I also hope your truck does great! Thanks for helping.
Congratulations on the truck and retirement! I have the same exact truck but a 2022 and tow a KZ 366FBQ. I have never weighed but figure I’m between 14-14.5 and I have NO regrets. I would tow any RV up to about 16 with full confidence in pulling and stopping. I have a regular Reese and it does fine, I just have to be careful of sharp turns. Good luck on the rv search and be confident in your truck.
We had all the same questions a few years ago and we now tow a Montana 3121RL that weighs 12,100 lbs. empty, with the same truck, same trim with 3.73 rear end. Absolutely no issues towing. We use a Pullrite slider hitch which is nice because you don't need to get out of the truck to release anything when making tight turns. The hitch slides automatically. Downside is if you want to take it out of the truck it's heavy, you'll need help. But I'm not sure many or any hitches are able to be removed by one person. Good luck!
I have a 22 f-350 7.3l crew cab 8 ft bed with 3.73 gears. I tow a grand design 349 toy hauler which has a 16k gross weight and 40ft long. The truck handles and tows great in the hills of Pa. My only regret is not getting 4.30 gears I feel it labors when pulling from a stop up steeper grades. Once it’s above 25mph it’s great. My advice is buy the camper you want in the 12-15k range.
That is really helpful info appreciate you taking time to share it. One question I would have is how does it do braking when descending the steeper grades? Do you use the tow haul mode and engine braking?
I always use tow/haul. I would say it’s does very well for a gas engine, I’ve never had an uneasy feeling that stopping was an issue. It does rev at really high rpm’s and you just have to understand they designed it to work that way.
Coming in late here so hopefully you see this but do you think having the 4.30 gears would still be something you'd want if you maxed out at say 12k lbs, vs your 16k?
@@SliderFury1 We currently tow 12K and have 4:30's, if I had to do it again, 3:73's would have been enough. However, if you tow alot, or if you think you might eventually upgrade to a heavier 5th wheel, then stick with 4:30's
I’m really surprised how low the payload it for a gas F350. Our 2024 F350 Lariat Ultimate 6.7 powerstoke with the same bed and can configuration as yours has 4127lb of payload.
Demco auto slider. Montana High Country 331RL. 39 feet. 11:11 I have the same year and truck with the 7.3 motor and 3.73 rear end. Long bed though. I had a 2020 diesel and was annoyed with service. We’ve pulled our fifth wheel 7000 miles so far through all types of mountains, winds and weather and we’ve had no problems power or handling wise. Pleasantly surprised. 8.1 mpg average pulling our 14350 lbs gross weight fifth wheel. The diesel was 10.6 mpg average. You’re doing your homework!!
The trick I found is if it’s a long down hill grade, I put it into cruise control and I’ve learned that from other guys. The engine brake does very well. I think it’s better than the exhaust break on the diesel I had. My fifth wheel as you know is a Montana high country and it is 11,700 pounds dry and you’re doing what my wife and I have done and continue to do. We are not full timers, but we do travel quite a bit. You can handle anything up to 16,000 pounds gross. I wouldn’t go much more than that but 16000 lbs gets you a lot of camper. Don’t listen to all these diesel fan boys out there.
I went with a F350 7.3 with 3.73 gears and GVWR 11499# and payload of 4333#. Coming from a F150 that the payload was maxed out when towing my current TT I didn’t want any doubts for when we upgrade to a larger rv.
I have the same truck in sport appearance package so it doesn't have the auto running boards. The payload on mine is 4065. I don't have the on board power but I do have max recline seats. I think the FX4 and the battery/running boards dropped your payload from mine. There are Ford towing pdf's on their site that can tell you the max for your truck. I am waiting on a Brinkley Z3100 that will be towed with a Gen Y gooseneck hitch.
Thanks for the info. We have been looking at the Z2900 which I am feeling more confident in towing. Curious why you want the Gen Y set up verses Hitch? Is it just for ease of removal and using the bed or is it more about how that tows?
@@retirementlife4us485 I chose the goosneck because I don't need to keep a heavy king pin hitch in my truck bed and it frees up space. All I need is a ball. I park my truck outside so I don't want to remove and install a heavy hitch every time we go RVing.
Way too many people buy a truck then they ask what can I tow? You should consider what you plan on towing before you purchase your truck. That way, you get the best stable platform for your choice of trailer or truck camper.
Check out forest river sierra luxury 38fkok. Pin weight and dry weight are close to your numbers. 43 ft long. I tow it with a Demco auto slider. 2023 2500 hd.
Thanks for the recommendation we will check it out. Also appreciate the slider recommendation. I have been looking at that. Curious to what degree you can turn with it and if you have any issues connecting or disconnecting with it. Thanks!
I have the '22 crew with short box running the 7.3 through 4.30 rear and GVWR of 11,300. It looks like most details have been covered but I would like to add an important consideration with your choice of 5th wheel. Many states like my home of PA require a non-commercial CDL if your combined GVWR is 26,001 and greater...that puts your maximum trailer GVWR @ 14,501 before you buy into the CDL...that number really helps the decision making process. Conveniently, with the 4.30 gear, a 14500# trailer is no problem with this 7.3 gasser. Between trailer and payload I roll [lighter] down the road with ease @ about 16,400# and average 11mpg with the cruise set to 65mph (9.9mpg @ 70mph).
Thanks so much for the info. Appreciate the info on the CDL. Your info gives us greater confidence and happy to hear it’s all working great for you. Thanks.
It depends on set up for require license. Class C GVWR is less than 26k but includes trailer less than 10k. Class B GVWR can be greater than 26k but trailer is still less than 10k Class A GVWR up to 80k and includes trailer weight. In my state, I can have a class C with an endorsement J which increases the trailer weight but still have to keep it below 26k GVWR. One person I heard that got pulled over and license checked was for towing a 5th wheel RV with a boat. That requires a class A with endorsement for doubles.
Did you get this mileage on flat roads? We pulled our 5th wheel (similar size) this weekend with our 2024 f250 7.3L 4.30 and got around 7mpg @65-68mph. This was in the Texas hill country so there was a fair amount of downshifting on many uphill grades.
We have a 22 F350 crew cab long bed with the 3.73 gears. Our camper weighs just over 14k. The camper is 43.6 feet long and 13.2 feet tall. We just went to Florida and back from Ohio and the truck did amazing!! Could pull most hills at 80mph if I wanted too. Definitely did not. Just saying plenty of power. We use the Reese goosebox and love it! All our specs are in range. In my opinion, you can safely max out payload as these trucks are rated above the specified sticker. But to be safe and legal I would not exceed the max on anything. Good luck
Yep the long bed is hard to find with the 7.3. I found plenty of 6.2 gassers with the long bed tho. Biggest benefit is that 48 gal tank. I went with almost the same truck you did except mine is a trim lower than yours at the XLT premium package 3.73 gear. Found it used, when I did the research on it the specs sheet says it will tow 17600 of 5th wheel! Couldn’t believe it! Why get a diesel when I can pull as much as a 5 year old diesel?! I’ll have to add a 5th w towing package later down the road. My camper is a conventional travel trailer at about 9k lbs. It suits us for now. When I get around to looking for a 5th wheel I’m going to try and stay at least 1k lbs lighter than my max. If you max out the truck, it’s not that the truck won’t do it….but things break quicker, and some driving situations can be quite taxing on the engine/transmission and suspension, not to mention unsafe. Happy hunting!
We had these same dilemmas and ended up having to trade for a more capable solution when we were new. Had I done this research we’d be one truck cheaper. That said, give yourself a 10% payload cushion. Add a couple additional passengers and your in trouble. Payload is more important than towing as payload is all about chassis and towing stability. You also may want to up the rear gear ratio to 3.73 or 4:10. 😮You might be able to drag something on the floor, but can you lift it?
I have a 22 CCSB with 7.3 and 4.3 gears, very close to your set up. Take a look at these 2 Grand Designs, Reflection 303RLS lighter 5th wheel and the Solitude 310Gk a little higher quality than the Reflection line up.
Don’t get a fifth wheel too big. I had a 35’ fifth wheel and trying to get a spot a State Parks was very difficult. Together I was over 50’. My truck was a 2020 F350 7.3 4.30 geared Tremor. 15k is the most I would consider, I’d try and keep it below 13k. I would also look at a Goosebox hitch. I had an Andersen and it worked ok. Hope this is somewhat helpful.
Your dry tongue weights of the 5th wheel should not exceed 50% of your trucks payload. Once your truck and trailer are loaded you’ll be about 75%. Which would be safe going down the road. If you max that out in bad weather conditions and hills would be unsafe.
@@RonaldBuchtel thanks for that info. After weighing everything at the CAT scales fully loaded we are about 78% of payload capacity. So we are close to the 75% you say is safe. Can I ask where you found the 75% metric? I have been wanting to read more on safe payload but have not found much on it.
I would have got the lighter 5th. Your drive train and your brakes would thank you. Being a gas that engine can't handle the duty cycle needed to go with the big 5th. The longer you own and tow with that truck you will see that issues will arise that a diesel won't have. I understand why you are doing it but this thing will have limits. Regardless what a salesman says or the brochure. I've towed with gas and diesel, you'd be better off with the smaller 5th. It's a nice truck hope your engine lasts cause that thing will scream going up and down hills.
Great video. You have to factor in you and your Wife’s weight and whoever else may be traveling with you against the payload. Also, any tools, travel items, hitch, and dealer installed options goes against payload. This includes spray-in Bedliner. As far as the fifth wheel goes, you have to factor in travel cargo, propane, liquids in tank (potable water weighs 8.34 lbs/gal, black tank contents weigh more), washer/ dryer, etc. These items count against trucks payload at different weight percentages. Washer and Dryer located in the front of a fifth wheel impacts truck’s payload more than being in the rear. After estimating a more realistic weight count you may see that the 2584 dry pin weight RV is too much. Going over weight limits comes with a lot of drawbacks in terms of warranty work, insurance payout, and culpability in an accident.
Appreciate all that info. I plan to make sure I stay under limits. I already weight the truck and once I get the fifth wheel and load it I plan on weighing it too. Thanks for taking time to help!
@@brianandersen1933 appreciate the comment. I am getting abt 14 to 15 mpg not towing on the freeway. But abt 9.5 mpg towing. I am ok with that. Using the the 10 speed transmission for controlling the speed so far it is working well.
Will all due respect you definitely made the wrong choice for what your wanting it for. If your towing like you say you are then u need a diesel with the torque and horsepower and a long bed . Also if you’re adding up every little pound because your close to payload capacity then you’re putting to much stress on the truck . Over kill is the best advice I can give you on this subject. 350/450 drw is your solution 👍🏽
take your truck to a cat scale no way does you truck weight 7700 new unloaded , my cclb loaded with tool box steel body 6.2 gas fully loaded with fifth wheel only weights 7600 . that yellow stick is wrong 11500 minus truck weight is your payload that yellow stick should be around 4500 pounds . no way my steel body has more payload . you can pull about any fifth wheel made with it hope you have 4.30 gears now if it was diesel you would need a dually you will have no problem tow and payload a 40 footer fifth wheel with a pin weight of 3k and 16900 gvwr . Dont worry you will have no problem with a 40 footer my 6.2 with the 4.30 will almost pull the axles out from under mine if fake i though it did when a 18 wheeler would not give me any room coming on the freeway and it shifted from 2 to 3 with the peddle to the floor , you are in payload of a diesel dually with a 14000 gvwr which weights 1500 more pounds than your truck and you dont have to worry about those rear fenders when getting a parking space at walmart
It weighs that much. My 6.6 short bed 2500 weighs 7k pounds with a 6 speed. The bigger engine and tranny will add weight to his build. My payload is around 3500 pounds.
You don't really need a luxury truck. My 2022 F350 XLT DRW 4X4 was $57,000 out the door. Can do everything a $100K King Ranch can do, except demolish your bank account.
Congrats on your new truck! As we retired, ordered ‘21 F350 7.3L Lariat CCLB 4x4 3.73 gears ; LB has 48gal gas tank, 11500# GVWR
Then we bought ‘21 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2898KS 5th wheel ; 36’ , just under 12K max GVW; truck tows this with no problem, plenty of room for a retired couple . Strongly recommend that you allow plenty of “cushion” with the max weight of the camper you select. Take time to study the camper features, lots of choices, options. The longer your rig, the fewer campsite choices available, particularly in National Parks. Have fun, enjoy the process!
I recommend the Gen Y goose neck hitch for your truck. Get the adaptor ball kit, this will bring the ball back slightly. It is an awesome hitch set up. I have the same truck you have and we pull a Brinkley Z 2900, pulls like a dream. Good luck with your new adventure.
We have the exact same truck as you except it's a 22. We bought it just like you with the expectations that someday we will buy a fifth wheel and tow it around the country. We still have a couple years to go until retirement so the truck is my daily driver and I wanted gas. 30,000 miles and no complaints. We decided that we needed to try renting trailers to see what we would like in the future. The first thing we rented was a 28 foot travel trailer and took it 500 miles away. It was the first time I had ever towed anything and it towed like a dream. It was then that i had to quickly learn about getting into and out of gas stations. We then rented a 42 foot fifth wheel and I bought a pullrite 16K superglide hitch. The hitch was heavy but hooked up beautifully to the puck system. We pulled the rig from chicago to north carolina and had absolutely no issues going up or down the mountains. The engine braking in the tow/haul mode worked perfect downshifting for me. I got into a couple tight spots because of my inexperience but the sliding hitch worked great and we were able to get ourselves worked out. After that trip I was convinced that the truck and the hitch work perfectly together and I now have my sights on a 35 foot brinkley to see the country. Hope that helps and happy journeying.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad to hear it is working so well for you and that the engine braking is doing its thing. Thanks for the hitch info as well. Really helpful info for us! Thanks
Check out the Reese Goose Box. It will fit your need, easy to hook up, and will keep your bed space available. Not to mention the goose ball will not eat into your payload like a fifth wheel hitch.
Thanks I will look at it.
And you can get a ball offset adapter!!
Had a Reese Goosebox with the offset ball to tow our Brinkley 3100. Good combination.
The weight is still there eating payload, it's just on the pin box not the bed of truck.
I am running a 2022 F350 Lariat SRW 4.30 standard bed crew cab with the 7.3 and 3996 payload. We are full timing in a Jayco Eagle 355MBQS (43ft / 15,300 lbs). Using a curt crosswing hitch attached using my factory goose ball setup. I run all the math on the weights using a spreadsheet and CAT scale regularly. Everything is in the green but we are close on payload. Everything else has plenty of room. Truck pulls like a dream and tow/haul downshift “engine braking” works better than I thought it would on steep hills. The crosswing gives us 7” of offset off the goose ball and weighs in at 127 total pounds but is easily removable by 1 person in 10 mins. Really like how easy it hooks up and unhooks. Super happy with this rig all the way around. No regrets.
Thanks so much for that info. I am pretty sure we will but just a little under those numbers so gives us more confidence. Glad to know the engine braking is performing on steep grades. Thank you!
@@retirementlife4us485One more thing. I installed Timbrens in replace of my factory bump stops above the rear axle. This limits the amount of squat possible and really helps steering. My previous 5er was a 16,300 Jayco Northpoint that I ran with a Reese goose box on the same truck. This was actually over my payload just a little and the squat was affecting my steering. The Timbrens are awesome and I love that I don’t have to mess with them like the folks that air bags up and down.
I just order a 24 F350 king ranch 7.3 srw longbed with 430 to pull a 43 for Montana 3901Rk 14.8 dry / 16 loaded
I coming from a ram 2500 and 34ft cougar setup. I did a ton of research and ford was the best /only gas option capable of handling a rig north of 15k and still leaving some head room.
I worry about the death wobble and lifter issues, but hope it’s resolved in the 24’s. I will be adding on some timber end after reviewing them and taking the recommendation of big truck big rv.
I hope I love it as I hope u love yours, these trucks aren’t reasonably priced anymore and they r trending up!
@@vincew.6905I am at 40k miles and death wobble has not been an issue at all. Jury is still out on the lifter failure issue but I hear that is mostly from 7.3s that idle a lot (delivery vehicles etc). Before the Eagle we had a Northpoint that was 16,300 gross. I think you will lose a little payload to the long bed and larger gas tank so watch the pin weight. But I was able to pull the Northpoint without too much trouble other than high wind with the high profile Northpoint. The low profile eagle is easier to pull with my standard bed. Good luck!
@@vincew.6905 thanks for the comment. And thanks for the recommendation on the timbren. I am going to tow a little and see if air bags or timbrens are needed.
I also hope your truck does great! Thanks for helping.
Nice! We have a 2022 f-250 tremor pkg…. Pulls our Brinkley 5th wheel easily. So many choices! Hope to see you guys on the road 😊
We just bought a Brinkley too! Will be pulling it with our 22 F350. Hope you enjoy it.
Debbie what model Brinkley do u tow with ur ford tremor?
Congratulations on the truck and retirement! I have the same exact truck but a 2022 and tow a KZ 366FBQ. I have never weighed but figure I’m between 14-14.5 and I have NO regrets. I would tow any RV up to about 16 with full confidence in pulling and stopping. I have a regular Reese and it does fine, I just have to be careful of sharp turns. Good luck on the rv search and be confident in your truck.
Thanks for your comments very helpful.
We had all the same questions a few years ago and we now tow a Montana 3121RL that weighs 12,100 lbs. empty, with the same truck, same trim with 3.73 rear end. Absolutely no issues towing. We use a Pullrite slider hitch which is nice because you don't need to get out of the truck to release anything when making tight turns. The hitch slides automatically. Downside is if you want to take it out of the truck it's heavy, you'll need help. But I'm not sure many or any hitches are able to be removed by one person. Good luck!
Thanks very much for sharing that. Gives me comfort as I think I will be a little under that still. Thank you!
I always believed its best to never max anything go 75% and you will enjoy your journeys
I have a 22 f-350 7.3l crew cab 8 ft bed with 3.73 gears. I tow a grand design 349 toy hauler which has a 16k gross weight and 40ft long. The truck handles and tows great in the hills of Pa. My only regret is not getting 4.30 gears I feel it labors when pulling from a stop up steeper grades. Once it’s above 25mph it’s great. My advice is buy the camper you want in the 12-15k range.
That is really helpful info appreciate you taking time to share it. One question I would have is how does it do braking when descending the steeper grades? Do you use the tow haul mode and engine braking?
I always use tow/haul. I would say it’s does very well for a gas engine, I’ve never had an uneasy feeling that stopping was an issue. It does rev at really high rpm’s and you just have to understand they designed it to work that way.
Coming in late here so hopefully you see this but do you think having the 4.30 gears would still be something you'd want if you maxed out at say 12k lbs, vs your 16k?
@@SliderFury1 thanks for that comment. I do think I am going to end up closer to 15k max so still thinking the 4.30 will be best! Thanks.
@@SliderFury1 We currently tow 12K and have 4:30's, if I had to do it again, 3:73's would have been enough. However, if you tow alot, or if you think you might eventually upgrade to a heavier 5th wheel, then stick with 4:30's
I’m really surprised how low the payload it for a gas F350. Our 2024 F350 Lariat Ultimate 6.7 powerstoke with the same bed and can configuration as yours has 4127lb of payload.
Demco auto slider. Montana High Country 331RL. 39 feet. 11:11 I have the same year and truck with the 7.3 motor and 3.73 rear end. Long bed though. I had a 2020 diesel and was annoyed with service. We’ve pulled our fifth wheel 7000 miles so far through all types of mountains, winds and weather and we’ve had no problems power or handling wise. Pleasantly surprised. 8.1 mpg average pulling our 14350 lbs gross weight fifth wheel. The diesel was 10.6 mpg average. You’re doing your homework!!
Thanks for the info very helpful. How did the truck do descending grades?
The trick I found is if it’s a long down hill grade, I put it into cruise control and I’ve learned that from other guys. The engine brake does very well. I think it’s better than the exhaust break on the diesel I had. My fifth wheel as you know is a Montana high country and it is 11,700 pounds dry and you’re doing what my wife and I have done and continue to do. We are not full timers, but we do travel quite a bit. You can handle anything up to 16,000 pounds gross. I wouldn’t go much more than that but 16000 lbs gets you a lot of camper. Don’t listen to all these diesel fan boys out there.
Thanks for the trick. Really glad to hear this and really adds confidence to our decision. Thank you
I went with a F350 7.3 with 3.73 gears and GVWR 11499# and payload of 4333#. Coming from a F150 that the payload was maxed out when towing my current TT I didn’t want any doubts for when we upgrade to a larger rv.
I have the same truck in sport appearance package so it doesn't have the auto running boards. The payload on mine is 4065. I don't have the on board power but I do have max recline seats. I think the FX4 and the battery/running boards dropped your payload from mine. There are Ford towing pdf's on their site that can tell you the max for your truck. I am waiting on a Brinkley Z3100 that will be towed with a Gen Y gooseneck hitch.
Thanks for the info. We have been looking at the Z2900 which I am feeling more confident in towing. Curious why you want the Gen Y set up verses Hitch? Is it just for ease of removal and using the bed or is it more about how that tows?
@@retirementlife4us485 I chose the goosneck because I don't need to keep a heavy king pin hitch in my truck bed and it frees up space. All I need is a ball. I park my truck outside so I don't want to remove and install a heavy hitch every time we go RVing.
Way too many people buy a truck then they ask what can I tow? You should consider what you plan on towing before you purchase your truck. That way, you get the best stable platform for your choice of trailer or truck camper.
Check out forest river sierra luxury 38fkok. Pin weight and dry weight are close to your numbers. 43 ft long. I tow it with a Demco auto slider. 2023 2500 hd.
Thanks for the recommendation we will check it out. Also appreciate the slider recommendation. I have been looking at that. Curious to what degree you can turn with it and if you have any issues connecting or disconnecting with it. Thanks!
I have the '22 crew with short box running the 7.3 through 4.30 rear and GVWR of 11,300. It looks like most details have been covered but I would like to add an important consideration with your choice of 5th wheel. Many states like my home of PA require a non-commercial CDL if your combined GVWR is 26,001 and greater...that puts your maximum trailer GVWR @ 14,501 before you buy into the CDL...that number really helps the decision making process. Conveniently, with the 4.30 gear, a 14500# trailer is no problem with this 7.3 gasser. Between trailer and payload I roll [lighter] down the road with ease @ about 16,400# and average 11mpg with the cruise set to 65mph (9.9mpg @ 70mph).
Thanks so much for the info. Appreciate the info on the CDL. Your info gives us greater confidence and happy to hear it’s all working great for you. Thanks.
It depends on set up for require license.
Class C GVWR is less than 26k but includes trailer less than 10k.
Class B GVWR can be greater than 26k but trailer is still less than 10k
Class A GVWR up to 80k and includes trailer weight.
In my state, I can have a class C with an endorsement J which increases the trailer weight but still have to keep it below 26k GVWR.
One person I heard that got pulled over and license checked was for towing a 5th wheel RV with a boat. That requires a class A with endorsement for doubles.
Did you get this mileage on flat roads? We pulled our 5th wheel (similar size) this weekend with our 2024 f250 7.3L 4.30 and got around 7mpg @65-68mph. This was in the Texas hill country so there was a fair amount of downshifting on many uphill grades.
We have a 22 F350 crew cab long bed with the 3.73 gears. Our camper weighs just over 14k. The camper is 43.6 feet long and 13.2 feet tall. We just went to Florida and back from Ohio and the truck did amazing!! Could pull most hills at 80mph if I wanted too. Definitely did not. Just saying plenty of power. We use the Reese goosebox and love it! All our specs are in range. In my opinion, you can safely max out payload as these trucks are rated above the specified sticker. But to be safe and legal I would not exceed the max on anything. Good luck
Appreciate you sharing. Very helpful and glad to see truck did so well for you. Thanks!
Try the Kurt crosswing
Appreciate that suggestion. Thanks
Yep the long bed is hard to find with the 7.3. I found plenty of 6.2 gassers with the long bed tho. Biggest benefit is that 48 gal tank. I went with almost the same truck you did except mine is a trim lower than yours at the XLT premium package 3.73 gear. Found it used, when I did the research on it the specs sheet says it will tow 17600 of 5th wheel! Couldn’t believe it! Why get a diesel when I can pull as much as a 5 year old diesel?! I’ll have to add a 5th w towing package later down the road. My camper is a conventional travel trailer at about 9k lbs. It suits us for now. When I get around to looking for a 5th wheel I’m going to try and stay at least 1k lbs lighter than my max. If you max out the truck, it’s not that the truck won’t do it….but things break quicker, and some driving situations can be quite taxing on the engine/transmission and suspension, not to mention unsafe. Happy hunting!
Thanks for all the insights. Hope your truck does the job for your future 5th W as well!
Keep your payload under 90% and your tow weight at 12-13k lbs max. That will make your tow experience much more enjoyable than if you’re maxed out.
@@ClayLee-x1r thanks for that. We are for sure there on payload and tow weight will be right abt 13k - 13.5k. Thx
We had these same dilemmas and ended up having to trade for a more capable solution when we were new. Had I done this research we’d be one truck cheaper. That said, give yourself a 10% payload cushion. Add a couple additional passengers and your in trouble. Payload is more important than towing as payload is all about chassis and towing stability. You also may want to up the rear gear ratio to 3.73 or 4:10. 😮You might be able to drag something on the floor, but can you lift it?
Really appreciate the payload cushion suggestion. Will use that! Thanks.
4.30 is the best for towing heavy. going to 3.73 or 4.10 will reduce his towing capability.
I have a 22 CCSB with 7.3 and 4.3 gears, very close to your set up. Take a look at these 2 Grand Designs, Reflection 303RLS lighter 5th wheel and the Solitude 310Gk a little higher quality than the Reflection line up.
Appreciate the suggestions. Glad your truck is working!
B&W Slider and Grand Design 337RLS
Appreciate the recommendations 👍
Diesel is not going away! Even in comifornia.
Don’t get a fifth wheel too big. I had a 35’ fifth wheel and trying to get a spot a State Parks was very difficult. Together I was over 50’.
My truck was a 2020 F350 7.3 4.30 geared Tremor.
15k is the most I would consider, I’d try and keep it below 13k.
I would also look at a Goosebox hitch. I had an Andersen and it worked ok.
Hope this is somewhat helpful.
Thanks for the input it is helpful. Trying to find something close to 30’ 12k max fully loaded. But need to find a layout that works in that size.
I tow with 2019 f250 6.2 gas 40' fifth wheel you need to learn how trans manual switch .I tow over 40k no problem
Thanks I will look that up 👍
Your dry tongue weights of the 5th wheel should not exceed 50% of your trucks payload. Once your truck and trailer are loaded you’ll be about 75%. Which would be safe going down the road. If you max that out in bad weather conditions and hills would be unsafe.
@@RonaldBuchtel thanks for that info. After weighing everything at the CAT scales fully loaded we are about 78% of payload capacity. So we are close to the 75% you say is safe. Can I ask where you found the 75% metric? I have been wanting to read more on safe payload but have not found much on it.
@@retirementlife4us485 78% of total payloads should be safe enough
I would have got the lighter 5th. Your drive train and your brakes would thank you. Being a gas that engine can't handle the duty cycle needed to go with the big 5th. The longer you own and tow with that truck you will see that issues will arise that a diesel won't have. I understand why you are doing it but this thing will have limits. Regardless what a salesman says or the brochure. I've towed with gas and diesel, you'd be better off with the smaller 5th. It's a nice truck hope your engine lasts cause that thing will scream going up and down hills.
Great video. You have to factor in you and your Wife’s weight and whoever else may be traveling with you against the payload. Also, any tools, travel items, hitch, and dealer installed options goes against payload. This includes spray-in Bedliner. As far as the fifth wheel goes, you have to factor in travel cargo, propane, liquids in tank (potable water weighs 8.34 lbs/gal, black tank contents weigh more), washer/ dryer, etc. These items count against trucks payload at different weight percentages. Washer and Dryer located in the front of a fifth wheel impacts truck’s payload more than being in the rear. After estimating a more realistic weight count you may see that the 2584 dry pin weight RV is too much. Going over weight limits comes with a lot of drawbacks in terms of warranty work, insurance payout, and culpability in an accident.
Appreciate all that info. I plan to make sure I stay under limits. I already weight the truck and once I get the fifth wheel and load it I plan on weighing it too. Thanks for taking time to help!
It's a gasser? Should of bought a power stroke. Sorry, but you will go through alot of gas, and you don't have an engine break.
@@brianandersen1933 appreciate the comment. I am getting abt 14 to 15 mpg not towing on the freeway. But abt 9.5 mpg towing. I am ok with that. Using the the 10 speed transmission for controlling the speed so far it is working well.
That's amazing, if your happy, that's all that matters.
Will all due respect you definitely made the wrong choice for what your wanting it for. If your towing like you say you are then u need a diesel with the torque and horsepower and a long bed . Also if you’re adding up every little pound because your close to payload capacity then you’re putting to much stress on the truck . Over kill is the best advice I can give you on this subject. 350/450 drw is your solution 👍🏽
take your truck to a cat scale no way does you truck weight 7700 new unloaded , my cclb loaded with tool box steel body 6.2 gas fully loaded with fifth wheel only weights 7600 . that yellow stick is wrong 11500 minus truck weight is your payload that yellow stick should be around 4500 pounds . no way my steel body has more payload . you can pull about any fifth wheel made with it hope you have 4.30 gears now if it was diesel you would need a dually you will have no problem tow and payload a 40 footer fifth wheel with a pin weight of 3k and 16900 gvwr . Dont worry you will have no problem with a 40 footer my 6.2 with the 4.30 will almost pull the axles out from under mine if fake i though it did when a 18 wheeler would not give me any room coming on the freeway and it shifted from 2 to 3 with the peddle to the floor , you are in payload of a diesel dually with a 14000 gvwr which weights 1500 more pounds than your truck and you dont have to worry about those rear fenders when getting a parking space at walmart
It weighs that much. My 6.6 short bed 2500 weighs 7k pounds with a 6 speed. The bigger engine and tranny will add weight to his build. My payload is around 3500 pounds.
Who can afford a fifth wheel after buying one of these?
Everything is too expensive!
Some can and there’s nothing wrong with that.
@@FlyingAceAV8B who said anything to the contrary?
You don't really need a luxury truck. My 2022 F350 XLT DRW 4X4 was $57,000 out the door. Can do everything a $100K King Ranch can do, except demolish your bank account.