Second thoughts towing

[Barksdale123]

I have a 23 XL EB no towing package. Looking at a 2800 GVW travel trailer. Yeah second thoughts, lack of foresight etc etc.
Any upgrades that could make this palatable? Hate to trade in after one year.

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[Robber's Roost]

GVWR would be the fully loaded maximum towing weight of the trailer. What's the dry weight?

 

[Barksdale123]

I'll check on that. I would not be towing it full of anything maybe bending, canned goods. Also the front area limitation, is that just for what sticks up over the front area of the cab?

 

[Ron Neal]

What is the dry weight of the trailer?

 

[OleFordGuy]

Ouch, I can understand your position and not wanting to trade so soon, etc. but I not sure there's a financially feasible means to get there with what you have. With that size travel trailer, the supplies/accessories you would probably want for camping, etc. , food, clothing, the weight of yourself and others with you, it can all add up quickly from a weight perspective. Also consider terrain - hills, mountains, heat, winds, etc. At the Maverick level, I would think AWD 4K Tow. Maybe a towing equipped Ranger. F150 would probably overkill.

 

[Barksdale123]

I would think the Maverick towing package would handle this no problem.

UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)*	2,350
Dry Hitch Weight*	270
Dry Axle Weight*	2,080
CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)	450
GVWR	2,800

 

[Jeff D.]

Barksdale, I would be uncomfortable towing a camper that weight without the tow package. Ford changed the gearing and increased the cooling system to increase the rating from 2k to 4k.

I towed a camper that was very marginal for a 1/2 ton with my 1/2 ton Ram, and it was not pleasant experience. I was under on all the axle weights, but over on the trucks GVWR a couple hundred pounds. It always felt the camper was controlling the truck.

I bought a 3/4 ton and it was much better.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

 

[Barksdale123]

Barksdale, I would be uncomfortable towing a camper that weight without the tow package. Ford changed the gearing and increased the cooling system to increase the rating from 2k to 4k.

I towed a camper that was very marginal for a 1/2 ton with my 1/2 ton Ram, and it was not pleasant experience. I was under on all the axle weights, but over on the trucks GVWR a couple hundred pounds. It always felt the camper was controlling the truck.

I bought a 3/4 ton and it was much better.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

Thank you. I guess I need to think about the tower first then the tower.

 

[Maverickman74]

I am usually willing to push ratings and such but only after thinking about the use cases. I see you live in Florida. If you are talking about hauling this trailer around AL, GA, SC, Miss, LA, and your home state then I wouldnt really be all that concerned. My Tremor is only rated for 2000lbs and have towed more than that for short hilly trips a few times without issue. But if you are staying in the flatlands and not going up more than a couple hundred feet in elevation then you will likely go without issue. Sure it may be illegal here or there. But no ones going to care unless you are speeding crazily or in a accident. But if you are looking to go in the Appalachians or anywhere outwest, you are running a significant risk of heat issues.

If you do want to push the limit, two parts you may want to look into are the larger radiator and transmission cooler, that is if they fit.

 

[The Real Maverick]

Thank you. I guess I need to think about the tower first then the tower.

The first extra part you should buy is cheapest and easiest. Get an ODBII scanner / reader and watch all the gauge when towing. If anything gets warmer than you’d like; slow down and you will be fine. Assuming you also buy a brake controller.

What the 4k tow package can do at 75 MPH the rest of the trucks, including the hybrid can do at 55 MPH.

Best of luck but up to you but factor in how many miles, how many times a year, and how fast you want/need to drive compared to the costs involved.

 

[bluesteel]

Seems like a bad idea. You can always push the envelope, but do you really want to do it regularly?

Does the non-4K have the integrated brake controller? If not, electric brake capability would be critical.

 

[SLJ]

I have a 2K camper. Towed it with my Bronco Sport with 2K towing pkg. for two years. It was just okay as long as you didn't git into any major hills. My biggest fear was burning up the transmission (same as the Mav's 8 speed tranny). It really needed more cooling as I have a gauge to watch transmission temp. and could watch it heat up on long upgrades. It's why I switched to the Maverick with 4K tow package.
Light towing with no mountains might be okay but for towing 2K in the hills you really need the 4K tow package.

 

[commadorebob]

Pulling isn't the problem; it's stopping. The 4K comes with a brake controller, additional cooling, and a different gear ratio. Towing mode will also default to engine braking earlier to help save the brakes and slow you down under more control.

Can you do it? Yes. Should you? I wouldn't.

 

[Gray Goose]

Barksdale, I would be uncomfortable towing a camper that weight without the tow package. Ford changed the gearing and increased the cooling system to increase the rating from 2k to 4k.

I towed a camper that was very marginal for a 1/2 ton with my 1/2 ton Ram, and it was not pleasant experience. I was under on all the axle weights, but over on the trucks GVWR a couple hundred pounds. It always felt the camper was controlling the truck.

I bought a 3/4 ton and it was much better.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

Very good callout with the 3/4 ton. Tow vehicle weight is a huge factor in not having the trailer controlling the truck.
This is why I skipped 4K tow on my order. I would never want to tow 4K with the Maverick, not enough mass to control the trailer.
I've towed 20K farm wagons with an F-150. It's challenging even at low speed, under 30MPH.

 

[The Real Maverick]

Very good callout with the 3/4 ton. Tow vehicle weight is a huge factor in not having the trailer controlling the truck.
This is why I skipped 4K tow on my order. I would never want to tow 4K with the Maverick, not enough mass to control the trailer.
I've towed 20K farm wagons with an F-150. It's challenging even at low speed, under 30MPH.

Weird how a -7500 pound truck can be rated to tow -19,500 pounds. Weird.

No wait. Not Weird.
That’s what trailer brakes are for.
You know. To control the trailer.

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