Towing 5.0 TA with "base level" F150

[CindyP]

We have read a lot about how happy virtually all the Ford 150 owners are towing their Fifth Wheel 5.0 TA trailers. And there are a lot of details buried in those threads. If a couple of you don't mind some repetition, here's my scenario and what do you think:

Ordered a 2024 Escape 5.0 TA last week. "We" are my wife and myself without a lot of gear or tools, but occasionally a full tank of gas and some liquid weight in the fresh, grey, and black water tanks, as well as the 2 propane tanks in the front storage hatch.

We're looking at a used Ford 150 with a 3.5L Turbo V6 engine. It is a Crew Cab with a 6.5 ft bed. So it is longer than some other configurations, but we're OK with that. The tow capacity is 7000 lbs and the payload capacity is 1500 lbs. (GVWR is 7000 lbs.) From what I have read, these seem to be about the lowest capacities one would use to pull an Escape 5.0. Or, have we slipped below that "minimum" level and should look for higher towing capacity or higher payload capacity?

TIA!!

 

[GinoandLinda]

We have read a lot about how happy virtually all the Ford 150 owners are towing their Fifth Wheel 5.0 TA trailers. And there are a lot of details buried in those threads. If a couple of you don't mind some repetition, here's my scenario and what do you think:

Ordered a 2024 Escape 5.0 TA last week. "We" are my wife and myself without a lot of gear or tools, but occasionally a full tank of gas and some liquid weight in the fresh, grey, and black water tanks, as well as the 2 propane tanks in the front storage hatch.

We're looking at a used Ford 150 with a 3.5L Turbo V6 engine. It is a Crew Cab with a 6.5 ft bed. So it is longer than some other configurations, but we're OK with that. The tow capacity is 7000 lbs and the payload capacity is 1500 lbs. (GVWR is 7000 lbs.) From what I have read, these seem to be about the lowest capacities one would use to pull an Escape 5.0. Or, have we slipped below that "minimum" level and should look for higher towing capacity or higher payload capacity?

TIA!!

Congrats on choosing the 5.0. I think you are going to love that trailer.

A little more info on the F150 if possible: Year, model, transmission if you could. Lots of F150 knowledge on this forum.

Still, a maxed out 5.0 will weight 5,500lbs, so you are well within the capabilities of the truck.

 

[CindyP]

A little more info on the F150 if possible: Year, model, transmission if you could.

SageRpod - thanks for the reply. It is a 2018 Lariat with the FX4 Package, 4WD, 3.55 drive ratio, 10-speed transmission.

I just confirmed that it has the "standard bed," 6.5 ft long.

 

[7Gentex]

Actual payload?

What does the "Tire Loading" (yellow sticker on driver's doorframe) state the actual payload for this specific truck is? Option choices can change that value dramatically.

That value, less the pin weight of the trailer (650 # ?) is what you have left for all passengers (including the driver) and cargo. It adds up quicker than you think...

A #7,000 trailer rating seems low for a F150 EcoBoost SuperCrew........?

 

[GinoandLinda]

A #7,000 trailer rating seems low for a F150 EcoBoost SuperCrew........?

That's what I'm think as well. That rating is only 500lbs more than my 2016 Nissan Frontier. I would say the tow rating is well over 10,000 lbs at least.

 

[CindyP]

What does the "Tire Loading" (yellow sticker on driver's doorframe) state the actual payload for this specific truck is? Option choices can change that value dramatically.

That value, less the pin weight of the trailer (650 # ?) is what you have left for all passengers (including the driver) and cargo. It adds up quicker than you think...

A #7,000 trailer rating seems low for a F150 EcoBoost SuperCrew........?

Thanks for the contribution, Gentex. The "Tire Loading" number is definitely 1505 lbs (or 682 kg). I took a picture when we did the test drive. So that is a good number. But you are correct that the pin weight plus all other cargo adds up fast. When the 26 gallon gas tank is full, we could get to 1416# easily. We may redistribute some items to the inside of the trailer, instead of in the truck bed as originally planned. These are things that we could put at the back of the 5.0 aisle -- like a patio rug, folding chairs, folding table, portable grill.

The 7000# max towing capacity may not be a reliable number. I got it from the dealer, Carmax, but I don't know where they got it from. Does anyone know where or how I can verify the towing capacity for a specific truck?

--Walter, aka "Heartwood"

 

[GinoandLinda]

Thanks for the contribution, Gentex. The "Tire Loading" number is definitely 1505 lbs (or 682 kg). I took a picture when we did the test drive. So that is a good number. But you are correct that the pin weight plus all other cargo adds up fast. When the 26 gallon gas tank is full, we could get to 1416# easily. We may redistribute some items to the inside of the trailer, instead of in the truck bed as originally planned. These are things that we could put at the back of the 5.0 aisle -- like a patio rug, folding chairs, folding table, portable grill.

The 7000# max towing capacity may not be a reliable number. I got it from the dealer, Carmax, but I don't know where they got it from. Does anyone know where or how I can verify the towing capacity for a specific truck?

--Walter, aka "Heartwood"

I'm pretty sure the number on the yellow sticker already takes a full gas tank into account. I believe if you go to the Ford site, you can enter your vin# and get all of the info you need. Again, pure speculation on my part but worth a try.

 

[Centex]

The Facts - 2018 F150 Towing Guidance Document Attached

OP Heartwood (and others), you can stop guessing ....

Please see the attached 2018 F150 Towing Data Sheet from Ford. Read carefully and follow the entries specific to your truck's equipment on the table titled "F-150 5th-WHEEL TOWING".

The Escape 5.0 is within all of the recommended limits for towing with the 157" WB Lariat you've described, including Frontal Area Considerations.

Aside, note that the yellow-sticker 'payload number' always already considers the weight of a full tank of gas for the VIN specific equipment (whatever capacity tank was OE for the VIN, do NOT subtract gasoline weight from that number). This is per the long-standing USA / CA federal rules mandating the disclosures on that sticker, for all makes and models of vehicles without exception.​

IMO the 1505# payload rating of the referenced truck is just fine for the Escape 5.0 with a bit of prudence adding other loads in the truck.

Bottom line - if you like the truck I'd go for it, the combination should be a nice and very capable rig overall.

Congrats on your 2024 5.0 order, Happy Trailering!

 

[CindyP]

That's what I'm think as well. That rating is only 500lbs more than my 2016 Nissan Frontier. I would say the tow rating is well over 10,000 lbs at least.

Thanks for the help, SageRod and 7Gentex!

You pushed me to dig deeper. For anyone else out there who needs to calculate this, there are two tools that Ford offers. One is an online calculator https://www.ford.com/support/towing-calculator. But my VIN threw out an error today. Either the calculator is buggy or one needs to have an account at Ford Support. But give it a try if you like. There appear to be a printed guide and a video on YouTube explaining how to use it.

The second tool is a PDF chart for the model year of the F-150 Pickup. I googled "2018 ford rv and trailer towing guide." I needed to know that I have a 2018 F-150 with a "3.5L GTDI V6" engine, a SUPERCREW cab, with 4x4 on a 157" wheelbase. Finally, I needed to know that this truck has a 3.55 Axle Ratio. In the chart, only two possible Max Loaded Trailer Weight numbers appear: 10,700 lbs and 13,000. The higher number requires the Max Trailer Tow Package and 20" wheels. I don't have either of those options, so my Trailering Capacity is 10,700#.

I found some of the technical details, like the exact engine name and axle ratio by putting the VIN in https://www.vindecoderz.com/.

Now I can confidently close the deal on this truck (and let Carmax know that they need to improve the quality of the data they post online about the trucks they sell)!!

Let's go camping!

--Heartwood

 

[CindyP]

OP Heartwood (and others), you can stop guessing ....

Please see the attached 2018 F150 Towing Data Sheet from Ford. Read carefully and follow the entries specific to your truck's equipment on the table titled "F-150 5th-WHEEL TOWING".

Thanks, Alan (aka 'Centex')!!

Looks like you posted THE answer while I was composing my rambling version of the same thing. I wonder if a pinned post with the phrase to search for F150 trailer capacity calculations would be helpful for other greenhorns like me in the future? Perhaps the pinned thread/post could be amended with similar guides or calculators for other truck makes as well? (Although I am not sure who has the time or inclination to compile something like this!)

Cheers!

--Walter (aka 'Heartwood')

 

[7Gentex]

That #7,000 value may come from the hitch receiver rating, in a non WD approach.

Irrelevant for a 5.0 TA if so.........


As stated above - Enjoy!

 

[uthorns]

We have the 6.5' bed on our F150 with an Anderson hitch.

I put 2 storage boxes in front of the hitch, one on each side. (black one with yellow lids available Costco and numerous places). One box has my grill and accessories, the other has lights, cords and misc. stuff. On top of them is my folding table, the hitch keeps it from sliding back.

I roll up the rug and put inside the trailer on the floor under the table. The chairs we put up on the bed and they ride just fine there.

The back part of the truck bed from hitch to the tailgate might have some misc. stuff or nothing depends on the trip.

As you can see some goes in truck and some in trailer, you will figure what works best for you. The F150 - 5.0 combo is a wonderful rig for us. Enjoy and congratulations !!!

 

[BritCanuck]

We tow our 5.0 with a 2022 custom ordered 2.7EB F150 with the payload package. Tow rating of just under 10,000lbs for a 5th wheel ,and just under 1900lb's payload. 6.5ft bed with the Anderson hitch. You can use pretty much all the bed space ,even under the hitch if you want. Just got to make sure you don't have anything higher than the hitch at the end of the truck bed.

On a smooth road you forget you are towing.

I took a photo today of our stuff we store in the truck bed when hitched. Not a huge amount basically folding chairs, propane fire/tank, hose, rug, folding e-bike. Still plenty of room in there. All our chocks/leveller go in a tote which is stored inside the 5.0 doorway, adds a bit of tongue weight.

 

[CindyP]

I took a photo today of our stuff we store in the truck bed when hitched.

THANKS for the photo!

Nice to "picture it" in my mind, now.

 

[Jim Bennett]

Walter, that is pretty much the same truck I have although a few years newer and with 4 more gears. Mine works great for towing my 5.0TA, this one will too..

I am quite surprised Ford is calling a 6.5' box a long box, though there is a shorter one. I have driven pickups pretty much my entire adult life and until this truck have never had one shorter than 8'.

 

[CindyP]

I am quite surprised Ford is calling a 6.5' box a long box, though there is a shorter one. I have driven pickups pretty much my entire adult life and until this truck have never had one shorter than 8'.

Hi Jim, Thanks for the reassurance! I haven't scoured this thread, but if I said "long" box in reference to the 6.5 ft, that was a mistake. I do see it listed as the "standard" box by Ford (and Chevy) with the other two lengths being "short" or "long" if 5.5 ft or 8 ft.

--Walter

 

[Jim Bennett]

Hi Jim, Thanks for the reassurance! I haven't scoured this thread, but if I said "long" box in reference to the 6.5 ft, that was a mistake. I do see it listed as the "standard" box by Ford (and Chevy) with the other two lengths being "short" or "long" if 5.5 ft or 8 ft.

--Walter

I was not referring to what you said, more with what others refer to as the 6.5' bed being "long". At the Ford dealership I bought my F150 from the sales guy referred to it being a long box and and that there was an 8' and short box as well.

 

[rvnovice]

I am new to this, but I did notice that the F150 capacity ratings vary depending on the hitch type. If you login at Ford and use their towing calculator for your specific vehicle, you can get the following information. The sales guys promoted a towing capacity of ~11,000 lbs, but note that is only for a conventional hitch. See below for my values. Note that I chose all 3 hitch types and merged them into one screen print so you could see the differences. You can only see one hitch type at a time on the web site. I also cut out some non-pertinent information for this discussion.

My 2024 Lariat 4x4 can tow 8,100 lbs (well above the Escape 5.0 gross weight) with a maximum Gooseneck pin weight of 1,215 lbs (well above the Escape 5.0 pin weight).