Weight questions - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

Snasby · 03-08-2016, 05:55 PM

Hi Everyone
I have a 2004 Ford f150 with a 4.6 engine and 2 wheel drive. My question is I would like to buy a 27ft Hi-Lo TT but I would like to know if a truck such as this size would be a good fit I know on flat grade the truck can pull 8000lbs I worry going up mountains might be to much for this truck. I live in Illinois And am going to retire next year and want to see our country and Arizona is the 1st stop then Yellowstone and that area. Would anyone think this combo would not be a good choice. (Wife is not in favor of a bigger truck) so any thought's would greatly be appreciated
Thanks

hilltool · 03-08-2016, 06:48 PM

Snasby- Look over this thread we just spent two days on. And consider ALL the information. Dont rush this. I had a 97 f150 4x4 and it was barely up to the job of pulling my 21 ft hi-lo. And I was usually over weight limits. A 27 footer is even heavier. Your 2004 has more capacity and a 2x4 will weigh less than a 4x4, but.......that is pretty close is my bet. Plus- that 4.6 was a great mainstay of Ford for years and a great engine- but i always wished I had the larger 8. Good luck and good retirement.

http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f19/...-vehicle-5033/

Rick

KnottyRig · 03-08-2016, 07:03 PM

What's the trailer weigh?

What's the truck weigh (curb weight)?

What's the HP/torque of the truck?

What's the truck's tow capacity and max tongue weight?

IIRC, 4.6 is a 302, which produce something in the range of 280HP/250lbs of torque. *IF* those numbers are right, and assuming the 27 is about 5000 lbs, I'd want a bigger truck for going around the country. Towing across town/county a couple times a year would be different - long trips get exhausting when using too small of a tow vehicle.

But let's see some real numbers before we declare the 150 uncomfortable.

Two-wheel drive is pretty irrelevant, except from a vehicle weight standpoint (4WD is heavier because of the additional front differential, center diff, driveshaft, hubs, etc). Weight distribution is slightly different too (4WD having a better front/rear distribution).

From the other recent discussion about tow vehicles:

Trailer Towing Guides | Trailer Life Magazine

motorpig2342 · 03-08-2016, 07:03 PM

Not sure what all was mentioned in the prior thread, but keep in mind if the truck has a factory towing package. If it has the larger plugin that controls the brakes then it does have a factory towing package unless this has been added later. Trucks with the towing package usually has lower gears different deferential and also has a larger transmission cooler. Just some thoughts... Great site here that covers all the way back to 1999 http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-towing-guides/

And here is the link to your specific truck http://www.trailerlife.com/wp-conten...Guide-2004.pdf

I have a 2001 F150 4x4 Supercrew with the 5.4 liter. I do wish I had more power and plan my hauls around hi grade inclines. In 2001 the 2x4's actually have a better towing capacity than the 4x4 if I remember correctly. If I was going to do any traveling outside a hour away I'd been upgrading to a diesel. The above experience is with a 29ft. outback, which no doubt is pushing the line. My 24 foot Hi Lo will should pull much better once I finally start getting it out and about.

KnottyRig · 03-08-2016, 07:20 PM

Motorpig - couple questions:

Which trailer do you have (and what does it weigh)?

What's the HP/Torque of the 5.4 (think that's a 350 cid, so I'm guessing 330 HP/355 lbs torque).

Is the supercrew short or long bed, or dually?

Thanks - just trying to get a good perspective on towing from actual use.

motorpig2342 · 03-08-2016, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnottyRig

Motorpig - couple questions:

Which trailer do you have (and what does it weigh)?

What's the HP/Torque of the 5.4 (think that's a 350 cid, so I'm guessing 330 HP/355 lbs torque).

Is the supercrew short or long bed, or dually?

Thanks - just trying to get a good perspective on towing from actual use.

I have a 1998 2498FL which is 24 ft. long.
Showing to be 3300 LBS. Roughly showing a 7,700 lb towing capacity. But that really seems a little high I thought. I added a quote from Edmunds.com in picture form at very bottom. The 5.4 liter is a 330 motor. You can go to NADA to get quick ideas on weights of just about any camper. Here: RV Prices, Values & Reviews - NADAguides

JackandJanet · 03-08-2016, 10:25 PM

Snasby, my recommendations in the thread hilltool pointed you to apply to you too. I won't repeat them here.

But, I will emphasize my recommendations are based on the tongue weight of the trailer and the GVWR/GAWR of your tow vehicle. Nothing else.

- Jack