F150 4.2L V6

Shawn · 04-07-2009, 04:10 AM

Has anyone towed a Zinger 19RD with a 2008 F150 4.2L V6? I just bought one and plan on picking it up Friday. I forgot to do my home work first. Will I have a hard time towing it?
Thanks first time travel trailering.

gtoguy1967 · 04-07-2009, 05:37 AM

Shawn, First off welcome. Are you in Tn ? You might be needing a new truck if you are imo. I would look in your manual and see just what ford say's you can tow with this truck. One think to remember is when figuring weight is a full tank of fuel, Full tank of water passanger weight in adition to all the stuff you have to take camping, Bourbon, The TV, with Sat , ect.

The good thing for you is your local Chevy dealer is dealing right now

fhenn · 04-07-2009, 06:07 AM

Gee Don There you go All of your Chevrolete guys and Ford guys think you need a V8 I am very happy pulling my fifth wheel with a Six Cylinder

Shawn · 04-07-2009, 06:08 AM

LOL thanks I needed a good laugh. I hope all will go well. I'm in TN.

Cobra909 · 04-07-2009, 03:10 PM

Shawn, unfortunately the specs say no.

According to CrossRoads website, the 19RD is 7535 GVWR. (3984# UVW)

According to Ford, your truck is rated at 5700# if it is a regular cab, 4x2, short wheel base with 3.73 gears (see attachment)

Now, possibly, if you don't dry camp, meaning you're not hauling a full tank of potable water and full gray/black water tanks, then you MIGHT be able get away with it, but I don't know with you up in the hills/mountains of TN.

Note: I don't know about TN, but in LA, you have 3 days to cancel any contract.

Good luck and Welcome to the forum!http://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/r...trp17Aug07.pdfEdited by: Cobra909

Shawn · 04-07-2009, 11:37 PM

I'm upset now. When I bought this at a RV show in Murfreesboro, TN Saturday the 4th. I told the Factory rep. and the salesperson what I had they said no problem it will pull it just fine. That is the reason why I bought it. I go and pick it up Friday the 10th. Now what do I do? This is all new to me. I have never pulled a trailer....looks like I wont be pulling it.

csham · 04-08-2009, 12:32 AM

I hope you can work things out.

If there is one person that I am slow to trust it is a salesperson, especially if they work on comission. When I bought my ST two years ago, I knew what my truck could do, in part from having pulled a trailer with it in the past. I knew that it would be a struggle with the extra weight in the PA mountains where our favorite campground is. I asked the salesman for his opinion, his response "you should be fine - no problem".

Shawn · 04-08-2009, 01:24 AM

Thanks for the input. By the way what size engine do you have?
Thanks

csham · 04-08-2009, 02:52 AM

I had a 5.3 8 cyl in the Chevy. I have since upgraded to a 5.7 Hemi in a Dodge.

Chuck N. Wined · 04-08-2009, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csham

I had a 5.3 8 cyl in the Chevy. I have since upgraded to a 5.7 Hemi in a Dodge.

csham · 04-08-2009, 03:49 AM

After I typed that, I thought about it...still waiting for someone to say "downgraded"...where's Don

(gtoguy)

Shawn · 04-08-2009, 04:19 AM

That's funny. I just hope I can pull it. I can't afford to buy a new truck. I plan on putting a heavy duty trany cooler on her. Hope that helps. I still can't believe that my half ton is only rated for 5200 pounds...To me the factory rep and also the dealer should of told me I can't pull it. I would of purchased a lighter trailer from them!
Crossroads nor the dealer will return my emails. I will pick it up Friday I'll let everyone know if I make it back to the house..

buddhabob1 · 04-08-2009, 05:05 AM

Shawn Congrats on your new camper hope it works out for you! I have to agree with everyone else though. Most trucks will pull way more than they should at low speed and a short period of time.Like pulling a huge bout out of the water! But with a camper that is near the capacity of your truck you will really notice it on steep hills and strong winds! Think of it as a four cylinder car going up a steep incline and not having reserve to pass someone.Not that its totally bad its just really hard on your vehicle. I would take in to consideration how far and how often you are planning to take your rig, and the terrain involved.If its once in a while youll probably be alright .If your home is very far from the dealer youll know what to expect by the time ya get it home!!!

HAPPY CAMPING Dee and Bob

fhenn · 04-08-2009, 05:46 AM

The dry weight on you unit, and you can not go by this is 3984. The Lucky thing is that includes the ac and Awning. You have to add for any options. By the time you add for propane TVs and other stuff you will add 800 to 1000.lbs. The easy way to figure toe exact weight is call up the dealer and have him give you the shipping weight off the invoice tan do your adds from that point. You will be close to you limits and the truck will not be happy but for the time being it should work

Chrisnan23 · 04-08-2009, 10:00 AM

I would also add that you have to leave more room to stop! That is something a lot of people forget.

Cobra909 · 04-08-2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn

I'm upset now. When I bought this at a RV show in Murfreesboro, TN Saturday the 4th. I told the Factory rep. and the salesperson what I had they said no problem it will pull it just fine. That is the reason why I bought it. I go and pick it up Friday the 10th. Now what do I do? This is all new to me. I have never pulled a trailer....looks like I wont be pulling it.

Man, I'll admit, I had the same thing happen to me...twice. 1st time was just plain 'ol ignorance(inexperience) on my part. 2nd time, I knew I would be borderline, but went with the purchase anyway. Needless to say, it will NOT happen a 3rd time. The front door to every RV, boat, etc, etc. office should have a sign stating,"Don't believe anything the salesperson tells you, their only priority is making the sale"! Before anyone bashes me, I know there are a few exceptions out there. These RV salespeople with tell you that your 1/2 ton PU will pull a 12K 35ft 5er if they can make the sale. A boat salesperson will tell you that 50hp outboard will push that 18' fiberglass CC (loaded with 50 gal of fuel and 3 ice chests and 4 people)to 50 mph, if they can make the sale.

We have to do our homework and be knowledgeable enough to protect ourselves when dealing with these people. And that's hard to do when you're making your first ever purchase and have 0 experience in what your getting into; you may not even know the right questions to ask!

OK, sorry for the rant, but this kinda stuff just P*****S me off!

Just like a few years ago, we were shopping for Julie a new Toyota Sequoia. I like to ask the salespeople some obvious questions to test their knowledge of the $30-50K product we're looking to buy. I asked the guy," It comes with 4 wheels disc brakes, right?" This fool looks me straight in the eye and says, "Oh, No Sir, Toyota uses drums in the back...for their stopping power!" IIRC, I politely asked if his ancestral background included something to do with 4 legs, a mane and a tail and a dunce cap.

Shawn · 04-09-2009, 03:53 AM

Thanks for all of your input. I did learn something about all of this. Do my home work first and never trust a salesperson or even the factory rep!!
I will make sure that everyone knows not to buy from Newby's RV center and also Crossroads!

pwall · 04-09-2009, 04:20 AM

No offense Shawn, but you can't blame newby's or Crossroads for this. It is up to you to do COMPLETE research before purchasing anything - truck or camper, etc in this case.

Trailer life puts out a towing guide, Ford has a towing guide and all RV manufacturers have towing weights listed so you can make an educated decision to ensure everything matches for safe travel.

Shawn · 04-09-2009, 05:48 AM

You is probably right. But when you sit down with both the factory rep and the salesperson and tell them what you have and also tell them that this is your very first time dealing with this they should of tried and helped me. I would of purchased a smaller or lighter one. Oh well. That's life.

Shawn · 04-09-2009, 05:56 AM

I might be stressing over nothing. I haven't picked it up yet. I did put a class 3 hitch and a brake controller and also am having them put on a sway bar hitch. By the Tim at Newby's is a nice guy. I just think the factory rep might of steered him in the wrong direction.

You may also like: