want to be new to camping

[Gus]

Hello all, first of all I have a Ford (yeh yeh) anyway it's a F150 4x4 8cylinder 4.6l. We have a chance to get a really good deal on a small fifth wheel 25' crossraods cruiser sport. Is my truck able to drag this around, not crazy long trips just weekend deals hear and there. What all do I have to do or should I do for a proper set up; or should I be thinking of waiting till I canafford a different truck then get look for a deal again.

[Chrisnan23]

The best way to tell is to go to the ford web site for trucks and look up the towing capability based on the max weight of the trailer. Others have done it for a while and then got a 3/4 ton later.

[Lloyd]

Hi Gus:
Welcome to the forum.
I would look in your manual and see just what ford say's you can tow

with this truck. Then check and see what the Cruiser Sport weighs. One thing to remember is when figuring weight is a

full tank of fuel, Full tank of water, passenger weight, in addition to

all the stuff you have to take camping.

[Gus]

Thanks, I have been reading things about air bags? spring upgrades I can do myself, I am new to this and have read about chugging? or something like that. I looks like I can tow up to 6600lbs the trailer is listing at 5490lbs is that window too close I would be going dry(no waters) just food supplies.

[Chrisnan23]

You need to know what that weight will be. Don't forget that the fith wheel hitch is heavy too.



I think you may have meant "chucking" That is where the trailer pushes back and forth in the hitch. That can be caused by a lot of things.Edited by: Chrisnan23

[riverotter55]

Gus, Welcome to our Family!
I did that for a while, I had an older Layton 5er 24'er hauled it with a F150, switched to a F250 PSD the difference in handling, towing, & MPG were like comparing apples to oranges, night to day!

[Gus]

Did you have any mechanical issues with your truck doing that for a year or so?

[fhenn]

Gus I would look in the cabinets for the weight of this unit. That will give you a starting point. Generally the weights are listed and placed in akitchen cabinet

[riverotter55]

Originally Posted by Gus

Did you have any mechanical issues with your truck doing that for a year or so?

Gus, no I didn't, the only two problems I had were the getup & go & the MPG. I actually did this for about 3yrs.......then I started working out of State........enough said (F250 PSD)!

[cwit]

I think your 1/2 will do it's job for what you stated, the sport should be within your specks. Yes air bags help alot I have them, but they don't change your legal weight. Air bags will also help with bad roads. You should also go with a heavier ply tire if you only have p rated.

[Greg Morin]

I towed a zt 26 bh about 5700# with my 05 f150 rated at 6100# and it wasnt a ton of fun but doable terrible on hills. I just upgraded to a 09 chevy 2500hd what a difference 9200# towing capacity. If you arent going far I would do it just realize when you load the trailer you add a lot of weight.

[danyshula]

Take a look at this tow guide
http://www.trailerlife.com/output.cfm?id=42175