Hello From Central Florida

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Hello From Central Florida

Postby howlmedia » Tue May 14, 2019 8:32 am

Hello to everyone. My wife and I want to convert a cargo trailer into a camper. We've been using a Jayco popup for a while and have outgrown it. We have a 1999 Ford F-150 XL with the 4.6 L V-8 engine. We were wondering what's the best sized cargo trailer for the truck we have.

A 7' by 14' tandem axle cargo trailer weighs in at about 2200. I'm guessing the build will add roughly 1000 to 1500 pounds to the trailer weight. That all adds up to about 3700 pounds. Do you think a 7x14 at 3700 pounds would be too much weight for my truck to safely tow? Thanks for your advice.
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Re: Hello From Central Florida

Postby jfalkner » Tue May 14, 2019 8:40 am

howlmedia wrote:Hello to everyone. My wife and I want to convert a cargo trailer into a camper. We've been using a Jayco popup for a while and have outgrown it. We have a 1999 Ford F-150 XL with the 4.6 L V-8 engine. We were wondering what's the best sized cargo trailer for the truck we have.

A 7' by 14' tandem axle cargo trailer weighs in at about 2200. I'm guessing the build will add roughly 1000 to 1500 pounds to the trailer weight. That all adds up to about 3700 pounds. Do you think a 7x14 at 3700 pounds would be too much weight for my truck to safely tow? Thanks for your advice.
Not knowing the tow rating of your truck, I would guess it's rated for at least 5000lbs of towing. I don't like to take my vehicle right to the tow limit. I think 3700 would be a comfortable amount under 5000. Maybe someone here who has built one of those trailers can let you know how accurate your estimate is of your final weight.

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Re: Hello From Central Florida

Postby tony.latham » Tue May 14, 2019 9:17 am

Do you think a 7x14 at 3700 pounds would be too much weight for my truck to safely tow?


You can probably look up the tow rating of your vehicle.

If you're really talking safety, I'd consider adding brakes to the trailer if it doesn't already have them --assuming it has brake flanges on the axle. If not, they can be welded on.

Being in a 3,000-pound truck being pushed by another 3,000 pounds down a steep grade or while avoiding something could really take a bite out of the fun factor.

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:thinking:

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Re: Hello From Central Florida

Postby working on it » Tue May 14, 2019 3:15 pm

howlmedia wrote:... We have a 1999 Ford F-150 XL with the 4.6 L V-8 engine. We were wondering what's the best sized cargo trailer for the truck we have.... Do you think a 7x14 at 3700 pounds would be too much weight for my truck to safely tow? Thanks for your advice.

* It all depends on what combination of transmission, tire size, rear axle ratio your truck has, and also whether it's 4x2 or 4x4.... Found this on the web http://changingears.com/Ford-1999-Towing-Guide-Partial.pdf
2013 HHRv "squareback/squaredrop", rugged, 4x8 TTT, 2225 lbs
  • *3500 lb Dexter EZ-Lube braked axle, 3000 lb.springs, active-progressive bumpstop suspension
  • *27 x 8.5-14LT AT tires (x 3) *Weight Distribution system for single-beam tongue
  • *100% LED's & GFCI outlets, 3x fans, AM/FM/CD/Aux. *A/C & heat, Optima AGM, inverter & charger(s)
  • *extended-run, on-board, 2500w generator *Coleman dual-fuel stove & lantern, Ikea grill, vintage skillet
  • *zinc/stainless front & side racks *98"L x 6" diameter rod & reel carrier tube on roof
173193172890148599
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Re: Hello From Central Florida

Postby howlmedia » Tue May 14, 2019 3:52 pm

WOW! Thanks so much for the responses. The trailer will have electric brakes. My truck is a 4X2, automatic, supercab, short bed. It has the factory towing package. I'll have to get under it and see what that final drive ratio is. Thanks again.
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Re: Hello From Central Florida

Postby working on it » Tue May 14, 2019 5:27 pm

* You might use this VIN decoder to see if it will list the components on your truck. https://www.f150forum.com/vindecoder.php
2013 HHRv "squareback/squaredrop", rugged, 4x8 TTT, 2225 lbs
  • *3500 lb Dexter EZ-Lube braked axle, 3000 lb.springs, active-progressive bumpstop suspension
  • *27 x 8.5-14LT AT tires (x 3) *Weight Distribution system for single-beam tongue
  • *100% LED's & GFCI outlets, 3x fans, AM/FM/CD/Aux. *A/C & heat, Optima AGM, inverter & charger(s)
  • *extended-run, on-board, 2500w generator *Coleman dual-fuel stove & lantern, Ikea grill, vintage skillet
  • *zinc/stainless front & side racks *98"L x 6" diameter rod & reel carrier tube on roof
173193172890148599
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