Thought I would seek input from any of you who tow.

I have a Ford F-250 Super Duty FX with the 6.2 gasser, 6 speed automatic transmission that you can tune/chip, or shift manually. It has anti-sway and electric breaks for pulling, etc.
Its the super crew and regular bed.

It pulled my 24 foot boat like its not even there, however, those were for short trips to the water.
We are looking at a 25 foot ( plus or minus a few feet, but under 30 ) trailers, and just not sure what to get.
We will not be full timers, nor out more than a few weeks at a time, so we don't need a "home".
I am thinking I will want to go places that just might not be feasible, access wise, to a larger unit.
It will be only my wife and I, and her two mini weenies....maybe a grand kid, or two, once in a while.
Pretty much figured we need a slide out in the living area.
Now here is where I am really on the fence, bumper pull, or 5th wheel?
I like to keep my bed unmolested, and use it for storage too.....???

Anybody got any input/advice on their towing?

Is there a "safe margin" to stay under for "max" weight pulling....???
I don't want a load that buts up against its max....I mean, is it safe up to 10,000 lbs, but at 10,100 lbs you are out of control?  

Thanks  

PS: I have looked in/posted on trailer message boards, however, they are like going on the politico board here, out of control, hahah!
Folks extremely opinionated, argumentative, and try to sell you sumtin....
Might as well debate Maryann or Ginger  

Beerm8 wrote on 01/18/19 at 09:41:10:


thank you.....

I like firsthand experience by those who have nothing to sell me.
The lots tell you anything on the lop will work  

Can you expand on the differences if possible?

I am still trying to wrap a understanding on just what my limit is with this truck??????  

GOF wrote on 01/18/19 at 15:11:44:


Thank you....it is quite daunting, trying to figure it all out.
Are you familiar with the Ford built in anti-sway, when you are in tow/haul mode?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sLRBv_CToY

I am thinking with a 12500 towing capacity, I am only looking at 8000 or so in the models we like.
That seems to give me some pretty decent cushion, yes?
And my factory class 4 hitch, that should be plenty too.

Again, thanks!  

Ray ,

Ever wonder why cattle trailers , hay trailers , log trailers , etc are 5th wheel ?

They are so easy to back up , and a lot easier on your truck too.   You've seen the hidden door in the middle of the bed models haven't ya ?

Get a flat bed trailer to go with the 5th wheel and you've got a part time job added to the mix !    

My trailering experience is limited to a weight compensating hitch at the back (no fifth wheel).

I think with the size of your truck and the size of trailer you are thinking about, the fifth wheel is not necessary.  The size/weight of your truck will have no problem with a travel trailer that is in the 25-30 foot range.

You might see if there is one of those places that rent travel trailers...maybe rent one for a weekend and see how you like camping/hauling it - or see if you have a neighbor or friend that will let you take their trailer for a "test pull".

Tongue weight is a consideration, What is your class 4 hitch rated for ? Trailers aren't balanced, the axles are closer to the rear this places weight on the tongue and gives the tow vehicle traction. An equalizer hitch would allow you to tow a trailer 1/3 heavier than the hitch rating.
     I would think in this day and age ,that a 30 ft trailer shouldn't weigh 8000 lbs. unless you're packing along 50 cases of beer (and I don't think you're into that

https://www.carid.com/weight-distribution/?utm_source=microsoft&utm_medium=cp...

has factory electric brakes with “gain” adjustments, whatever that means.


Allows you to set how much trailer brake gets applied if you put x pressure on the brake pedal.