I could use some advice from towing experts.

[Davexxxx]

"I'm not clear if the Max Payload includes the Added Weight section of the calculator, but the same 1288 number is also on my sticker."

Ford defines payload as GVWR - Curb Weight, as it rolled off the factory floor + a full tank of fuel.

Everything added to the truck after that, subtracts from your 1288. Floor mats, bed mat, tonneau, you, your wife, day bag, tools, hitch, tongue weight. Everything and there is no "official" way to change that.

Not springs, not shocks, not tires, nothing short of finding an outfitter who can recertify whatever changes you make.

Sponsored

 

[Nasto]

We have a '23 Powerboost Max Tow, 5.5 foot bed, with a Winnebago Minnie that weighs 6,000lb dry.

Compared to running an F-250 with a diesel, for example, this is a compromise in one significant way, I think. I manage the cargo capacity problem with great care because it would be easy to go over. For example, I've chosen a very light tonneau and tow with the truck bed and trailer holding tanks empty, pay scrupulous attention to tongue weight, and weigh the whole mess whenever I change things much. To help with squat, I've fitted an Anderson WDH and a Roadactive Suspension kit. Thanks to the many folks on this forum who share info regularly about these things - I am quite happy with the results.

Of course with a 3/4 ton diesel I probably wouldn't have to think about any of that, but I think the OP could take some confidence away from our experience.

Compared to an Airstream, the Minnie is a flying brick. You know you're towing it whenever the wind comes up, but I've never encountered a handling problem that could not be managed by simply slowing down a bit.

We recently took that rig up to Ruidoso from Las Cruces. The route involves a long straight shot through the White Sands Missile Range where the speed limit is 75, but since I have a nervous passenger (and am towing a flying brick), I just set the cruise control at 65. Being passed by an occasional tractor trailer is a new one on me, but my wife says she's happier with the way I drive when we're towing, than when we're not.

Just past Tularosa there's a pretty steep climb that peaks at about 7500 feet. I was extremely pleased with the Powerboost, both uphill and down. It easily ran at the speed limit, and while you can tell it is working harder, it isn't in any way failing to perform. Clearly there is plenty more power there if needed - I can't imagine a hill I'd be willing to tow this trailer up that the Powerboost couldn't handle just fine. Sure, the mileage sucks but at least gas is cheaper and I don't have to deal with DEF. The 31 gallon tank provides plenty of range.

I am looking forward to some boondocking. The Balloon Fiesta in October is a good example. We'll be in the VIP lot which means off-grid, but with ProPower onboard we have a trivial way to recharge the trailer battery every day and run the A/C if needed.

Then there's the other shoe - when we go to San Diego soon to get out of this heat again, we're leaving the trailer at home and going Airbnb. I'll be driving an F150 hybrid, not a diesel Super Duty, through the streets of La Jolla and I'll get well over 20MPG all the way there and back.

Everything's a compromise. I like what I have right now. Nope - nobody could sell me a diesel at this point. I think we'd have to acquire a taste for a much bigger trailer first, and the truck would be largely dedicated to that.

Thanks for the insights. Good stuff. "Flying Brick". That's funny.

 

[Nasto]

"I'm not clear if the Max Payload includes the Added Weight section of the calculator, but the same 1288 number is also on my sticker."

Ford defines payload as GVWR - Curb Weight, as it rolled off the factory floor + a full tank of fuel.

Everything added to the truck after that, subtracts from your 1288. Floor mats, bed mat, tonneau, you, your wife, day bag, tools, hitch, tongue weight. Everything and there is no "official" way to change that.

Not springs, not shocks, not tires, nothing short of finding an outfitter who can recertify whatever changes you make.

Looks like the wife stays home.

 

[Nasto]

I just traded in my F-250 Diesel for a ‘23 F-150 3.5 Ecoboost with Max Tow. Pulled my 31’ Airstream and family of five on a 5000 mile excursion from Alabama out west. It pulled great, including big inclines and full water tanks. It honestly surprised me and I’m very happy with the trade. Do I miss anything about the diesel? Yes - I could drive 70-75 and still get 10-12 mpg. The F-150 has to dig into the turbos to maintain that speed and fuel economy goes down. Engine never broke a sweat and I still had plenty of power remaining if needed.
To get 11mpg I had to stay at 69-70 mph, and the turbo gauge showed flat (not in use) most of the time. That’s much safer driving and I wasn’t in a hurry.
What I love is driving this truck the other 99% of the time when I’m not towing. Fast, easy to park, doesn’t require a football field to turn around, etc.

Wow. Great pics! Is that the International model?

 

[{tpc}]

I'm not clear if the Max Payload includes the Added Weight section of the calculator, but the same 1288 number is also on my sticker.

This is the Airstream we had in mind, with all the options checked.

Summary - Airstream

Damn thats a low number. Even my 2018 2.7 ecoboost had more payload.

I would invest in a sherline tongue scale. Nothing beats a cat scale, but it can aid it see how the tongue weight changes when adding to the trailer. I know all that fancy scale stuff is built it, but I still haven't had the time to figure it all out.

Lets say its 600 tw, and maybe 125 for the weight of the hitch. so 725 off the 1288 as a starting point. 563 left to split between you and the wife and anything else you put in it. Got a nice hard top tonneu...probably another 100 lbs off. It starts to add up quick. Doesn't mean your completely out of doing it, but you will probably need to pay close attention all the time.

 

[Nasto]

I towed for years with the infamous Ford 7.3 Powerstroke.
225 HP
550Lbs Torque

Dually/5ths with that motor were a common sight on the interstate in those days.

The Powerboost makes lunch of those numbers. It can yank the 7000-8000lb trailer up the grade with amazing aplomb. That's not an issue.

But pulling that load is VERY different than carrying that load. The truck is doing both. The Powerboost can pull more than it can carry.

It's towing capacity isn't the limiting factor. It's Payload capacity will be exceeded with towing capacity to spare.

I personally think with careful attention to "setup", that Airstream is doable and you can enjoy a relatively comfortable experience. But I also personally don't think the truck is properly equipped from the factory for what I'm describing. It's a bit undersprung/underdamped for max Payload.

Interesting information, Snake. Looks like most folks here agree to really watch the setup and it should be fine. Or....and hear me out here...I just say screw it, dump My2022, and buy a brand new Lightning with all the options. After all, Jim Farley says they are great for towing and I'm destroying the environment if I don't. ?

 

[UGADawg96]

Interesting information, Snake. Looks like most folks here agree to really watch the setup and it should be fine. Or....and hear me out here...I just say screw it, dump My2022, and buy a brand new Lightning with all the options. After all, Jim Farley says they are great for towing and I'm destroying the environment if I don't. ?

Do that and you'll have to pull over and charge every hour.

 

[Snakebitten]

Keep the Powerboost though, even if you do get the Lightning.

You'll need a Powerboost support truck following you to charge from?

I'll take pictures of my truck charging my Leaf, just to prove it's the perfect EV roadside rescue.

 

[Davexxxx]

Interesting information, Snake. Looks like most folks here agree to really watch the setup and it should be fine. Or....and hear me out here...I just say screw it, dump My2022, and buy a brand new Lightning with all the options. After all, Jim Farley says they are great for towing and I'm destroying the environment if I don't. ?

Let me guess your build.

502a, 4x4, Moon roof, FX4, lockable under seat storage, Electric tailgate. Tailgate step, power running boards, unleashed, bed utility package. factory tonneau and bed liner, factory wheel well liners. Plus maybe a few other things.

That would about account for the difference between yours and my 501a 4x4 with a payload of 1658.

 

[dklyonsjr]

Wow. Great pics! Is that the International model?

Thanks! It’s a 1981 Excella II. I’ve pulled it about 40k miles all over the country, with about 5k being the F-150 3.5 Ecoboost. Long passes like the Bozeman pass - I take those slower, but I did that with the 250 Diesel as well.

 

[Jus Cruisin]

FYI

@Jus Cruisin had a really lousy experience with his Powerboost and he moved on to a GM truck. I can't fault him for that.
But he still enjoys hanging around here so he can take shots at the Powerboost when the opportunity presents.

The ProPower generator would kind of be a waste if all the Powerboost could tow was a jet ski.
There are many threads and fantastic posts on this forum with scenic pictures of the Powerboost mated to an RV boondocking.

They are a match made in heaven for many.

.My issues really wasn't my point....this time. Actually it's because the Powerboost trucks typically have a terribly low payload capacity. What is the point of the big tow rating when you can't carry anything.

 

[Samson16]

Do not buy a Powerboost with towing intentions unless you're talking about dragging your jet skis or snowmobiles around locally. If you just have to have the F150, then get the 3.5l Ecoboost. And then don't cringe at the towing mpg because it'll suck. Been there. Done that. My 2016 F150 King Ranch 3.5l Ecoboost headed from Florida to Michigan with one of my cars for the Woodward Dream Cruise.

Dang Jus! I was expecting that weak Chevy knockoff you drive around nowadays, but instead it's a beautiful KR!

 

[Samson16]

Turns out my lack of funds actually netted me #1624lb. of XLT 302A payload! You do run out of payload long before you run out of towing lbs.

The legendary gimped sticker conundrum.

 

[Polo08816]

So one thing to keep in mind is that payload is weight that can be carried using both axles of the tow vehicle. Conceptually, think of it as weight placed between the steer and drive axles.

Payload does not necessarily mean that is the tongue weight (or hitch weight) your vehicle is capable of supporting. Tongue weight and hitch weight are more closely related to the rear axle weight rating (RAWR) than payload capacity. Furthermore, the hitch weight of a bumper tow application actually applies a lever action on the rear axle weight rating - as opposed to a 5th wheel or goose neck application.

 

[Jus Cruisin]

Dang Jus! I was expecting that weak Chevy knockoff you drive around nowadays, but instead it's a beautiful KR!

That, by a long shot, was my favorite F150.

Sponsored