2024 FORD RV & TRAILER TOWING GUIDE

[Buyer2021]

Google led me to the 2024 RV & Trailer Towing Guide at this URL from this forum:

extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/attachments/2024-ford-rv-and-trailer-tow-guide-pdf.105917/

But when I search this forum I find no thread or post relating to that document (?)

Is there a thread or post where this is document is linked and discussed?

IMO it's conspicuous that the 2024 Towing Guide is absent any reference to the optional Max Tow Axle codes XL5 / XL7 which, per the Order Guide, are required to achieve maximum rated towing capability.

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[fatBatman]

Google led me to the 2024 RV & Trailer Towing Guide at this URL from this forum:

extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/attachments/2024-ford-rv-and-trailer-tow-guide-pdf.105917/

But when I search this forum I find no thread or post relating to that document (?)

Is there a thread or post where this is document is linked and discussed?

IMO it's conspicuous that the 2024 Towing Guide is absent any reference to the optional Max Tow Axle codes XL5 / XL7 which, per the Order Guide, are required to achieve maximum rated towing capability.

That is interesting. The 2024 Order Guide, regarding the Tow/Haul Package (53T) says:

TOW/HAUL PACKAGE (53T)
Availability:
• Opt. on XL, STX, XLT, Lariat
• Standard on King Ranch, Platinum
Not available with:
• 2.7L Engine
Includes:
XL, STX and XLT:
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• 3.55 Electronic-locking rear-axle (requires 3.5L V6 EcoBoost® engine (998))
• 3.73 Electronic-locking rear-axle (requires 5.0L V8 engine (995) engine; std on 3.5L
PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 engine (99D))
• Upgraded Rear Bumper
Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum (701A/702A) (incl. XLT equipment plus):
• Onboard Scales
• Smart Hitch
Platinum (703A)
• Onboard Scales
• Smart Hitch
• Removes Axle Upgrade
• Removes Upgraded Rear Bumper
Optional Equipment: (Max Tow Axle required for maximum trailer tow capability)
• 3.55 Max Tow Electronic-locking rear-axle (XL5) (NA on XL or 22” Wheels)
• 3.73 Max Tow Electronic-locking rear-axle (XL7) (NA on XL or 22” Wheels)

Based on the Order Guide and the Towing guide, if you have a Platinum 703A (comes with 22" wheels standard), you will only be able to tow a maximum of 10,800 lbs. If you have the Platinum 701A/702A, King Ranch, or Lariat with 20" wheels, you will be able to tow 11,200 lbs (with the hybrid). I would imagine that if you had a Platinum 701A/702A, King Ranch, or Lariat and opted for the 22" wheels, your maximum tow rating would be limited to the same as a Platinum 703A (10,800 lbs.).

Note: the 22" wheels require you to get the PowerBoost. You cannot order a F150 with 22" wheels and not get the PowerBoost. Therefore, if you have 22's, you can only tow 10,800 lbs. If you don't get 22's, you can tow slightly more. Then again, if you are towing close to maximum, I don't think you should be looking at a F150 to begin with.

 

[Buyer2021]

Based on the Order Guide and the Towing guide, if you have a Platinum 703A (comes with 22" wheels standard), you will only be able to tow a maximum of 10,800 lbs. If you have the Platinum 701A/702A, King Ranch, or Lariat with 20" wheels, you will be able to tow 11,200 lbs (with the hybrid). I would imagine that if you had a Platinum 701A/702A, King Ranch, or Lariat and opted for the 22" wheels, your maximum tow rating would be limited to the same as a Platinum 703A (10,800 lbs.).

Perhaps, but one must wonder if those numbers assume the optional XL5 or XL7 Max Tow Axle?

IMO the way it's written the Trailer Guide leaves lots of wiggle-room for that less-than-explicit possibility.

Or maybe your point, I just realized, is that trims with 22" wheels make the whole notion of max possible tow ratings moot? IMO it sucks that one can't get a Lariat with 18" wheel like my 2022.

Then again, if you are towing close to maximum, I don't think you should be looking at a F150 to begin with.

I agree, but nonetheless IMO Ford should fully disclose exactly what's required to achieve maximum capability ratings. For me the benefit of knowing actual max ratings and exactly what's required to achieve them, is not to push to that limit, but to help ensure that one stays comfortably below those limits (personally, I prefer a truck be rated for 20% more than the trailer I plan to tow; IOW, trailer weight is only 80% of rated vehicle capacity).

 

[fatBatman]

Perhaps, but one must wonder if those numbers assume the optional XL5 or XL7 Max Tow Axle?

IMO the way it's written the Trailer Guide leaves lots of wiggle-room for that less-than-explicit possibility.



I agree, but nonetheless IMO Ford should fully disclose exactly what's required to achieve maximum capability ratings. For me the benefit of knowing actual max ratings and exactly what's required to achieve them, is not to push to that limit, but to help ensure that one stays comfortably below those limits (personally, I prefer a truck be rated for 20% more than the trailer I plan to tow; IOW, trailer weight is only 80% of rated vehicle capacity).

I won't disagree with any of that. I won't say Ford has always been vague but at the same time, the towing guide hasn't always been easy to find on their website either. That said, there isn't a salesman in the country (truck or trailer salesman) that knows the towing specs or guidelines for these trucks. Of course, it's easy for a Ford salesman to rattle off the maximum tow rating and say it is the same for all trucks. Similarly, I have never even heard of an RV salesman that knew anything about a weight distribution hitch (WDH).
Even WDH manufacturers ignore tests performed in SAE J2807 and don't pay attention to little things like Page 41 of Ford's towing guide (setting up the Front Axle Load Restoration) or the towing guide for other manufacturers. I know this because I have called a lot of them after reading their instructions that were in direct conflict with the vehicle manufacturer.

Okay, rant over. I'm sure you'd agree that it would be both prudent and wise for any consumer to research and do a little homework before towing heavy loads just to make sure they have everything right and within limits. And, when I say research, I do not mean asking forums or Facebook but instead, reading manuals and instructions. They may come to a similar conclusion as we have when reading the towing guide and the ordering guide and comparing them.

 

[Samson16]

Did anyone purchase an F-150 with the plan to regularly tow over 10,000lbs.?
I sure didn't.
26' travel trailer with a GVWR of 7,500 lbs. is my intention.

 

[fatBatman]

Did anyone purchase an F-150 with the plan to regularly tow over 10,000lbs.?
I sure didn't.
26' travel trailer with a GVWR of 7,500 lbs. is my intention.

I didn't either. My 25' Airstream only weighs 5500 lbs empty. Loaded, it might get as high as 6500 at the very most with full tanks. The maximum trailer GVWR is something like 7300 lbs and I will never come close to that.
This Airstream will also be the biggest thing I will ever tow with a F150. If I ever got a bigger trailer, I'd get a bigger truck. Yeah, the F150 is rated for more but with wind gusts and idiots on the road paying more attention to making a TikTok video than driving, I will continue to play it safe knowing that I have a lot of capability remaining in maneuvering and braking.

 

[Samson16]

I didn't either. My 25' Airstream only weighs 5500 lbs empty. Loaded, it might get as high as 6500 at the very most with full tanks. The maximum trailer GVWR is something like 7300 lbs and I will never come close to that.
This Airstream will also be the biggest thing I will ever tow with a F150. If I ever got a bigger trailer, I'd get a bigger truck. Yeah, the F150 is rated for more but with wind gusts and idiots on the road paying more attention to making a TikTok video than driving, I will continue to play it safe knowing that I have a lot of capability remaining in maneuvering and braking.

That is a beautiful combination sir! Congratulations and happy adventures!

 

[fatBatman]

That is a beautiful combination sir! Congratulations and happy adventures!

Thank you! The truck is gone but it will soon be replaced with a '24 King Ranch PowerBoost (so I can power the trailer and spend less time at parks with hookups).

 

[Buyer2021]

Did anyone purchase an F-150 with the plan to regularly tow over 10,000lbs.?

There's some examples of fairly (ahem, IMO) 'ambitious' trailer loads in this thread; and others scattered around like this example.

IME relatively few people actually pull their loaded-for-travel rigs across a CAT scale to know what they are dealing with, too many actually believe what a trailer manufacturer advertises, and too many people lowball what they add as cargo in their truck and trailer.

Not of that mindset myself, well-within every rating / guidance with my rig including frontal area. Key truck and trailer specs are in my signature block below.

 

[Eighthtry]

I would tow those rigs only with an F250 or up. Life is too short.

 

[kmayer]

I didn't either. My 25' Airstream only weighs 5500 lbs empty. Loaded, it might get as high as 6500 at the very most with full tanks. The maximum trailer GVWR is something like 7300 lbs and I will never come close to that.
This Airstream will also be the biggest thing I will ever tow with a F150. If I ever got a bigger trailer, I'd get a bigger truck. Yeah, the F150 is rated for more but with wind gusts and idiots on the road paying more attention to making a TikTok video than driving, I will continue to play it safe knowing that I have a lot of capability remaining in maneuvering and braking.

I didn't either. My 25' Airstream only weighs 5500 lbs empty. Loaded, it might get as high as 6500 at the very most with full tanks. The maximum trailer GVWR is something like 7300 lbs and I will never come close to that.
This Airstream will also be the biggest thing I will ever tow with a F150. If I ever got a bigger trailer, I'd get a bigger truck. Yeah, the F150 is rated for more but with wind gusts and idiots on the road paying more attention to making a TikTok video than driving, I will continue to play it safe knowing that I have a lot of capability remaining in maneuvering and braking.

Do you have any problems with rocks being thrown up from the F150 onto the airstream? Trying to decide if I need mud guards.

 

[Buyer2021]

I would tow those rigs only with an F250 or up. Life is too short.

Insofar as the fiberglass 5th wheel rig in post #9, here's the Towing Calculator VIN-based results with actual Cat Scale weights added:

I don't carry anything other than personal incidentals in the truck while travelling. Accessories include the B&W Turnoverball + Andersen in-bed hitch, Line-X, cast aluminum running boards, etc.

The trailer is 7'4" wide x 9'4" high = 68.5 Sq ft frontal area (Towing Guide recommended 5th wheel limit is 75 sq ft). Camper-to-cab clearance allows the rig to 'jackknife' 90-degrees without conflict.

It tows like a dream, a very relaxed-driving rig.

IMO there's absolutely nothing in any of that indicating an F250 is needed or would provide a safer or more comfortable towing experience in this case - the truck and trailer are well-matched.

 

[CND Supercrew]

The issue is that you will ALWAYS run out of payload capacity before you can pull that much weight. I've been towing for 20 years and was a RV tech for 4 years. Payload will always determine your trailer weight...

 

[CND Supercrew]

New trailer from 4 years ago and previous F150

 

[fatBatman]

Do you have any problems with rocks being thrown up from the F150 onto the airstream? Trying to decide if I need mud guards.

I never had any problems with stones/rocks. The stainless rock guards on the front corners of the Airstream do their jobs very well. I think I may have 1 ding in one side of them but that is after several thousand miles of being dragged all over this country. I keep them polished with wax though but they are a good quality stainless and I have never seen any hint of rust as seen from lower quality stainless.

I would tow those rigs only with an F250 or up. Life is too short.

This reply will take much longer but I'm glad someone mentioned it because life is too short to not be well informed. I'll start with the numbers with math (this will be boring to most). Then, I'll add the various pics to support the math and prove that a F150 is more than capable of towing a 25' travel trailer. But first, the F150 is NOT a half-ton truck. When it has a payload capacity of 1500 lbs., it is a 3/4 truck. My truck in this example, has a payload capacity of 1820 lbs. This is more than a 3/4 ton truck but less than a 1-ton...think of it like a "heavy 3/4 ton".

Payload capacity of my 2021 F150: 1820 lbs.
Front Axle GAWR: 3525 lbs.
Rear Axle GAWR: 3800 lbs.
Total Towing Capacity (5.0 with 3.31 gears): 9400 lbs.
Maximum GCWR for my engine/gearing combination: 14,800 lbs.

36 gallons of fuel (7 lbs./gallon): *252 lbs.
Me and my GF even after I have eaten a tub of ice cream: *350 lbs.
Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH): *150 lbs.
Miscellaneous cargo plus girlfriends purse filled with the content of 2 Walmart stores: *125 lbs.
Total weight of payload BEFORE trailer tongue weight: *877 lbs.
Trailer Tongue Weight: 850 lbs. (more on that later)
Total Payload: 1727 lbs. (nearly 100 lbs. under maximum rating but the above numbers are very liberal)

* All weight provided is very generous. Unleaded fuel for example, weighs 6.25-6.35 lbs./gallon and my girlfriend and I don't weigh anywhere near 350 lbs. even with heavy winter clothes despite my username.

Trailer Weight: 5563 lbs. (EMPTY LP tanks and with no water)
Trailer GVWR: 7300 lbs.

CAT Scale Weight for entire rig: 11,520 lbs. (3280 lbs. under GCWR)
CAT Scale Front Axle (Loaded): 2940 lbs. (585 lbs. under GAWR)
CAT Scale Rear Axle (Loaded): 3480 lbs. (320 lbs. under GAWR)
CAT Scale Trailer Axle (Loaded): 5100 lbs. (2200 lbs. under Trailer GVWR)
Tongue Weight applied using Weigh Safe Weight Distribution Hitch (no pics unfortunately): 850 lbs. (550 lbs. under Ford's 1400 lbs. of maximum tongue weight using a WDH...Page 41 of the 2021 Towing Guide)

Seeing all of the numbers and math above, I am well within the manufacturer's advised maximum towing limits as tested using SAE J2807 standards. Furthermore, the 850 lbs. of tongue weight was dialed in using a Weigh Safe brand WDH (the only hitch I will ever buy). When loading this weight and using it's app to set up, it dialed me directly into having a 50% Weight Distribution Correction Factor (sometimes called "Front Axle Load Ratio" or Front Axle Load Restoration") as instructed on Page 42 of Ford's 2021 Towing Guide (the same year for my truck used during this discussion). The Weigh Safe WDH has a dial that allows you to properly and immediately adjust your distributed weight to your front axles and set your tongue weight. It completely takes the guess work out of setting up your trailer and after about an hour of initial set-up, it takes less than 5 minutes to adjust every time you hook up your trailer. Plus, you don't need that fancy new "Pro-Access Tailgate" because the hitch sets back far enough to where you can lower your tailgate without hitting your trailer jack when hooked up.

As for Frontal Area, yeah I am slightly over (8' wide X 9'6" tall = 76). The Frontal Area Consideration recommended from Ford on Page 16 of the 2021 Towing Guide is 60 square feet. However, I know that the curvature of trailers aren't added into this consideration and they can't be because every trailer is shaped differently so the Frontal Consideration is a literal straight up and down brick wall moving through the air while an Airstream is extremely slick comparatively speaking. When towing, I would regularly get 13-13.5 MPG while others at the RV park were getting 10-11 MPG with different trailers (admittedly different engine and gearing as well). With that said, even Ford calls it a "consideration" and says "exceeding these limitations may significantly reduce the performance of your towing vehicle." It DOES NOT say it is unsafe hence, the weights discussed above.

To the original comment, "life is too short", I would also submit that others agree. For this reason all auto manufacturers have voluntarily submitted themselves to the testing standards outline in SAE J2807. It is the results of these tests that allow a manufacturer to say thinks like "most payload in it's class" or "highest tow rating of any truck in it's class".
Note: no manufacturer uses the term 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, or etc. anymore and haven't for a long time. The media and auto bloggers still do but that hasn't been an accurate term since the mid-70's. As a matter of fact, the F150 was never a 1/2 ton truck, the F100 was. These trucks are now advertised by their "class". The capabilities, like the horsepower and efficiency ratings continue to go up with better technologies and that is why they are rated by "class" and not simply 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, and etc.

Cheers!

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