Originally Posted by
stillworking
Hope you don't mind me piggybacking on your n00b thread OP.
I'm close to pulling the trigger on Desert Fox toyhauler if everything checks out. This trailer is 7800 lbs empty with a max weight of 13,000lbs.
According to Ford my F150 has 2534 lbs of payload, and 10,600 lbs max trailer, I'll probably pick it up dry with my half ton and see how it is.
Luckily I have easy access to heavy duty trucks which might be the way to go...
My biggest concern is making sure the trailer is in good working order with no problems.
I've never bought a trailer trailer before, so would any one care to enlighten me on their used travel trailer purchasing routine?
There is already some good advice here regarding batteries/propane tanks/tires/bearings. What about fridges/furnaces/air conditioners/water pumps/stoves/ovens/holding tanks...?
i think you'll have the payload to haul that trailer but the tongue weight will be the issue. as said, toy haulers generally have more tongue weight because they anticipate you loading up the storage space behind the axles with your toys.
a dry trailer weight of 7800lbs will probably have almost 1600lbs of tongue weight. that is way over the load rating of your hitch. in fact, i have yet to find a class 5 hitch available for the F150.
lets say you load up the back of the trailer with toys, load all your stuff into the trailer up to your 10,600 lbs limit. assuming you were able to get your tongue weight down to 12-15% of that weight, you're still over the rating of your hitch.
if i had that type of payload, i would consider a fifth wheel over a conventional travel trailer. although a fifth wheel toy hauler would be too much for your F150.
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