Trailering Noob Advice

[SOAB]

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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.

[stillworking]

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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.

I crawled under the truck and you are correct. Max tongue weight for the factory hitch is 1100lbs. Thanks.

Also had a read last night on threads concerning WDH and others back to ES's first travel trailer. Interesting that Cos edited all his posts to periods.

[ExtraSlow]

I have a lot of thought on half tons, payload, and wd hitches. Will discuss in person if you want. I have expended a lot of energy on this topic..

[ExtraSlow]

Ran my trailer across the scales today. With family, firewood, generator, I have 900 pounds of stuff in my truck PLUS 1000 lbs of tongue weight. Bigger kids and more gear and I'd be another 200 lbs at least.

[dirtsniffer]

Your trailer must be pretty big. I remember seeing s thread somewhere on it.

[ExtraSlow]

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Your trailer must be pretty big. I remember seeing s thread somewhere on it.

7100 lbs or so.

[dirtsniffer]

Looks like I'll need a new battery. Leaning towards an AGM. Seems like the added benefit of additional cycles, deeper discharges, and faster recharging makes it a worthy upgrade over an flooded cell. Thoughts? Not looking to spend 500+ on a 6v setup.

Thoughts? Any Brand better than another?

[ExtraSlow]

I have heard that not all converters can handle AGM.
Also, are Costco 6v batteries that much? Haven't priced any out in years but would have guessed lower.

My very old Trojan 6v batteries are slowly dying, but even at partial capacity they last us three nights if we don't need the furnace much. I can run generator for an hour to top up, so no big hassle. One day I'll replace.

[dirtsniffer]

Costco 6v are only $150 it turns out. Going to pick some up. Need to figure out the mounting situation

[ExtraSlow]

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Costco 6v are only $150 it turns out. Going to pick some up. Need to figure out the mounting situation

A pair of noco snap top boxes?

[ThePenIsMightier]

This may seem to contradict my posts within last 10 min regarding towing but these clowns in half tons going up Roger's Pass need to go die in a fire. Just keep the flashers on when the passing lanes come and let all 27 of us blow past you. Fuck! I started perfecting the "pass on right because I'm a cunt but you're too stupid and self-centered to breath my air" technique. I get by minimum 6-8 cars at WOT and then cut into left to pass the actual slow-ass MF in front. Rinse & repeat.
That passing lane is for everyone. Not just the ONE guy in his Sienna who's immediately stuck behind Johnny F-150 pulling a rail car up the mountains.

[dirtsniffer]

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A pair of noco snap top boxes?

Seems like they'll work fine. CT and princess auto don't have them. Any idea where to find them locally?

[ExtraSlow]

Battery Express or hobo camper country? They were cheapest from Amazon with prime shipping last year.