What Size Travel Trailer Can a Ford F150 Pull? – [Towing Capacity of Ford F150]

It is a well-known fact that the F150 is an exceptionally versatile truck. It has the power to do loads of things. But I was not that sure of the towing capacity.

For that reason, when I was planning a vacation with my family, I wondered what size travel trailer can a Ford F150 pull?.

Ford F150 can pull travel trailers weighing from 5000 to 14000 pounds. So, in a general sense, all of the F150 will be capable of towing a medium-sized trailer, while newer models can easily pull a large-sized one.

There is more to it which I discussed in detail in this article. So read till the very end.

How Big of a Travel Trailer Can a Ford F150 Pull?

First, you need to understand that the F150 is available in plenty of different versions. Each one of them does not have the same engine and parts.

That creates a lot of variation in terms of towing capacity. Some will boast a pulling capacity of 5000 pounds, while some will have a staggering 14000 pounds.

Depending on the rear-axle ratio, engine, and gear, most of the modern F150s can pull a travel trailer from 5000 pounds to 12000 pounds in weight.

And all of the F150s will surely be capable of towing the trailers within the 5000 pounds of weight.

On the other hand, the versions with a higher towing capacity will easily pull the trailers around 12000 pounds. So, as you can see, the towing capacity will play an important role in dictating how big of a trailer can an F150 pull safely. 

And when it comes to towing capacity, the payload capacity, curb weight, GVWR, and GCVWR are the factors that will have a massive impact.

The curb weight is basically the weight of the vehicle with original parts. GVWR is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. It includes the curb weight, passengers, and other installed parts.

It will be possible to find out the payload capacity by deducting the curb weight from the GVWR. But you would also need to consider the passenger’s weight and additional accessories to the equation if you want to figure out the towing capacity.

Finally, there is GCWR. It stands for Gross Combined Weight Rating. That will offer you the idea of the load you can make your truck withstand when it comes to attaching a trailer.

What Is the Average Length of a Travel Trailer?

There are plenty of different sizes available for the travel trailer. You can basically find one that will check all of your needs in terms of space and room inside.

Nonetheless, the average length of the travel trailer is 20 feet. It has a width of 8 feet and a height of 11 feet.

Even though the average size might seem too small, it can indeed offer a good amount of space inside. You will find plenty of room space for storing furniture and other appliances if you can plan things right.

What Is Tongue Weight on a Travel Trailer?

The tongue weight is the force that a trailer exerts downward. This pressure is exerted on the hitch that is generally connected to the truck.

The tongue weight is pretty significant because too little of it can make the vehicle lift. And when the vehicle does lifts up, it can make the driving rather unsafe.

What Is the Average Tongue Weight of a Travel Trailer?

The average weight of the travel trailers is from 5000 to 8000 pounds. And for each of the travel trailers, the tongue weight should be 9 to 15 percent of the entire weight.

If the tongue weight is not within that range, it will not be safe to drive around with it attached to the back of the truck.

Nonetheless, the average tongue weight of travel trailers is usually from 500 pounds to 800 pounds. And it does comply with the 9 to 15 percent rule.

What Size Travel Trailer Is Allowed in National Parks?

In the United States, there is a specific rule for travel trailers when it comes to getting them inside the national parks.

Almost 90 percent of the park campgrounds will not allow trailers that are more than 25 feet long. That means you should opt for those under 25 feet long if you want to visit national parks.

On that note, some of the national parks will not allow trailers more than 19 feet long. So, you should look into the national park you are planning to visit if you want the trip to go smoothly.

Nonetheless, all of the parks will allow trailers that are up to 12 feet long. You can consider that as a safe spot for length.

How Much Does a Travel Trailer Weigh?

Travel trailers will have varying weights. Some will be small in size, while some will be reasonably large in size.

And the smaller ones can weigh just 1200 pounds, while the large ones will be from 8000 pounds to 10000 pounds. In this case, the higher the size, the higher the weight.

Do I Need the F150 Max Tow Package to Tow a Travel Trailer?

The max trailer tow package does offer a lot of improvements. And those improvements can surely come in handy if you plan to tow a large-sized trailer. However, getting that package is not always necessary. 

The lowest towing capacity of F150 is at 5000 pounds, and 5000 pounds trailers are pretty well-fit for vacations.

So, you can tow a travel trailer without needing to opt for the max trailer tow package. But if you do want the advantages that the package offers, go for it because it is undoubtedly worth the money!

Is It Difficult to Pull a Travel Trailer with a Ford F150?

That will depend on the weight of the travel trailer you are pulling. Also, the towing capacity will play a major role in this case.

For example, if your F150 has a towing capacity of 7700 pounds and you are pulling something that is 8000 pounds, things will surely not go as smooth as you might have thought.

On the other hand, if the towing capacity of your F150 is at 13000+ pounds and you are towing an 8000 pounds trailer, you will face no difficulties at all!