GEN 1 Towing Questions

[Adam Ratatat]

Had a Gen 1 SCAB. Towed a 5800 lb. dry RV with 600lb tongue weight. Stock with weight distribution hitch and sway bar. Absolutely zero issues, and it very nicely passed pretty much everything... even going uphill.

That being said... and your question is a good start... educate yourself on towing in general and always be mindful that when you are hooked up, you are a tow pig not a race truck. Safety comes first. You want a level hookup (not nose in air), you can exceed actual tongue weight with the WDH so long as you don't break gross vehicle weight (weight doesn't change, WDH just shifts the load). And set your trailer brake sensitivity *before* you pull out onto roadways. Both should stop you at same rate... a few practice pull/stops and you'll be able to tell when the trailer is pushing the truck (to little sensitivty) or trailer is slowing the truck down before the truck (to much sensitivity)

If going over Ford towing/weight specs then definitely look into improved springs/brakes/etc. Deaver makes some HD spring packs that will help with the additional load yet still be effective once you unhitch.

@poltrup, This was vital info. Thank you very much for that. i will be close to what you had i think. I am adding HD Atlas Leaf Springs in April (They are being made for me right now) but will make the Tow from So-Cal to St. George Utah at the end of March. I for sure will be doing some practice runs over the next month and intend on getting a smaller travel trailer at the end of this year with lighter Dry weight. Once again, thank you for this, it makes me feel better knowing others have done the same and for sure gives me some homework.

 

[beemerman]

Towing link?

 

[Dane]

@Dane My total weight is about 6,500 lbs. Dry Weight is 5,300 Lbs. I didn't squat to much when i did some local runs but got the Timbren Bump Stops to help. According to the dealer the Weight Distribution hitch should take my tongue eight down to 450 lbs (just got told that today). I plan on taking it easy for sure and will add my post trip synopsis on this thread.

I really appreciate the feedback as well, i am learning a lot from you all and am excited to learn more.

Oh, I get what he's saying. But your trailer tongue weight won't change, the hitch just distributes the load forward on your truck. That's fine, it's a camper. It's designed to place the appropriate tongue weight forward.

Careful, you're pushing it. I'd consider Deavers. They make a big difference.

 

[BigRick73]

My 19’ SCAB pulls my 6000# 26’ travel trailer, 540# tongue weight, DW-stabilizer hitch without any problem. With the bars up/loaded it is within 1/4” of normal/no load height. After pulling it about 2500 miles I decided not to add any additional springs.
The key is the WD hitch being set up correctly. If you aren’t sure how to set up the hitch there are several Utube videos.
Good luck and enjoy it. I’ve pulled vacation trailers for 40 years and absolutely love my Raptor. The ride, acceleration and braking have been great in tow mode.

 

[richm]

Adam, I have a 2010 scab. Tow capacity is 6000lbs. I installed the Timbren bump stops and an Andersen WD hitch. I have towed my MPG 2120 travel trailer from our home in Colorado all over the country with no issues. Trailer dry weight is right at 5000. I weighed after a trip and combined truck/ trailer was 12400. truck has about 79000k on it and getting ready to go to San Diego in a few weeks. Previous trailer was a Kodiak that was a bit heaver. I didn't have the Timbrens at the time, but did have a better equalizer hitch. Again no problems. I Usually have the bed loaded with a generator, cooler, dog fencing, fishing stuff etc. Be aware, it will suck gas BIG TIME!! I rarely go over 65mph (anymore!) towing and average 8-10mg. Keep in mind, a lot of towing at high altitude in Colorado.

 

[Adam Ratatat]

@richm That is a beautiful set-up. I ended up trading in my 2010 SCAB after i blew out the rear suspension (didn't have Timbren's yet). The truck was having some additional maintenance problems that would have been $5-7K to fix. It sucks big time and i miss her a lot but will be back in a Raptor within the next 5 years. I bought a 2020 Silverado LT Trail Boss (Not even close to offroad capability of the Raptor) and am towing 6000-8000lb trailers Dry with that.

 

[JefeAZ]

I towed this 26ft 4,500lb trailer with just a basic weight distribution hitch. Parked here on a slight hill so it looks worse than it was. Dragged this with no issues through 8 miles of mud and at 75mph on the highway.

 

[bwep]

This is my tow set-up. This trailer with 3 snowmobiles weighs in around 4500lbs. Tow this on stock suspension (have Gen 2 shocks all around). Tows great, have over 6,000 miles on this set up. Like others said it does like its fuel 8-10 mpg. Stay within tow rating and truck will be fine.