The Towing Thread (Unofficially)

[Badgertits]

So anyone have experience with the Geny hitches? Definitely overkill for my purposes, also pricey, but the ones with the rubber bushings that somewhat absorb shock transmitted through a solid hitch look very interesting.

Also, we all know, or most know, that lower tire pressure results in a more comfy ride. I usually keep mine at around 36 front, 34 rear.

When towing is it necessary to have higher pressures, like 38 or 40?

ummm yeah

first of all the factory recommend pressure is 38 psi, I know alot of people run em lower due to "more comfy ride" - or perception of one anyhow - but check your door for the correct cold PSi - its 38

When towing it is very typical for manufacturers to recommend increasing tire pressure & its also just common knowledge for folks who are towing - more air results in a s stiffer sidewall which results in better control/easier towing of heavier trailers or heavy loads in bed. Exactly what that pressure increase "should" be is probably fairly complicated taking into consideration vehicle weight/tongue weight/trailer/cargo weight & the type of tire - load range C vs D vs E, LT vs P etc. General rule of thumb? 2-5 psi higher is a good starting range

 

[SmokieRiver]

Sounds normal. Note that there is no actual Oil Temperature Sensor on these engines; the oil temp value is inferred using an algorithm based on the Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) sensor.

If the engine oil is determined to be over temperature by the algorithm, the PCM will activate a protection strategy and set DTC P0298.

Good to hear. It was a little higher than when not towing, but still away from the red line and was not overly concerned.

 

[DBRaptor]

Hey all -

New to all of this...first pickup I've owned...wanted a Raptor forever and finally have one and love it!

It's a 19 802A SCREW and am interested in purchasing a new camper. I'd be taking it on camping trips to the beach and possibly national parks etc.

Question is...can the Raptor handle towing a camper on the beach? I've done a little research and what I've found is that it's not the best at towing heavy trailers. What I am looking at is not a huge trailer, actually on the smaller size, about 5900 lbs (with no added weight in it like food, clothes etc). Specifically looking at this: https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers/x-lite/263BHXL/2416

Thanks guys...you're all so smart

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

Hey all -

New to all of this...first pickup I've owned...wanted a Raptor forever and finally have one and love it!

It's a 19 802A SCREW and am interested in purchasing a new camper. I'd be taking it on camping trips to the beach and possibly national parks etc.

Question is...can the Raptor handle towing a camper on the beach? I've done a little research and what I've found is that it's not the best at towing heavy trailers. What I am looking at is not a huge trailer, actually on the smaller size, about 5900 lbs (with no added weight in it like food, clothes etc). Specifically looking at this: https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers/x-lite/263BHXL/2416

Thanks guys...you're all so smart

i think we already answered your question here
https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/towing-a-camper-on-the-beach.76945/#post-1497349

 

[MDJAK]

Surprise, surprise, after 2 weeks or so, I’m trading my new ATC 7x14 foot trailer for an ATC 8.5x16 trailer.

now, I found the 14 too small. My original trailer was 6x12 so I figured A foot wider and 2 longer was good. Nope.

my question is, am I going too small yet again? For a few grand more I can get a 24’ trailer and maybe take my car along on trips. It will be rare but nice to do.

what say you?

I’ll mainly be using it for ATV and kayaks and want to be able to get 2 atvs in it if needed.
So is 8.5x16 big enough?

 

[Slow6]

Depends on the size of the ATV's or the kayaks. I've had 18' flat deck trailers before but unless it's for a special purpose I'd never go under 18 ft again especially on an enclosed. Go V nose if you can it's amazing what even a slight v nose will do for you. If you ever thought about getting a side by side the 16 is going to be tight. Figure a foot minimum in front and back of each machine to have room to strap things down.

 

[MDJAK]

Ty. The trailer dealer near me doesn’t seem to have 18’ ATC in stock. Asked if he can get one.

what is the minimum size trailer, enclosed. To put let’s say a 5 series bmw in? Will it fit in an 18’? Seems most trailers for cars are 24’ which is way too big for me.

 

[NE Raptor]

8.5 x 20 is a popular size for a car trailer, I think you could fit a 5 series in that...probably not much room to spare though

 

[dmb359]

Hey all -

New to all of this...first pickup I've owned...wanted a Raptor forever and finally have one and love it!

It's a 19 802A SCREW and am interested in purchasing a new camper. I'd be taking it on camping trips to the beach and possibly national parks etc.

Question is...can the Raptor handle towing a camper on the beach? I've done a little research and what I've found is that it's not the best at towing heavy trailers. What I am looking at is not a huge trailer, actually on the smaller size, about 5900 lbs (with no added weight in it like food, clothes etc). Specifically looking at this: https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers/x-lite/263BHXL/2416

Thanks guys...you're all so smart

Nice looking trailer, you'll definitely want a Weigh Distribution Hitch, and maybe some Timbrens or spring upgrade or something to avoid a lot of sag.

The numbers are fine dry, but you load it up and you will be pushing the specified limits, especially of the tongue weight, that will easily go up to over 800lbs when you load it. Just filling the water tank may take you to 800 depending on where its located (mine adds 150lbs to the tongue weight when water is filled). You should be able to tow it just fine, just be aware. Maybe measure the weights after you get it and fill it to see how much it truly is when you use it.

 

[rabidranger]

Here's my 2018 SCAB with a 30' Forest River Surveyor. 4750 lbs in the pic. Picking it up from storage. Has a weight distributing hitch, no idea on the make/model, it came with the camper when I bought it used.