How to Tell if GVWR 7,800 lb Trailer is Too Heavy for 2011 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 4x4 3.5L V6 EcoBoost

Question:

2011 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 4x4 3.5L v6 Ecoboost Hi, We are looking at buying the truck mentioned above, and are looking at a trailer to go with it. The trailer has a gvwr of 7,800lbs. The tongue weighs 850lbs. I believe the towing capacity of the truck is 11,300. Is this a good pairing? Assuming we don’t exceed 85 of towing capacity, I calculate we would be left with 955 lbs for passengers 11,300x.85= 9605-8650=955 We would average 600lbs in passenger weight. Do we need a larger truck? Thanks.

asked by: Jay

Expert Reply:

If your 2011 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 4x4 3.5L v6 EcoBoost has a GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) of 17,000 lbs then you definitely have a towing capacity of 11,300 lbs which would be more than enough for a trailer with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 7,800 lbs. If you don't know what your GCWR for the F-150 you should be able to find it on the sticker in the driver's door jamb.

The GCWR of a vehicle is the max combined weight rating for the vehicle, any cargo/passengers in the vehicle, plus the loaded weight of the trailer. From what I could find if looks like your F-150 alone can weigh 5,128 lbs - 6,200 lbs

The GVWR of a trailer is the max amount that it can weight fully loaded. The only way that your trailer is going to weigh over 7,800 lbs is if you overload it or if the 7,800 lbs is the weight of the trailer dry (unloaded).

With all of this info we can calculate how much weight you can have in your F-150 safely:

GCWR - 17,000 lbs
Curb Weight - 6,200 lbs (at the most)
GVWR of Trailer - 7,800 lbs (when the trailer is fully loaded)

If we subtract the curb weight and the trailer GVWR from the GCWR of your F-150 we are left with 3,000 lbs. As long as you aren't putting more than 3,000 lbs in your truck cab and bed combined then you're good to go!

I am attaching a link to helpful articles about trailer towing that you can check out, as well as the fitguide to your 2011 Ford F-150 so you can see what else you might be able to use with your pickup.