New to towing 5th wheel

[F250SRWCC]

I'm new to a 5th wheel and towing. I have a 2006 F250 srw cc 3.73 gears 6.0L with tow package SCT programmer upgraded brakes(slotted rotors). I'm looking at a 2010 keystone raptor 300mp. I know other people with the same set up and say they have no problems. But after looking around online I'm unsure if my truck will be okay. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[theeyres]

You may need to post the specs for us to comment...both on your specific truck and the trailer. Check past posts on the same subject...

[chuckster57]

Unfortunately programmers and slotted rotors do nothing to increase your capacities. Best thing to do is to load your truck with everything you would have in it, including people, pets, gear and fuel. Take a trip to the nearest CAT scale and get some numbers.

Once you have them, then look at the tag on the drivers door, do some math and you'll know how much trailer your truck is designed to handle. Programmers will help with increased HP, and slotted rotors being better can be debated, but they do nothing to change the numbers on that label on the drivers door.

LOTS of threads about weights and such in the towing section, may be worth looking at.

[KanTC]

Weighing your truck (as Chuckster suggested) will be your best approach. Any time a vehicle as been modified (after-market add-on's), the factory numbers (curb weight/payload
from the factory sticker) may no longer be accurate. Here's some additional info --

2010 Raptor 300MP SPECS http://www.keystonerv.com/previous-years?brand=Raptor&year=2010

**Shipping Weight 11,246 lbs
Carrying Capacity 3,144 lbs
*Hitch/Pin Weight 2,390 lbs
Length 35' 5"
Height 13' 1"
Fresh Water 110 gal
Waste Water 39 gal
Gray Water 78 gal
LPG 60 gal
Tire Size 235/80R16E

**Shipping Weight = standard features, factory build, no options included... and without LP, batteries, or cargo/supplies/gear
*Hitch/Pin Weight = for an empty/dry trailer... before LP, batteries, or cargo/supplies/gear added.

2006 Ford Towing Guide [see PAGE 17 for 5th wheel info]
http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/2006RVguideApr08.pdf

Hope this helps!
Terri, the Chevy co-pilot :)

[jtyphoid]

LOTS of threads about weights and such in the towing section, may be worth looking at.

Not only lots of threads, but also some very different opinions. You'll need to decide if you want to stay within the factory specifications for towing or whether you'll go by how it feels and handles.

Through ignorance, I was over factory specs with 2 different tow vehicle/trailer combinations early in my towing "life", and I had control (white knuckle situations) and drive train (more frequent breakdowns) issues both times.

That experience has put me firmly in the "stay under factory specs" group. Others have had different experiences and have different opinions.

[Mark TC]

Check this out, this is what I used when I traded my 2013 gasser 3.73 for a 2014 6.7. 3.55
http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/13flrv&tt_superdtypu.pdf


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD MTC

[Desert185]

That highlights how rear axle ratio is so important to the equation.

FWIW, limited slip should be standard on any pickup, particularly 4WD. When living at Tahoe and having a pickup with limited slip, appropriate tires, a bed full of snow (for traction) and a Warn winch, I was a popular guy. Amazing how many SUV's or pickups would get stranded on a slippery surface while in 4WD without an LSD. The pilgrim, tourist drivers were befuddled that their nice new rig was immobile and thought something was wrong. I offered that they didn't opt for the LSD option. The response was usually, "What's that"?

[homer3]

Please inform me, just how does a programmer actually increase an engines horse power. I never did understand this. Does this work on both gas and diesel??

[chuckster57]

"Programmers" come in different flavors. Some are a chip that is installed into the PCM (computer), others are software that is downloaded into the PCM. There are generic "canned" tunes and some companies will write a program for your specific needs/wants.

They all alter the parameters that the computer uses to operate the engine under various conditions. Fuel curve is one of the parameters changed, and doing so can "add" HP and torque. Some tunes require a few supporting mods like upgraded turbo or upgraded/bigger injectors. There are tuners/chips for both gas and Diesel engines. Wander over to any vehicle forum and you can read for days about this or that tuner and what it's done for the driver.

[Desert185]

Please inform me, just how does a programmer actually increase an engines horse power. I never did understand this. Does this work on both gas and diesel??

What Chuckster said. The onboard computer controls the engine operating parameters. Modifying the programming changes fuel, boost and timing curves, enhancing power and even providing an increase in mileage under some conditions.

Edge, as an example, is a respected company. http://edgeproducts.com

[F250SRWCC]

Okay I got my truck weighed today.... wet, hitch, and me in the truck it came in at 8500lbs, add the wife, kids and some crap I'm sure it would be 9k.

I have a SCT Livewire TS with custom tunes and love it. Also for the slotted rotors I only did them to help in cooling didn't really think it would help in stopping power.

I've been pulling a TT toy hauler that is around 10k loaded and it pulls that great with the set up I have also with a WD hitch.

[JRTJH]

You indicate your truck weight is 8500 without your family and about 9000 with your family. The GVW of current model 3/4 ton Ford trucks is 9900-10,000 lbs. If I recall, the 2006 Ford F250's is rated at 9600 with a maximum of 10,000 lbs on some applications. That puts your remaining payload at somewhere between 600 lbs and 1000 lbs. The GCWR is 23,500 lbs, subtracting your truck weight of 9000 leaves 14,500 lbs. The dry weight of the 300MP is 11246 with a cargo capacity of 3144 for a total GVW of 14,390. That's "right at" your maximum capacity.

The Raptor 300MP empty tongue weight is 2390 lbs. That's over double your remaining payload after your family is onboard. As stated earlier in this thread, there is a debate on whether one should follow the engineering limitations or whether it's OK to ignore the ratings and consider "if it will pull it, I'm OK." That choice is pretty much up to you, however other's will probably add their opinions to your recent weigh-in and whether the 300 MP is a good match for your truck.