Advice for towing passport -2300BH grand touring

[raska5]

Hi,
I am new to this forum and would very much appreciate any/all advise. We own a 2003 2x4 Ford F-150 4.2L v6. According to my RV salesman it won't have any issues towing a new passport 2300 BH which has a hitch weight of 460 and Dry weight of 4380. Please excuse my ignorance, I've tried to figure this out on my own. Salesmen are so intimidating! Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

[f6bits]

If you have the 3.31 rear end, no way. If you have the 3.55, then kinda sorta. A loaded trailer is typically 1,000 lbs over dry weight, putting you at max. When you're maxed out, you're in for a very sluggish pull.

That trailer has a 2300 lb cargo capacity, putting you way over your max tow capacity.

So, it's doable, but only if the trailer is near empty. Unfortunately, it looks like the 2300bh is the typical weight for Keystone's smallest bunkhouse.

If you want to enjoy towing, get a stronger truck or find a lighter trailer.

[raska5]

You gotta love those salesmen! I'm supposed to close on loan at the bank tomorrow. I wish I would have found you earlier.

[f6bits]

Live and learn. That's why I traded in my favorite Grand Cherokee and bought the F150 (Certified Pre-Owned). I love the trailer, but grew to hate towing it.

[rrohrer]

agree with f6bits. i'm afraid you're gonna need a bigger truck. f150 with the 5.4 v8 would do. but that v6 will be too small.

[Kristi]

x2 that v6 may do the job, barely, with an empty tt. But I wouldn't want to try it. Sorry.

[raska5]

Our truck has the 3.55 rear end. We were hoping to hold on to our truck for at least one more year. Would it be ok to tow for short trips? The campground we go to is about 30 miles away.

[f6bits]

The good news is that it's just a power issue. If it's a flat drive, then I wouldn't panic. Just keep the trailer as light as possible and start shopping for a replacement truck. With enough time, can find an outstanding deal on a very capable used truck.

[scuba0331]

Short trips should be fine as long as you don't have a big grade!

Pack light! Is the dealer installing a brake controller? What kind of WD hitch are you using?

[SAABDOCTOR]

I agree with f6bits keep it light and short till you can find a bigger truck and please no 70+ mph or the cab will smell bad if you have to stop real fast enjoy. I have never regretted moving up to a larger truck! towing is almost a non event!

[GMcKenzie]

Originally Posted by raska5

You gotta love those salesmen!

No.

No I don't.

Line them up and skin them alive maybe, but I don't gotta love them.

I honestly expect more from the rv salesperson than the used car guy.

[raska5]

Yes, our truck has electric breaks. We are getting a pro series
750 wt. Distributing Spring Bar
10,000 Max. Gross Trailer Weight
750 max hitch Weight- 2 bars

Pro series frictrion sway controll

I guess we better start shopping for bigger truck. Worse case scenario, I think we can use our backup work truck. She's a 1992 f150 5.0L reg cab with 3.55 rear axle. Thanks for all the input!!