Can Ford F-150 Pull 5th Wheel? Explained!

Sun is out, and you want to spend your time in a sweet camper somewhere with a bomb view? We want that badly, too! Your Ford F-150 is made for towing, so what is a 5th-wheel camper for it, right?

However, this is very tricky. As we said in the rest of our article, there are numerous situations where it is advisable not to pull a 5th wheel.

In this article, find out what to look out for when pulling a 5th wheel, which engine is your best bet and more!

Pulling A 5th Wheel: Key Takeaways

• Some fifth-wheel RVs can be safely mounted to your Ford F-150. Be careful not to exceed your truck’s payload and towing capacities with your fifth wheel. 
• F-150s with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine will be able to pull a 5th wheel

Can F-150 Tow the 5th Wheel?

The most popular half-ton truck for towing is the Ford F-150. It was first released in 1975, and this is the 14th generation of it. 

Can it tow a fifth wheel, though? 

Yes indeed, but it’s also tricky. 

Navigating the 5th-wheel tow capability might be challenging since the vehicle has various variations. 

There are a couple of factors that are deciding when asking if you can pull a 5th wheel, so keep reading to find out all about them!

What Size 5th Wheel Can a Ford F-150 Tow?

Even with the maximum trailer tow package, the Ford F-150 can pull a fifth-wheel recreational vehicle, but it is not advised for a bigger fifth-wheel RV.

Opt for the most robust engines if you want to tow a 5th wheel, such as F-150 with towing ability of 14,000 pounds. Opt for SuperDuty if you want to be sure.

What Are The Factors That Affect Towing A 5th Wheel?

You can see below a variety of criteria that affect how much weight the current F-150 can pull. The primary elements are:

• Engine.
• An axle ratio.
• Whether you pull it with a supercab, regular cab, or super crew.
• Whether it is equipped with the maximum trailer tow package.

• 2WD / 4WD.
• Wheelbase.
• Whether the payload package is installed or not.

There are also other factors that you have to take into consideration: 

Tailgate Clearance

Ford specifies that the maximum tailgate height while hauling a fifth wheel should be 58.3 inches. 

The maximum tailgate height is specified as being equal to the base curb weight when the closed tailgate lip is at its highest point. Model, choices, tire size, and height all affect this. Therefore, the only reliable method to determine this number is to measure the distance on your truck. 

Lightning and the Raptor Cannot Tow 5th Wheel

Ford advises against using a Raptor or Lightning model to pull a fifth wheel.

Short-box Designs

The Supercrew versions with a 145.4-foot wheelbase have 5.5-foot boxes, and Ford advises that while these boxes will take a 5th-wheel hitch, most 5th-wheel trailers will not work with these models. 

Fifth-wheel RVs can occasionally weigh more than an F-150 can pull. Depending on the model and engine, an F-150 can tow between 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) and 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg). 

While the average weight of fifth-wheel RVs is 12,700 lbs (5,761 kg), they can weigh anywhere from 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) to 16,000 lbs (7,257 kg). As you can see, F-150s can pull fifth wheels in some situations but not others. 

So, to tow a fifth wheel with your F-150, you must be aware of both the RV’s weight and the truck’s towing capacity. 

How To Verify If Your F-150 Is Loaded Properly

You must estimate the entire weight or weigh your fully loaded truck on a CAT scale.

You need to know the vehicle’s manufacturer-provided curb weight and estimate the weight of the passengers and goods to determine the burdened weight. 

Additionally, the weight of your fifth wheel will be transmitted through the kingpin weight. You can suppose that 15% of the overall trailer weight represents the kingpin weight. 

Which F-150 Is Capable of the Most Towing?

Typically, F-150s with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine have the maximum towing capacity.

You can tow between 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg) with this engine..

Conclusion 

Some fifth-wheel RVs can be safely mounted to your Ford F-150. 

Be careful not to exceed your truck’s payload and towing capacities with your fifth wheel. 

Additionally, for more straightforward maneuverability, choose a fifth wheel with a curved front end.