Using a F150 toad for 2018 Vista 32YE?

[Sooery]

New to MH world but comfortable with driving 2018 Vista 32YE.
Can't afford a small toad at this time and wanting to tow our 2013 Ford F150 XLT long bed for short trips around Oregon.
Does our Winnebago Vista have the enough power & torque to pull a full size trucks? Would it damage the motorhome engine?
Any comments and insights appreciated.

 

[creativepart]

First thing to know is the weight of that F150? If it weighs more than 5000 lbs. it’s too heavy for your motorhome. So let’s start there. What does your truck weigh?

 

[Sooery]

Weight

Online literature states 5043-5620

 

[creativepart]

There’s your answer and if you plan to store any thing in the truck bed it’s even heavier. Your Vista tow hitch has a maximum rating of 5,000 lbs.

Load your truck as it will be used. Fill it with gas and weigh it at a truck scale near you for an accurate weight to know for sure.

 

[Sooery]

Sounds like I'll be heading to local truck scale this weekend.
Thanks

 

[Sooery]

CAT scale at local truck stop (with full gas tank but empty of any cargo) weighed in at 6220 minus my weight, DW and dog estimated weight at 5760.
Well over the 5000 but still intend to weigh Vista this weekend.
Question: if fully loaded Vista weighs in at 17,240 (18,000 minus 760) does that count as "safe" for the 23,000 GCWR specification?

 

[creativepart]

Actually, not really. The hitch and attachment itself is only rated to a max of 5,000 lbs. If you are under GCWR with the motorhome and the truck combined you could look into having the motorhome’s hitch replaced with a 7,500 lb hitch. If that’s an option?

Pretty much all F53 based motorhomes have this class of hitch with the 5,000# limit. There are one or two models of other brands with higher rated hitch’s.

But GCWR still will be the main consideration.

 

[Sooery]

Appreciate the clarification. Will wait till I can get a smaller truck, possible Ford Maverick Hybrid, to pull behind. Besides getting a total weigh in (all four wheels) on the MH, I had read that it's best to weigh each tire individually on a scale to assure properly balanced cargo so I'll do that also this weekend.
Thanks again for all the information!

 

[creativepart]

The Maverick Hybrid looks like a good choice for a Toad. But do your research first. I don’t remember where but I think I read of some folks having a problem with them. ! I could be remembering wrong, so do some checking online!

 

[wahoonc]

The Maverick Hybrid looks like a good choice for a Toad. But do your research first. I don’t remember where but I think I read of some folks having a problem with them. ! I could be remembering wrong, so do some checking online!

We are going to be using a Mav as a toad... When it gets here The only issue that I am aware of is the Blue Ox tow frame is an issue, it puts the anchor points too far apart and causes damage if you make a tight turn. Roadmaster or Demco are better options.

Aaron

 

[Sooery]

Aaron
Keep me updated on your Mav Hybrid!

 

[wahoonc]

Aaron
Keep me updated on your Mav Hybrid!

September?

It is supposed to hit the production schedule the first week in July. According to SWMBO we may be towing our 2015 Fusion Hybrid instead. She doesn't want rock chips on the new truck.

Aaron

 

[Sooery]

I understand SWMBO..
The Mav needs to go to the grocery store a few times to get the new off.

 

[RayIN]

We are going to be using a Mav as a toad... When it gets here The only issue that I am aware of is the Blue Ox tow frame is an issue, it puts the anchor points too far apart and causes damage if you make a tight turn. Roadmaster or Demco are better options.

Aaron

Where did that caution about Blue Ox come from? Sounds like outhouse rumor to me. Blue Ox is the most respected of all the flat tow hardware.

 

[wahoonc]

Where did that caution about Blue Ox come from? Sounds like outhouse rumor to me. Blue Ox is the most respected of all the flat tow hardware.

I am on the Maverick Forums and there are multiple posted issues including photos of damage. Blue Ox has lost their MoJo IMHO. They are not accepting any liability for the fact they provided a geometrically poor design. They claim that you should use a tow bar with longer arms, but won't specify what that is.

Aaron

 

[RayIN]

I am on the Maverick Forums and there are multiple posted issues including photos of damage. Blue Ox has lost their MoJo IMHO. They are not accepting any liability for the fact they provided a geometrically poor design. They claim that you should use a tow bar with longer arms, but won't specify what that is.

Aaron

Apparantly the Ford Maverick has several problems:: https://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/ford-maverick-hybrid-death-wobble-648018.html

 

[Buhwana]

It's not only about being able to tow something but to get it stopped. That also figures into the 5000 capacity.

 

[Grapehound]

There may be Maverick models that are not flat towable so you really need to do your homework.

 

[19Winnie33C]

I wanted to tow my F-150 behind my Adventurer 33C. Slightly over the 5,000 limit. Checked with my insurance. They would not cover ANY damage to the toad due to exceeding specifications.

 

[Sooery]

My 2013 F150 Supercew med(bare, unloaded) 6.5' bed weighed in at local CAT scale was 6,220. Minus DW & me would weigh in at 5,770. Being way over the 5K hitch rating and affected stopping power is the reason we're considering the Maverick Hybrid.