Hey BB:
The new 1/2 's have a higher tow rating than the older trucks. At 9200lbs, your kinda on the edge, but I would consider it, given your situation..
1.) This is KEY: Make sure your trailer is overbuilt. I have said this on many occasions. My 232 had a tandem with 7000lb axles & electric brakes. Do not let salesmen, etc talk you into a marginal trailer that has no "cushion" for safety. Otherwise, bearings blow, welds break over time and in each instance, your on the side of the road with a breakdown cutting into your vacation time.
2.) Make CERTAIN the hitch assembly on your F150 is rated to tow 10K. I think the proper hitch is a Class V, but I'm not sure. A 1/2 ton truck may very well be equipped with an inadequate hitch for your particular needs. Your 9200 tow cap does you no good if the weakest link in the chain is your hitch. Also double-check the rating on the hitch ball & drawbar. That needs to be 10k as well.
3.) Don't be me. (This is advice I would give most anyone...) Lighten your load. Tow with low fuel, minimize gear, etc. As others have said, it adds up alarmingly fast. I didn't care..I towed with tanks topped off and had my whole life stuffed into the cabin and livewells. However, I had a Dodge Cummins Dually so it didn't matter. At least to me.
4.) Drive conservatively. I see so many people zipping by me, towing boats at 70+. This is not a Bass Boat. You will do your truck, trailer & boat a huge favor if you limit your speed and acceleration. It will be much easier on all components, especially in your circumstance since your kind of "on the edge" with your truck tow rating.
5.) If possible, get electric over hydraulic brakes. I had them on my Marlin tri-axle trailer and they stopped the rig perfectly. That package was 14,300 lbs, so it was significant.
6.) Tires. So far I and others on here have had good luck with Goodyear Endurance tires. They are the replacement for the old Marathon line, which are no longer reliable. Whatever you get, make sure they are the highest load range possible.
7.) My friend jimfish has some good points above on this thread also.
The new 1/2 's have a higher tow rating than the older trucks. At 9200lbs, your kinda on the edge, but I would consider it, given your situation..
1.) This is KEY: Make sure your trailer is overbuilt. I have said this on many occasions. My 232 had a tandem with 7000lb axles & electric brakes. Do not let salesmen, etc talk you into a marginal trailer that has no "cushion" for safety. Otherwise, bearings blow, welds break over time and in each instance, your on the side of the road with a breakdown cutting into your vacation time.
2.) Make CERTAIN the hitch assembly on your F150 is rated to tow 10K. I think the proper hitch is a Class V, but I'm not sure. A 1/2 ton truck may very well be equipped with an inadequate hitch for your particular needs. Your 9200 tow cap does you no good if the weakest link in the chain is your hitch. Also double-check the rating on the hitch ball & drawbar. That needs to be 10k as well.
3.) Don't be me. (This is advice I would give most anyone...) Lighten your load. Tow with low fuel, minimize gear, etc. As others have said, it adds up alarmingly fast. I didn't care..I towed with tanks topped off and had my whole life stuffed into the cabin and livewells. However, I had a Dodge Cummins Dually so it didn't matter. At least to me.
4.) Drive conservatively. I see so many people zipping by me, towing boats at 70+. This is not a Bass Boat. You will do your truck, trailer & boat a huge favor if you limit your speed and acceleration. It will be much easier on all components, especially in your circumstance since your kind of "on the edge" with your truck tow rating.
5.) If possible, get electric over hydraulic brakes. I had them on my Marlin tri-axle trailer and they stopped the rig perfectly. That package was 14,300 lbs, so it was significant.
6.) Tires. So far I and others on here have had good luck with Goodyear Endurance tires. They are the replacement for the old Marathon line, which are no longer reliable. Whatever you get, make sure they are the highest load range possible.
7.) My friend jimfish has some good points above on this thread also.
