Pulling a toy hauler with the Raptor

In the market for a hauler for some weekend camping trips to the desert. The hauler i'm looking at is the Grey Wolf 25RRT

Dry Weight: 5103 lbs
Hitch Weight: 690 lbs
GVWR: 7690
Overall Length: 31 ft 5 in

I'll be loading a SxS in there that weighs about 1700lbs. With the weekend gear I plan on bringing, I should still be with spec of the trailers GVWR as well as the Raptors towing/payload capacities, but fairly close to the rated maximums.

I know a WD hitch is going to be a must, I do plan on getting one with sway control. I also have a set of Timbrens to replace the stock bump stops (not installed yet and would only be using them when pulling the trailer)

I know i'll be within the ratings for everything, but i'm looking for feedback from those who've pulled similar loads and what your experience was?

The SXS may reduce the hitch weight slightly but if you have anything other than yourself in the truck I think you are going to be over the payload capacity. I think getting a WD hitch like you are doing is a must and it will be fine to drive but still over the payload.

I'll have one other passenger most of the time. I know i'll be close but I should have 500lbs of payload left after hitching up and the both of us combined don't weigh near that much. The SxS will probably lessen the hitch weight but I'll also have a couple 5 gallon jugs of fuel in the bed and the rest of our weekend cargo in the trailer which will probably bring he hitch weight right back up to around 700lbs.

I'm not even questioning the need for a WD hitch, I know it's a must. Just curious how the truck handles when pulling at or near it's rated capacities.

Gen 2? Mine pulled 8k once, it was boring. I have generally had duallies and 3/4 tons previous, and the raptor was fine.

On the toyhauler, I will say to try and pay attention to where the axles are mounted on the trailer. Sometimes they push them pretty far back and it can be difficult to get the weight balanced without still having a ton of weight on the hitch. If the axles are way back and you're only carrying 1700 and a lot of that weight is ahead of the axles, it's gonna ride like shit.

Ideally, it would be nice if the seller would let you load the toy up and cruise around with it a bit. I have had good luck with equilizer distributing hitchs, the cheapo ones work fine too, just make sure it has sway control. If you already know all this stuff, disregard.

GCATX said:

Gen 2? Mine pulled 8k once, it was boring. I have generally had duallies and 3/4 tons previous, and the raptor was fine.

On the toyhauler, I will say to try and pay attention to where the axles are mounted on the trailer. Sometimes they push them pretty far back and it can be difficult to get the weight balanced without still having a ton of weight on the hitch. If the axles are way back and you're only carrying 1700 and a lot of that weight is ahead of the axles, it's gonna ride like shit.

Ideally, it would be nice if the seller would let you load the toy up and cruise around with it a bit. I have had good luck with equilizer distributing hitchs, the cheapo ones work fine too, just make sure it has sway control. If you already know all this stuff, disregard.

Click to expand...

Yes, Gen 2 (2018)

https://tricityrv.com/shop/travel-trailer/2020-cherokee-grey-wolf-25rrt-toy-hauler-travel-trailer/

That's the trailer I'm looking at and the WD Hitch i'm considering is:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FLXLDFM/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

That looks good to me. We have had a couple Work and Play's over the years, a 38' 5th wheel, and a 25' bumper pull. The bumper pull was horribly heavy on the hitch, even with dirt bikes loaded, granted not as much weight as a utv. For whatever reason they put the axles so far back on the 25' that some of the cargo weight was too far forward, along with all the other kitchen stuff and front bedroom.

Thanks for the input

Pulling the weight is not the issue at all - the motor is stronger than the regular F150’s which can tow around 11,000 lbs if I’m not mistaken.
The only issue is the soft rear springs on the Raptors. Just get it dialed with WDH like u mentioned. You’ll probably need the Timbrens and/or another type of help such as air bumps, air shocks, air bags etc.
Fairly easy/standard solutions. you’ll be fine

I've been considering that exact model trailer! My plans have been put on hold due to other circumstances, though, so I don't have any actual experience with it.

Have you considered Deavers/Icons for the rear springs in order to help with sag? I've heard that loading too much weight (even though it's below the rated weight) on the rear springs can cause them to wear out prematurely. Perhaps the Timbrens would help with that also, but a stiffer set of springs may also be a good solution from what I've read.

I haul a 26DBH regularly with my raptor. Weight is nearly the same as the you hauler. Add gear and and I’m right there. The raptor rides well and when the WD hitch is dialed in it feels like no trailer at all. Messing with loading and payload can get squirrelly. First time I made the mistake of loading wood and fuel in the bed and it wasn’t cool. Make sure you pay attention and keep the bed empty if possible.