I have a 2006 F150 crew cab, 6.5' box, 5.4L Triton, with a 3.73 axle (have added the digital brake controller).  Where online can I find the tow ratings for this truck?  The dealership doesn't really seem to know and it seems some of the trailer dealers will try to convince you that you can pull just about anything with it

We have a dairy farm and I currently pull a 14' steel stock (tag) with no problems.  I would like to buy a GN trailer for my horse, nothing fancy but would like a 2H slant, aluminum, with a dress that I can put some cupboards, a sink, a rooftop A/C and a bed in.  I expect we will have to add a leaf or two on each side to the rear suspension, but otherwise, will it pull & stop a smaller GN like this?

http://www.trailerlife.com/images/towratings/2006/TowingRatings_p20_33.pdf

Thanks - that's very interesting!!  It's actually a 2WD, LWB so looks like 8400# but has 18" tires so I have to deduct 500lb.  Why is that?  And why would a truck be rated for a BP and not a GN?  Is the GN not easier to pull?  So many questions LOL!

Payload - not sure - where would I find that?

Thanks again for the help - I really appreciate it!

Subtract the truck's actual weight from the trucks Gross Vehicle Weight Rating which should be on a tag/sticker inside the drivers side door jamb. The trucks weight should include you and all your "stuff", before the trailer is attached. That will be your payload and on a half ton 2WD, it's not going to be very much. My SWAG is that your truck probably has a GVWR of 7010#, payload capacity of 1710#. That 1710 ain't counting you and your stuff either. Does your truck have the 5 foot long bed, if so, just stick with the bumper pull. That bed's not gooseneck friendly... It's TOO SHORT.

Your GCVWR is in the weight of 15000#

They are probably deducting that 500# on the 18" tire because of the tire's weight rating... My guess is that they are "P" passenger tires rather that "LT" light truck tires.

retento - my truck has the 6'6" box.  I wouldn't consider it with a 5'6" box.  I like my rear window and the back of my cab too much to try it ;)

It does have LT tires on it - it was the link you provided that suggested taking 500# off for 18" tires (although I did dig out my owners manual and it says the same thing).

So really, the large # of people you see using these trucks to pull a goose shouldn't be?  I don't want to (and really can't afford to) upgrade my truck right now.  This is a bummer...

Towing:  https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/rv_trailer_towing/2006/06RVttslctrp16Jan06.pdf

Payload:  https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/2006/bb_pdf/82-83.pdf

MR176 - thank you!!

So the trailer I was looking at has a tongue weight of 1540#.  If I am understand, this would leave 170# for me and all my stuff - correct?  This is bad...

If I put more leaf springs in or otherwise upgrade the suspension, would this increase the payload?

And if I am looking at a BP, does the tongue weight of that come directly off the payload in the same way??

I drive a Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel with 4WD and a turbo charger -- it's a short bed -- and I pull a 3-horse slant aluminum horse trailer with LQ.  Easy as pie!  Never had a problem!

Susan