towing question

[CarFanatic]

So I towed my Z3 for the first time and had a few questions. First is there a trick to towing to keep the prop guard area from scraping in certain situations? That thing is so damn low to the ground. Any trick to this, or just wince every time it scrapes?

Also should there be a lock out key for the trailer breaks if you need to back up a hill? My old boat trailer had a little key you could put in to prevent the tongue from moving and applying the breaks.

Second.. boy I wish I had a diesel, my f150 pulled fine, but you could defiantly feel all that weight back there. Its a load!!

[trent]

if you find a away to stop the prop guard for dragging let me know. I know you can add wheels to the prop guard if you are so inclined. For the most part mine only scrapes going up a really steep drive way or down a steep ramp. Also making sure your truck and trailer are level when towing helps a great deal.

If you have a 5 pin harness I believe when reverse light are on the trailer brakes are disabled.

[CarFanatic]

It has those little metal rollers on them... Trailer is level, if anything slightly angled toward truck a tad.

I have 5 pin, but its surge brakes so not sure how that would be disabled??

[Z3CO23]

What's your F150 set up like? Supercab or Crewcab? Axel Ratio? Lifted? Lowered?

I ask because it all makes a difference.

You boat weights 4640 stock. Gas at 48 galls is approx 288. Ill ballpark your Z3 trailer at 1000-1200 lbs. That's between 5920 - 6120 lbs. This doesn't include gear or audio equipment you have installed.

Tow rating for F150 range from it's lowest at 7500 to it's highest at 11300 lbs depending on your truck setup. At 7500 your at 81% of towing capacity, the max anyone should tow with. At 11300 your at 53% or towing capacity. Big difference here. Remember this is without gear weight and audio equipment weight. Tongue weights and actual payload for your truck will vary depending on it's set up as well. Knowing the exact options and gear ratio on your truck would help narrow down the answer.

[CarFanatic]

My F150 is stock. It's the 4 door crew cab, 6.5 foot bed. 4wd. it has the tow package, so not sure what ratio it is. Good thing is I will only tow once or twice a year. Boat will sit on lift all summer.

[Z3CO23]

Ecoboost, 5.0L or 6.2L?

[trent]

It has those little metal rollers on them... Trailer is level, if anything slightly angled toward truck a tad.

I have 5 pin, but its surge brakes so not sure how that would be disabled??

They use a solenoid which is triggered by the reverse lights. Not 100% sure how it actually works but I believe it actually redirects the fluid preventing a build up of pressure, disabling the brakes. Try backing uphill without your lights plugged in and you will know if it is working..

[CarFanatic]

ah ok cool!

Ha its 2008 F150 5.4 baby haha

[gwhite94]

It seems like all these vdrives and ddrive trailers seem to scrape some, to keep it to a minimum I try go into every parking lot entrance/exit and speed bumps at an angle it helps a little, as far as the reverse lock out I have not dealt with it on the boatmate trailers, my old trailer had the key. Sorry not much help... I used to pull my RZ4 with an Excursion, while it dealt with the weight going down a level hwy. the V10 did not like the hills and the gas mileage SUCKED!!!!! 2011 F350 Diesel fixed both issues....

[CarFanatic]

If they would have just used some taller wheels it would help out a ton. I suppose they do it to fit in normal height garages??

next truck will be diesel. I don't drive the truck everyday, my 08 is like brand new looking still. only 35000 miles on it.