Ha, you dudes must have me confused with some other Triple A dude, maybe the freaking insurance guy.

My wife passed away in late April. She will always and forever be my last love. Absolutely no drama from me on that front.

Now, if you want to talk new trucks, new RV travel trailers, places to see in the Lower 48, and especially good local food wherever I am, then I'm your guy.

Went to Landers Ford in Collierville today. Came across a specific 2026 F-150 that hits all the right buttons at the right price. Has the tow package, all the normal goodies, and is a slick looking Iconic Silver. Used as a promo and golf vehicle with about 4K miles on it. Still gets a full warranty starting from 4K.

It has that stupid auto start-stop option, but there are ways to disable it.

Meanwhile, my travel trailer (Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE) is being upgraded in Tupelo MS, and I hope to pick it up by this time next week. One complication is my current AL DL expires on Aug 29, so I have to get to SD in time to get a DL there.

I was just picking

(08-14-2026 08:41 PM)BartlettTigerFan Wrote:  I was just picking

Really? I didn't know.

Photos of similar model very close to mine.

https://www.landersfordmemphis.com/new/F...QSEALw_wcB

(08-14-2026 08:29 PM)TripleA Wrote:  Ha, you dudes must have me confused with some other Triple A dude, maybe the freaking insurance guy.

My wife passed away in late April. She will always and forever be my last love. Absolutely no drama from me on that front.

Now, if you want to talk new trucks, new RV travel trailers, places to see in the Lower 48, and especially good local food wherever I am, then I'm your guy.

Went to Landers Ford in Collierville today. Came across a specific 2026 F-150 that hits all the right buttons at the right price. Has the tow package, all the normal goodies, and is a slick looking Iconic Silver. Used as a promo and golf vehicle with about 4K miles on it. Still gets a full warranty starting from 4K.

It has that stupid auto start-stop option, but there are ways to disable it.

Meanwhile, my travel trailer (Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE) is being upgraded in Tupelo MS, and I hope to pick it up by this time next week. One complication is my current AL DL expires on Aug 29, so I have to get to SD in time to get a DL there.

I just got off the horn with my Chevy guy (service mngr. that knows all the nuts and bolts, too) ... he flat out told me to look at the placard on the driver's side door for the towing capacity to make sure you're covered...

this whole time you keep talking about buying a 1/2 ton ... he was leery based on what I described you'd be towing coupled with it being warrantied ... 'course, we both come from the 'better safe than sorry' camp...

he immediately went to the 3/4 ton, 6.6 diesel Duramax for your needs ... apparently, you can get a single cab for the same $$$ vs. the 1/2 ton extended...

fwiw...

(08-14-2026 08:56 PM)stinkfist Wrote:  

(08-14-2026 08:29 PM)TripleA Wrote:  Ha, you dudes must have me confused with some other Triple A dude, maybe the freaking insurance guy.

My wife passed away in late April. She will always and forever be my last love. Absolutely no drama from me on that front.

Now, if you want to talk new trucks, new RV travel trailers, places to see in the Lower 48, and especially good local food wherever I am, then I'm your guy.

Went to Landers Ford in Collierville today. Came across a specific 2026 F-150 that hits all the right buttons at the right price. Has the tow package, all the normal goodies, and is a slick looking Iconic Silver. Used as a promo and golf vehicle with about 4K miles on it. Still gets a full warranty starting from 4K.

It has that stupid auto start-stop option, but there are ways to disable it.

Meanwhile, my travel trailer (Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE) is being upgraded in Tupelo MS, and I hope to pick it up by this time next week. One complication is my current AL DL expires on Aug 29, so I have to get to SD in time to get a DL there.

I just got off the horn with my Chevy guy (service mngr. that knows all the nuts and bolts, too) ... he flat out told me to look at the placard on the driver's side door for the towing capacity to make sure you're covered...

this whole time you keep talking about buying a 1/2 ton ... he was leery based on what I described you'd be towing coupled with it being warrantied ... 'course, we both come from the 'better safe than sorry' camp...

he immediately went to the 3/4 ton, 6.6 diesel Duramax for your needs ... apparently, you can get a single cab for the same $$$ vs. the 1/2 ton extended...

fwiw...

I will do that. I have done the research and from all I have uncovered, the half ton will do the trick, towing up to 13,500 with the XLT and the tow package. My trailer weighs 4945 dry, and 6465 loaded.

It is most certainly not the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. All the other engine options should easily tow it.

Here is the rundown:

Quote:The towing capacity of a Ford F-150 XLT ranges from 8,200 to 13,500 pounds. The exact limit depends on your specific model year, engine choice (such as the 2.7L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, or 3.5L EcoBoost), axle ratio, and whether it has the proper towing and max-tow packages equipped.

Engine Capacities

The maximum towing limit changes based on the engine under the hood:

3.5L EcoBoost V6: Up to 13,500 lbs (Highest capacity when properly equipped)

5.0L V8: Up to 12,900 lbs

3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid V6: Up to 11,200 lbs

2.7L EcoBoost V6: Up to 8,400 lbs

Important Factors

Configuration: Cab size (like SuperCrew vs. SuperCab) and bed length alter the total weight and change the maximum allowable tow rating.

Payload vs. Towing: Users on Reddit generally agree that the truck's payload capacity (listed on the yellow sticker inside the driver’s door jamb) is often reached before you hit the maximum trailer weight limit.

Verification: You can use the official Ford Towing Calculator with your specific truck's VIN to find its exact certified capacity.

(08-14-2026 09:07 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(08-14-2026 08:56 PM)stinkfist Wrote:  

(08-14-2026 08:29 PM)TripleA Wrote:  Ha, you dudes must have me confused with some other Triple A dude, maybe the freaking insurance guy.

My wife passed away in late April. She will always and forever be my last love. Absolutely no drama from me on that front.

Now, if you want to talk new trucks, new RV travel trailers, places to see in the Lower 48, and especially good local food wherever I am, then I'm your guy.

Went to Landers Ford in Collierville today. Came across a specific 2026 F-150 that hits all the right buttons at the right price. Has the tow package, all the normal goodies, and is a slick looking Iconic Silver. Used as a promo and golf vehicle with about 4K miles on it. Still gets a full warranty starting from 4K.

It has that stupid auto start-stop option, but there are ways to disable it.

Meanwhile, my travel trailer (Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE) is being upgraded in Tupelo MS, and I hope to pick it up by this time next week. One complication is my current AL DL expires on Aug 29, so I have to get to SD in time to get a DL there.

I just got off the horn with my Chevy guy (service mngr. that knows all the nuts and bolts, too) ... he flat out told me to look at the placard on the driver's side door for the towing capacity to make sure you're covered...

this whole time you keep talking about buying a 1/2 ton ... he was leery based on what I described you'd be towing coupled with it being warrantied ... 'course, we both come from the 'better safe than sorry' camp...

he immediately went to the 3/4 ton, 6.6 diesel Duramax for your needs ... apparently, you can get a single cab for the same $$$ vs. the 1/2 ton extended...

fwiw...

I will do that. I have done the research and from all I have uncovered, the half ton will do the trick, towing up to 13,500 with the XLT and the tow package. My trailer weighs 4945 dry, and 6465 loaded.

It is most certainly not the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. All the other engine options should easily tow it.

Here is the rundown:

Quote:The towing capacity of a Ford F-150 XLT ranges from 8,200 to 13,500 pounds. The exact limit depends on your specific model year, engine choice (such as the 2.7L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, or 3.5L EcoBoost), axle ratio, and whether it has the proper towing and max-tow packages equipped.

Engine Capacities

The maximum towing limit changes based on the engine under the hood:

3.5L EcoBoost V6: Up to 13,500 lbs (Highest capacity when properly equipped)

5.0L V8: Up to 12,900 lbs

3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid V6: Up to 11,200 lbs

2.7L EcoBoost V6: Up to 8,400 lbs

Important Factors

Configuration: Cab size (like SuperCrew vs. SuperCab) and bed length alter the total weight and change the maximum allowable tow rating.

Payload vs. Towing: Users on Reddit generally agree that the truck's payload capacity (listed on the yellow sticker inside the driver’s door jamb) is often reached before you hit the maximum trailer weight limit.

Verification: You can use the official Ford Towing Calculator with your specific truck's VIN to find its exact certified capacity.

now that I know the overall load, it does change thingys ... I told him best guess was ~9K lbs loaded...

fwiw, I'm a FoS (factor of safety) x2 (based on your situation) ... having to traverse constant inclines mandate such, IMO...

another factor is your expected annual milage ... hence, the diesel vs. the gas or hybrid when 20K+ would be the expected norm...

at the end of the day, the 3/4 ton yields zero worries vs. the 1/2 ton ... "hell for heavy" is a tried-and-true truism ... I'm a fit/form/function disciple with an emphasis on function...

again, fwiw ... my apologies for the 9th inning curve ball ... you know we wish you nothing but the best during this journey many will vicariously enjoy!!!

good luck and best wishes, Trips!!!

(08-14-2026 09:36 PM)stinkfist Wrote:  

(08-14-2026 09:07 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(08-14-2026 08:56 PM)stinkfist Wrote:  

(08-14-2026 08:29 PM)TripleA Wrote:  Ha, you dudes must have me confused with some other Triple A dude, maybe the freaking insurance guy.

My wife passed away in late April. She will always and forever be my last love. Absolutely no drama from me on that front.

Now, if you want to talk new trucks, new RV travel trailers, places to see in the Lower 48, and especially good local food wherever I am, then I'm your guy.

Went to Landers Ford in Collierville today. Came across a specific 2026 F-150 that hits all the right buttons at the right price. Has the tow package, all the normal goodies, and is a slick looking Iconic Silver. Used as a promo and golf vehicle with about 4K miles on it. Still gets a full warranty starting from 4K.

It has that stupid auto start-stop option, but there are ways to disable it.

Meanwhile, my travel trailer (Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE) is being upgraded in Tupelo MS, and I hope to pick it up by this time next week. One complication is my current AL DL expires on Aug 29, so I have to get to SD in time to get a DL there.

I just got off the horn with my Chevy guy (service mngr. that knows all the nuts and bolts, too) ... he flat out told me to look at the placard on the driver's side door for the towing capacity to make sure you're covered...

this whole time you keep talking about buying a 1/2 ton ... he was leery based on what I described you'd be towing coupled with it being warrantied ... 'course, we both come from the 'better safe than sorry' camp...

he immediately went to the 3/4 ton, 6.6 diesel Duramax for your needs ... apparently, you can get a single cab for the same $$$ vs. the 1/2 ton extended...

fwiw...

I will do that. I have done the research and from all I have uncovered, the half ton will do the trick, towing up to 13,500 with the XLT and the tow package. My trailer weighs 4945 dry, and 6465 loaded.

It is most certainly not the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. All the other engine options should easily tow it.

Here is the rundown:

Quote:The towing capacity of a Ford F-150 XLT ranges from 8,200 to 13,500 pounds. The exact limit depends on your specific model year, engine choice (such as the 2.7L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, or 3.5L EcoBoost), axle ratio, and whether it has the proper towing and max-tow packages equipped.

Engine Capacities

The maximum towing limit changes based on the engine under the hood:

3.5L EcoBoost V6: Up to 13,500 lbs (Highest capacity when properly equipped)

5.0L V8: Up to 12,900 lbs

3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid V6: Up to 11,200 lbs

2.7L EcoBoost V6: Up to 8,400 lbs

Important Factors

Configuration: Cab size (like SuperCrew vs. SuperCab) and bed length alter the total weight and change the maximum allowable tow rating.

Payload vs. Towing: Users on Reddit generally agree that the truck's payload capacity (listed on the yellow sticker inside the driver’s door jamb) is often reached before you hit the maximum trailer weight limit.

Verification: You can use the official Ford Towing Calculator with your specific truck's VIN to find its exact certified capacity.

now that I know the overall load, it does change thingys ... I told him best guess was ~9K lbs loaded...

fwiw, I'm a FoS (factor of safety) x2 (based on your situation) ... having to traverse constant inclines mandate such, IMO...

another factor is your expected annual milage ... hence, the diesel vs. the gas or hybrid when 20K+ would be the expected norm...

at the end of the day, the 3/4 ton yields zero worries vs. the 1/2 ton ... "hell for heavy" is a tried-and-true truism ... I'm a fit/form/function disciple with an emphasis on function...

again, fwiw ... my apologies for the 9th inning curve ball ... you know we wish you nothing but the best during this journey many will vicariously enjoy!!!

good luck and best wishes, Trips!!!

Any travel trailer over 7500 GVWR and or over 28 feet tip to tail I would probably want a 3/4 ton.

He is probably good with that trailer and a 1/2 ton as long as he has decent payload for a half ton (on door sticker) which that XLT should. Generally the F150s with low payload are loaded models with heavy options like power steps and pano roof that aren’t on the XLT. And he isn’t trying to carry three more passengers and a St Bernard, so has more payload room to play with.

(08-14-2026 09:48 PM)U_of_Elvis Wrote:  

(08-14-2026 09:36 PM)stinkfist Wrote:  

(08-14-2026 09:07 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(08-14-2026 08:56 PM)stinkfist Wrote:  

(08-14-2026 08:29 PM)TripleA Wrote:  Ha, you dudes must have me confused with some other Triple A dude, maybe the freaking insurance guy.

My wife passed away in late April. She will always and forever be my last love. Absolutely no drama from me on that front.

Now, if you want to talk new trucks, new RV travel trailers, places to see in the Lower 48, and especially good local food wherever I am, then I'm your guy.

Went to Landers Ford in Collierville today. Came across a specific 2026 F-150 that hits all the right buttons at the right price. Has the tow package, all the normal goodies, and is a slick looking Iconic Silver. Used as a promo and golf vehicle with about 4K miles on it. Still gets a full warranty starting from 4K.

It has that stupid auto start-stop option, but there are ways to disable it.

Meanwhile, my travel trailer (Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE) is being upgraded in Tupelo MS, and I hope to pick it up by this time next week. One complication is my current AL DL expires on Aug 29, so I have to get to SD in time to get a DL there.

I just got off the horn with my Chevy guy (service mngr. that knows all the nuts and bolts, too) ... he flat out told me to look at the placard on the driver's side door for the towing capacity to make sure you're covered...

this whole time you keep talking about buying a 1/2 ton ... he was leery based on what I described you'd be towing coupled with it being warrantied ... 'course, we both come from the 'better safe than sorry' camp...

he immediately went to the 3/4 ton, 6.6 diesel Duramax for your needs ... apparently, you can get a single cab for the same $$$ vs. the 1/2 ton extended...

fwiw...

I will do that. I have done the research and from all I have uncovered, the half ton will do the trick, towing up to 13,500 with the XLT and the tow package. My trailer weighs 4945 dry, and 6465 loaded.

It is most certainly not the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. All the other engine options should easily tow it.

Here is the rundown:

Quote:The towing capacity of a Ford F-150 XLT ranges from 8,200 to 13,500 pounds. The exact limit depends on your specific model year, engine choice (such as the 2.7L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, or 3.5L EcoBoost), axle ratio, and whether it has the proper towing and max-tow packages equipped.

Engine Capacities

The maximum towing limit changes based on the engine under the hood:

3.5L EcoBoost V6: Up to 13,500 lbs (Highest capacity when properly equipped)

5.0L V8: Up to 12,900 lbs

3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid V6: Up to 11,200 lbs

2.7L EcoBoost V6: Up to 8,400 lbs

Important Factors

Configuration: Cab size (like SuperCrew vs. SuperCab) and bed length alter the total weight and change the maximum allowable tow rating.

Payload vs. Towing: Users on Reddit generally agree that the truck's payload capacity (listed on the yellow sticker inside the driver’s door jamb) is often reached before you hit the maximum trailer weight limit.

Verification: You can use the official Ford Towing Calculator with your specific truck's VIN to find its exact certified capacity.

now that I know the overall load, it does change thingys ... I told him best guess was ~9K lbs loaded...

fwiw, I'm a FoS (factor of safety) x2 (based on your situation) ... having to traverse constant inclines mandate such, IMO...

another factor is your expected annual milage ... hence, the diesel vs. the gas or hybrid when 20K+ would be the expected norm...

at the end of the day, the 3/4 ton yields zero worries vs. the 1/2 ton ... "hell for heavy" is a tried-and-true truism ... I'm a fit/form/function disciple with an emphasis on function...

again, fwiw ... my apologies for the 9th inning curve ball ... you know we wish you nothing but the best during this journey many will vicariously enjoy!!!

good luck and best wishes, Trips!!!

Any travel trailer over 7500 GVWR and or over 28 feet tip to tail I would probably want a 3/4 ton.

He is probably good with that trailer and a 1/2 ton as long as he has decent payload for a half ton (on door sticker) which that XLT should. Generally the F150s with low payload are loaded models with heavy options like power steps and pano roof that aren’t on the XLT. And he isn’t trying to carry three more passengers and a St Bernard, so has more payload room to play with.

I'm good. This truck has the heavy towing package. It even has a freaking hitch camera. And no, I don't have the power steps or pano roof, which I actually checked for, lol.

And my trailer is a slim 21'11". I do have a pack of St. Bernards, though. j/k

After things settle down a bit, I may get a dog for companionship, but more like a dachshund, lol.

dachshund‘S are aholes, get a beagle

(08-15-2026 06:26 AM)BartlettTigerFan Wrote:  dachshund‘S are aholes, get a beagle

I've had both. The beagle was the most hard-headed dog I ever owned. This was back in the old days when I was a teenager, before they had leash laws and fences, and people's dogs just roamed free in the neighborhood.

We would let the dog out, and then later, we would go out and whistle for him. Most dogs had enough sense to come when called, b/c that was their source of food, water, warmth and love.

Not our dog. He would run the other way, then hide behind a bush and peek around it to see if he tricked you. LOL.

I've never had a dachshund, but my sister has had a string of them. Some good, some not so great, no a-holes. Her latest one is funny as hell, smart as a whip, and loves his peeps.

Just don't let a stranger try to come up and touch any of them, or he will then proceed to try to eat the stranger, lol.

I had one that was half poodle, half doxie. Guinness. My last dog, and my favorite one ever. Had a heart of gold, loved everybody, was a rescue who had survived about 9 months on the streets as a puppy, somehow. When he was picked up by the dog pound, his poodle eyebrows had grown over his long dachshund nose. That was a sight to see.

Never met a dog who was so happy, especially given what he lived through as a puppy. But you had to be careful about leaving doors cracked, b/c he would run through like a blur and prance around all over the neighborhood until we finally corralled him, lol. A wonder he never got run over, but I guess he was either lucky or fast.

Just got the sticker on my new truck. I'll share some of the fun stuff.

2026 F-150 4x4 XLT SuperCrew
145" wheelbase
3.5L V6 EcoBoost
Electric Ten-Speed Auto Trans
Iconic Silver

275/60R20 BSW All-Terrain Tires
3.55 Electronic Lock RR Axle
7100# GVWR Trailer Package (Max 10,500# tow)
Extended Range 36 Gallon Fuel Tank
Class IV Trailer Hitch w/ Smart Trailer Tow Connector
Rear View Camera
TPMS

I've always wanted a Corgi. My wife can't speak and sometimes uses hand signals to respond. One finger is yes, two fingers no. I told her I was gonna get a dog or a Tundra and I asked for which finger she preferred and since she doesn't want me to have either she raised up three fingers. LOL

That was a new hand sign.

You know Ford stands for Found on road dead, right?

(08-15-2026 10:03 AM)BartlettTigerFan Wrote:  You know Ford stands for Found on road dead, right?

Or frucked on race day or fix or repair daily.

I've had some Ford trucks that I wish I still had. But I've had better GMCs and now I'm a RAM guy for life—which is easy to say now that I aint got a whole bunch of it left...

And hey, butthead, I IM'd you to tell you that we at least have to have lunch together while you're in Mempho because I have a small and inexpensive gift for your new means of conveyance, and you ignored me like I was a stalker looking for a geriatric victim to use and abuse.

Took me a minute to realize "butthead" wasn't referring to me for once.

(08-15-2026 10:35 AM)BartlettTigerFan Wrote:  Took me a minute to realize "butthead" wasn't referring to me for once.

At first, that's whom I thought he was talking to, also.

(08-14-2026 08:56 PM)stinkfist Wrote:  

(08-14-2026 08:29 PM)TripleA Wrote:  Ha, you dudes must have me confused with some other Triple A dude, maybe the freaking insurance guy.

My wife passed away in late April. She will always and forever be my last love. Absolutely no drama from me on that front.

Now, if you want to talk new trucks, new RV travel trailers, places to see in the Lower 48, and especially good local food wherever I am, then I'm your guy.

Went to Landers Ford in Collierville today. Came across a specific 2026 F-150 that hits all the right buttons at the right price. Has the tow package, all the normal goodies, and is a slick looking Iconic Silver. Used as a promo and golf vehicle with about 4K miles on it. Still gets a full warranty starting from 4K.

It has that stupid auto start-stop option, but there are ways to disable it.

Meanwhile, my travel trailer (Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE) is being upgraded in Tupelo MS, and I hope to pick it up by this time next week. One complication is my current AL DL expires on Aug 29, so I have to get to SD in time to get a DL there.

I just got off the horn with my Chevy guy (service mngr. that knows all the nuts and bolts, too) ... he flat out told me to look at the placard on the driver's side door for the towing capacity to make sure you're covered...

this whole time you keep talking about buying a 1/2 ton ... he was leery based on what I described you'd be towing coupled with it being warrantied ... 'course, we both come from the 'better safe than sorry' camp...

he immediately went to the 3/4 ton, 6.6 diesel Duramax for your needs ... apparently, you can get a single cab for the same $$$ vs. the 1/2 ton extended...

fwiw...

Hey stink, relax brother. My trailer weighs 6400 loaded. My new truck has a towing capacity of 10,500. Now, if the trailer had actually weighed 9K, then yeah, you would have a point about the 3/4 ton. But you were off by almost half, lol.

Plus besides towing 6400 with 10,500 in the holster, I'm traveling no farther than 200 miles a day for 2 days, then a day off. And once I get to a destination, I will likely stay a month or more, completely unhooked. Towing will take up the miles but not the days.

(08-15-2026 10:16 AM)TigerBlue4Ever Wrote:  And hey, butthead, I IM'd you to tell you that we at least have to have lunch together while you're in Mempho because I have a small and inexpensive gift for your new means of conveyance, and you ignored me like I was a stalker looking for a geriatric victim to use and abuse.

Where did you leave it, on my phone? Well, my phone died months ago, and after my wife passed away, rather than fool with getting it fixed, I just used hers. It is now fixed, and I just switched back to it yesterday.

So call it now. And I'll be here until next Friday morning, when I have to boot scoot for South Dakota.

OR, you could leave me a DM here.