I've read and still don't understand all the lingo, so I'll just ask. Sorry for the repeat question, but I'm looking for specifics.

I have a 2001 F150 Lariat with a Class III towing package. The door states the GVWR is 6500#s. I plan on renting a small 3 ton excavator that weighs 6150#'s and a trailer that I dont know the weight of. I'm going to guess the total of the trailer and excavator will be around 7500#'s. There will be me and maybe one other person in the truck and a full tank of gas. Is my truck going to handle this ok. I have some hills to deal with but nothing to bad.

Wedge

 

Yes, but you will be over one or more limits, you will NEED a weight distribution hitch. The factory class 3 is only good to 5000# without WD bars.

 

You'll be fine towing that load as-is as long as the trailer has brakes and your truck has a brake controller.

 

FWIW, most car trailers weigh around 2,000 - 2,200 lbs.

My guess is a trailer designed to haul a 6,100 lb piece of machinery is going to weigh at least as much as a car trailer, say 2,500 lbs. or more.

So I think your are looking at more like 8,500 - 9,200 lbs rather than 7,500 lbs.

 

But for a one time tow, a F-150 will do it.

 

He is correct on car hauler/utility double axle trailer weights....

Medium to heavy duty utility trailers made to haul 6k and over are 3k and more in weight. The lightest one we have ever sold was 3000lbs. We have 3 different makes that are closer to 3500lbs.

This means the total trailer loaded weight could be closer to 10k

Back to the original post: Will it handle it?
Like stated above, you will be over weight. You will need WD bars and a brake controller.
If you must, go slow, take your time.
A heavier duty truck would definately handle it much easier.

 

The rental company may not let you take it with a 1/2 ton truck - don't be surprised if that's what happens.

 

I haven't asked about using my 1/2 ton truck, but they are the ones that suggested hauling it myself instead of having it delivered. Right now I'm leaning toward just having the thing delivered..The cost difference is about $90.00, and any upgrades would be more expensive than this.

Guess I should have gotten the 250 superduty when I bought the truck. Well there's always next time.

Wedge

 

90 bucks won't buy you a set of WD bars, much less a brake controller. Without WD bars, you need a class 4 hitch to haul something that heavy.

 

Delivered