I have been shopping for an RV trailer that I will towing with my Ford F-150 Super Crew, 8700# towing capacity.
Each trailer salesman gives me different information on what I can and can't tow.
One says nothing over 26' length, tongue to bumper. The next guy says as long as the weight is under the trucks max, length only depends on what I feel comfortable moving around.
Another guy syas he has fifth wheels and a new hitch made specifically for short bed half-ton PU's. The next guy syas there are no FW's or hitches that will work.
What guidelines can I use concerning weight/length issues for my truck. I need something that I can believe so I can calm my wife down and convince her we can tow more than an overpriced outhouse.
Thanx

Length retrictions are a little different from state to state. Staying within the trucks maximum weight limit and your trucks payload limit and axle weight limits are the issues. The 5'6" bed length and the tall bed walls on your F150 is a problem. Popup has 5th wheel and gooseneck extensions at http://mrtruck.net/popuprv.htm but 10 inches may not be enough.

OK, it appears the length issue would be whatever is legal and/or what I feel comfortable towing. How heavy a travel trailer do you think I could safely handle? I am looking at a couple of different ones varying from about 6200# dry weight to just over 7000# dry weight. Most info I have seen says to figure about 800# of personal gear plus water (abt. 8.3#/gal), propane and batteries (abt. 100#) which means I need to add about 1200# to the dry weight. Taking into account I live in Utah with lots of canyons and hills, what is your opinion?

I wouldn't go over 8000#'s max loaded weight. You'll wish you had 4.10 axle on some of the Utah canyons. 3.73 might work. My brother bought a 2005 F150 and pulled a 6000# travel trailer to Alaska with a 3.55 axle. I recomended to him a 3.73. He bought the truck I recommended at the time but wanted better gas mileage with the 3.55 but it's less than one mpg difference.