RE: F-150 towing capicity

fordtrucks97up-digest Friday, April 10 1998 Volume 01 : Number 051

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In this issue:

RE: F-150 towing capicity ["Chad Royse" ]
Re: F-150 towing capicity ["." ]
RE: F-150 towing capicity ["Chad Royse" ]
Re: F-150 towing capicity ["." ]
RE: F-150 towing capicity ["Chad Royse" ]
Re: F-150 towing capicity [hunter

cyberstreet.com (Michael Kisielewski)]
Tires question. I am stupid [Jay Bramble ]
Re: Tires question. I am stupid ["Jeff Schapker"
To ESP, or not to ESP [Joe Zuk ]
Stereo System Problem--SOLVED!! :-) [KNBD87D

prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNE]

=======================================================================

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Date: Thu, 9 Apr 1998 08:09:36 -0400
From: "Chad Royse"
Subject: RE: F-150 towing capicity

Obey your thirst!

Sorry. I'm poking a little fun at the 7-up thing again (you know... the
dot)! :)

Anyway '.', did I miss something? Where are you getting 4500lbs? And why
are you replying to me? Your reply has nothing to do with my post. I think
you meant it for John. But being as your decided to include me, I'll
respond. 4500lbs sounds awful heavy to me for a SuperCab, 4.6, with 3.08
gears, manual. And I may be wrong, but I still say no more than 2500lbs.

Chad

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-fordtrucks97up

ListService.net
[mailto:owner-fordtrucks97up

ListService.net]On Behalf Of .
Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 1998 5:51 PM
To: fordtrucks97up

ListService.net
Subject: Re: F-150 towing capicity

Your towing capacity is in the archives somewhere. Within the last three
weeks
or so I sent a chart of towing capacities for the F series trucks. The chart
had
all the data that you are looking for, axle ratios etc. I am told by a Ford
service manager that 4500 lbs is not a load for a 4.6 F truck with an axle
ratio
of 3.55. An axle ratio of 3.08 will subtantially lower the vehicles towing
capacity, especially on hills. Your truck and load may be 'ok" on the flat
with
4500 but I doubt you will be happy with it when pulling a hill. If you tow
mostly in the flat then you "might" consider 4500 lbs for the trailer. A
3.08
is a little bit light for towing a little, let alone a lot.

Chad Royse wrote:

> Quite honestly, that entire configuration isn't a good setup for any type
of
> major towing. In my personal opinion, your biggest limiting factor is
your
> 3.08 gears. I have no idea what Ford's towing ratings are for your truck,
> but I don't think I would tow much more than a pop-up camper, or say
> 2500#'s. My gut feeling is that may be a little much, especially under
> certain conditions like, frequent towing, hilly terrain, or mainly city
> (stop and go) towing.
>
> Also, if you damage your new 98 and Ford notices signs of abuse, they
could
> void your entire warranty.
>
> Chad
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-fordtrucks97up

ListService.net
> [mailto:owner-fordtrucks97up

ListService.net]On Behalf Of Parnell, John
> Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 1998 2:35 PM
> To: 'fordtrucks97up'
> Subject: F-150 towing capicity
>
> Gentlemen,
> Can anyone give me a realistic towing capacity for the following:
> 1998 f-150 supercab
> 4.6 engine
> manual transmission
> 3.08 rear
> class 111 receiver hitch
> I know what Ford states in their literature, but I'm sure there is a
> large safety factor.
> Thank you in advance
> john.parnell

solvay.com
>
> Regards, Johnny
> John.Parnell

Solvay.com
>
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1997 and Newer --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks97up

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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 09 Apr 1998 07:03:48 -0700
From: "."
Subject: Re: F-150 towing capicity

Chad,
Re-read the message! 4500 on the flat "if he is lucky".

Chad Royse wrote:

> Obey your thirst!
>
> Sorry. I'm poking a little fun at the 7-up thing again (you know... the
> dot)! :)
>
> Anyway '.', did I miss something? Where are you getting 4500lbs? And why
> are you replying to me? Your reply has nothing to do with my post. I think
> you meant it for John. But being as your decided to include me, I'll
> respond. 4500lbs sounds awful heavy to me for a SuperCab, 4.6, with 3.08
> gears, manual. And I may be wrong, but I still say no more than 2500lbs.
>
> Chad
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-fordtrucks97up

ListService.net
> [mailto:owner-fordtrucks97up

ListService.net]On Behalf Of .
> Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 1998 5:51 PM
> To: fordtrucks97up

ListService.net
> Subject: Re: F-150 towing capicity
>
> Your towing capacity is in the archives somewhere. Within the last three
> weeks
> or so I sent a chart of towing capacities for the F series trucks. The chart
> had
> all the data that you are looking for, axle ratios etc. I am told by a Ford
> service manager that 4500 lbs is not a load for a 4.6 F truck with an axle
> ratio
> of 3.55. An axle ratio of 3.08 will subtantially lower the vehicles towing
> capacity, especially on hills. Your truck and load may be 'ok" on the flat
> with
> 4500 but I doubt you will be happy with it when pulling a hill. If you tow
> mostly in the flat then you "might" consider 4500 lbs for the trailer. A
> 3.08
> is a little bit light for towing a little, let alone a lot.
>
> Chad Royse wrote:
>
> > Quite honestly, that entire configuration isn't a good setup for any type
> of
> > major towing. In my personal opinion, your biggest limiting factor is
> your
> > 3.08 gears. I have no idea what Ford's towing ratings are for your truck,
> > but I don't think I would tow much more than a pop-up camper, or say
> > 2500#'s. My gut feeling is that may be a little much, especially under
> > certain conditions like, frequent towing, hilly terrain, or mainly city
> > (stop and go) towing.
> >
> > Also, if you damage your new 98 and Ford notices signs of abuse, they
> could
> > void your entire warranty.
> >
> > Chad
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-fordtrucks97up

ListService.net
> > [mailto:owner-fordtrucks97up

ListService.net]On Behalf Of Parnell, John
> > Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 1998 2:35 PM
> > To: 'fordtrucks97up'
> > Subject: F-150 towing capicity
> >
> > Gentlemen,
> > Can anyone give me a realistic towing capacity for the following:
> > 1998 f-150 supercab
> > 4.6 engine
> > manual transmission
> > 3.08 rear
> > class 111 receiver hitch
> > I know what Ford states in their literature, but I'm sure there is a
> > large safety factor.
> > Thank you in advance
> > john.parnell

solvay.com
> >
> > Regards, Johnny
> > John.Parnell

Solvay.com
> >
> > +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1997 and Newer --------------+
> > | Send posts to fordtrucks97up

listservice.net, |
> > | List removal instructions on the website. |
> > +----------------- Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com -----------------+
> >
> > +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1997 and Newer --------------+
> > | Send posts to fordtrucks97up

listservice.net, |
> > | List removal instructions on the website. |
> > +----------------- Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com -----------------+
>
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1997 and Newer --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks97up

listservice.net, |
> | List removal instructions on the website. |
> +----------------- Site: http://www.ford-trucks.com -----------------+

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 9 Apr 1998 11:10:27 -0400
From: "Chad Royse"
Subject: RE: F-150 towing capicity

'.',
YOU re-read the msg. I am not the one with the original question. I can
already pull 4500lbs two times over. You replied to me, when I was giving
advise to some one else. AND, I asked where you got 4500lbs, because you
stated, "I am told by a Ford service manager that 4500 lbs is not a load for
a 4.6 F truck with an axle ratio of 3.55." You make it sound like some one
asked if they could pull 4500lbs. I don't recall seeing it. So don't get
bent.

And if you want to wax specifics on it, I checked meadowlands on-line tow
ratings, which rates the truck in question at 2200lbs. Therefore I wouldn't
use it to tow 4500lbs anywhere, except across my driveway. Be realistic,
that's over two times the rated capacity. And I seriously doubt that Ford
would underrate there trucks by very much. Think about it, a trucks mettle
is determined by those very types of numbers. Ford is going to keep them as
high as they can, where they still feel the truck is going to perform
reliably. They have to, to stay competitive.

Can you go over them? Sure. Will it have an effect? Yes. Any thing you
tow, even within the ratings, adds wear and tear to your vehicle. The more
weight the more wear and tear. If you go over the ratings, Ford doesn't
think the truck (or certain components) will last as long as they should.
Or worse, it may be for safety reasons.

So it really is a personal decision based on: How much over are we talking?
How often? Are we including truck accessories and on board cargo in our
weight calculations? Do you really want to chance voiding your warranty?
How long do you expect to your truck to last?

There's not much more you can say about it. OK, '.'?

Chad

NOTE: Original msgs removed from this winded reply, to try to help Ken. If
interested in previous content, please see original posts.

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 09 Apr 1998 09:31:23 -0700
From: "."
Subject: Re: F-150 towing capicity

CHad
Don't know how the reply got to you. The reply box is to the list.

What you say concerning the tow rates is true for the most part. My post said
4500 with a 3.08 "may" work out ok on the flat without overloading the drive
line but I wouldn't attempt it on a long haul of a few hundred miles in
distance. Also, the 308 without a towing package would be a disaster at any tow
weight as far as I am concerned. Transmission and oil coolers, heavy
alternators, batteries, shocks, wiring etc are included in tow packages. When
one really thinks about it, maybe the truck being used shouldn't be towing
anything at all. :-)

The post of the 4500 lb with the 4.6 XLT and 3.55 is a fact in mountanous
country. This is just a figure to bring the vehicle capability into some kind
of "real" towing situation.

Chad Royse wrote:

> '.',
> YOU re-read the msg. I am not the one with the original question. I can
> already pull 4500lbs two times over. You replied to me, when I was giving
> advise to some one else. AND, I asked where you got 4500lbs, because you
> stated, "I am told by a Ford service manager that 4500 lbs is not a load for
> a 4.6 F truck with an axle ratio of 3.55." You make it sound like some one
> asked if they could pull 4500lbs. I don't recall seeing it. So don't get
> bent.
>
> And if you want to wax specifics on it, I checked meadowlands on-line tow
> ratings, which rates the truck in question at 2200lbs. Therefore I wouldn't
> use it to tow 4500lbs anywhere, except across my driveway. Be realistic,
> that's over two times the rated capacity. And I seriously doubt that Ford
> would underrate there trucks by very much. Think about it, a trucks mettle
> is determined by those very types of numbers. Ford is going to keep them as
> high as they can, where they still feel the truck is going to perform
> reliably. They have to, to stay competitive.
>
> Can you go over them? Sure. Will it have an effect? Yes. Any thing you
> tow, even within the ratings, adds wear and tear to your vehicle. The more
> weight the more wear and tear. If you go over the ratings, Ford doesn't
> think the truck (or certain components) will last as long as they should.
> Or worse, it may be for safety reasons.
>
> So it really is a personal decision based on: How much over are we talking?
> How often? Are we including truck accessories and on board cargo in our
> weight calculations? Do you really want to chance voiding your warranty?
> How long do you expect to your truck to last?
>
> There's not much more you can say about it. OK, '.'?
>
> Chad
>
> NOTE: Original msgs removed from this winded reply, to try to help Ken. If
> interested in previous content, please see original posts.
>
> +-------------- Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1997 and Newer --------------+
> | Send posts to fordtrucks97up

ListService.net
[mailto:owner-fordtrucks97up

ListService.net]On Behalf Of .
Sent: Thursday, April 09, 1998 12:31 PM
To: fordtrucks97up

ListService.net
Subject: Re: F-150 towing capicity

CHad
Don't know how the reply got to you. The reply box is to the list.

>

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 09 Apr 1998 13:05:34 -0400
From: hunter

cyberstreet.com (Michael Kisielewski)
Subject: Re: F-150 towing capicity

Chad,

You touched on something that I seriously think needs to be kept in mind
while considering what someone wants to tow. If anyone decides to tow
more than what their truck is rated for consider this. If I'm not saying
you will but IF you have an accident, say you ram into the back of
someone because you were trailing too much weight and were not able to
stop your animal guess who is going to be in deep Sh#t? Certainly not
FoMoCo because they clearly state what the capacities are for our
vehicles. If you neglect to follow these guidelines you are taking a big
risk. This is just my opinion and not meant to bend anyone's nose but if
I'm hit from behind by someone trailing more than what they should be I
will have no mercy on them especially if I have my family in my vehicle
with me.

Michael

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 09 Apr 1998 15:14:33 -0400
From: Jay Bramble
Subject: Tires question. I am stupid

I bought my first truck in May of 96. A new F-150 Supercab Stepside 4X4. It
was the 2nd one in the area and the 2015th one off of the line. It has the 4.6L
V8 and does not have the "Off Road" package
since it was not offered yet but it is raised from the factory. It is higher
than a 4X2.

Right now I have the stock Goodyear RT/S P255/70/R16 tires. I want to replace
them with something a little bigger since the 4X4 sits higher than the 4X2 and
those 255's do not look right. I want to stay with the
stock rims and do not want to put a lift kit on it. The truck sits high now (I
like it, my wife does not but she loves the truck)

What is the largest tire I can put on it?

One place says I can put a 33" tire. One other place says the
33" tire is too big and the largest tire I can put on is a is a 31"

I now know that a LT265/75R16 will fit but how about the LT305/70R16? I also
have the factory ground effects, i.e. the black plastic bumper skirt and the
black ridged mud flapes...I have a feeling that the 305's will fit but will have
to cut the ground effects and I dont want to do that....

I also want to stay with a Radial tire. I do go off road but not into the DEEP
woods. Most of my driving is on paved roads, but sometimes with those RT/S's I
would be sliding all over the place...

Any help

Also, I notice that alot of peaple are using the BFG's. Are they
better. These Goodyears wore out after 24000 miles, but I found that I like the
tread pattern on the Wrangler AT/S.

Jay Bramble
bramble

exis.net

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 9 Apr 1998 15:38:13 -0500
From: "Jeff Schapker"
Subject: Re: Tires question. I am stupid

Jay,
BFGoodrich Radial All-Terrain T/A's are a very good tire, have a 40000 mile
warranty and come in a LT285/75-16 (32.5" tall). Most tire shops will put
the tires on and if they don't fit, will exchange them for another size.
Jeff

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 09 Apr 1998 14:22:20 -0700
From: Joe Zuk
Subject: To ESP, or not to ESP

I just put an order in for a new 1999 F250SD. How do you all feel about buying one of these Extended Service Plans
from Ford? I was thinking of getting one on this truck since its the 1st year they are out and they might have
more problems then an older model. But my past experience has not been too good on these warranties. On my wifes
car they would not pay out on a transmission seal that went bad, and on my Bronco they would not pay out for the
leaking valve cover gaskets. Right now I am thinking that I would be better off taking the 2k that they want and
putting it away for any major repairs that I would have after the 1st 3 years.

Joe

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 9 Apr 1998 17:33:12, -0500
From: KNBD87D

prodigy.com (MR JOSH J TENNEY)
Subject: Stereo System Problem--SOLVED!! :-)
....

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