I have a 2006 F250, 5.4 4x4 with 3.73 gears and 20" wheels. What is the max towing capacity?

 

Max GCWR is 16,000# for that combo; subtract the weight of the truck, and that's the quote "maximum the trailer can weigh", assuming a few other variables fall within spec. In the real world, as long as you don't exceed the weight rating on either axle on your truck or GVWR (found on the VIN tag behind the drivers door seal) for your truck, the weight rating of your trailer axles, and the GVWR of the trailer, the ratings on any hitches or components (including the 2" ball that's rated for 6,000#), you're should be alright from the standpoint of you got pulled over by a weight cop, so long as the truck is legally plated to for the weight. But I wouldn't want to be in a lawsuit where I was knowingly breaking ANY weight rating, regardless of if it's a "real" rating or not.

Admittedly, I've pulled trailers that very much exceeded any legal or intelligent weight rating and every truck has survived just fine, it's still very, very not legal.


2006 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty Specifications

 

ok, thanks. Dealer said it would pull 12k trailer, but sounds optomistic to me with that engine.

 

If you balance everything correctly, you might very well be inside all the legal specs, just not the GCWR. I personally think that particular rating is crap, since I can tow the legal 26,000# limit with an F250 and still be inside all the axle and vehicle ratings for the truck and trailer, just not the manufacturer's combined rating.

Engine and gearing plays a huge role in how well the truck handles the load though... lots of guys here have great experiences with the 5.4L in a lot of situations including heavy trailers, but in my opinion for frequent, heavy trailer pulling, it's still a diesel powered world.

 

the other concern was the ability of that combo to handle the load. I know some say 5.4 is underpowered, but not looking to win race, just safe and steady progress.

 

Tell us more about what you're doing here. Trailer weight and hitch style, how often you tow, what you haul, daily driver usage, etc. I won't knock the 5.4L, because it's a hoss in an F150, and an F250 is just a 150 with a load in the bed. Infrequent towing, even if it's heavy, doesn't mean you have to buy a new truck as long as you drive smart. My dad towed a 5k trailer with an Expedition/ 4.6L up and down I70 in the mountains for years, and never had a problem with anything.

 

Besides GCVW each truck is having maximum towing capacity. While the above calculation might be pretty close for towing 5th wheel, the hitch towing for 250 are in the range of 7000-9000 lb. Check the available charts.
The legal issue is even more tricky. Highway Patrol doesn't care at all what are the truck manufacturer's recommendation and they only check what tags you are paying for. I've seen F450 with 45,000 lb stickers on it, while towing a gooseneck trailer with 4 big cars on it.
Than ask yourself a question if you are ready to answer those question if you crate an accident and have to testify in court.

 

daily driver with no load. probably tow 9k trailer with 2 1/8 ball hitch about once a month.

 

That's why I said also inside "the ratings of hitch components." Class 5 load bearing 2" hitches have a LOW rating, well under 10k, sometimes as low as 6k. Chromed 2" ***** are even worse, some are as low as 5k. But I assumed a 12k trailer involved either an in bed hitch, or a weight distributing 2 5/16" ball setup, and not just a 2" receiver.

Should be 100% ok. Maybe spend the $150 bucks on a Scangauge to watch the trans temp, but if you're smart about it there should never be an issue.

 

I got so used to dealer's lying to me, especially about capacities, that I don't ask them, and don't believe if they volunteer.
Are you looking to buy a heavier trailer, or just asking out of curiosity? How well do you think it handles the 9K trailer?

 

GCVWR = 16,000lbs

Subtract weight of truck, trim, passengers, and any gear stored in the truck (including 5th wheel if you are using one).

Subtract weight of trailer with gear.

If your math brings up a negative number, then you have the possibility of being sued in the event there is an accident.

I tow right at the 16K "limit" with the truck in my sig. The truck usually weighs in around 8000-8500, and my trailer is around 7500 - 8000lbs.

 

Put in 4.3 gears and it could pull 12K. With the 20'' wheels and 3.73 gears 9K is pushing it. 4.1 gears change the GCWR to 18K.

My trailer is about 8K and that is the max I want to pull with my 2010 5.4 with 3.73 gears. Truck is very stable and responsive with that weight.

 

havent pulled the trailer yet, but from what I have heard here, should be fine. Eventually will get trailer about 12 or so max.

 

forgot to say I have transmission cooler and guage.

 

I do have 2" receiver with 2" ball rated for 15,000. My hitch towing capacity is 18,200lb, but that can be done only with pintle hitch.
If I am not mistaken, the stainless steel 2 5/16 ***** come with 30k ratings.