Just wanted to know if anyone has the correct towing capacity for my truck. I have been getting so many different numbers I don't know where to begin with picking out a trailer.

I have a 2008 F250, Crew Cab, 6 1/2 box, 6.4L Diesel, 4x4

I am opening up a car dealership and I want to figure out what type of trailer I can put on this truck to haul cars back from an auction 5 hours away. I am looking mostly for the fifth wheel capacity.

 

1. Find your GCWR (Gross combined weight rating) in your owners manual.

2. Go to a truck stop and get your truck weighed.

3. GCWR - Weight of truck - Weight of passengers and cargo in the truck = Towing Capacity

 

Also, with a fifth wheel you need to watch your pin weight to make sure you aren't over the GVWR or rear axle ratings. This is the big limiter for fifth wheel towing with an F-250. You will likely reach your max pin weight before your max tow rating.

 

Additionally, you can download a copy of the 2008 Towing Guide here:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...08_default.asp

 

Find your GVWR, subtract your curb weight, then divide by 0.2.

 

Huh? GVWR is listed on the sticker in the drivers door jamb.

 

Nevermind, I read that wrong. I see what you are saying now.

I have seen that formula before. The problem is that it doesn't consider pin weight. On an F-250 You will max out on pin weight long before you get to the tow rating you get by using that formula.

I'm sure you could pull one of those gooseneck car haulers that fits 3 cars, but you would really have to watch the weight distribution. 3 cars would probably be OK, but trucks or SUVs you could probably only haul 2 at a time.

 

What type of trailer are you looking at? a Wedge or a flatbed type? Either way your biggest issue is not the trailer size, but the placement of the trailer axles. You'll probably gonna fight your rear axle rating if you don't get the right trailer.

Off topic, you do realize you are going to have to follow FMCSA rules?

 

This is a very good point. A lot of guys get in trouble because they don't realize that when they do this type of thing they are now a commercial vehicle. This means weigh stations, log books, DOT inspections, medical card, different insurance requirements, and a whole bunch of other regulations you have to follow. Also, if the GVWR of your truck plus the GVWR of the trailer is over 26,000 lbs, you need a class A license.

 

looking for the procedure to disable the auto locks o n 08 f250 . i have the keypad entry. does this matter having the keypad thanks

 

Page 147 In your owners manual.

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pub.../08f23og4e.pdf

 

actually just bought the truck and did not come with the manuall

 

Any trailer over 10,000 lb GVW needs Class A license in US. Check your local laws.. (RV are exempt)
I think using F250 for any multi-car hauling is wrong start. I do see lot of 1-ton duallies doing the 3-4 car haulers.

 

It's a bit more complicated than that. I actually had to look this up to double check it.

If the combination is over 26,000 AND trailer is over 10,000, you need a class A.

If the tow vehicle is over 26,000 but trailer is 10,000 or under, you need a class B

With a class C/D there is no restriction on trailer weight as long as the combination is not over 26,000. You can also exceed 26,000 combined weight with a class C/D as long as the trailer is not over 10,000 AND the tow vehicle itself is not over 26,000

 

I should have stated assumptions with that formula. That formula is for the MAX trailer weight (if you feel okay with 15% tongue instead of 20% you can divide by .15 instead of .20). It only works if you delicately balance everything so you stay under your RAWR.

The thing with F250s is that they will break the GVWR before they break the RAWR.

The formula, without absolutes is:

trailer weight = (GVWR - Curb) / tongue%

if you can't get less than 50% tongue weight, your max trailer weight will be greatly reduced.