So I have this 16k pound gooseneck dump trailer. I'm wanting a 10k truck to tow it with. I'm thinking a dually, but doesn't have to be. I won't be using it but a couple times a month, so I don't want to spend a boat load of $$$. I'm not worried about going fast, just getting there safe. So what engine (probably gas in my price range), transmission (auto or manual), and what rear gear ratio is best. I'm not new to towing or big rigs, but I thought I'd ask what to look for and what to run from. Thanks!

 

At 16k on a Gooseneck, you really need an F-350 DRW.

Engine choice depends on if you are purchasing new or used, but a Power Stroke would work well, or a 6.2L gas engine or V-10 6.8L gas engine would work with 4.30 differential gears.

 

Google search: for example: 2007 F350 towing. Choose the one that has Fleet Homepage | fleet.ford.com in the results. Works for any of the newer years. I'm guessing a 2005 or later with that weight. I had a V10, I wouldn't want to pull that much weight with one.

 

I actually don't want to spend much money at all. I'm not afraid of an older truck with a 460 or 351 (although I question it's power pulling 23k total). I question the power of a 7.3 IDI or a 6.9 though. There are several around in the $3k to $4k range in great shape, but I don't know if they'll be enough to pull that much weight. Thoughts?

 

Stay with a 2005 and newer Super Duty. Much better transmission for towing, bigger brakes, better suspension (front coils) and more cooling.

 

I can just go by experience. I had a 1999 F250 with a V10 and a 4.10 rear. I pulled a 12k lb 5th wheel with it and it was always a struggle. What will be the pin weight of your trailer? It will probably be too much for any of the older single wheel trucks so you probably need a dually. Just for reference, my 2004 in the signature is only rated at 20,000 GCWR. With your 16K trailer it would be 4k over that limit. It's only rated at pulling 12k. In 2005, the F350 was increased to 23,500 GCVWR. So even at that you would be close. I think it was rated at towing 15,600. If you find a Ford you are interested in just use that google search. Make sure you look at the exact year, model, gearing, and configuration when you look at the chart because Ford is pretty specific with their listing.

 

All the trucks you mentioned will pull it. Stopping it will be another story. Over the GCWR will be another issue too.

I pull 14-15000 around all summer with my 08 V10. Handles the pulling part no problem.

 

Maybe look at an older medium duty truck? F-600-700? Or an old L-series?

 

A trailer that big should have brakes on all axles already

Sent from my Telegraph using IB AutoGroup

 

Yep, if I was pulling 16k I would look at a bigger rig like those.

My 2004 DRW with the V-10 is only rated to pull less than 11K because of the 4.10 rear.
That would be a hairy ride with 16K in tow.

 

But a 2008 V-10 DRW Crew Cab with 4.30 gears is factory rated at 15,600 5th wheel/goose neck, or 15k conventional.

 

Impressive.
I've never towed with any dually newer than my '04.
I would imagine the brakes on a '08 are much better than what came on my '04.


I live by the 80% rule.
I'm more comfortable at 80% of the rated capacity of things.
( air pressures, load capacities, etc.