I'm sorry if this has been addressed elsewhere but in searching this forum I was unable to find an answer to my question.
I have an 89 F350 with a 460 and a 5 spd manual trans. I have a 2300 lbs/dry-3000 lbs/max pop-up camper that I'd like to tow with it. The owners manual says not to tow in 5th gear but I was wondering with such a light trailer, can this trans handle it anyway.

Thanks for your replies.

 

Hi,

I have had numerous trucks like yours and I put a lot of miles on 'em towing in 5th. I had a 91 CC F-350 4x4 & I put over 500k (not a typo) towing around 15k. The only problem I've had with these trucks is the 2nd and 4th gear syncros growl at me.

 

I think I know what you mean. I've towed the camper in 4th and I seem to get a lot of noise and vibration at highway speeds, especially when I'm not on the gas. I've tried shifting it into 5th just to see what happens and everything seems to smooth out. But I've always put it back into 4th because I was afraid of damaging the trans.

 

Fifth gear is a very "weak" gear, and if it struggles in overdrive for too long you can definately break things. With newer equipment and automatic transmissions, the rule of thumb is to put it in the highest gear where it doesn't constantly shift. For hilly areas that's second and third, on level terrain that may be fourth (OD).

 

FWIW, I towed a 1200 lb. dry Jayco pop up with my 1989 F-150, 4.9, M50D 5-speed, plus bedload of firewood. found it very comfortable in once at highway speed (55+). of course long climbs were done in 4th. that truck still ran perfect a 190,000, the frame just rotted out around it.

I remember mine having the visor sticker that indicated not to use 5th for hauling more than 50% of rated capacity. that may have been cargo in truck alone, not trailer towing. If the truck seams to get that smooth, and with that much motor I think you'd be ok with the amount of low profile trailer weight.

 

you can tow in 5th gear w/ no problem. with that load and a 460 you sould have no problems at all.

 

One idea i have heard that seems to work good is,When running loaded,try both gears fourth and fifth,whichever requires the least amout of gas pedal to maintain you speed is the one you need..