Could anyone help me determine the towing capacity for my 1985 Ford F150 XL, 302 V8.

I'm weighing whether to sell this one and buy something newer to haul my camper, or pouring some money into getting this one fixed up. Everything runs great on it.

Thanks for any help.

 

what trans do you have?

 

Towing capacity will depend on what trans you have, what rear end ratio you have, and tire size.

However, the real limiting factor is going to be STOPPING the trailer, not pulling it. The F150 does not have monster brakes, so even if you had a 460 with 4:88 gears, you would not want to pull a really heavy trailer. Personally, I would not want to pull anything over about 4000 lbs with F150 brakes.

 

I know it's an automatic, is there more you need to know?

If so, where can I find it? Sorry, I'm an idiot when it comes to vehicle mechanics.

 

If I installed trailer brakes, think it would still be problematic?

 

Trailer brake controller????

Your trans is either a c6 or aod. Do you have an "OD" position on your column gear selector????

 

Does it have OD? Your shift indicator will tell. trailer brakes definitely help. The AOD trans isnt very strong without mods, but I dont know for sure how they will hold up towing. Someone else might be able to advise more. If you want to know gear ratio there should be a sticker on the door jamb with a code (one for the trans also). Post your code, someone will decode it.

 

Yes there is an OD.

 

Thanks, but the sticker has long worn away. It is an AOD, and I would plan on a brake controller.

What kind of mods are we talking about, and any idea on costs of getting something like that done?

 

Better question is what kind of camper are we talking about? How big is she?

 

Haven't purchased yet, figure i need to decide on the truck first.

I'm guessing around 25-28 feet...ideally a "lite" so I'm hoping between 4000=6000 lbs. or less

 

doable but it wouldn't be very fast, even with a gear swap. You will probably have either 3.08's or 3.55's. 4.10's would be ideal.

 

Personnally I would try and figure the camper out that you want then decide if the truck was big enough to handle the camper you want. I would think it could do that size camper if you have trailer brakes and such. Like previously stated it wont be fast but it should get the job done.

 

That 302 is awfully small.

 

thats not what she said.....