Towing Capacity
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 69
From: New Zealand
A while ago I was trying to find these figures for my truck (different to yours, I know) but at that time was told -
1985 GCWR (truck, trailer & load combined) for 6.9 diesel F250 was 13,000lb with a manual trans, so maybe 15,000lb with your C6?
1985 GCWR (truck, trailer & load combined) for 6.9 diesel F250 was 13,000lb with a manual trans, so maybe 15,000lb with your C6?
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 69
From: New Zealand
Remember that 15000lb figure is TOTAL combined weight of your truck, trailer, load, passengers all up - not just what you are towing.
I've towed around 8000lb (that's just the trailer & load) & it was no problem. Got to take normal care though.
I've towed around 8000lb (that's just the trailer & load) & it was no problem. Got to take normal care though.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 282
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Took a load of scrap on a trailer and in the bed to the metal recycler about 5 years ago. My receipt showed 13,080lbs when I went across the scales. That was truck, trailer, and load. This was my '83 F-250 Reg Cab, 2wd, 351w, C6, 3.55's. I don't know the GCWR for my truck, but I'm sure I was over it. On another trip across the scales, the unloaded truck by itself was 4025lbs with me in it and two full tanks of fuel. Needless to say, the truck managed the load well, but it was straining.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 40
OP max before you get in trouble is like 26,001. I have mentioned this several times but the skill of the driver is the biggest factor. With 4.10s and a 460, I would not worry carrying 4-8 tons or so. But in doing so I would max sure to weight it out on the cat scales prior to hooking up my trailer (fully loaded fuel etc) I would then weight my trailer, and then I would add my load. If I wasn't over 26k pounds I would pry try it. I would make sure brakes and everything were brand new and take backroads etc. Some people here have grossed 30k with their trucks and I know that these fords can do it.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 69
From: New Zealand
I don't want to offend, but it's not responsible offering this sort of advice in case someone takes it at face value & kills themselves.
I guess on a braked fifth wheel trailer it's a bit different.
I guess on a braked fifth wheel trailer it's a bit different.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Mexia, TX
Keep in mind that before you try and tow anything of reasonable mass, you're gonna need to replace some parts like U-joints, brake components, etc. if you want to have a happy trip. Also remember that you have a 24-year old transmission...make real sure it's in good shape before you start pulling any big loads. Fluid change, filter change, etc. Check the rear axle too, making sure it has enough gear oil in it.
And I'm just gonna say this.....but maybe these trucks could pull 4-8 tons. But can it do it safely, or without tearing the truck up?
And I'm just gonna say this.....but maybe these trucks could pull 4-8 tons. But can it do it safely, or without tearing the truck up?
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J Hodges
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Dec 12, 2006 01:50 PM
