I have a 1996 f250 4x4 with the 7.5 460 crew cab xlt cowboy conversion and all the goodies. I also have a 2001 F250 crew cab lariat cowboy conversion with the V10. both have got added leaf springs to be able to tow the heavier than normal loads these were used for, towing home 18 wheelers when they broke down. Both are automatics, the 96 has 3.73`s, the 01 has 4.30`s. I have been looking into starting a hotshot trucking business with probably a 30 or 35 foot trailer. The 96 has new engine with only 10,000 miles on it, the tranny has barely got 13,000 on it as well. The 01 has only got 22000 original miles on it. All loads should be under the 26,000 weight limit, for a class c licence in my state (Texas). I would like to use these trucks to do all the hauling with. But was wondering if these trucks will be able to carry the loads successfully?. I would like to avoid buying another truck, as both of these are in close to mint condition.
Thanks, Toby

 

You shouldn't have any troubles with the V10 with 4.30s.

 

Do some searching too, this topic has been discussed quite a few times that I can remember.

 

the only problem i see with your plan is that single rear wheel trucks get real squirrely when hauling loads on a trailer. dual rear wheels are a much stabler platform for towing.

 

SRW is fine if using the right tires and air pressures. The advantage of duallies is increased load capacity and more stability if you blow a rear tire since there's one left. If the trailer is loaded properly (enough tongue weight) you won't have stability issues. My dad's '03 is SRW and we've grossed 32.5k hauling logs on his gooseneck, and that was pulling over the mountain with lots of switchbacks, no stability issues.

 

Yeah....... I have thought about this quite a bit. the 01 is used to haul around a 38` fifth wheel camper alot of the time. As long as i keep it around 65 or 70 i have no troubles with it. Thanks for all the input guys!!

 

You should actually keep it to 50 to 60.

Also, if you want to do this commercially, get used to smaller trailers. I guarantee your 38' fifth wheel is over weight for your truck. Can the truck handle it? Yes. Does DOT care? No. Some states allow you to raise your GVWR. Not sure if Texas does. Also, mind your pin weight.

 

When we added the extra leaf springs, the dealer told us it should raise there gooseneck/ fifth wheel capacity to 16,500 lbs easily. the camper weighs 13,500. Usually I keep my speed between 60 and 65, but on downhills, and things like that i let her roll up to around 68 or 70 before I start breaking.

 

That's kinda the opposite of what you want to do with a heavy load. Come off the top at a speed you can keep under control, preferably without having to use your brakes much. Good way to burn them up and go out of control. The tow/haul function in the TorqShift helps a lot with engine braking with an automatic, but you can lock out OD to add some engine braking.

 

Adding leaf springs won't do anything for your LEGAL weight. Yes you can haul more safely but telling a DOT officer "I have an add a leaf" wont get you out of trouble.

It comes down to what's on your VIN plate (or registration if you have changed your GVWR).

You can add 12 leaf springs. The amount of weight you can legally carry wont change.

 

And as far as 'only speeding on down hills' .... Maybe you shouldn't be hot shot trucking.

 

Study up on the DOT rules and regulations.

 

I had the registrations changed, they show to be the equivalent of srw 1 tons. I am in the trucking industry, own a few semis, and work in a trucking companies office right now. I am capable of towing the trailers, have been taught by the best....... The speed limit here is 70 so at no point am I "Speeding". You can safely operate the vehicle at those speeds, as long as you allow your self plenty of room between vehicles, and stopping distance, I know the rules and regs. As I said before my family is in the trucking business, and has been for around 40 years.

 

That's good. I drive a work truck in Ky, In, Va, and WV. I learned a very expensive lesson on DOT numbers, medical cards, inspections etc. Just making sure you know about all that stuff so you don't get the same education as I.

 

By no means did, i mean any disrespect to you if thats how it was percieved, I apologize. Yes sir, you are correct on it certainly being an expensive lesson to learn the hard way.