tow capacity
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Joined: May 2012
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tow capacity
Hello,
I currently drive a 2008 F250 with a 5.4L. I was curious what anyone thought about the tow capacity. I know it says approximately 9800lbs but wondered with I could go over this with towing a 5th wheel? The camper I'm considering, once everything loaded, would be about 12,000lbs. What are your thoughts?
Thanks
I currently drive a 2008 F250 with a 5.4L. I was curious what anyone thought about the tow capacity. I know it says approximately 9800lbs but wondered with I could go over this with towing a 5th wheel? The camper I'm considering, once everything loaded, would be about 12,000lbs. What are your thoughts?
Thanks
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,679
From: Stephensville WI
It depends on your equipment.
My 2007 5.4L F-250 4x4 Super Cab with 3.73 gears is rated at 9300 pounds bumper pull and 5th wheel. I've towed at that limit without any problems. I would change to 4.10 gears if I was towing on the west coast, but out here on the flat lands the truck does fine.
Don't let the people that have never towed with a 3V 5.4L engine tell you what you can't do.
My 2007 5.4L F-250 4x4 Super Cab with 3.73 gears is rated at 9300 pounds bumper pull and 5th wheel. I've towed at that limit without any problems. I would change to 4.10 gears if I was towing on the west coast, but out here on the flat lands the truck does fine.
Don't let the people that have never towed with a 3V 5.4L engine tell you what you can't do.
9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
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From: Missouri
Granted, I live on the west coast.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
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Wait - did I miss something ?!?
it's rated @ < 10K and you want to know if you can tow 12k ?!?
Please be sure and register your travels so we know where to avoid
as I'm worried about a few pounds over on ONE axle !
Is this your old tow vehicle?
http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Humor/Workshop/Overload.htm
it's rated @ < 10K and you want to know if you can tow 12k ?!?
Please be sure and register your travels so we know where to avoid
as I'm worried about a few pounds over on ONE axle !Is this your old tow vehicle?
http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Humor/Workshop/Overload.htm
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 306
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From: Southwest Desert, AZ
It's not how much you can tow, it's all about what you can SAFELY stop. I can pull a dozer on a trailer, it's how to get it stopped is my concern. Laws of physics, E+MC2, body in motion remains in motion. inertia, etc etc.
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - phantomphixer's Album: Death Trap
Per the link, he's towing it. Getting it stopped????
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - phantomphixer's Album: Death Trap
Per the link, he's towing it. Getting it stopped????
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2011
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Don't do it! Sure it will pull it, your gas pedal will spend alot of time on the floor, but think about the axle strength, tire load range, and other possible factors that come into play. The safety of you and your passengers, and the other folks on the road are what you should think about. If you break something at highway speeds you can do alot of damage in a hurry. If you want to tow a heavy fiver, invest in the right equipment!
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 453
Likes: 12
It's not how much you can tow, it's all about what you can SAFELY stop. I can pull a dozer on a trailer, it's how to get it stopped is my concern. Laws of physics, E+MC2, body in motion remains in motion. inertia, etc etc.
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - phantomphixer's Album: Death Trap
Per the link, he's towing it. Getting it stopped????
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - phantomphixer's Album: Death Trap
Per the link, he's towing it. Getting it stopped????
But even changing the rear end, that little 5.4 will be doin some screaming pulling that much weight. Along with changing the gears, you might also want to consider a tune from 5Star Tuning and have it programmed to lockout OD when using Tow-Haul (not that it would see it that much).
S
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,868
From: Frederick, MD
It will stop just fine. The 5.4 is a strong little motor. I had one in an 06 F250. I towed 8K with it all the time. I can see it doing 12K as well. But it is not going to be an easy tow.
You will have your foot in it so that you stay in the 3-4K rpm range or it will just slow down on you.
Hills will be a bear as well.
When you get to your destination you will be a tired puppy because you will really have to drive the truck to manage that load.
If it was just around the corner then maybe but more than a couple of times I'd be upgrading to something with somemore torque.
You will have your foot in it so that you stay in the 3-4K rpm range or it will just slow down on you.
Hills will be a bear as well.
When you get to your destination you will be a tired puppy because you will really have to drive the truck to manage that load.
If it was just around the corner then maybe but more than a couple of times I'd be upgrading to something with somemore torque.
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