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How much can I tow?
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 609
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From: Stockholm, NJ
How much can I tow?
I'm in the market for an enclosed motorcycle trailer (probably 7 x 12) and was just curious how much my truck could tow. It's a 1978 F250 4x4, with a 351W, NP435 4-speed (granny gear) and has 3:55 gears in rear.
Also, what class hitch do I need?
Thanks
Also, what class hitch do I need?
Thanks
New User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Getting hitched.
Get a class 3 or better receiver hitch. Bumper hitches are a waste of money. You should be able to handle that cargo trailer with no problem, just get a "stinger" thats the right hight. Be prepared for a small suspension upgrade to accommodate that extra weight on the rear of the truck. Just a ideas to think about.
Well, so much for my first post.
"It always looks easy, till the bill comes due."
Well, so much for my first post.
"It always looks easy, till the bill comes due."
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 10
I would say 6-7000 lbs would not be a problem. The chassis could probably take 10k set up just right. 3.55's and to some extent the 351 are the practical limit.
It should be an easy tow with a motorcycle trailer. Agree get a class 3 receiver hitch minimum. Class 3/4 would be better if you may tow heavier stuff later on. There are lots of places to find the hitch. I have had good luck buying on line from Etrailer on other hitch projects.
It should be an easy tow with a motorcycle trailer. Agree get a class 3 receiver hitch minimum. Class 3/4 would be better if you may tow heavier stuff later on. There are lots of places to find the hitch. I have had good luck buying on line from Etrailer on other hitch projects.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,509
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From: Sioux Falls Area
assuming 1978 is similar to 1979 modle years, and going strictly by the book.
a 351 with 3.54 gears falls into the 2000-3500 lbs towing category.
to fall into the 3500-6000lbs category requires a 400 with 4.10 gears.
these are the minimum equipment requirements listed in the 1979 owners manual for a Regular cab F250 4x4.
as i said ... going strictly by the book ....
it is a little confusing, however, because for a 8400lb GVWR F250 the Max GCWR is 11550lbs. so assuming about 5300lbs for the truck, fuel and driver, would give you about 6000lbs towing ..... so it isnt exactly black and white, unless you assume the tow vehicle is opperating at the max GVWR, at which point you have about 3100lbs left for towing.
post up your GVWR and i'll post your max GCWR as listed in the manual for your configuration.
as for the hitch, a class 3 hitch is typically good for 5000 lbs weight-carrying and 10000 lbs when used with weight distribution set up.
with a 7x12 enclosed trailer, a class 3 hitch should be a great plenty.
happy trails!
a 351 with 3.54 gears falls into the 2000-3500 lbs towing category.
to fall into the 3500-6000lbs category requires a 400 with 4.10 gears.
these are the minimum equipment requirements listed in the 1979 owners manual for a Regular cab F250 4x4.
as i said ... going strictly by the book ....
it is a little confusing, however, because for a 8400lb GVWR F250 the Max GCWR is 11550lbs. so assuming about 5300lbs for the truck, fuel and driver, would give you about 6000lbs towing ..... so it isnt exactly black and white, unless you assume the tow vehicle is opperating at the max GVWR, at which point you have about 3100lbs left for towing.
post up your GVWR and i'll post your max GCWR as listed in the manual for your configuration.
as for the hitch, a class 3 hitch is typically good for 5000 lbs weight-carrying and 10000 lbs when used with weight distribution set up.
with a 7x12 enclosed trailer, a class 3 hitch should be a great plenty.
happy trails!
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,509
Likes: 662
From: Sioux Falls Area
The max GCVR for this combo is listed as 15300 for 1979. this falls under the 6k-8k category but requires a class IV weight distributing hitch.
keep in mind, i only have a manual for 1979, but i would think it is pretty close for that 77-79 MY.
The best answer, however, is to weigh your truck empty, subract that from 15,300, then that is the maximum cargo that can be hauled. That is to say, your truck, all the cargo, and the weight of the trailer should not exceed 15,300, and the weight of the loaded truck should not exceed 8100.
keep in mind, i only have a manual for 1979, but i would think it is pretty close for that 77-79 MY.
The best answer, however, is to weigh your truck empty, subract that from 15,300, then that is the maximum cargo that can be hauled. That is to say, your truck, all the cargo, and the weight of the trailer should not exceed 15,300, and the weight of the loaded truck should not exceed 8100.
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Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Sioux Falls Area
again ... 1979 data, so take it for what it's worth.
the F100 with 4.9 falls into the "up to 2000lbs" category.
listed under the minimum equipemnt is the Light Duty trailer tow package (trailer special) and 3.25 rear gears and COM trans (c6). Also a weight carrying hitch (bumper)
I'm not sure the heirarchy of transmission, but the COM is almost always listed as the "min" required. so whether the 3sp manual falls below the "min", others might have to answer that one for you. I do know that the 4-sp overdrive transmission is not to be used for towing or slide in campers, but other than that, i'm out.
list your GVWR and i can tell you the GCWR which might give you a more accurate tow rating, but other than that ... 2000 lbs max.
again ... 1979 data.
the F100 with 4.9 falls into the "up to 2000lbs" category.
listed under the minimum equipemnt is the Light Duty trailer tow package (trailer special) and 3.25 rear gears and COM trans (c6). Also a weight carrying hitch (bumper)
I'm not sure the heirarchy of transmission, but the COM is almost always listed as the "min" required. so whether the 3sp manual falls below the "min", others might have to answer that one for you. I do know that the 4-sp overdrive transmission is not to be used for towing or slide in campers, but other than that, i'm out.
list your GVWR and i can tell you the GCWR which might give you a more accurate tow rating, but other than that ... 2000 lbs max.
again ... 1979 data.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,250
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From: West Virginia
get a trailer brake controller and make sure your trailer has brakes. I've had trailers with and without, and even a small trailer without brakes really increasing stopping distances.
I dont' know about the book but I'd have no problem towing 5k or so with just about any truck, especially if you have a transmission cooler and a temperature gauge for your coolant. Most cargo trailers aren't set up to have a ton of tongue weight so your stock springs will probably be fine.
I dont' know about the book but I'd have no problem towing 5k or so with just about any truck, especially if you have a transmission cooler and a temperature gauge for your coolant. Most cargo trailers aren't set up to have a ton of tongue weight so your stock springs will probably be fine.
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