Hi all, new to the forum and am looking at maybe buying a 2003 f250 xlt 4x4 7.3td.

The car i am looking at only has a 2300kg towbar on it, the seller is willing to meet me halfway on a 4500kg towbar, i realise this still only allows 3500kg which is all I need for my 3t loaded van.

I read the owners manual in the truck and it stated 'load levellers' are needed on weight above 2300kg even with the new bar of course, I'm just wondering if this includes spring airbags, beefed up springs or wdh which i coudnt be bothered hooking up everytime i tow the van?

Is anyone else using load levellers towing similar weight more so with 350kg on the ball? I would think with a truck this size it may not be needed, I'm also a little concerned on the insurance side of things.

Appreciate any help as there isnt much info on this on ozzie forums or anywhere for that matter!

Cheers Wayne

 

Wayne,
Firstly welcome to the forum.
I have the 2002 version of the truck your considering and use
it to tow my 3T ++ van about.
It does this with ease, I highly recommend these trucks as
tow vehicles. I upgraded from a turbo charged 80series Landcruiser.

I would, however, never tow anything that heavy behind any
vehicle without the ride levelling hitch setup.
They really are worth the time to fit and use.

I expect your insurance company would probably feel the same way.

 

Thanks Brian, appreciated.

It seems unusual that it is advised these trucks use wdh when my holden says no need with my 2012 colorado, and it honestly tows great with out one, no swaying, nose to tail nice and level, it just doesnt need it.

After towing with the colly i dont want to be playing around with wdh, especially if im towing with a f250, maybe its the build date or something, they are getting on a bit.

I'm going to also consider dodge ram and see how they check out.

Thanks again.

Cheers, Wayne

 

Welcome.

The load leveler text in the owners manual isn't there as an actual requirement for the vehicle, its more a legalese text. The truck doesn't need it - the (mechanically the same) US trucks can have about 5.7 tonne towed by the tow bar without a load levelling hitch.

That said, if towing 3T regularly, you will probably see big benefits by having a load levelling hitch. Either way, you will find an F250 (or Ram) a significant step up from the Colorado. I have a Courier and an F250, and a large dual axle trailer. Below 2T, the Ranger is fine, but if I have a decent bit of weight on it the F250's longer wheelbase - and much greater power/torque - can make 3-4Tonne feel like it has disappeared.

 

Thanks Adrian.

I'll probably go with the effy, has 240k but seems reasonably well maintained, i just need to take it for a good run and make sure theres no dramas with it.

Bloody nice rig you have there too!

Cheers