Towing question

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Mar 1, 2014 | 02:33 PM

jb50F1

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 230

Likes: 5

From: Northern Virginia

Towing question

I know what the the manual says, but I want to get real life experiences on towing a major load using a 96 std cab, short bed, 4.9L, 3.08 gears, manual trans, 4X4. The book says only 2100 pounds or so. I have a local tow that will probably require about 4K. Anyone every doubled the rated capacity and did you break anything?

This is a volunteer effort and they really need the trailer towed.

Thanks for any advice and experiences.

Mar 1, 2014 | 03:09 PM

Diesel_Brad

Fleet Owner

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 21,437

Likes: 76

From: Gilbert, PA

You will not brake anything, it is just going to be slow as molasses

Mar 1, 2014 | 03:27 PM

jb50F1

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 230

Likes: 5

From: Northern Virginia

That will be no different from normal operation

Thanks

Mar 1, 2014 | 05:30 PM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

Likes: 1,499

From: Ottawa, Ontario

I got a 3.0L 5-sp Ranger here that tows 4k no problem at all... but it's got 4.10 gears in the rear end. Your biggest problem will be getting the load moving from a dead stop.. it'll be hard on the clutch, but once moving I don't think you'll have a problem until it's time to stop. At this weight trailer brakes make a big difference, if this trailer doesn't have any leave yourself lots of room to stop, if the trailer has electric brakes it wouldn't be a bad idea to install a controller in your truck and that wouldn't be too difficult as it's prewired for it.. you just need the controller and a 7-pole trailer connector.

Mar 1, 2014 | 06:08 PM

Rayrider911

Junior User

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 64

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Just be easy on her and the clutch. that will be the first to go if anything. If you drive right it'll be fine

Mar 1, 2014 | 06:43 PM

blue924.9

Posting Guru

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 1,555

Likes: 1

yup as said good to go with that weight just wont do it as fast as a turbo diesel or a 460 or most other truck engines, but it will get you to the top every time