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I have an 1987 SWB 4.9L standard shift with OD. I don't know what rear end gear I have. I'm assuming it's what came with it when new. I want to pull a travel trailer, but don't what length/weight limit there is. Also, what kind of gas mileage should I expect? Thanks in advance for all help.
Is it the 5spd OD trans or the 3spd/OD transmission?
What does the door tag say for rearend code?
Personally I would not want to pull more then a pop up trailer with it. It is going to be pretty gutless. What kind of trailer do you have in mind? I would not want more then 3-4K lbs max. Once you load it up along with the truck and get on the highway you'll be stuck in the slow lane.
Is it the 5spd OD trans or the 3spd/OD transmission?
What does the door tag say for rearend code?
Personally I would not want to pull more then a pop up trailer with it. It is going to be pretty gutless. What kind of trailer do you have in mind? I would not want more then 3-4K lbs max. Once you load it up along with the truck and get on the highway you'll be stuck in the slow lane.
There is no door tag. The truck was repainted at some point. I will check to see if rear end tag is there, if so I will post what I find. It is 3 speed with OD. I was thinking of a bumper pull 25 ft. or less.
Axle ratio is the key thing here, if the truck has one of the typical I6 ratios(3.08 or 2.73) it'll be a little or a lot less than useless as a tow vehicle. 2.73s aren't rated to tow anything and even with 3.08s the official tow rating is low(~2k) and you'll kill the clutch the first time you try to pull away from a dead stop up a grade. The axle code on the drivers door pillar will get you the ratio assuming the axle hasn't been changed, the tag on the diff will confirm.
With 3.55s or better the truck will have some useful towing capacity.. 4-6k for example, but I wouldn't suggest towing a trailer significantly heavier than the tow vehicle, besides being harder to handle it'll be a long slow trip with only 150hp on tap.
Looks to be 3.08. Not real good for towing anything heavy.
Throw that in with a short wheelbase pickup and I would not tow a 25ft camper with it. You will end up in a ditch as it will have real bad sway issues no matter how much hitch you put on it. Let alone if the trailer is heavier then the truck, it will be in control in a panic situation.
Something in the 12ft or so? Lightweight. Real light. You have to remember they aren't always heavy til you pack all your stuff in them and fill the water tank, etc. They get real heavy. You don't want to spend the whole trip with knuckles white trying to control it going down the highway with semi's passing you.
You could get a pop up camper or if youre only using it once or twice a year renting s motorhome may be an option.
I was hoping to get something big enough to live in semi permanently so I could see the country and visit my grown kids. So, I don't think a pop up is an option. If I could only find a truck that is inexpensive and would pull about a 25 ft. bumper pull.
Should be plenty of them out there. A little horse trading should provide some good results. Your truck would be pretty desirable for somebody looking for a commuter/light load hauler/personal hot rod. What you need is an F250 or larger with at least a 5.8. Maybe even a 460 or a diesel? Since a truck that size may not be as desirable for a daily driver, you may be able to find one at a very reasonable price. All depends on your ability to find a bargain.
Thanks for the suggestion. I'm not very knowledgeable with the heavier duty trucks, especially diesels. Are there any year models I need to stay away from?
If you want to get a diesel always go for the 7.3, never the the 6.9
Not sure what youre basing that on. 7.3 idi's were made up to 94 and the 6.9 that
came in the earlier and is same basically as the 7.3. In 94 you could also get a
7.3 power stroke. They tend to go for more money used. The older idi engines are very
capable.
I was hoping to get something big enough to live in semi permanently so I could see the country and visit my grown kids. So, I don't think a pop up is an option. If I could only find a truck that is inexpensive and would pull about a 25 ft. bumper pull.
With this goal have you considered a slide in camper? The truck you have isn't enough for a decent one of those either but could change your needs.
Fifth wheels of course tow better as well.
If you're saying you have a regular cab short box I can't imagine that truck doesn't have pretty decent value in TX.
Like others have said plenty of decent trucks out there that can be had at decent prices that will do what your asking. Exact what is best depends, need a bit more info on that recommendation.
EDIT.. FWIW I think a 4WD F250HD Super-Cab Long Box with a 7.3 or 7.5 is a heck of a decent all around truck that's good bang for the buck and will do what you're asking.
