Towing question
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New User
Joined: Jan 2015
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Towing question
I have a 1995 F150 Extended Cab shortbed 4x4 with the LS differential and 3.55 gears. The PO also added a trailer brake and upgraded the struts in the rear. It has the 4R70W transmission.
My question is, can the truck tow my Ford Flex without killing it? gross weight with gear would be roughly 5,000 lbs.
I cant find reliable towing info on the forum very easy. Sorry if this question has been asked a ton.
Thanks
My question is, can the truck tow my Ford Flex without killing it? gross weight with gear would be roughly 5,000 lbs.
I cant find reliable towing info on the forum very easy. Sorry if this question has been asked a ton.
Thanks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 4
From: Washington
Your max trailer weight is between 6800-7100 pounds; depending on what engine you have. This info is in the owners manual. The manuals for 1996 and newer Ford trucks are available here: http://owner.ford.com/content/ford-d...r-manuals.html The info is largely unchanged for '92-'97, and I think should be fairly reliable for earlier years.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Yes the truck can tow it, you won't be setting any speed records but it will get the job done. If this is towing the car to the local track on the weekends kind of thing you should be good as is, but if you're moving across the country or doing some other long distance haul then you would be advised to install an aftermarket trans oil cooler and temp gauge to keep an eye on things and in both cases you won't be using OD much unless coasting along on level ground.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,227
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From: Washington
The manual also states to operate the truck in overdrive while towing, except when going down grades where downshifting will help with engine braking.
You are correct if your intention was that he will be spending so much time with the accelerator at the floor that the transmission will never shift into overdrive. However the gear shift lever should still be in the overdrive position.
You are correct if your intention was that he will be spending so much time with the accelerator at the floor that the transmission will never shift into overdrive. However the gear shift lever should still be in the overdrive position.
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ah ha
This is great info. We will be towing the Alaska Highway. I figured that if the weight weren't an issue, and with the 5.0L it shouldn't be, the engine would be working hard. I will look into a trans oil cooler Seems like a good investment
Thanks guys!
Thanks guys!
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,006
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From: Roseville, MN
Even if a trans is strong enough to tow in overdrive, if the engine doesn't have the power to tow with that gearing you shouldn't use it. If the trans will mostly stay in OD, sure, use OD. But if it's constantly hunting between gears, drop it down to 3rd. It's easier on the entire driveline than the constant shifting, and it's less annoying to the driver and passengers.
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