Towing question

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Apr 11, 2017 | 08:09 PM

chris thompson

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Towing question

I have a 1973 F250 with a 390i recently dropped into it. It's very hard to find the old towing capacities on these trucks plus from what I've read in this forum, what I have seemed to find blows those numbers out of the water. My question is this, I moved to Seattle for work and my family is here with me living in a hotel. If I get a 5th wheel would my truck pull it nice and slow for say 50 -60 miles. I intend on getting a powerstroke as my permanent truck but that is not possible right this second thanks for your advice in advance

Apr 11, 2017 | 08:38 PM

PapaBearYuma

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From: Great American SouthWest

Do you have your book? The oldest book I have is 77, so it lists a 400 instead of a 390, but I'd extrapolate that you'd be good to 5000#

The 77 book says...

Apr 11, 2017 | 08:50 PM

77&79F250

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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county

Info for ya all.

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Apr 12, 2017 | 06:34 PM

Blue and White

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Towing is a "weakest link" scenario. What is the weakest link in your setup? (which may not be stock).

Basics are to make sure the truck is in good shape. Steering, brakes, cooling, charging and of course engine. If automatic, the transmission will need a good size cooler to live with a heavy trailer.

Trailer brakes matter a lot also. Electric trailer brakes in good shape with a good controller are best. Hitch matters also. IMO a stout gooseneck style hitch handles heavy trailers most effectively with minimum stress on the truck.

My '78 F250 has handled 6,500 on a tag trailer fine. I would not be afraid of 8,000. More than that I would want a beefed engine and really good trailer brakes. What your rig can handle you need to decide.