I am new to FORD, new to Ford Trucks. Just bought a used 2003 F250, 260 HP, 3.73 rear end, 61,000 miles. Per Ford spec, only 7500 towing capacity. How far can I push it? Can I pull, for example, a 9000# trailer(total weight) with no payload / passengers or is the Ford spec hard and fast to stop at 7500, period. I would plan to only tow for short run to take my skid steer to dealer for occasional service, about 15 miles.

Which brake controller brand should I buy-- there was one, but it was removed before selling.

thanks!

 

The P3 prodigy is what I had in a previous truck it worked well. I would look at prodigy products if I were in need of another controller.


Here is link to the towing guide for your year:
http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/...s/2003_All.pdf


I assume we are talking about the 5.4 motor and 4x2 crew cab?


I would have no problem pulling the skid steer for that purpose.


Just try to keep the rpms in the power band and take it out of OD and avoid gear hunting to keep the trans cooler.

 

Thanks for your help!
This is a 4x4, reg cab, 5.4 liter. 7400# is max total trailer weight in the Ford Fleet doc you referenced based on my specs-- pg 19. However, in the same document I read on pg 17 that max trailer weight is 13,900#! Looking back and forth at these two pages I cannot see how the specs differ yet show GROSSLY different numbers.

My concern is just that the lower number implies you can NOT exceed the 7400 # total trailer weight yet it still has the 13,900# reference two pages before this! Subtracting out its Curb wt of 5,100# from 13,900#, we get 8,400#. Take off 160#(for me!) and 8,240# is final wt available. If I also take off weight of full tank of gas?(another 300#, this comes to 7,940#. Getting pretty close to 7,400# now. . .!

Anyway, I will get the prodigy! thanks.

 

that chart you are referring too is misleading. It really refers to the max if properly configured, which is not your truck obviously.


Just run it. you will be fine.

 

I will second the Prodigy Brake Controller.
Mine works flawlessly.

Here is what I have : Tekonsha - Trailer Brake Control - Proportional

If you have the towing package it is plug and play as well.
CJ

 

Again Prodigy, but get the P3. The built-in diagnostics are well worth the little bit extra cost in the event troubleshooting is ever required.

My two cents,

Steve

 

I have a 2003 Expedition Eddie Bauer V8 5.4L. I have a 7 pin and a 4 pin plug in for trailers. The 7 pin does not have a 12v signal from the truck for the trailer brake. all other pins have voltage. Checked fuses and they are ok.

How do I find out if this truck has that ability to engage trailer brakes or do I have to buy something else.

 

you need to check the relays under the hood as well.


In order to get the voltage you require you also need to have a trailer brake controller that plugs into the wiring harness under the dash.

 

Buy the Tekonsha 90195 P3 -
They also have the pig tail connector from your trucks wiring to the controller.

 

Next question is parking brake which just failed the other day. Lots of slack in the cable but the cable doesnt seem to be broken. When you pull the pedal release nothing happens have to pull pedal by hand.

Is there a spring somewhere that has broken and is there something that holds the cable down to the pedal

 

You may have to remove the back rotors and check the emergency brake shoes that are located in the back of the rotor. If they are stuck the pedal will not return.

Denny