Hi all,
I just bought a 97 f250 4.6l with 100,000 miles. I am wanting to tow a vw Eurovan about 500 miles on a tow dolly. Eurovan weighs 4200-4800 and the tow dolly is 450 empty. So gvwr of 4650 to 5250. Looks like gcwr of the f250 is 10500 or 12000 depending on axle ratio... not sure what mine is. The truck weighs 4700 lbs so i know im rated for at least 5700. Seems like it should all work.

Problem. Can't get a tow dolly from uhaul with this configuration. Is that reasonable?

Question. A Google search of 97 f250 towing capacity gives me an answer of 2100-2600. Is this valid?

Question. If I have a tow ball rated for 5000, can I use it? Or is that cutting too close?

Thank you in advance!

 

Uhaul is weird with there set ups-- Tell them you are going to haul a vw bug and they will let you get the dolly.

 

 

I'll take "Disasters for 1000, Alex..."

I am no towing expert, but running it so close to your upper limit sounds like a recipe for brake failure, especially on any downhill grade due to the added uninhibited inertia of a 5000+lb load behind you. Remember, tow dollies have no brakes. Trailers have surge brakes and it makes all the difference.

My 97 Expedition is rated for 7800lbs towing, but it's equipped with the optional Class III heavy duty towing package (including transmission cooler) and has a 5.4L under the hood too.

 

That would be a 7700 series, basically a HD F150 with upgraded axles and springs.

That "trailer" will weigh as much or more than your tow vehicle which means trailer brakes are manditory, light duty dollys don't have brakes while HD versions will have an impulse brake system, those work OK when well maintained problem is U-haul is notorious for poor maintenance.

In this case it is, their software system prohibits towing combos that weigh more than about 1/3 to 1/2 the tow vehicles weight which is the practical limit for trailers without brakes, over than it becomes more difficult to stop the load in less than ideal conditions like on wet roads.

No that sounds like the cargo capacity(GVWR), towing capacity is GCWR minus the vehicles curb weight ready to travel with all fluids, passengers and cargo.

Does the truck have a hitch installed? Both the hitch and ball have to be rated for at least as much as the load that will be attached. Bumpers on these trucks are rated for a max of 5000lbs and even that is pushing it especially on a used truck with who knows how much corrosion.