Okay,

I know I'm talking a different drive train, but, I just can't resist getting into this one...

I've got a '95 F250 XLT 4X4 460/ZF/3.55:1 outfitted with a Banks Power Pack. I pull a 28 foot fifth wheel with a push out... that weighs in at 9000 lb and stands nearly 12 feet tall. The Ford manual says I should only be pulling a combined weight of 13,000 lbs. Mine with kids and all packed in is 16,500 lbs. I have no problems at all, most rocky mountain grades I was able to pull in O/D as long as I kept the road speed up around 110 km/h (about 70mph). In other words I need about 1800 rpm for most grades, by this I mean less than about a 6% grade, or I have to back shift to fourth.

I'm not sure why Ford rates the maximum recommended combined weight so much less for the five speed than for the auto. Can't recall off hand, but, it is rated 3000 or 4000 pounds less. Incidently, I am not exceeding my GVWR, but, I am right at it.

Someone told me that Ford typically under rates their trucks on the GVWR sticker, and that if you write to them they will send you a sticker with a higher GVWR. Has anyone ever heard of this?

Perry

 

Wow! That 460 is a killer tow engine. I bet it makes a beautiful sound pulling 1800 rpm up a 6% with that load, but what do you get, about 6 mpg on the 6% grades? I noticed Ford rates manual trannies way lower than auto and have been told from many sources that it is because people burn up clutches. I always figured the manual, if first is low enough, ought to pull as much as a auto tranny.

 

Tallpaul,

It does sound good. I like to put the window down if there is a rock cut away or barricade on the passenger (exhaust) side, just so I can hear it better... I know kinda childish... but, I like it just the same.

Milage? With the trailer in tow 6.65 miles to your US gal. On the 6% grade... probably about 2 or 3... LOL!!

Perry

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 09-Feb-01 AT 10:47 PM (EST)[/font][p]I have a 94 F150 4x4 supercab with the 5.0 and an auto OD it has 120,000 miles on it. I pull a 26ft Citation camper it weighs in at 7500lbs. I use the weight distributing hitch and haven't had any problems. I've been pulling it for about 3 years now. Hope you have the same experiences I have had.... all good!!!

 

I have a 95 F-150 SC 4x4 with a 5.0 and 3.55 gears, auto OD. Towing 6000 lbs isn't a problem, this truck is rated at 6600 from Ford.

Where you do have to be real careful is brakes. I was towing about 3000 lbs. down a local freeway, a semi locked his brakes up in front of me at 60 MPH. I mashed the brakes, but couldn't stop. Thankfully we had a wide shoulder to drive around the semi. That little incident warped both front rotors.

Make sure that your trailer has adequate brakes, check them every time you hook the trailer up.

 

>My Dad tows a 32 foot
>Coachman or a 35 foot
>Dutchman coast to coast with
>a '96 F150 4X4 300/M5spd.
>
>
>Trail Rider

man, thats got to be over the limits for the vehical.

Stephen W. Hansen
92 F-250 XLT (120,000 and going strong)
50 F-1 (some assembly required)
shansen@ndak.net