The 75% Rule.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2020
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From: Michigan
The 75% Rule.
So is the 75% rule still applicable today? For those who don't know, back in the day, the rule was pull only 75% of what your truck was rated for to give you greater longevity.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2018
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Originally Posted by Grass Lake Ron;[url=tel:19960244
19960244[/url]]So is the 75% rule still applicable today? For those who don't know, back in the day, the rule was pull only 75% of what your truck was rated for to give you greater longevity.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2018
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From: Frederick, CO
No such rule. I've seen people apply 70%, 75%, 80%, and 90%. There are other random, ridiculous guidelines you are free to latch onto. But, there never has been any rule. Do what you want. As for me, I follow the published specifications. Period.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2013
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people are doing this with out realizing it...needed an F-250 , but I bought an F-450 to pull F-250 loads.
it would be interesting to see oil sample results for all oil boxes comparing truck A (the 80% truck) to truck B (the 100% truck)
all I know is that around here, we sure get a lot of "stuck on the side of the road" becuase of DPF full, bla, bla, bla, while towing.
it would be interesting to see oil sample results for all oil boxes comparing truck A (the 80% truck) to truck B (the 100% truck)
all I know is that around here, we sure get a lot of "stuck on the side of the road" becuase of DPF full, bla, bla, bla, while towing.
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More Turbo
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From: Stow, MA
The 0% rule also applies. Buy a new SuperDuty, store it in a barn for 40 years, and someone will be able to make a new FTE thread on their "like-new barn find!" in 2060.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2020
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From: Michigan
I have heard this in several areas of the country over the last 40 years. I have gone to several dealers looking at trucks, in Maryland, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan and Florida, and they talk about the same thing without me bringing it up or trying to up-sale me a truck. Just FYI....
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2018
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It’s always possible to break stuff, but the stuff I’ve known to wear out on trucks usually has nothing to do with the weight it carries. These are things like alternators, door hinges, rust, heater cores, radios, HVAC blend doors… crap like that. Seems like most people unload their trucks when this stuff starts nickel and diming them or they just want something new.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2013
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Most of the camping / RV forums out there are loaded with Certified TPP's -Tow Police Professionals. They analyze pictures, comments and statements and write virtual tickets for anyone who considers towing a camper with a half ton truck. They offer stern warnings about how your insurance company will crucify you if you are an ounce over weight. Its gotten so ridiculous. I subscribe to the camp of always try and have more truck than you need but there are those occasions where you make the truck you have fit the task...
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2018
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From: Frederick, CO
Except that that's not possible. What you really mean is that there are those occasions where you ignore safety and prudence and do that which you know to be wrong and hope that you escape the consequences.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2013
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Not at all. It is entirely possible to make the truck fit the task and still remain safe. "Make the truck fit the task" simply means going beyond what the tow police deem to be unsafe like breaking the 75% rule the OP was asking about.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Mills River
I remember things like the “75% Rule” from back when there were no uniform rules. Our 1986 Suburban includes a factory towing spec, but IIRC also a higher allowance for slow speed and/or short distance.
Today’s GVWR and tow specs are typically based on a rather rigorous SAE J2807 tow test. Most of us will never experience those conditions.
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/tow...-the-standard/
Today’s GVWR and tow specs are typically based on a rather rigorous SAE J2807 tow test. Most of us will never experience those conditions.
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/tow...-the-standard/
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
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From: Ridgway, CO
I have always maintained a truck larger than what I probably "need" except when I strayed and bought that Raptor... I like having a 250-350 truck for their capabilities, that way i never need to borrow the "right" truck from a friend. I think they do last longer if you do not work them to the max but by the same token they are almost certainly "rated" for way less than their ultimate capability for manufacturers legal liability sake. I have most certainly run them beyond the ratings "ignoring safety and prudence" understanding that those concepts are just a ruse at best anyway. I have been "escaping the consequences" for decades which leads me to believe, based on actual experience, that such things really do not exist.
I would never buy a truck with the plan to run it at it's max rated capacity all the time though, just personal preference.
I would never buy a truck with the plan to run it at it's max rated capacity all the time though, just personal preference.