Question about Towing Accessories
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Benson, AZ
Question about Towing Accessories
This is my first question so here goes.
I am Getting ready to start using my 83 F150 for towing. I currently have a 351 Windsor engine with a 2 core Radiator and a 4bbl 650 cfm Edelbrock carb backed by a C6 tranny. I currently am not sure what rear end I have.
My question is what accessories should I install for towing?
Oil Cooler?
Tranny Cooler?
4 core radiator?
Gooseneck hitch?
Reese hitch? What size receiver? (currently 2" ball on the bumper.)
Thank you for all of your answers in advance.
Scott
I am Getting ready to start using my 83 F150 for towing. I currently have a 351 Windsor engine with a 2 core Radiator and a 4bbl 650 cfm Edelbrock carb backed by a C6 tranny. I currently am not sure what rear end I have.
My question is what accessories should I install for towing?
Oil Cooler?
Tranny Cooler?
4 core radiator?
Gooseneck hitch?
Reese hitch? What size receiver? (currently 2" ball on the bumper.)
Thank you for all of your answers in advance.
Scott
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
The next question to ask is: How much does this 4 horse trailer weigh empty and then how much with horses and equip. This sounds like it would exceed the GVWR for your truck. The max towable amount you can tow is located on the door frame inside the drivers door on a sticker or in the owners manual.
If this does not exceed your trucks tow limits then you want to think about a electric brake controller for the trailer brakes and a class 3 or 4 two inch frame mount receiver and the hitch/load equalizer/anti-sway equipment needed for this trailer if it is not a gooseneck trailer. Good luck with the install.
If this does not exceed your trucks tow limits then you want to think about a electric brake controller for the trailer brakes and a class 3 or 4 two inch frame mount receiver and the hitch/load equalizer/anti-sway equipment needed for this trailer if it is not a gooseneck trailer. Good luck with the install.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Benson, AZ
I checked the Weight ratings for the truck and found that the GAWR for the Front is 2650 and the Rear is 3123.
and the GVWR is 5450. How is the GVWR for the truck mesured is it from the bumper or is it mesured from the rear axle? and would adding rear springs from a 3/4 ton help any. I am new to towing so I may have a few dumb questions.
and the GVWR is 5450. How is the GVWR for the truck mesured is it from the bumper or is it mesured from the rear axle? and would adding rear springs from a 3/4 ton help any. I am new to towing so I may have a few dumb questions.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 7,298
Likes: 45
From: Southern California
This year truck is close enough to your's:
1981 F150
GVWR 5450
117"/133" wheelbase
5.8L
auto trans
3.00 axle minimum
Class III hitch, weight distributing
Max trailer, 5000
GCWR 9700 (maximum weight truck and trailer combined)
Nothing you add on will actually increase your rated towing capacity. A more safe and realistic trailer to match your truck's ratings would be a 2 horse side by side.
1981 F150
GVWR 5450
117"/133" wheelbase
5.8L
auto trans
3.00 axle minimum
Class III hitch, weight distributing
Max trailer, 5000
GCWR 9700 (maximum weight truck and trailer combined)
Nothing you add on will actually increase your rated towing capacity. A more safe and realistic trailer to match your truck's ratings would be a 2 horse side by side.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Benson, AZ
I am working on a 67 Ford250 W/I300 and a 4spd trans and 4:10 rear end. would that be better for hauling than my F150?
Trending Topics
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 7,298
Likes: 45
From: Southern California
It would be better for hauling, but not for the kind of trailer load you're thinking of. A loaded 4 horse gooseneck has gotta be at least 7-8000#. That means the hitch weight itself could be at least 1600#.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
New User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
I pull horses myself. Leave the F150 at home. The weight your talking will tear the truck to pieces. And endanger you. The F250 is a better option ( F350 Dually a better on yet, God forbid the horses ever go crazy in a trailer. You'll thank god you had the extra weight of 350 and the duallys.) Quality brake controller a MUST!!!!!!!!!! Tranny cooler will save your trans. And at that weight go gooseneck. Handle better and turn better in tight spots, you'll love it.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 743
Likes: 1
Gooseneck you can always carry more load in a truck than tongue dragger. I used a 1/2 ton for years hauling loads that should never have been put behind it. But I knew my limits and those of the truck.
Get the biggest tranny cooler you can buy and put it in. If you tow in the hills or hot areas you may have to upgrade the radiator, but only testing will tell. If you overheat, check into the fan-clutch eliminator things. It will sound like an airplane at freeway speeds, but it has saved me from having to upgrade to a bigger radiator a couple of times.
Try it and see if it works. If it doesn't then go with a bigger truck. Just go slow and easy with it until you get everything figured out.
Get the biggest tranny cooler you can buy and put it in. If you tow in the hills or hot areas you may have to upgrade the radiator, but only testing will tell. If you overheat, check into the fan-clutch eliminator things. It will sound like an airplane at freeway speeds, but it has saved me from having to upgrade to a bigger radiator a couple of times.
Try it and see if it works. If it doesn't then go with a bigger truck. Just go slow and easy with it until you get everything figured out.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
well, all talk about going with fans and trany cooler and all. But you mustnt forget truck brakes. They would only be 1/2 ton brakes on truck. A little unnerving on a fast stop, even with trailer brake controler (esp if it isnt adjusted correctly).
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Benson, AZ
Good point. I had'nt thought about brakes. I drove a 78 Mercury Grand Marque with no breaks down an area on I10 called Texas Canyon here in AZ. It has about 7 Degree grade. Not a fun thing to do.
What should be the first investment? Tranny cooler?, Radiator? Brake controler?Heavy Duty Brakes?
Thanx
Scott
What should be the first investment? Tranny cooler?, Radiator? Brake controler?Heavy Duty Brakes?
Thanx
Scott
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 743
Likes: 1
Texas canyon is nothing compared to the Salt River Canyon or Driving from Safford to Springerville through Reserve NM. Just have to remember to downshift that puppy and let the engine do the work for you.
I would get the trailer brake controller and the tranny cooler first, in that order. Now that it's winter you won't overheat as much as in the summer. As for heavy duty brakes, they help, but so does taking it easy. You always have to figure that the other idiots on the road will do the worst possible thing at any given moment that can be done. Always anticipate stupidity and you won't be disappointed.
Good luck and have fun. Just remember to keep a high visual horizon ( That means look farther than the hood ornament. ) and enjoy your new toys.
I would get the trailer brake controller and the tranny cooler first, in that order. Now that it's winter you won't overheat as much as in the summer. As for heavy duty brakes, they help, but so does taking it easy. You always have to figure that the other idiots on the road will do the worst possible thing at any given moment that can be done. Always anticipate stupidity and you won't be disappointed.
Good luck and have fun. Just remember to keep a high visual horizon ( That means look farther than the hood ornament. ) and enjoy your new toys.
New User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Brake controller FIRST. I agree about the mad part, funny thing is got into an arguement with a guy tonight that refuses to use one. Prodigy is great I hear. I have a Teckonsa ( spelled wrong, I know) model myself. Either way stay away from the 30 dollar Walmart Reese special. JUNK!! Spend some money on this item, you'll be glad you did. Get a tranny cooler at the same time. Gooseneck hitch will be easier to tow with and easier on your truck. Get an oil cooler fast as the wallet lets and then work on brakes and overloads. Might look into trading in the 150 for a 250/350 same make and close year that has all the coolers, brakes and suspension stock. Heck might have a gooseneck and brake controller already in it. You may or may not be way money and truck ahead. I just think you'll be wearing and tearing a good ol' F150 have to death. There's my 2 pennies worth. Just don't throw them back too hard.