Towing with inline 6
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 2
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Towing with inline 6
New to group and I have a 1996 F-150 4x4 with the 4.9L inline 6. It’s not my daily driver but I would like to tow my old ski boat around from time to time. I have towed it occasionally and it does fine on the flats, but it’s hilly where I live and it struggles to go up any significant hill. It has the 5 speed manual and the boat weighs about 3000 lb. The axle code is 19, I’m not clear what translates into for gear ratios. I can tow up most any length of hill at 35 mph in 3rd gear but this isn’t exactly ideal. The engine never shows even a sign of overheating. Am I causing any damage to the engine running it this way? Doesn’t seem like 3000 lb is too much to tow with this truck, but it sort of feels that way…
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Axle code 19 is 3.55 gears which isn't terrible as long as the tires are 31" or smaller. The 4.9 only makes 150hp so it's not going to be a great hwy hauler, but you'll never hurt it unless you forget to put oil in it.
The official tow rating for your truck is 2000-4000lbs.
The official tow rating for your truck is 2000-4000lbs.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 312
AKA “The 5-speed input shaft is laughably soft”
There is a compromise here. You either get a smoother shifting transmission or you get one that can pull a whole subdivision.
There is a compromise here. You either get a smoother shifting transmission or you get one that can pull a whole subdivision.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2023
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This is really helpful. I’m right at the towing limit and that’s what it feels like. Is there any harm in towing my boat over a 5 mile long mountain pass in 3rd gear at 2500-3500, going 35-40 mph? Doesn’t seem like this would be hard on the clutch since there is little to no shifting involved? Is the transmission what I need to worry about?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,716
Likes: 583
From: Chillicothe
I wouldn't think so, just make sure the transmission is full and the shift shaft plugs don't leak. And all should be okay.
As with any vehicle that tows, make sure the cooling system is good and you should be fine.
As with any vehicle that tows, make sure the cooling system is good and you should be fine.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,502
Likes: 2,022
From: North Texas
Lower into whatever gear puts you atop of the powerband. Which is like you found...and put your foot into it. It will be able to run full tilt without issue, provided cooling system and oil are full.
If you need more go from it, a highflow cat with good muffler plus Scorpion 1.7:1 roller rockers will add some zip for modest cash outlay.
If you need more go from it, a highflow cat with good muffler plus Scorpion 1.7:1 roller rockers will add some zip for modest cash outlay.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 946
Likes: 186
From: Carnation, Wah
No harm at all, again, as long as you have oil and aren't overheating.
It's good practice to use quality trans and diff oils, and change them more frequently,
but that's just for peace of mind.
I towed #3000 with an I6 M5od for years. Yes, it's slow up hills, but otherwise, it was just fine.
Trailer brakes were a bonus- it was nice to have them, but it never felt unsafe without.
Now, the 351 and ZF5 go up a little quicker- but that's as much to do with gearing as extra power.
And the mileage's worse, too.
t
It's good practice to use quality trans and diff oils, and change them more frequently,
but that's just for peace of mind.
I towed #3000 with an I6 M5od for years. Yes, it's slow up hills, but otherwise, it was just fine.
Trailer brakes were a bonus- it was nice to have them, but it never felt unsafe without.
Now, the 351 and ZF5 go up a little quicker- but that's as much to do with gearing as extra power.
And the mileage's worse, too.
t
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