towing off bumper question
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towing off bumper question
Hi - anyone have an approximation weight on towing for this setup? F150 Supercrew, Rear-wheel drive, 4.6, 3.55ls, stock tires. no tow package, so it'd be off the bumper hitch mount I guess??? Just looking for ballpark weight in case I ever get a popup camper or something like that.
Thanks
Thanks
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I haven't bought one yet, but there are a lot of used 2003s coming in with that configuration and I think I'll buy one soon since they are depreciated a substantial amount. I'd get those gears/engine etc to squeeze out a little more gas mileage since I don't need to haul anything on any kind of regular basis.
Posting Guru
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I would suggest you get something with a hitch or have one installed. Also, a transmission cooler.
Having a hitch is much better for towing in that with the receiver insert you can raise or lower the ball so the trailer rides properly. If you tow nose high or too low it will affect the handling of the truck, may even put you in the ditch if the trailer starts swinging. By having the proper tongue weight you can eliminate that problem. The trailer should tow level. Also no matter what you tow a transmission cooler will help to keep from having problems later.
I have looked at the weights with the pop-up campers and was surprised at there weight. Heavier than I thought.
Having a hitch is much better for towing in that with the receiver insert you can raise or lower the ball so the trailer rides properly. If you tow nose high or too low it will affect the handling of the truck, may even put you in the ditch if the trailer starts swinging. By having the proper tongue weight you can eliminate that problem. The trailer should tow level. Also no matter what you tow a transmission cooler will help to keep from having problems later.
I have looked at the weights with the pop-up campers and was surprised at there weight. Heavier than I thought.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,196
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From: Arizona
dwestove4,
GCWR on the 2003, Screw, 4x2, 4.6L, 3.55 rear, is 11,500, with max trailer of 6600lbs. Here is a link to the Ford page with the data on all 2003 F150 trucks. http://www.fleet.ford.com/products/r...150_Ranger.pdf
Hope this helps
GCWR on the 2003, Screw, 4x2, 4.6L, 3.55 rear, is 11,500, with max trailer of 6600lbs. Here is a link to the Ford page with the data on all 2003 F150 trucks. http://www.fleet.ford.com/products/r...150_Ranger.pdf
Hope this helps
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
The bumper should be stamped as to capacity. I would suggest installing an aftermarket hitch (class IV or V) just to have an attacment point and to get the hitch low enough to tow your trailer (whatever you wind up with) level. The step bumper is pretty high when compared to a reciever. Mine was three bolts on each side, very simple install and no holes to drill on a 1983 F150 - I would assume yours would be similar.
I also agree with adding another transmission cooler, especially since you do not have the factory tow package. In this instance bigger is better.
DrawTite offers three:
Part # 75065 weight carrying 5000 lb weight distributing 8000 lbs (probably the one you want)
Part # 41520 weight carrying 6000 lb weight distributing 10,000 lbs.
Part # 41920 weight carrying 10,000 lb weight distributing 12,000 lb.
All three use existing holes, no drilling required.
They do not offer pricing on their site but this should get you a bit of a start. I would think a regular Class IV with either 5000/8000 or 6000/10000 ratings would be fine and that you should be able to get one for less than $150 and bolt it on yourself.
Dave / Believer45
I also agree with adding another transmission cooler, especially since you do not have the factory tow package. In this instance bigger is better.
DrawTite offers three:
Part # 75065 weight carrying 5000 lb weight distributing 8000 lbs (probably the one you want)
Part # 41520 weight carrying 6000 lb weight distributing 10,000 lbs.
Part # 41920 weight carrying 10,000 lb weight distributing 12,000 lb.
All three use existing holes, no drilling required.
They do not offer pricing on their site but this should get you a bit of a start. I would think a regular Class IV with either 5000/8000 or 6000/10000 ratings would be fine and that you should be able to get one for less than $150 and bolt it on yourself.
Dave / Believer45
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