5th wheel towing
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New User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: nc
5th wheel towing
I own a 2001 Ford 350 crew cab dually,Diesel,automatic,3.73 gear ratio rear end. I know that Ford says I can tow a loaded fifth wheel camper of 13,000 lbs.we are looking at buying a 5th wheel weighing 14,180 empty. I know that this is 1,180 lbs over what Ford says I can tow. Then you add your stuff in camper,(app. 1000 lbs) so now I may be around 2200 lbs over. Now I also know that the camper we are looking at and others ,of similar weight, are towed from the factory, with the same truck that I have ,without any problems.I know my truck will pull it,but what will the extra weight do to my transmission? Is there anyone out there that is towing a similar weight with their F-350?
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Mt. Airy, MD
I don't think its the engine and transmission that is a concern, since there isn't anything different from an F-350 dually or F-350 for that matter. The concern is the extra weight on the chassis and overloading your springs. Also of concern will be braking. All things considered, yes you can tow it, yes it will get you where you are going no problem. Your problem is going to be the gearing, 3.73 will not give you the low down grunt or pulling from a stop that the 4.10 or higher will give you.
If you are intent on getting that 5er, get some air bags for the rear, make sure you have a very good braking system, make sure you get gauges to ensure you aren't overheating your tranny or running high EGTs, don't expect to fly up and down hills, and expect low mpg.
You also are going to have to make sure you load your belongings and extras correctly and evenly, don't want to put too much of a load up front.
Good luck.
If you are intent on getting that 5er, get some air bags for the rear, make sure you have a very good braking system, make sure you get gauges to ensure you aren't overheating your tranny or running high EGTs, don't expect to fly up and down hills, and expect low mpg.
You also are going to have to make sure you load your belongings and extras correctly and evenly, don't want to put too much of a load up front.
Good luck.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: nc
Thanks for the information. My wife really wants the 14,180lbs 5th wheel and of course I want her to have it, but after talking about it ,I think that we are going to go with a lighter weight.
