Maximum Trailer Weight??

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Nov 30, 2004 | 06:46 PM

mantta

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From: Keweenaw Bay, MI

Maximum Trailer Weight??

How much trailer weight can I pull with an 88 F-150 with a 4.9, AOD, 3.55 gears, short bed truck? I just bought a car trailer and it weighs 2000 lbs and was curious how much that truck is capeable of handling. The trailer is good for 7000 GVW.
Thanks,
Larry M

Nov 30, 2004 | 08:24 PM

jroehl

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From: Lafayette, IN

I believe the F150 in my sig is rated at towing 6000 lbs. I've towed probably close to 7000 before for a short distance. It did it, but not real well, and probably wasn't good for the truck. The weak link in your setup is the AOD tranny. Don't tow more than your empty trailer in OD, use D instead. If I remember to, I'll look in the manual in the morning.

Jason

Nov 30, 2004 | 09:42 PM

SoCalDesertRider

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From: USA

Trailer tow ratings are figured by taking the GCWR (gross combined weight rating) and subtracting the scale weight of the truck. What's left over is how much your loaded trailer can weigh. I believe the GCWR for an F-series truck with a 4.9L I-6 and 3.55 gears is around 11,000-11,500 lbs. Transmission type could make that number go down. Assuming that is the GCWR, if your truck weighs say 5000 lbs, that means you can tow a trailer up to 6000-6500 lbs loaded. With a half-ton truck, it's probably best though to keep the trailer weight under 5000 lbs if you're going to be towing regularly with it.

Nov 30, 2004 | 09:59 PM

larry derouin

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From: Glen Burnie Maryland

a 93 with 4.9 / Auto / 3.55 / 4x4 / is rated 5000#
a 93 with 4.9 / Auto / 3.55 / 4x2 / is rated 5500#

I'd go with what SoCal said and do the scale math to get your rating. In any event with the Auto in 89 I'd not pull over 5000.

Larry