Towing
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Towing
I have a 1998 F150 XLT4.6L triton V8 (4x2) with a trailer hitch that looks like it is attached to the chassis, with elec. plug. I am planning on towing a boat I recently purchased weighing approximately 4900 pounds (boat and dual axle trailer). I am not sure what the trans differential/ratio is (3.08 or 3.55). Am I capable of towing this load and what advice can anybody give me. Also, how can I figure out the trans. ratio.
Last edited by chamor; Feb 28, 2005 at 12:26 PM.
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look on your door tag and that should tell you the combined gvwr and just so you don't exceed that, you should be ok. Since the truck has a hitch, it probably has a tranny cooler, but check anyway and if it doesn't have one, get one put in. As far as the rearend, there is a metal tag on the center pumpkin and the ratio will be stamped in it.
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From: NE Texas
The ratio on the differential tag may seem cryptic. If it is a limited slip axle the second digit of the ratio string will be a letter. I'm not sure what it will be if it as an open diff, maybe a decimal. Mine is a 3.55 Limited Slip thus says; 3L55 and then there are some other codes on the same tag.
That is not too much load for your truck, but if it has an automatic transmission you need to be extra careful in driving with the trailer AND maintaining the vehicle. Heat KILLS automatic transmissions. Even if it has a trans cooler, I would change the ATF OFTEN and keep a very close eye on it.
For normal A/T maintenance a filter is always in order during fluid change. For trailer towing, however, doing a drain and fill between regular service would be a good idea. If you take a very long trip, a quick drain and fill after the trip would not be overkill given that you will probably be pulling your boat in hot weather.
If you are dilligent in keeping fresh fluid in the a/t and don't drive like you're in a road race while pulling your boat, you should be able to make it live for a long time.
Good luck,
Doc
That is not too much load for your truck, but if it has an automatic transmission you need to be extra careful in driving with the trailer AND maintaining the vehicle. Heat KILLS automatic transmissions. Even if it has a trans cooler, I would change the ATF OFTEN and keep a very close eye on it.
For normal A/T maintenance a filter is always in order during fluid change. For trailer towing, however, doing a drain and fill between regular service would be a good idea. If you take a very long trip, a quick drain and fill after the trip would not be overkill given that you will probably be pulling your boat in hot weather.
If you are dilligent in keeping fresh fluid in the a/t and don't drive like you're in a road race while pulling your boat, you should be able to make it live for a long time.
Good luck,
Doc
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
How sure are you of that 4900#? You should get it weighed to find out; I'd be willing to bet that, loaded up with gas, gear, and toys, you're gonna be closer to 6000#. Does the trailer have brakes on both axles?
Steve
Steve
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I am pretty sure that it will be around 4900 pounds. The boat I will be towing is a Pro-line 2004 22 Walk. The manufacturer rates the boat and trailer at 4,500 pounds so I have added a few additional pounds for gas, but it is possible that I might exceed 4,900 but probably not by too much. What may get the weight up is fishing gear. I believe that on this kind of trailer brakes are required, but I will check to make sure.
Originally Posted by Steina
How sure are you of that 4900#? You should get it weighed to find out; I'd be willing to bet that, loaded up with gas, gear, and toys, you're gonna be closer to 6000#. Does the trailer have brakes on both axles?
Steve
Steve
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
That's hull weight without the engine or fluids; 70-80 gallons of gas (at 6.7# per) is 470-530#. If you have a water or bait system, that's 8.2# per gallon. Does the trailer have electric or surge brakes?
Steve
Steve
