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I have a 92 F-150 king cab with a straight 6 and just over 160 thousand miles on her. Engine and tranny are in great condition. I am considering pulling a pop-up tent camper next summer and need some help with info. First off, how much can she handle in terms of towing weight ?? (I cannot get an answer from anybody!!) Secondly, would Heavy Duty shocks and a bigger radiator be decent and recommended updates? Any and all answers/opinions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Automatic or Manual. The manual is around 5700 pending gear ratio and the auto is higher yet, pending gear ratio.
In my opinion, a tranny cooler is always a good upgrade, even if you are not towing. As for towing a pop-up camper, it shouldn't have any problems whatsoever. Even a heavy one shouldn't be a problem.
I wouldn't worry about the shocks unless they are worn then you can go for a heavy set.
I guess you can just say that I am nervous about hurting my truck. I love this truck and want it to last. The tranny is automatic. The camper that will be the main item being towed is not to exceed 3300 pounds. There will be other smaller tows, so I am not worried about them.
The tranny cooler is a great recommendation, any brands better than others? How about shocks ?? They are needed. I am also in need a fuel tank, she just started leaking and it is not the filler tube.
All your help is extremely appreciated. Not to whine, but I am disabled with a nasty back injury and sometimes the internet is my best option for checking things out.
Sounds like it is a match to my truck. 3300 is within the tow capacity. If I remember correctly it is 4200lbs...but will check my manual tonight. I have towed a pop up cross country with no issue. You most likely have the e4od transmission, and the recommendation is to lock out the overdrive when towing.
A tranny cooler is never a bad idea, especially if you are towing in hot or hilly areas. Consider that you have now just moved to the "heavy" service schedule (more frequent oil/trans services etc). Have your brakes chacked, and over 3000lbs you should have trailer brakes as well.
Don't forget to add the weight of your gear (not just the trailer) when figuring the weight.
Take the GCVWR and subtract the weight of your truck, fully loaded, from that figure. I have never seen a pop up that would exceed your towing weight, but I've not seen all pop-ups! Trans cooler is a great idea and if you're going to tow, check out J.C. Whitney for the replacement 38 gallon rear tank if you have to change it anyway. Check all fluids, and if an E4OD tow with OD locked out (button on end of shift lever).
as long as your putting on a transmission cooler you might want to have the transmission fluid changed and a new filter put in. One less thing to do later. On the shocks if you can manually bounce the pickup and it keeps bouncing over 3 times you might want to put on shocks.
Last edited by bigredtruckmi; Mar 16, 2005 at 07:04 PM.