V-10 Towing input wanted

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May 9, 2005 | 12:47 PM

souraider

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V-10 Towing input wanted

Hello,
I am looking into the purchase of a toyhauler type RV. I think the numbers on the trailer will be pretty close to the limits of my truck so I was looking for some input from fellow V-10 owner experiences.
These are some of the #'s of trailer:
GVWR=#10,000
Dry weight=#5600
Dry tongue=#800
CCC=#4400
My Truck:
F-250, V-10, 3.73, SRW, CC, 4x4, Tow package, camper package, leveling kit, lt315/70/r16 BFG mud TA's.

I know the truck weighs #6800 +/- #100 per ODOT scales with full tank and family in truck.
According to the manufactures specs I know it would be possible to stay under all my weight limits, but I'm looking at some actual performance input. Many people suscribe to the 80% rule when it comes to towing, but I tend to believe that many of the manufactures take that into account when they set the limits on these vehicles.
Thanks in advance for any input or experiences you can provide.

May 9, 2005 | 01:08 PM

ken04

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Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 2,245

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From: Vancouver Wash USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by souraider

You look all good until you come to your tire size, you tires effectively take your gear ratio from 3.73 to about 3.30. Your manual lists tow ratings for different options and gear ratios. To get back to your tow rating with your tires you'll have to go to the 4.30's. If you have the stock tires and wheels I would consider putting them back on to tow. The added strain on the tranny and rear end is what I'd most be concerned with. You will have plenty of power as long as you keep the revs up, but that will get expensive and tiring. I'd weigh my trailer rather than rely on the manufacturers data which is always light, and figured based on the bare-bones vehicle, no a/c, no water on board, no TV or whatever. Your tongue weight is right in there at 10-15% but my guess is your trailer is closer to 8,000 pounds with 10% tongue weight. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but with a little work you can get all the actuals and be sure you know what you've actually got. The 80% rule came into play because the trailers are notoriously light, and we have to take so much stuff with us to get away from it all (and all that stuff). It's amazing what it all can weigh, good luck, you're doing the right thing by asking prior to towing rather than having to post a "what happened to my truck" post, Ken

May 9, 2005 | 09:29 PM

Fredvon4

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2002

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soulraider

Welcome to the V10 forum, I do not have much to add to what ken04 said except:

For a few years I towed a very heavy load (over max GCVW) with my 2001 F250 and I got away with it.

One day my family and I had an epiphany when we were first on the scene of a over gross truck trailer roll, flip, n scatter. We were behind and saw the accident take place and the driver of the truck had to take evasive maneuvers to avoid an accident ahead of him. Obviously he lost it and to this day I believe if his rig had not been over weight it was a very mild event. Wiped out most of his family and some folks in the oncoming lane in a car. When we finally got released to continue our trip all I could think about was my family riding with me. Pretty awesome responsibility and no place for a macho my truck is big enough attitude.

Not trying to get preachy, just a note to let you know there are practical limits and most of the time they relate to maneuvering and stopping power.

Take care and I wish you hundreds of thousands of safe, enjoyable RVing miles!

May 10, 2005 | 09:20 PM

V10MARS

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Joined: Sep 2004

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Hello.

I have a simular set up. 04/F250SD/CC/4WD/SRW/3.73/stock tires. (7,160 at local scales)

I pull: 24Ft Tailgator. 10,500 GVWR./ 9240 lbs. ready for a three day weekend.

The 315s will hurt a little and you may not be able to hold OD but the V10 does not mind reving a little. Your truck will be fine. I will stick with the stock size tires as I prefer performance to looks.
Mine will hold OD at 70~75MPH in flat (south) Florida but I will lock out OD when I get to N. FL./GA area. I get about 8 MPG at 70~75 MPH with the TH. I have gotten a solid 10 MPG towing the TH at 55~60 MPH.

May 11, 2005 | 02:01 PM

souraider

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Thanx or the feedback. I knew that the tires would reduce my abilities somewhat, I just wasn't sure how much. I currently tow a #2000 popup camper and that hasn't been much of a test for the truck.
I think I will compromise a bit and look for a lighter RV. I can find what I need at about #7700 GVWR, and still keep the truck as-is.
Thanx again.

May 11, 2005 | 02:26 PM

maxbm

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Joined: Apr 2005

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Having just gone through your experience I would HIGHLY recommend re-gearing your truck to 4.30! My 03 F350 had 295's and 3.73 gearing. I opted for the gear change just yesterday to 4.30 and determined on the first ride that it was the BEST thing I could have done for power, mileage and towing ability while still maintaining the "looks" of the truck. I tried towing our TT (8,000 lbs) last week prior to the re-gearing and absolutely hated the experience. The truck was able to maintain highway speeds in OD on flat surfaces, but any inclines required me to either shift out of OD or into 2nd. I had absolutely NO POWER and sucked gas like there was a hole in the tank! Like mentioned by others here you will be MUCH better in the long run re-gearing your rig.

Good luck and thanks to everyone else over the last few weeks for their input!

Chris

May 16, 2005 | 08:28 PM

shorebird

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Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 11,537

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From: Long Beach, Ms.

Go on over to the RV.NET and ask for feedback on the 6.8 V-10 tow capabilities. Lots of info there. I'm Shorebird there too. I pull a 30' TT that weighs in at @ 8300# loaded with 950# tongue weight. I pull with a '01 E-350SD 4.10LS rearend. Enough power to run with the BIG DOGS. You do not need to get a smaller TH. A F-250 4X4 with the V-10 can pull 10,000#.