gear ratio for towing

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 3, 2005 | 02:06 PM

putzhall3

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 129

Likes: 1

From: NW Ohio

gear ratio for towing

I currently have a 97 F250 with 3.56 gears. I am looking to put some different gears and some bigger tires, right now they are LT235/85/16.
I am looking at going to a 35" tire at the biggest. My question is what gear ratio would be the best for towing a 10,000lb trailer? I was thinking maybe 4.10 or 4.56? Let me know what you guys think would be best. Thanks in advance.

Dec 3, 2005 | 02:08 PM

johnsonswamp

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 447

Likes: 0

From: Florida

4:88's if it's a gas burner an 4:56's if it's a diesel.

Dec 3, 2005 | 02:10 PM

putzhall3

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 129

Likes: 1

From: NW Ohio

oh yeah sorry it is a 460

Dec 3, 2005 | 02:59 PM

The SnoMan

Elder User

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 654

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnsonswamp

4:88's if it's a gas burner an 4:56's if it's a diesel.

I agree, even with a 460. With 35's and a 10 k trailer it would just about be right. With a smaller engine it would be a 5.13 or deeper with that amount od weight. It is more than a effective gear ratio change here because bigger tire consume more power too to roll and add more drag to truck because of increased height..

Dec 4, 2005 | 06:54 AM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

Likes: 74

From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Question, Wont the larger tires decrease the control ability of the loaded trailer. I would think trailer sway will be increased, among other things.

Some times a for looks truck ainted suited for heavy work. IMHO

John

Dec 4, 2005 | 08:10 AM

The SnoMan

Elder User

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 654

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by jowilker

Good point. Yes bigger tires can be a problem if they are running at a lower pressure. If they can handle 60PSI or more though they should be okay.

Dec 4, 2005 | 06:03 PM

putzhall3

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 129

Likes: 1

From: NW Ohio

I am not definately going to do 35" tires but it may happen some day, for the moment I will most likely go with some 285/75/16 or 315/75/16. I definately don't want to put "looks" over towing capability!