I have a 97 f150 ext cab 4x4 4.6 man trans. My question is can I pull my trailer with it? its is a tent trailer so not real heavy but my truck only has 3.08 r end. Will this be enough or should I go to 3.55? will have some hills but nothing major.Any help is greatly appreciated. (I am going nuts with these gvwr gvcr hitch weight trailer weight passenger weight etc afraid to ask the better half how much she weighs lol think its time for a beer.

 

"Not real heavy" = ???

Your high-revving 4.6 and low-torque 3.08 rear aren't real good for towing, but you should still be able to tow 2-3000 lbs without too much trouble once in a while.

GVWR = Gross VEHICLE Weight Rating. This is the maximum total weight of your two axles with the vehicle loaded. This number is on the manufacturer's sticker on the door (jamb? not sure on a '97).

GCWR = Gross COMBINED Weight Rating. This is the maximum weight of what's going down the road that you're controlling. Loaded truck plus loaded trailer. This is found in the owner's manual and is based on your various engine, tranny, gearing, brake and cooling options.

So, you need to know: empty weight of your truck, weight of passengers and cargo, total weight of loaded trailer and pin weight of loaded trailer.

Truck + P + C + PinW(loaded trailer) < or = GVWR

Truck + P + C + TotalTrailerW < or = GCWR

The other numbers you would need to watch (to be completely towing-politically-correct) are your individual axle weights. Pin/Hitch weight generally adds to your rear axle weight. A weight-distributing hitch will help transfer some of that to the front and help you level your load.

Like I said, you could probably do it, but I hope this helps explain it a bit for you.

Jason

 

I may meet with some disagreement here but here is the deal as I see it. You might get by with it and if it was a automatic, I would say you would be okay but since it is a a stick, the lack of a deep first gear and a tall rear axle, could lead to a toasted clutch if you find yourself needing to start out on a grade loaded. (the torque converter on a automatic would save you here) That truck was designed as a max MPG commutor and little more.

 

Your truck is rated to tow 1700# according your spec and Ford tow guide for 1997.

Toyman

 

WHich is basically not to tow at all given that truck weighs around 5k itself and 1700lb is a big load for it in its current configuration.

 

a little mor info for my towing question post. my traielr dry weight is 1450 lbs.And something called axle weight is 1247 lbs. So if I can haul 1700 lbs means I should be able to add 250 lbs of stuff to the tailer assuminf the truck itself is maxed out to the gvwr. I think what I am going to do is tow around here under different circumstances an see how she does and take it from there.Thanks for all the help once again this place has proved invaluable.

 

Do not take these rated weights as absolutes, it could be more or less as the trucks performance will be the deciding factor here, not what is in print. Think of the rating as a guideline only.

 

The big bonus of a tent trailer is when it is folded down it provides very little wind resistance (front or sideways) because it sits well below the level of the tailgate. If it is under 1700 pounds I do not see a problem towing it except up hills. Certainly, you will feel the weight, but, it is doable. If you have a problem with the clutch on a very steep hill, use the parking brake to get started.