towing question (merged)
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 224
Likes: 4
From: High River
towing question
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.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,473
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette, IN
"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
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
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by alberta46
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.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Toyman
Your truck is rated to tow 1700# according your spec and Ford tow guide for 1997.
Toyman
Toyman
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 224
Likes: 4
From: High River
More info
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.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by alberta46
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.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
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.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer