Can I tow?????
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2006
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Can I tow?????
i have a 1996 f-250 with a 351W. it has overload leaves and 33 inch tires. i was wondering if i could tow a car hauler with a car in it. the weight of the car and trailer would be around 3000 LBS. also what upgrades will help with this weight??
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Sussex
i pull about twice that with my 92 F250HD. I have 3.55 gears so it is not the best, but you shouldhave no problem. I pulled an F-150 on my trailer this weekend and it was about maxed out on the expressway and hills. Their are two things you want to do: make sure you have trailer brakes and a tranny cooler and you should be good to go.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: West Mansfield, Ohio
I think you'll be alright. I've got an F-150 (Supposively its an HD, which just gave it the aux. tranny cooler, overload springs, oil cooler, bigger rad, and some other goodies) and I've pulled trucks behind it on a trailer with no problem. Make sure you have the tranny cooler as stated before, and make sure the fluid is good. Trailer brakes are helpful also! 77bigblock pretty much hit it on the nose!
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Junior User
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thanks, my truck already has a trans cooler, and a heavy duty transmision with a shift kit and im putting a brake controler in. i was just wondering if the motor could handle it, but you guys tell me its ok so ill go for it. also do you think a trans temp guage is a good idea??
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: PA
The motor is fine. We pull 5000lb horse trailer in an F-150 w/ 351w. Those are some pretty big tires though, so I would check them out in more detail if you ever choose to pull something heavier than that car hauler.
Dave
Dave
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: West Mansfield, Ohio
That engine will do just fine. Not quite as powerful as a big block, but will definately get the job done.
I personally would install a trans temp gauge. What have ya got to lose by doing it? It provides a higher sense of security, knowing you're not going to burn your tranny up!
I personally would install a trans temp gauge. What have ya got to lose by doing it? It provides a higher sense of security, knowing you're not going to burn your tranny up!
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From: Bertha Minnesota
What gears do you have in the rear? I have the same setup except mine is a 5 speed manual. I pulled a 5000lb skid loader and trailer and didn't have much problem. Had to down shift on a coulple of bigger hills. I'm also running 4:10 gears. Gear ratio plays a big part in towing.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: West Mansfield, Ohio
What is the stock tire size on that truck? 265's or 275's?
A 265 tire is pretty identical to a 31 inch tire. I think 285's are close to 33's. So really, you won't notice much of a difference, especially with 4.10's in the rear.
A 265 tire is pretty identical to a 31 inch tire. I think 285's are close to 33's. So really, you won't notice much of a difference, especially with 4.10's in the rear.