Info & Advice Needed
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New User
Joined: Nov 2006
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Info & Advice Needed
Hi, I'm new here and am in need of some info and advice. First off, my name is Andy and I'm 17. I'm looking for an older Ford 4x4 truck (preferably a 1978-1986) to drive as both a daily driver and to tow my racecar to the track on weekends. Basically, my questions are this. Approximately how much can a 4x4 F150 of this year range tow? A 4x4 F250? Also, besides a properly rated hitch and a good trans cooler, what else should done to ensure maximum towing capacity? Please give me any and all opinions. Thanks a ton!
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
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Hell I have an 85 F150 with a 351w and a C6 with two wheel drive and I pulled a 1967 Vista Cruiser station wagon all the way from South Dakato to Indiana and had no problem what so ever so I wouldnt worry about it being able to pull your racecar unless your racing with a school bus or something. If your looking for a good hitch just get a class 5 hitch and a trans cooler and youll be good to go.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
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From: Marengo, Iowa
It depends on your trailer, most race cars aren't that heavy, generally 3000 or less. You could do it, but it would be a strain on the rear axle and brakes. My trailer, open flatbed, is only about 1200 but it is a bit lighter than many, you can figure about 1500-2000 on average. If you want to go enclosed, you would be better served bumping up to a 250.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 12,281
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From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Well im sure a F250 could tow this or even a F150 not sure but really it depends on options such as reg cab or supercab long box/short box 4x4 4x2 and your rear axle ratio also if you gotta good hitch trans cooler and all that you should be able to tow pretty good and if you find a truck with a towing package this includes all that maybe except a hitch depends
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New User
Joined: Nov 2006
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Thanks for the replies, sorry it's taken so long to respond. As far as the trailer goes it will be (buying a new one shortly) at least an enclosed 26ft, preferably a 28-30ft. The trailer itself is about 4500lbs, the car about 3000lbs, and then about 500-800lbs of misc tools/spare parts/etc. So, thats 8000-8500lbs. Thanks for all the replies, the help is very much appreciated!
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Northshore, MN
make sure you have trailer brakes. Also that's one area that the F350 is superior to the half tons(brakes), among other things.
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Senior User
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From: Lynchburg, VA
Originally Posted by havi
make sure you have trailer brakes.
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New User
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From: greater houston area
basics...
f-150 light duty depending on the engine and trans. it will have the muscle but not the legs.
f-250 muscle pretty much the same. legs are stronger.
f-350.. can we say steroids!
look all the trucks will have the power to tow. torque tows so inline and big blocks will give the most grunt. look for a 300 I-6 or a 460 v-8.
the 150 does not have strong enough axles or supension to tow on a regular basis.
the 250 and up will. but any truck will need fine tuning to be mached to your trailer.
might need helper leafs. or air bags, ect. i'm sure cost will be factor. so buy what you can afford and make it work a lesser truck can be adapted to tow heavy loads. but you might spend as much as the cost of a bigger truck in the long run. so shop around.
f-150 light duty depending on the engine and trans. it will have the muscle but not the legs.
f-250 muscle pretty much the same. legs are stronger.
f-350.. can we say steroids!
look all the trucks will have the power to tow. torque tows so inline and big blocks will give the most grunt. look for a 300 I-6 or a 460 v-8.
the 150 does not have strong enough axles or supension to tow on a regular basis.
the 250 and up will. but any truck will need fine tuning to be mached to your trailer.
might need helper leafs. or air bags, ect. i'm sure cost will be factor. so buy what you can afford and make it work a lesser truck can be adapted to tow heavy loads. but you might spend as much as the cost of a bigger truck in the long run. so shop around.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
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From: Billings Montana
If I were you, I'd just go for an F-250 with either a 460 or the 6.9 diesel. That way you know that you can tow anything with ease. I bought an 86 F-250HD with a 460, 4x4 and a 4 speed for the same price that some lots were selling 1/2 tons for. I just wanted a beefy truck so I went with Hoss. I towed my 72 Ventura II 1100 miles on a trailer and it handled it with ease. I think my truck has a GVWR of 11,000 lbs.
I've even towed my neighbors 32' motorhome sideways out of the mud 75 feet because we couldn't get a straight on shot and Hoss never complained. After that little tug my neighbor told me that if I was to ever sell my truck, he wanted it because mine out-performs his Chevy 3/4 ton.
I've even towed my neighbors 32' motorhome sideways out of the mud 75 feet because we couldn't get a straight on shot and Hoss never complained. After that little tug my neighbor told me that if I was to ever sell my truck, he wanted it because mine out-performs his Chevy 3/4 ton.