towing advise please!
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towing advise please!
I have Supercab flareside F150 4x4 manual tran, 6' bed, 4.6L 3.55 axle ratio. Would like to tow a 5th wheel camper weighing 4500 lbs plus some cargo. Owners manual says 3000lb max on frame hitched trailer. Can I do this 5th wheel someway?
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Southern California
Welcome to FTE and thanks for joining us in the Towing forum! 
Your transmission may be the limiting factor governing the maximum trailer weight. What trailer weight does your manual list for an automatic transmission with that axle? If it is higher, then the manual transmission is the limiting factor.
Please post back with the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) for your truck as it is equipped. Also your year model and GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) That may also help someone to answer your question. The GVWR will be found in the driver side doorframe.
Your transmission may be the limiting factor governing the maximum trailer weight. What trailer weight does your manual list for an automatic transmission with that axle? If it is higher, then the manual transmission is the limiting factor.
Please post back with the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) for your truck as it is equipped. Also your year model and GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) That may also help someone to answer your question. The GVWR will be found in the driver side doorframe.
Last edited by horsepuller; Jan 11, 2007 at 05:34 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Running Springs CA
With a manual trans, you only have the first gear ratio and have to slip the clutch to get a load rolling. An automatic has a torque converter, which has its own "ratio" to multiply first gear to get the load rolling from a dead stop.
The 4.6/3.55 is a pretty weak combination to start with, probably as bad as my old 5.0/3.55 that could hardly pull itself up this mountain without a trailer. I'm surprised that yours does not have at least 3.73 with the manual.
Jim
The 4.6/3.55 is a pretty weak combination to start with, probably as bad as my old 5.0/3.55 that could hardly pull itself up this mountain without a trailer. I'm surprised that yours does not have at least 3.73 with the manual.
Jim
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I would also research the "tongue" weight of the camper to see if it exceeds the recommended bed weight tolerance. It's a half ton truck and can certainly take more than 1000lbs, but for how long and at what risk?
I would consider more truck for your camper needs.
I would consider more truck for your camper needs.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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I am surprised to hear the camplaint of the 5.0/3.55 combo. I test drove a 96 recently in some good hillclimbs as i was considering new tow vehicle options, and I was surprised how quick it was. It was 2wd, and There is a definate possibility it had a gear or axle swap.
I am towing a 1990 Terry Fifth wheel with a dry weight of 4100 lbs. on a 2wd B4000. It's an auto though. I do know the rangers were listed with a lower tow rating with the manual.
On a different example, my brother had a 97 4.2 5 speed manual, with 3.08 rear, i think the book said 2000 lbs. max with that combo, however he towed, without any rear trouble, a 1983 21' Coachman camper. That unit was in the 3700lb range.
I think it depends on investment into your truck, and treating it nicely when towing. If you don't have much money into your truck, relatively speaking, go with it for a season and see how you like it. Most popular hitch setups have universal rails, and require buying only a new bracket kit should you get a different truck in the future. Especially if you don't do a lot of hill climbing. And remember not to try and cruise at 75 mph when towing.
I am towing a 1990 Terry Fifth wheel with a dry weight of 4100 lbs. on a 2wd B4000. It's an auto though. I do know the rangers were listed with a lower tow rating with the manual.
On a different example, my brother had a 97 4.2 5 speed manual, with 3.08 rear, i think the book said 2000 lbs. max with that combo, however he towed, without any rear trouble, a 1983 21' Coachman camper. That unit was in the 3700lb range.
I think it depends on investment into your truck, and treating it nicely when towing. If you don't have much money into your truck, relatively speaking, go with it for a season and see how you like it. Most popular hitch setups have universal rails, and require buying only a new bracket kit should you get a different truck in the future. Especially if you don't do a lot of hill climbing. And remember not to try and cruise at 75 mph when towing.
