Towing Capacity
Towing Capacity
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Chippewa Falls, WI
The bumper should be stamped someplace what its towing capacity is. Most bumpers I have seen are either 3500lbs with 250 tongue, or 5000 with 500. Your owners manual will give you better information otherwise just call the dealer they should be able to tell you.
If you are planning on towing often I would strongly recomend getting a frame mount reciever hitch. If for no other reason than being able to select the correct ball heigth to make your trailer ride correctly behind the truck.
Most reciever hitches I have seen are around that 5000-7500 without weight distribution, and 10,000-12,000 with weight distribution. There are larger ones available, but probably not for 1/2 ton trucks.
The overall capacity of the truck strongly depends on what transmission you have and what your gear ratio is. once again consult your manual or a dealer.
If you are planning on towing often I would strongly recomend getting a frame mount reciever hitch. If for no other reason than being able to select the correct ball heigth to make your trailer ride correctly behind the truck.
Most reciever hitches I have seen are around that 5000-7500 without weight distribution, and 10,000-12,000 with weight distribution. There are larger ones available, but probably not for 1/2 ton trucks.
The overall capacity of the truck strongly depends on what transmission you have and what your gear ratio is. once again consult your manual or a dealer.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 898
Likes: 0
[QUOTE=kell104]The bumper should be stamped someplace what its towing capacity is. Most bumpers I have seen are either 3500lbs with 250 tongue, or 5000 with 500. Your owners manual will give you better information otherwise just call the dealer they should be able to tell you.
If you are planning on towing often I would strongly recomend getting a frame mount reciever hitch. If for no other reason than being able to select the correct ball heigth to make your trailer ride correctly behind the truck.
Most reciever hitches I have seen are around that 5000-7500 without weight distribution, and 10,000-12,000 with weight distribution. There are larger ones available, but probably not for 1/2 ton trucks.
The overall capacity of the truck strongly depends on what transmission you have and what your gear ratio is. once again consult your manual or a dealer.[/QUOTE]
With this in mind , you realize that the towing limits suggested by Ford are performance limits, NOT safety limits. They also have NOTHING to do with any laws. Weight limits set by the states are revenue related & in some cases to protect the roads from damage. Again, NOT safety.
The biggest factor in safety is the driver. While one driver could safely tow 30,000 lbs with your truck, others shouldn't even be behind the wheel when the truck is empty.
If you are planning on towing often I would strongly recomend getting a frame mount reciever hitch. If for no other reason than being able to select the correct ball heigth to make your trailer ride correctly behind the truck.
Most reciever hitches I have seen are around that 5000-7500 without weight distribution, and 10,000-12,000 with weight distribution. There are larger ones available, but probably not for 1/2 ton trucks.
The overall capacity of the truck strongly depends on what transmission you have and what your gear ratio is. once again consult your manual or a dealer.[/QUOTE]
With this in mind , you realize that the towing limits suggested by Ford are performance limits, NOT safety limits. They also have NOTHING to do with any laws. Weight limits set by the states are revenue related & in some cases to protect the roads from damage. Again, NOT safety.
The biggest factor in safety is the driver. While one driver could safely tow 30,000 lbs with your truck, others shouldn't even be behind the wheel when the truck is empty.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,473
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette, IN
I'd like to see a '95 F150/302/Auto (most were 3.55 rear) tow 30,000 lbs. up a hill. Any hill. Or down. A broken down vehicle by the side of the road is unsafe. I've towed too much with my '90 F150 (upwards of 6000 lbs). It performed fine, it just trashed the driveline.
An F150 is not a heavy-duty vehicle. They're made for light hauling and towing. Anything more shortens their useful life.
Jason
An F150 is not a heavy-duty vehicle. They're made for light hauling and towing. Anything more shortens their useful life.
Jason
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Vineland, New Jersey
I figured out that I have 3.08 Rear End Gears....and the manual said for a step bumper its 500lbs tongue and 5,000lbs trailer.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Chippewa Falls, WI
Even my 351 with 3.55 has trouble on hills. It has no problems getting things moving but sustainability is not the greatest.
My camper is 6500lbs empty (probably 7500+ with all my crap+55gal of fresh water) and most times I really wish it was a diesel. My next truck definately will be.
F150's are definately not meant for day in and day out heavy pulling.
My camper is 6500lbs empty (probably 7500+ with all my crap+55gal of fresh water) and most times I really wish it was a diesel. My next truck definately will be.
F150's are definately not meant for day in and day out heavy pulling.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
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I also highly recommend a frame mounted hitch because my bumper was close to falling off from overloading it. the 300 didnt seem to mind but i didnt go much faster than 50mph with some of the heavier loads and i kept it in 4th gear.
New User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1
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Driving a 1978 Ford F-150 XLT while I am already hauling a 1155 lb texson camper desiring to add front and rear receivers to add a camp trailer and front mounted moped/scooter/cycle. Any suggestions prior to installing both receivers and buying any camp trailer and moped/scooter/cycle for front mount (receiver)?