Holy crud... 8k with a 4.6?! Talk about unsafe... I tow 7500lbs with a 5.4L gooseneck and it does it, but I wouldn't put a pound more on it!

 

Explain why this is unsafe? Other than not having more power to get moving, don't see where the problems lies.

 

When you overload the axle things tend to break...

 

Apparently, it wasn't overloaded as it didn't break in 21000 miles. Worked just fine thank you. Never an issue. Just cause you *can* buy a PSD to tow something doesn't mean you have to.

 

Hello, I have a 1999 Ford F250 V10. and we just got a 5th Wheel that is 5000lbs.
And would like to no when is 2nd gear used for pulling?
Most of the time i just use O/D off untill i get up to speed then shot it off.

I did drop it down to 2nd once and engine reved realy high.

Thanks
Brad

 

Just leave the OD shut off and let the truck decide when it wants to shift.

 

When is the O/D used then?

 

Anytime you are not loaded. You can you it at times when loaded, but if it keeps shifting in and out of OD it is better to lock it out and protect the transmission.

 

Just want to bump this for anyone who still has towing questions. It doesn't matter how much a truck can pull, the REAL question is "Can I stop this combo when towing?"!!
First, if you are towing a trailer without brakes, NEVER exceed the GVWR of the truck (it's on the door sticker). An unbraked trailer is the same as cargo in the bed, dead weight.
Now if your trailer has functioning brakes on it, you can follow the tow ratings from the manufactuer. Towing ratings are devised from a set of perameters set forth from the SAE. All the vehicle manufactures use these rules when advertising their vehicles, and are the recommendations that they live by to keep the liabilty lawyers at bay, an keeps uneducated people from tearing their stuff to shreds.
From what I've read, there are three catagories that the ratings are derived from. Startability, gradability, and stopabilty. The last on is the most important, obviously!
But here is my take on the ratings. Say you have a F-250 2wd. The max combined weight rating for any model in this group may be 20,000 lbs. But that's a diesel with auto trans and 4.10 axle. You have a 5.4L with auto and 3.73 axle. Ratings will be lower because of horsepower/torque being much lower than diesel. But wait, same brakes on both trucks! You won't set any records getting the trailer down the road, but at least you are not over-taxing the combo to get it stopped. So if you need to on occassion pull something heavier than your rating, just make sure it doesn't exceed the highest rating for any truck in it's like group.
Most states are cracking down on trailer towers and checking them for proper braking systems, giving out fines for improperly equipped rigs. I went thru a weigh station in Minnesota a few months ago and the DOT was jacking up a bunch of utility trailers and checking brakes. Most of the guys stopped were commercial pickups/vans pulling two axle trailers. I'll bet the DOT ruined alot of paychecks for that week.
But as a 'big truck' driver, I know for a fact that brakes is the #1 cause for fines during roadside inspections. Safety is no accident!!

 

Thanks for the info
what do mean by,
if it keeps shifting in and out of OD it is better to lock it out
what do you mean by lock it out?

Thanks
Brad

 

You lock the OD out when you press the tow button on the end of your shift lever. You have to make sure your tranny does not Yo Yo in and out of OD repeatedly. Leave it in OD on the flat and small inclines. Lock it out on long grades or when the tranny Yo Yo's.

 

Just a slight correction, that truck is rated for 10,200 lb 5th wheel. I had the same setup before my '08. Towed well. Locked out OD and let the truck and transmission.do their thing. Cruised at 2600 RPMs and hit the hills at 4000 rpms. The engine will do what you ask of it.

Down the road if you can afford to get 4:30 gears, you will notice a big improvement. It will up your max trailer weight by 3000lbs.

s

 

When you say Locked out OD that means off right ?
Driving with the over drive off.

 

Yes, he means off.