2008 vs 1996
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 578
Likes: 12
2008 vs 1996
So what is the deal here?
My manual for F250 says max GCW is 18,500
and 2008 brochure says 23,000 GCW
I think mine has more HP so what is so different with the 08's?
Now they still have the same GCW with non 5th wheel capacitys, but they list only a 12,500 trailer, hmmm that is why my manual lists, so whats my 5th wheel capacity?
So is there a contact at Ford that can answer this?
My manual for F250 says max GCW is 18,500
and 2008 brochure says 23,000 GCW
I think mine has more HP so what is so different with the 08's?
Now they still have the same GCW with non 5th wheel capacitys, but they list only a 12,500 trailer, hmmm that is why my manual lists, so whats my 5th wheel capacity?
So is there a contact at Ford that can answer this?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
The SD models don't include fifth wheel trailer guides anymore. All you do is subtract the actual truck weight from your GCWR. Then verify your tongue weight isn't more than the RAWR and you're set to go!
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Originally Posted by BPofMD
2008 - bigger brakes, more torque, more HP, stronger frame....as the commercial says...."more - more- more."
Except for the fuel economy, and that pesky little task of having to remove the cab to do work on the diesel engine.
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 578
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So what will have to be done to bring mine up to at least 20,000 GVW?
I think the 7.5 has more power/torque than the newer stuff does. As they don't offer anything that large anymore.
And besides a 2.5 ton truck of the 50's or 60's had maybe a 283ish size engine and would be rated at what 25,000 GVW or more so that makes the HP thing mute.
So other than 08's what other years have a higher GCW than 18,500?
I think the 7.5 has more power/torque than the newer stuff does. As they don't offer anything that large anymore.
And besides a 2.5 ton truck of the 50's or 60's had maybe a 283ish size engine and would be rated at what 25,000 GVW or more so that makes the HP thing mute.
So other than 08's what other years have a higher GCW than 18,500?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
Originally Posted by icrman
So what will have to be done to bring mine up to at least 20,000 GVW?
I think the 7.5 has more power/torque than the newer stuff does. As they don't offer anything that large anymore.
And besides a 2.5 ton truck of the 50's or 60's had maybe a 283ish size engine and would be rated at what 25,000 GVW or more so that makes the HP thing mute.
So other than 08's what other years have a higher GCW than 18,500?
I think the 7.5 has more power/torque than the newer stuff does. As they don't offer anything that large anymore.
And besides a 2.5 ton truck of the 50's or 60's had maybe a 283ish size engine and would be rated at what 25,000 GVW or more so that makes the HP thing mute.
So other than 08's what other years have a higher GCW than 18,500?
http://www.clubfte.com/users/monsta/TrailertowingV2.htm
Now...for hp/torque figures...my research shows the 7.5L in '96 only has 245hp @4000rpm and 400 ft-lbs torque at 2200rpm.
So...the hp/torque figures do matter...but equally important are the gears. Where the V10 4.30 gears are rated at 20,000 GVWR...the V10 3.73 is only rated at 17,000 GVWR. The V10 for '00-'04 is rated at 310hp and 425 ft-lbs torque.
The major issue with the '96 would be stopping that load. So larger brakes would be a must. Also...a tranny cooler w/electric fan to help keep the tranny cool. Plus...the Superduty line has the 10.50" rear...whereas the '96 only has the 10.25" rear. Not certain what capacity difference, but I am sure that some must exist.
Just my .02 here...
biz
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
Rear springs have gone a long way. Back in 1999 when the SuperDuties came to be the bed capacity was 3000lbs - ish, now they are up to 6000lbs in some cases. Brakes have significantly increased in size, and the new diesel engines are very much more powerful. Just because size goes down doesn't mean the power goes down 
The newer engines (late 7.3 in 1997-2004, all 6.0l, all 6.4l) also have turbos, which gives quite a boost. Some even have two!
The newer engines (late 7.3 in 1997-2004, all 6.0l, all 6.4l) also have turbos, which gives quite a boost. Some even have two!
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: East Tennessee
You can find the 2008 towing guide here:
http://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/r...08_default.asp
It lists the fifth wheel capacities with automatic and manuals.
The SD250 fifth wheel with PSD is 15,800/15,200 for 2WD & 4WD respectively.
I assumed PSD/automatic since you referenced 23,000 GCW.
The numbers are slightly higher with V10 and 4.30.
http://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/r...08_default.asp
It lists the fifth wheel capacities with automatic and manuals.
The SD250 fifth wheel with PSD is 15,800/15,200 for 2WD & 4WD respectively.
I assumed PSD/automatic since you referenced 23,000 GCW.
The numbers are slightly higher with V10 and 4.30.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 209
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From: Mount Airy, Md
Just pray you don't ever get cought at any scales. The police will go by the door sticker, or their book. Not what modifications you have made. Unless you can get it re-certified by Ford or your local DMV. I have fought with this issue also. One thing I have learned is that just because the truck has the power to tow it, doesn't mean it should. Just my experience. Tom
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
Brakes are important for several reasons... first, they still have a lot of wear and tear when pulling a trailer, even if the trailer's brakes work well. Bigger brakes mean they stay cooler, longer. Second, in this state at least, pluging the trailer lights into the truck seems to be optional, so many people run their trailers without brakes. Third, your truck needs to be able to handle the load if the trailer's brakes fail. The 2007 F250/350 is rated for emergency stopping of 15,000lbs (three times its own weight, its advertised as). Yes, the trailer needs its own brakes, but the truck needs larger heavier brakes when towing. I'm confused as to what the big deal is... newer trucks are heavier duty, more efficient, and safer than older ones. They may not be HUGELY different, but they are different enough to make you notice how much easier and safer they haul.
