Towing Advice Needed?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,666
Likes: 301
From: Easton,Ks
Gee, I have been towing every thing with by step bumpers, with a two axle trailer stack high with hay to 3,640 pound load I just hauled to Metals Recycling last week. I as towed home on a dolly a 95 F150 ex cab using my step bumper. I have been towing with my step bumpers on every truck I have owned for the last 38 years.
Not sure what you all are talking about, that is what they put them on for isn’t it.
Not sure what you all are talking about, that is what they put them on for isn’t it.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,475
Likes: 2,800
The Fey step bumper on my Econoline is stamped 800lbs tongue, 8000 trailer.
Looking at it, I would be reluctant to load more than 200/2000.
If your bumper isn't stamped, don't tow with it. If it is stamped, look at it and compare to a Class III. Is it as heavy, are the mounts as strong?
For an F150 towing a car--well, is it a Geo Metro, a '60s land yacht or what?
I would recommend a trailer, loaded with the car facing forward, with good brakes.
Don't stop on a hill.
Looking at it, I would be reluctant to load more than 200/2000.
If your bumper isn't stamped, don't tow with it. If it is stamped, look at it and compare to a Class III. Is it as heavy, are the mounts as strong?
For an F150 towing a car--well, is it a Geo Metro, a '60s land yacht or what?
I would recommend a trailer, loaded with the car facing forward, with good brakes.
Don't stop on a hill.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Grove City, PA USA
I agree with being really careful about towing with the step bumper. The bumper may look good on the shiny side, but a close inspection may show that the strong parts underneath are all turning into rust, especially on an 88.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 0
From: Des Plaines, Illinois
I thought the factory step bumper was rated at class III...hmmm time to do some looking around...
EDIT: Good point Clerk, but he said his was aftermarket so I imagine the hardware is newer...the frame it bolts to however...
EDIT Again: According to the info for my '93, my factory step bumper is Class III rated for 5000lb and 750lb tounge weight.
EDIT: Good point Clerk, but he said his was aftermarket so I imagine the hardware is newer...the frame it bolts to however...
EDIT Again: According to the info for my '93, my factory step bumper is Class III rated for 5000lb and 750lb tounge weight.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 320
Likes: 3
From: Northwest BC. Canada
You should know the safe limits of that truck. On the drivers door post is the GVW for your truck. The following should be factored in before you tow.
Base Curb Weight + Cargo Weight + Passenger Weight + Tongue Load or King Pin Weight = Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
If the total weight added up exceeds this then you are not safe.
It adds up quick.
My input
Dan.
Base Curb Weight + Cargo Weight + Passenger Weight + Tongue Load or King Pin Weight = Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
If the total weight added up exceeds this then you are not safe.
It adds up quick.
My input
Dan.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,099
Likes: 379
From: Southern California
It depends on the diff gear. My 1990 F150 4.9 with 5 spped & 3.55 diff gears w/tow package was rated to tow up to 6,000 pounds. I regularly towed my 65 mustang on a tandom axle trailer with brakes with no problem- total weight for car & trailer (steel) was 5,000 pounds. Very stable at city & hwy speeds. I prefer the trailer on hwy as other drivers don't always see you towing a vehicle behind, change lanes quickly and can hit the vehicle...with the trailer, if they do make contact it's basically sol for them as the car is somewhat protected.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 8
From: Cook Forest and Irwin PA
It depends on the diff gear. My 1990 F150 4.9 with 5 spped & 3.55 diff gears w/tow package was rated to tow up to 6,000 pounds. I regularly towed my 65 mustang on a tandom axle trailer with brakes with no problem- total weight for car & trailer (steel) was 5,000 pounds. Very stable at city & hwy speeds. I prefer the trailer on hwy as other drivers don't always see you towing a vehicle behind, change lanes quickly and can hit the vehicle...with the trailer, if they do make contact it's basically sol for them as the car is somewhat protected.
I think the petitioner had a 308 - hence my answer of 2000-2500
as for step bumpers - I have never seen a trailer that has its frame level when attatched to a step bumper. just dont do it, if you saw how these were mounted to the frame you would never hook up. (plus you cannot make a tight turn on an aframe tongued trailer)
Ford sold and installed receivers for a reason. the v5 rating on the bumper has NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT IT CAN TOW WHEN INSTALLED. It has something to do with when the bumper will deform between the mount points and the ball mount. IIRC correctly the ford guild to towing does not recommend using the bumper (in fact, in the years we are posting about, the bumper is not even included on the truck OR tow package, it was an option as many class 4 hitches interfere)
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 320
Likes: 3
From: Northwest BC. Canada
Dan.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Just because the bumper says that it is rated for 15000 lbs of towing does not mean that the truck is necessarily capable. According to your door sticker (The legal GVW for that vehicle) that weight should be the only one considered and should not be exceeded. It is ultimately up to you. Be safe
Dan.
Dan.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,373
Likes: 46
From: Palm Bay, Florida
If you could post a pic of your "step bumper" we'll check it out....it MAY be one of those aftermarket "cowboy style" bumpers that were popular about 20 years ago...and be OK to put a ball on and tow with, BUT if its just a plain stock type step bumper DON'T TOW WITH IT even if someone else has!!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 721
Likes: 0
From: Ft Wayne IN
i used to tow with a stock bumper never had any problems...my I6 is rated to pull 2600ibs i beleive with 3.08s and m5od,but ive pulled close to 8k pounds of hay+ the trailer...the truck has no problem moving it the problem i had was swerving going around 45 mph where an f250 would be much better suited for that