Towing Advice Needed?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Towing Advice Needed?
I have a 1988 Ford F150 with 5 speed manual and 300 ci 6 cyl. I have the factory tow package with step bumper. I would be using a 2 inch ball also. I want to tow a car on a dolly or a flat bed trailer. It is a full size car. Will my truck be able to handle it? Thanks for the help.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,666
Likes: 301
From: Easton,Ks
I think the dolly is more stable as if you get too much weight behind the trailer wheel (car on backwards) you can start fishtailing and lose it.
The dolly will also not load the hitch where the trailer can put a lot of weight on the hitch.
With a bigger truck and the car on frontwards the trailer would be better. It is almost impossable to back up with a dolly.
I use both with my F150 and have had no problem at all, but both have brakes on them.
The dolly will also not load the hitch where the trailer can put a lot of weight on the hitch.
With a bigger truck and the car on frontwards the trailer would be better. It is almost impossable to back up with a dolly.
I use both with my F150 and have had no problem at all, but both have brakes on them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
You won't have any issues at all if you think ahead and drive safely. Don't stop suddenly and try not to hit anything. 
I towed an older BMW on a dolly about 400 miles with a 300/5-speed in an F-150. No problems.
I towed an older BMW on a dolly about 400 miles with a 300/5-speed in an F-150. No problems.
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 8
From: Cook Forest and Irwin PA
I have a 1988 Ford F150 with 5 speed manual and 300 ci 6 cyl. I have the factory tow package with step bumper. I would be using a 2 inch ball also. I want to tow a car on a dolly or a flat bed trailer. It is a full size car. Will my truck be able to handle it? Thanks for the help.
the 6+stick has to be rated near 2000-2500 tow rating assuing a decent rear axle.
the weak part? clutch, then the tranny itself in that order.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Grove City, PA USA
I towed alot with my 88 302 5speed with 3.08 gears. The important part is to have brakes on the towed trailer. My first experience was towing a 24 foot pontoon boat on a trailer that did not have brakes. It would slide the truck if there was anything loose on the road. I towed an 88 Lincoln Towncar on a trailer -- only problem was starting on a steep hill near Pittsburgh. The original clutch went 147,000 miles with lots of towing experience. Just be safe -- check hitch, tie downs etc. regularly.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,373
Likes: 46
From: Palm Bay, Florida
I am reading that you have a step bumper???? are you planning on towing either the trailer or dolly with a ball on THAT?????
VERY DANGEROUS!!!! PLEASE PLEASE get yourself at least a class 3 bolt on frame hitch and use that!!
The step bumpers today are not what they used to be 25 years ago, they are not strong at all.
I had an 18' oper car transport trailer built about 40 miles from me and didn't have my hitch on my '94 F150 yet so I put a ball on the step bumper and picked up my trailer empty, and in backing it into my yard the bumper bent!!
PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!!!!!!!!!
VERY DANGEROUS!!!! PLEASE PLEASE get yourself at least a class 3 bolt on frame hitch and use that!!
The step bumpers today are not what they used to be 25 years ago, they are not strong at all.
I had an 18' oper car transport trailer built about 40 miles from me and didn't have my hitch on my '94 F150 yet so I put a ball on the step bumper and picked up my trailer empty, and in backing it into my yard the bumper bent!!
PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!!!!!!!!!
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
I am reading that you have a step bumper???? are you planning on towing either the trailer or dolly with a ball on THAT?????
VERY DANGEROUS!!!! PLEASE PLEASE get yourself at least a class 3 bolt on frame hitch and use that!!
The step bumpers today are not what they used to be 25 years ago, they are not strong at all.
I had an 18' oper car transport trailer built about 40 miles from me and didn't have my hitch on my '94 F150 yet so I put a ball on the step bumper and picked up my trailer empty, and in backing it into my yard the bumper bent!!
PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!!!!!!!!!
VERY DANGEROUS!!!! PLEASE PLEASE get yourself at least a class 3 bolt on frame hitch and use that!!
The step bumpers today are not what they used to be 25 years ago, they are not strong at all.
I had an 18' oper car transport trailer built about 40 miles from me and didn't have my hitch on my '94 F150 yet so I put a ball on the step bumper and picked up my trailer empty, and in backing it into my yard the bumper bent!!
PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!!!!!!!!!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 32
From: Aurora,Colorado
I have a 1988 Ford F150 with 5 speed manual and 300 ci 6 cyl. I have the factory tow package with step bumper. I would be using a 2 inch ball also. I want to tow a car on a dolly or a flat bed trailer. It is a full size car. Will my truck be able to handle it? Thanks for the help.
Ford probably rated this combination this low to insure normal clutch life. One trip wouldnt hurt the clutch that much-but starting on hills with the 3.08 would be difficult ,I bet!! And maintaining highway speed in head winds on hills may be difficult.
How much weight is involved in this car and dolly??
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Valdosta, GA
I have never considered towing with my 302/auto F150. I don't see why it couldn't handle a tow dolly though, since there wouldn't be a lot of earthward pressure on the truck, just starting and stopping with the load. I imagine the 300/5sp combo would be as good if not better for towing especially with the towing pkg. But these guys are right; DO NOT HITCH IT TO THE STEP BUMPER. That's a seriously bad idea. Go buy yourself a class III setup from a parts house for less than $150.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Valdosta, GA