Tow rating.....What changed
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New User
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Evansville, IN
Tow rating.....What changed
I'm new to the Forum but I have a question that I'm sure someone can answer. My wife and I are campers and presently we pull a 27' TT which weighs about 6500 pounds. Our truck is a 2002 F250 7.3 PSD that has a tow rating of 13000 lbs. We are planning on purchasing a new fifth wheel that will weigh right at 13000 lbs when full. Here's my question: the 02,03,04 and 05 F250's are all rated at around 13000 for fifth wheel towing, but then in 06 the rating was raised to 15000. What changed about the truck? Did Ford add something to raise the rating? I've got a good truck but I want to make sure I have enough truck to pull the new fifth wheel. I appreciate your replies.
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From: Humble, Texas
Good luck
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Keep in mind, the rolling mass weight is different then dragging rate. I would ask what is the gvwr on your door jam, and call ford with your vin and get the towing capacity from them and also your GCWR. I have a hard time beleiving a Toyota can to 10000 lbs but your 3/4 to turbo deisel cant.
My opinion is you are good upto 15000 unless you go 5th wheel. Then you are set to 19000. If it were a 350 it would go to 24500lbs.
I dont think power is an issue but factor in things like brakeing. The new stuff has 4 wheel disk. As for your drivline... It could pull a house very easily.
I bet you dont even need stabilizer bars for what you have now, I know I dont.
My opinion is you are good upto 15000 unless you go 5th wheel. Then you are set to 19000. If it were a 350 it would go to 24500lbs.
I dont think power is an issue but factor in things like brakeing. The new stuff has 4 wheel disk. As for your drivline... It could pull a house very easily.
I bet you dont even need stabilizer bars for what you have now, I know I dont.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: SW Virginia
First off, welcome to FTE. 2005 was the year that the tow ratings changed. Upgraded frame, brakes, etc. They also changed the front suspension over to the coil springs, added the integrated trailer brake controller, upfitter switches, etc. Tow ratings are a matter of much discussion and controversy. On one hand, some say that if you can pull it and stop it, you are good to go. On the other hand, you can go strictly by the manufacturer's ratings and while conservative, they tend to be safer. Having said that, there are things you need to consider such as safety and stability.
Just because you can pull out with a load and stop it doesn't mean it's safe to. Overloading your axles, brakes, etc. can lead to failures that may cause or at least play a part in costly repairs or a crash. Considering your truck, I don't think you'll have any trouble towing that trailer. There's one member on here that tows a 16,000 lb. Mobile Suites fifth wheel with his and I think it's a 2002 F-250 also. Just use good common sense and take it slow.
Below are links to Ford's trailer towing guides for 2002 and 2005 for comparison in tow ratings:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...2/2002_All.pdf
https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...wing_Guide.pdf
Just because you can pull out with a load and stop it doesn't mean it's safe to. Overloading your axles, brakes, etc. can lead to failures that may cause or at least play a part in costly repairs or a crash. Considering your truck, I don't think you'll have any trouble towing that trailer. There's one member on here that tows a 16,000 lb. Mobile Suites fifth wheel with his and I think it's a 2002 F-250 also. Just use good common sense and take it slow.
Below are links to Ford's trailer towing guides for 2002 and 2005 for comparison in tow ratings:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...2/2002_All.pdf
https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...wing_Guide.pdf
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New User
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Evansville, IN
Tow rating.....What changed
John,
Thanks for the info. My truck is the Lariat ext. cab 4X4. I know the 4X4 reduces the tow rating a little bit because of the extra weight. The trailer I'm buying weighs 11,150 dry so from what you have said and from the info you sent me, I think I'm going to be ok with the truck I have. Thanks again.
Larry
Thanks for the info. My truck is the Lariat ext. cab 4X4. I know the 4X4 reduces the tow rating a little bit because of the extra weight. The trailer I'm buying weighs 11,150 dry so from what you have said and from the info you sent me, I think I'm going to be ok with the truck I have. Thanks again.
Larry
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From: SW Virginia
No problem. Glad to help out. Yeah, I think you'll be fine. Mine is an '05 in my sig. Just got back from pricing an '09 Carriage Cameo. GVWR on it is 14,999 lbs. and it's within my rating. I think the empty weight on it is around 12,800. Looking forward to either it or the Cardinal I've been looking at. Anyway, good luck with yours and post pics when you get a chance!
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Depending on the weight distribution of the trailer, you may have too much pin weight for your rear tires. Check the sidewall on your tires for weight rating, then weigh your truck's rear axle (with a full fuel tank, and everyone that will be riding in the truck while towing). Add to this number about about 150# for the fifthwheel hitch. Now take 20% (pin weight runs 17-23% on fifthwheels) of the trailers gvwr and add this in. Compare this number with the numbers from your tires. I think you'll be surprised with the comparison.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: SW Virginia
Depending on the weight distribution of the trailer, you may have too much pin weight for your rear tires. Check the sidewall on your tires for weight rating, then weigh your truck's rear axle (with a full fuel tank, and everyone that will be riding in the truck while towing). Add to this number about about 150# for the fifthwheel hitch. Now take 20% (pin weight runs 17-23% on fifthwheels) of the trailers gvwr and add this in. Compare this number with the numbers from your tires. I think you'll be surprised with the comparison.
Another good point. I run load range "E" Goodyear Silent Armors on mine rated at 3640 lbs. ea.
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From: Long Beach, Ms.
The brakes of the Superdutys are good. As long as you use a good trailer brake controller (I reccommend the Prodigy P3) you should be able pull right up to the limits in the charts available here; https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...06_default.asp