Towing Ability?
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 894
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From: South Dakota
Towing Ability?
Alright guys, I'm planning a bit of a road trip here soon and need some advice.
I will be driving 780miles from South Dakota to Oklahoma with my virtually stock 1991 F250 7.3L IDI.
How do you think it will handle pulling a 15' trailer with a 1961 F100 on it?
I can't remember how much the trailer weighs (2000lbs maybe) and the F100 comes in at about 5000lbs.
As far as upgrades...the only real upgrades to the truck have been the soup bowl mod and a replacement muffler (flowmaster 40 lol). Not too concerned about heat...but I do remember over the summer hauling lumber I noticed the temp gauges getting a little high...and I had to stay in 4th gear often.
Any comments/suggestions would be great. Thanks.
-Dave
I will be driving 780miles from South Dakota to Oklahoma with my virtually stock 1991 F250 7.3L IDI.
How do you think it will handle pulling a 15' trailer with a 1961 F100 on it?
I can't remember how much the trailer weighs (2000lbs maybe) and the F100 comes in at about 5000lbs.
As far as upgrades...the only real upgrades to the truck have been the soup bowl mod and a replacement muffler (flowmaster 40 lol). Not too concerned about heat...but I do remember over the summer hauling lumber I noticed the temp gauges getting a little high...and I had to stay in 4th gear often.
Any comments/suggestions would be great. Thanks.
-Dave
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,627
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From: West Valley Utah
You know your truck better than anyone. It's a tough call for us to read a post like yours and make an informed opinion.
My truck doesn't look pretty anymore. Crappy paint is falling off the hood, sides and top. No matter what I've done it's getting worse. I even sanded and repainted the bad spots, still falling off.
BUT, I would not have to even think about taking a trip to anyplace with a heavy load. I know it would make it. There's a possibility on any truck that something is/will happen but that's just life.
I'd just go but make sure I was prepared, tools, fluids, dime held between my knees...
My truck doesn't look pretty anymore. Crappy paint is falling off the hood, sides and top. No matter what I've done it's getting worse. I even sanded and repainted the bad spots, still falling off.
BUT, I would not have to even think about taking a trip to anyplace with a heavy load. I know it would make it. There's a possibility on any truck that something is/will happen but that's just life.
I'd just go but make sure I was prepared, tools, fluids, dime held between my knees...
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 894
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From: South Dakota
Thanks for the reply. Good call and you are absolutely right.
I've got tools loaded along with chains and extra fluids if anything goes amiss.
The truck has plenty of power but I was just curious if I was reaching the max towing range for this rig. I remember an article with a towing guide but couldn't find it with the forum search.
I remember the max being pretty high...especially with a ZF5 and 4.10 gears...
-Dave
I've got tools loaded along with chains and extra fluids if anything goes amiss.
The truck has plenty of power but I was just curious if I was reaching the max towing range for this rig. I remember an article with a towing guide but couldn't find it with the forum search.
I remember the max being pretty high...especially with a ZF5 and 4.10 gears...
-Dave
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
Likes: 1
From: Manitoba
You are well within the towing range........ "I would" get some Hayes Diesel treat for my fuel, add it every fill and ensure you use good fuel stations.
Just make sure the trailer brakes are set right, and drive speeds commensurate with road conditions.
Tell us how it went when you get there..........
Just make sure the trailer brakes are set right, and drive speeds commensurate with road conditions.
Tell us how it went when you get there..........
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
I know for my 86, you would hardly notice that was back there... hauling two, then you would have to hit the hills a little harder. I hauled two cars out of Iroquois (Huron area) and two others out of just north of Hurn, back to here in Iowa, and had a few hills make me work, but for the most part it just cruised...
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
If you are going while the weather is as cold as it is right now, take a couple spare fuel filters, Diesel Kleen and Diesel 911.
I was reading a thread up in one of the Stroke forums about gelling problems one woman from Cedar Rapids had.
Since you will be in strange territory and getting fuel at places you have never dealt with, be prepared.
Most places have blended fuel in the winter in northern locations.
But the fuel is blended for the average winter temps.
If the actual temp is below the normal low temp, blended fuel will not keep you safe.
Other than that, do a normal pre trip service, check everything like tires, hoses, belts and lights.
With no huge mountains, it should be a fun cruise there and back.
I was reading a thread up in one of the Stroke forums about gelling problems one woman from Cedar Rapids had.
Since you will be in strange territory and getting fuel at places you have never dealt with, be prepared.
Most places have blended fuel in the winter in northern locations.
But the fuel is blended for the average winter temps.
If the actual temp is below the normal low temp, blended fuel will not keep you safe.
Other than that, do a normal pre trip service, check everything like tires, hoses, belts and lights.
With no huge mountains, it should be a fun cruise there and back.
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: South Dakota
Good advice guys, thanks.
I have been using Diesel Kleen for a couple of years now, seems to be the best stuff. Running straight number one diesel as well due to the negative temps up here. Changed filters all around not too long ago, will take a few extras though.
Yes Joe, that is what it says on the VIN plate in the glove box.
What do you mean 'heat your fuel'? All I have is a block heater and the fuel heater inside the filter head.
-Dave
I have been using Diesel Kleen for a couple of years now, seems to be the best stuff. Running straight number one diesel as well due to the negative temps up here. Changed filters all around not too long ago, will take a few extras though.
Yes Joe, that is what it says on the VIN plate in the glove box.
What do you mean 'heat your fuel'? All I have is a block heater and the fuel heater inside the filter head.
-Dave
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,802
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F100 is a halfton truck, my old halfton shortbed stepside Chevy was 3700 lbs empty and 3900 with my *** inside and fueled-up. A longbed fleetside halfton can be 5000 lbs easy. Block heater is just for easing cold starts, it obviously warms up the coolant (actually makes a huge difference). Fuel filter heater only works for a short period after startup. I don't think you'll need a full-time fuel heater tho, you ain't doing the ice-road thing.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Actually the 7.3 fuel heater is supposed to self regulate and may be on when the fuel temp is below 35 or 40 degrees.
I am going to guess that F100 curb weight close to 4000 pounds, 1000 payload makes it 5000.
That should be GVWR on the VIN ID plate.
I am going to guess that F100 curb weight close to 4000 pounds, 1000 payload makes it 5000.
That should be GVWR on the VIN ID plate.
New User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
I have a 90 F250 7.3 idi and have used it to tow a 7000# travel trailer for 8 years, it is fine till you hit a long hill (doesn't need to be real steep) and then it pulls down to about 45 mph. Otherwise it does fine.