Can my truck pull it?
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Can my truck pull it?
I have a 1987 F-150 4speed 300 engine i have 3.08 rear ends i read in my manual with this set up i should be able to pull 6450lbs i dont think my truck could pull this or could it? Also i plan on swaping engines to a 351w could i pull a trailer with 2-3 cows in it or will i have to swap rear ends?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 321
Likes: 2
From: Queen Creek, AZ
Can my truck pull it?
Swap in some 4.11's and you'll be okay, as long as you're making short hops. Better yet, buy a 3/4 ton with a 460. Remember, this is a half ton truck, it's a runabout that was meant to pull 4000lbs loaded flat beds or less, not 3 horse stock trailers.
Later,
Ben
Later,
Ben
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 966
Likes: 2
From: Crooked River Ranch, OR
Can my truck pull it?
You need to re-read your manual...my 1989 Ford manual states your TOTAL combined weight is 6450 lbs. Your maximum trailer weight is only 2,600 lbs. for the trailer.
It also states you could tow up to 4,000 lbs. with a 3.55 gearing and cooling package. Or up to 5,800 lbs. with 4.10 gearing, super cooling, and Handling/Suspension package. Deen
It also states you could tow up to 4,000 lbs. with a 3.55 gearing and cooling package. Or up to 5,800 lbs. with 4.10 gearing, super cooling, and Handling/Suspension package. Deen
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 321
Likes: 2
From: Queen Creek, AZ
Can my truck pull it?
Like I said, buy the 3/4 ton. If you're pulling the trailer around on YOUR property, and not getting out on the street, and you don't mind replacing trucks when their frame or axles bend from being overloaded, then have fun pulling your trailer. If you want to go places, buy a truck that is better suited to your trailer and load.
Later,
Ben
Later,
Ben
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Troy USA
Can my truck pull it?
Don't forget: 99.99% of the time, the the question is not a matter of "can my truck pull this" but "can my truck STOP this" or "can my truck HANDLE this".
I would say the majority of the time, the engine/vehicle combination can pull more than it should.
I have a lot of experience in towing, and have learned my lessons -- some the hard way.
If you are experienced, you can exceed the gross vehicle and combined weights... but don't do it by too much. Those numbers really are good rules-of-thumb.
Those numbers on your door jamb (or in your manual) may seem too low... but they are a good reflection of what your vehicle can safely handle.
I would say the majority of the time, the engine/vehicle combination can pull more than it should.
I have a lot of experience in towing, and have learned my lessons -- some the hard way.
If you are experienced, you can exceed the gross vehicle and combined weights... but don't do it by too much. Those numbers really are good rules-of-thumb.
Those numbers on your door jamb (or in your manual) may seem too low... but they are a good reflection of what your vehicle can safely handle.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Can my truck pull it?
What if i swap eninges to a 351w and get 3.55 rear ends will it pull it then? becsue i will still have the half ton fram
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: TX
Can my truck pull it?
Never think can my truck pull it!!!! Think can my truck stop it, can my truck keep it under controle when something happens!!! The answer to all of the questions above are no your truck can't.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 997
Likes: 0
From: Corydon US of A
Can my truck pull it?
I see stock half tons pulling at the fairs every year. they all CAN pull it, but its just a matter of how long.
I would look into maybe electric brakes or hydraulic ones if you are going to be pulling that much.
I would look into maybe electric brakes or hydraulic ones if you are going to be pulling that much.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 0
From: Yelm Washington usa
Can my truck pull it?
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 16-Apr-02 AT 05:35 PM (EST)]How many people have seen an Explorer pulling a 20 plus foot trailer and wondered with all of the room in the trailer why can't he bring his brain. Yes he can pull it, he might be able to stop it with trailer brakes. But, what happens when they have to swerve when some kid runs out in front of them, IT'S NOT PRETTY!!!! Having pulled cattle many many times, what are you going to do if they get stomping around back there and you don't have the suspension to handle it? My wife has a 1/2 ton with a radical engine in it and an 8' bed but, my stock 3/4 ton is what we cary the camper and do all of the pulling with. I have a full size bronco that ONLY pulls my 16' boat and no more because I don't feel it is safe to pull the car trailer or stock trailer. Think about it, it is not just your life but that of every other person around you. Quite frankly, I don't want you gambling with mine or my families lives.
Sorry if this offends you but, it is something that I feel very strongly about. Please just get a 3/4 ton and be safe.
Sorry if this offends you but, it is something that I feel very strongly about. Please just get a 3/4 ton and be safe.