I drive a '84 F-150, has a 351W, C-6 auto, and 3.55 rear. Will I be okay to tow a 3000# popup camper?

 

Uh, probably, but I don't have a manul on your truck, so best bet is to check out this site to see if there is a web address that posts towing specs on many older trucks. I am 99% sure there was a posting of that address here in the last week or two.

Check your door post etc for your vehicle ratings. You should see some or all of the following info... CGWR(combined Gross vehicle Weight Rating), GAWR front and rear(Gross Axle Weight Rating, GVWR(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). To be safe all these ratings must be followed. You must also take into account the weight of passengers, stuff, gas etc. You must also consider the water stuff food etc in the trailer.

With a 3,000 lb trailer and assuming you haven't loaded up your truck with junk, bed box, camper etc, I am relatively sure even with your 3.55 gearing, you are probably OK. It will be a little iffy, since we don't know more about the load etc. Most of the F150 models with automatic will tow about 5,000lb, but it is highly dependent on gearing, axle etc.

So like I said, you are probably OK, but it would be wise to find the ratings and even wiser to actually take your truck and trailer in to be weighed, truck stops, city dumps etc will often let you weigh it.

Make sure you have good trailer brakes(usually required by law).

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

You can tow that camper with no problem. I have a 3500 pound pop-up that I tow all the time with a similarly equipped full-size truck. I don't even have trailer brakes although it wouldn't be a bad idea. Just have to remember you're not going to stop NEARLY as quickly as you might otherwise. Good luck.
Kris