Towing Magic??
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Towing Magic??
Hi guys, since I've joined this site I have learned a lot and want to thank all contributors for offering their opinions, experience and knowledge.
My question,,,, I am getting back into logging after a brief hiatus and trying to cut cost(s) I am considering using my F250 to haul the skidder (on a trailer of course) from lot to lot where I am working. My truck is an '05 F250, crew cab, auto trans (the newer one), short box, 17" wheels, 5.4 gas and I am pretty certain a 4:10 in the rear. What I am aiming to tow averages 22,700 lbs (plus the weight of the tlr). I know I am running up against the GVWR (Ontario, Canada).
Can anyone answer if my F250 can handle this? Is there a way around or to work with the truck to improve the GVWR? If I sold this and stepped up to a 350, would it even handle the job?
Thanks in advance for your help.
My question,,,, I am getting back into logging after a brief hiatus and trying to cut cost(s) I am considering using my F250 to haul the skidder (on a trailer of course) from lot to lot where I am working. My truck is an '05 F250, crew cab, auto trans (the newer one), short box, 17" wheels, 5.4 gas and I am pretty certain a 4:10 in the rear. What I am aiming to tow averages 22,700 lbs (plus the weight of the tlr). I know I am running up against the GVWR (Ontario, Canada).
Can anyone answer if my F250 can handle this? Is there a way around or to work with the truck to improve the GVWR? If I sold this and stepped up to a 350, would it even handle the job?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
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From: Greenwood, SC
When you say 22,700 lbs. plus the weight of the trailer do you mean that 22,700 is the total weight or that the 22,700 is the weight of the skidder, trailer will add another 10,000 or so?
Either way, it's a lot of weight and unless I were driving on flat ground with no turns I would be pretty intimidated.
That much weight will throw your truck around pretty easily. Stopping and turning at speed would be very stressful to me.
Your trailer for the skidder prob has air brakes on it? You would/should find a way to make them work.
Either way, it's a lot of weight and unless I were driving on flat ground with no turns I would be pretty intimidated.
That much weight will throw your truck around pretty easily. Stopping and turning at speed would be very stressful to me.
Your trailer for the skidder prob has air brakes on it? You would/should find a way to make them work.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 850
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From: West Granby, CT.
Ask me your looking for trouble with that much weight and a 250 or 350. I believe the towing capacity of a 350 srw is 12,500. drw is 15,000 and the 450 is 16,000. You get stopped by the locals and they will have a field day. I'm not saying it can't be done but i don't think its worth the risk on a daily basis for the truck or safety.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
well I had a 06 F250 with the 5.4 and at the reciever it was only rating for around 9600 lbs, more if you are using a goose neck/5th wheel.
Mine had the 5.4 in it as well. Great motor loves rpms and a garden hose full of gas down it's throat.
It think that you will be pushing it for sure. How much is the trailer/skidder wt wise by itself? And then are you using a gooseneck or the reciever to pull it? If you have the factory reciever it is only rated for 12,500 lbs.
In addition, I'd be looking at at least a v10 or 6.4 oil burner for those loads. I think you need a F450.
Mine had the 5.4 in it as well. Great motor loves rpms and a garden hose full of gas down it's throat.
It think that you will be pushing it for sure. How much is the trailer/skidder wt wise by itself? And then are you using a gooseneck or the reciever to pull it? If you have the factory reciever it is only rated for 12,500 lbs.
In addition, I'd be looking at at least a v10 or 6.4 oil burner for those loads. I think you need a F450.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,243
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From: Roman Forest, TX
Wow, no way man. Especially if you will be towing this on a regular basis. You need a lot more truck for that. The 5.4L is a great engine, but it does have its limits. That is way over its limits.
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New User
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Thanks again,
I appreciate the advice. After reading your post replies I continued to research the towing specs for a ttl tow load of approx 14000 kgs (30800 lbs) and decided that as much as I might want to do this, it likely isn't going to happen. I figure a 450 or 550 would do the trick. On the upside, I'll try and keep my 250 as i love it and hunt for another Ford (the 550) 
. I just have to convice the wife.
thanks again.
. I just have to convice the wife. thanks again.
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From: Mobile, AL
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Johnstown PA
I just happened to be looking this up for my 02 250 7.3 yesterday, and with a 5th wheel, Combined weight max is 20K... I would get a bigger truck. Good luck convincing the wife.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
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From: Greenwood, SC
Glad to hear you are prob not going to do this. I am not going to say that your truck won't move it but regardless of hitch (goose, 5er, tag along) it is a LOT of weight for a pickup and safety would be my biggest concern.
Good luck with the 550. If you're a logger, your job is dangerous enough. Don't push it!!
Good luck with the 550. If you're a logger, your job is dangerous enough. Don't push it!!
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New User
Joined: Nov 2008
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hey guys thanks
Ya' know, this is what I needed and I am sooo sorry I didn't find out about this site wayyy earlier. I've been buying and driving fords for 20-25 yrs and I am very appreciative of the advice you guys are offering. Thanks for everything.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
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From: Greenwood, SC
I hear you bullsco. This site is really good. Lots of people who are helpful and experienced and share the interest in keeping these trucks working the way they are supposed to, and then some.
Be safe.
Be safe.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: I am deployed oef
I towed a friends 23,000# inclosed race car trailer from FT walton beach FL to FT bragg NC with my truck bone stock. the trailer had no brakes, just by driveing conservitive and keeping a good distance between me and the car in front of me we had no problem. There was plenty of power to move the trailor. I am not as old nor as wise as some of the other guys on here, but for me there is only one way to find out if it will pull that trailer and that is to do it. Upon saying that I must add drive safe and good luck.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
I towed a friends 23,000# inclosed race car trailer from FT walton beach FL to FT bragg NC with my truck bone stock. the trailer had no brakes, just by driveing conservitive and keeping a good distance between me and the car in front of me we had no problem. There was plenty of power to move the trailor. I am not as old nor as wise as some of the other guys on here, but for me there is only one way to find out if it will pull that trailer and that is to do it. Upon saying that I must add drive safe and good luck.
I'm glad you made it home safely, but for your future survival, please be a little (ok a lot) more conservative. Getting the load moving is the easy part! Getting it stopped is more challenging.
And keeping it in control under challenging circumstances is the most challenging of all.
Here's a scenario that you don't have to like, just accept:
- If some clueless idiot caused an accident 3 cars ahead of you and you get involved in a pile up, you will pay dearly in this country. It doesn't have to be your fault.