Hi there. I'm looking at a F-250 that has either a 2-3 inch lift. Does anyone know if this will effect the towing capacity? I have a 25 ft. family trailer that I intend to pull with it. Is it possible or would it through off the tow?

 

to answer the question we would really need to know more about your truck, gas/psd, 4x4/4x2 also something about the trailer, are you using a bumper/reciever setup or 5th wheel setup.

Also what year is your truck.

Just a ball park shot a 25th TT is not that heavy so I would say you'll be just fine but we really need the specs on both.

 

I don't think it will "throw off your tow". But if your using a weight distribution hitch you will need to lower and readjust the angle of your ball. I would suggest going on a hitch web site like reese or valley and find the section where they take you thru it step by step. All you need is a flat road, tape measure, some wrenches and about 1/2 hour or so.

 

Thanks for the quick replies.

The truck is a

2005 FORD F250 PICKUP 4WD V8 EXT CAB 5.4L XLT. Not sure what the lift is or aftermarket shocks are. It looks like it was set for 4-wheeling or plowing. Whoever had it needed clearance.

It will be a standard bumper/ball hitch. We have a Reese hitch that was previously on a standard 2009 F350. It looks like it is in the bottom bracket of the hitch. We have a weight distribution bar and sway control.

The travel trailer is a tow behind (not 5th wheel) 2003 Coleman SL25. It is 5,200 lb. dry.

We've never towed before, so this is all new. I don't want to buy the truck to find out the bumper of the trailer will be dragging.

 

here is a link to the specs for your truck: https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...05_default.asp

You should be good for up to 9200 lbs but check the link for yourself.

 

Thank you!

I think my question is more does having a lift effect towing capacity?

And I guess we need to find out if there is a hitch that can make up for the difference between what a normal F250 height would be vs. being lifted a couple inches.

 

All you are gonna need is a drop hitch.They sell them at Pep Boys or AutoZone. Measure down from where your receiver is to where your trailer tongue is, with the trailer level. What are you going to do if you want a bigger trailer in the future? Have you looked at the V10s?
Heres another thread on it.https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ted-truck.html

Oh and welcome to the forums.This place is unreal for ford truck knowledge.

 

Great advice!

 

You will be fine with a drop hitch.I would get the V10 though.

 

x3 on the V-10.

 

Receiver hitch.
The 5.4 should tow 5200# no problem.
I towed more than that with my ole 86 4.9.
Of course the V10 would tow it a lot easier and faster.

 

5200lbs dry = roughly 6000lbs loaded. Even at that, the 5.4 in an extended cab truck will tow that trailer with absolutely no problems. Depending on how much the original poster will be towing the trailer, they likely wont need a v10. Not that I am discouraging them from getting one.

My questions would be why did the previous owner lift it? Just for looks? Was it abused? Most of the lifted rigs I see include larger tires and lots of abuse from off-roading or just "stupid kid" driving, lol. Larger tires will wear out steering and axle components faster. Make sure you give the truck a very good check if any of those scenarios look to be true. If it is just lifted, with OEM sized tires (that show a little wear - brand new tires may be a cover up for something they dont want you to see until after you have made a couple payments), then you will probably be OK.

Good luck.

 

You'll have no problems. I tow 8000 regularly with my truck (see sig).

As mentioned, get the dropped hitch. Also, since you're lifted, do you have stock or oversize tires. Larger tires will have a negative affect on gearing, so it may be something to keep in mind.

 

If you're looking for a dependable towing rig, I'd strongly recommend staying AWAY from lifted trucks!

Lifted trucks make a variety of changes to the suspension geometry, which may or may not be conducive to a safe towing setup. Regardless of the type or quality of your lift kit, you are still raising the COG of the truck by a few inches, which will adversely affect stability while you're trying to control that extra 6,000 lbs behind you.

On top of that, as stated above, you don't know how it was treated before you got it. Many who install lifts use the truck...um...aggressively.

I'd find something else...stock or as close to stock as you can find, in my opinion!

 

I agree on the lift. I always walk away from a lifted truck. It may be fine, but why should I pay a premium for a lifted truck and have to pay again to remove the lift to get my handling back?