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Ford F-Series Towing Questions

41 messages,  Last post on Nov 24, 2009 at 7:39 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford F-150, Ford F-250 Super Duty, Ford F-350 Super Duty, Towing, Truck

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#10 of 41 landru2 by mullins87 Dec 15, 2003 (5:30 am)
Being able to safely pull a trailer across across Kansas at 50 mph has absolutely no bearing on pulling that same trailer across the Rockies. It may very well fall within the stated ratings. However, have you ever compared the brakes on a 1/2 ton truck to those of a 3/4 or 1 ton? I can tell you from experience those "tin can" rotors and drums on a 1/2 ton will not stop a 15,000 lb vehicle on anything but flat ground. Where did I get 15,000 lbs? The combined weight of the 9,800 lb trailer and the approximately 5,000 lb truck. I will not give you any names, but I can point you to several examples of how using too small of a tow vehicle will get you into trouble.   BTW: I realize the 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton designations are just that, designations. They give no indications of hauling/towing capacities.
#11 of 41 Start and stop by akjbmw Dec 15, 2003 (8:04 am)
Manufacturers don't normally "waste" money putting any part that is more expensive than is minimally required. If both systems; the truck AND the trailer are working fine, you should have no difficulty stopping. Starting or going uphill is, naturally, not going to be as quick as without a trailer. But, but we know how that works if we have seen a tractor trailer climbing a grade while we wait for a chance to get by. So, the problems come in when a system fails and the other system is required to stop both the truck and the trailer weight. That can get knuckles white. Drive ahead. Pay closer attention to what is coming and prepare. Caution can be a really good thing.   Enjoy the miles. Adrian
#12 of 41 mullins87, by landru2 Dec 15, 2003 (6:34 pm)
Have you compared the brakes on a new F-150 to those on the F-250/350?
#13 of 41 Nope by mullins87 Dec 16, 2003 (4:41 pm)
But I can assure your there's no comparison to the shear mass of them. And that shear mass is what keeps a 15,000 lb load from speeding out of control when the trailer brakes fail on a long downhill grade.
#14 of 41 What if I told you by landru2 Dec 16, 2003 (5:31 pm)
that the brakes are the same?
#15 of 41 Ok... by mullins87 Dec 17, 2003 (5:23 pm)
I'll bite. What are the specs for the F-150 and F-250 brakes? Not just rotor dimensions and weights, but also calipers and pads.
#16 of 41 2004 f-350 crew cab towing by seamule51 Jan 28, 2007 (11:03 pm)
#17 of 41 2004 f-350 crew cab towing by seamule51 Dec 15, 2006 (11:11 pm)
just bought a 2004 f-350 and plan on towing a fifth wheel toy hauler. the owners manual rates it at 12,200. automatic/6.0TD. What happened to the 05's,06's, and 07's that they can tow 4000lbs more? Dilithium crystals? I've also looked at the ford body guide that was refered to and it rates me at 12,800. the door jam sticker rates it at 20,000 gcrw. I guess i should weigh the truck on a scale and whatever is left over i can tow up to 20,000. Also, how can i tell if i've got a 3.73 or 4.10 ratio? Thanks, Smitty Replies to this message: wpalkowski (Dec 16, 2006 2:58 am)
#18 of 41 Re: 2004 f-350 crew cab towing [seamule51] by wpalkowski Dec 16, 2006 (2:58 am)
Replying to: seamule51 (Dec 15, 2006 11:11 pm) For '99 and up Superduties, the axle code is on the vehicle certification sticker on the lower doorpost behind the driver's door. That code tells you axle ratio and if it's limited slip or not. The only code-breaker I know is in the Helm shop manual. Here it is for a F-350 PSD DRW:    37 = 3.73 non-limited slip 4L = 4.30 limited slip 4N = 4.10 limited slip   There were a whole bunch of small tweaks to the Superduty drivetrain and chassis in '05 that allowed it to have a bigger payload and towing capacity. Ford had to keep up with Dodge and GM.   Difference between body guide and manual may be for the bed length of your truck. Long bed is heavier and has 35% bigger fuel tank than short bed.
#19 of 41 Thanks for the comeback by seamule51 Dec 16, 2006 (9:15 am)
I looked on the sticker but found nothing referenced to that code. Guess I didn't do all my homework when I bought the truck. Thanks, Smitty Replies to this message: wpalkowski (Dec 16, 2006 11:01 am)

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