Tow Vehicle Question - F250

[JoLin]

The boat and trailer together weigh in at 7000 lbs. Add in fuel and gear and I'm hauling close to 8000.

I'm looking at a low mileage 2003 F-250. 5.4L automatic, 3.73 axle, extended (not crew) cab, long bed. It's equipped with the factory towing package and "Book" rates the towing capacity for this combo at 7400 lbs.

Anyone else using this model truck to tow a similar load? Feedback welcome- thanks!

 

[TableRock#1]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

sounds like a lot of boat. I am running a F150 5.4 super crew pulling a 18.5 bass boat about 3000 lbs, pulls it fine just don;t like to pull much more then that..

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

I think you already answered your question on how it will pull the load......

its rated at 7400 but you plan to pull 8000lbs.....

 

[JoLin]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

I think you already answered your question on how it will pull the load......

its rated at 7400 but you plan to pull 8000lbs.....

Kinda-sorta, yes, but hoping that others who are towing heavy loads will chime in. I'd expect manufacturers' capacity ratings to be a little conservative due to potential warranty and liability concerns, so I'm coming here for some "real world" experience.

Off the top of my head I figure the truck would probably be sluggish with that size engine and that much weight behind it, but are the suspension and brakes adequate? Am I going to kill the driveline? Will I have a "tail wagging the dog" situation?

There's no substitute for feedback from people who are actually doing what I'm considering doing

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

JoLin, don't take this the wrong way, but day in and day out we see people here who want us to tell them its okay to exceed the tow rating of their rig. Please, don't do it. It has a 7400 lb rating FOR A REASON. Its not something that someone just made up. Find a rig that is suitable.


Im sure any minute someone is going to chime in with "ya, i pull 9000 with my f-250 rated for 7400 all the time. hills are a little tricky, and a wet ramp can be too but it will be okay".

People like that endanger the lives of the people around them on the roads. Stick to something that is suited for your needs.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

JoLin, don't take this the wrong way, but day in and day out we see people here who want us to tell them its okay to exceed the tow rating of their rig. Please, don't do it. It has a 7400 lb rating FOR A REASON. Its not something that someone just made up. Find a rig that is suitable.


Im sure any minute someone is going to chime in with "ya, i pull 9000 with my f-250 rated for 7400 all the time. hills are a little tricky, and a wet ramp can be too but it will be okay".

People like that endanger the lives of the people around them on the roads. Stick to something that is suited for your needs.

Andy, you make an excellent point and yes, I suppose was looking for "absolution"- buying a used vehicle is limiting, and like most I'm trying to find something adequate for the occasional tow, and "livable" enough for daily use, without breaking the bank. Thanks.

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

I think everyone would like that reality, but the reality is that if you want to enjoy boating, one must pay the cost. I have two small boats, but still they cost a significant amount each year for the enjoyment of the boats. Sadly, the larger the boat, the larger the cost, and the tow vehicle has to be considered as part of the cost. As others have said in other threads, you have to think of a tow vehicle as a "tool" first and foremost.

Having said that, you have the freedom to do whatever you like, but IMO, I would never jeopardize my safety, my family's safety, or anyone else's who is on the road just to save a "few" bucks (using the term "few" loosely, of course).

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

change the 3.73 gears out for 4.10s and the tow rating goes up, sometimes as much as 1500 lbs., which then you would be fine.
Edit: nevermind, i thought you owned it already. I would just look at buying something else.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

That's a big boat/trailer combo that you're pulling. Part of the equation when buying a setup like that is the realization of what is needed to get it to the water. I would never pull something like that without the right rig, and if you aren't willing to pony up the dollars then you need to consider a smaller boat. Don't compromise your safety and the safety of others purely for your boating desires.

That said, changing the gear ratios might get you up to the towing capacity but the control and stopping abilities would be my greatest concerns. If your boat was rated to hold six people and 1500 pounds, would you cram seven people in there weighing over 1600 pounds?

Beyond the moral question, if you exceed the manufacturers tow rating then you are putting yourself into financial suicide should you get into an accident. If they determine that you loaded too much weight onto your vehicle, the insurance companies will have a wonderful time taking every last thing that you own.

Be smart. If you're looking for absolution, get it from your local authorities and your insurance company....not from a bunch of anonymous souls on a forum!


....and good luck!

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

change the 3.73 gears out for 4.10s and the tow rating goes up, sometimes as much as 1500 lbs., which then you would be fine.

this is from the factory...the factory tow ratings change when the gear ratio goes up. TrailerBoats had an awesome article on it, all pertaining to fords. Call a local dealer and explain what you are wanting to do, and see what they recommend.

 

[The_Kid]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

Besides being over the maximum trailer weight rating, you would also be over the gross combined weight rating for your truck which is somewhere around 13,500 lbs. The GCWR is the thing that LEO's and insurance companies are going to look at if you happen to be in an accident whether it's your fault or not.

Now, to answer your questions. The brakes, suspension, and drive train are the same on F250's regardless of engine size. Towing that load with a 5.4 will shorten the engine and transmission life because both will probably be running hot.

Could you do it? Yes, but don't recommend it. If you want an F250 find one with the V10 or 7.3 diesel. A similar year F150 with the 5.4 has the same GCWR and a maximum trailer weight of 8600 lbs. With either one you'll still need a weight distributing hitch and brakes on the trailer.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

All points have been noted and taken to heart. I'll keep looking.

My other (current) choice is a 2006 Silverado 1500HD (note- HD, not the standard 1500- it has the 2500/3500 drivetrain but softer half-ton springs), 6.0L, tow rated to nearly 10,000 lbs. I'd need to swap out the receiver for a Class 4. I made the dealer an offer he was happy to refuse, but I'll see what develops.

Thanks again for the wrist slap. By nature I'm one of the most cautious people you're likely to meet. I deserved this one.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

Arre you sure 7400 is the tow rating? The reason I say this is that sounds like what my F-150 was rated for with the same engine/transmission/axle ratio. If it is, its becuase of the driveline becuase the suspension would easily be up to the task.

edit: Looks like it may be 7500 lbs.
http://www.trailerlife.com/images/downloads/03towingguide.pdf
With a different rear axle you would be over 9000. I think you will be fine. It's not a suspension or brakes issue obviously.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

Tow rated to nearly 10,000# "properly equipped". The Properly Equipped statement means there are options (like a 4.10 axle ratio) that may be required. Haul 8,000# or more on even flat ground into a headwind and you will quickly determine that those tow ratings have limitations. Once you approach 6500# or so the deeper rear axle gearing becomes essential. If you are towing rather short distances, you can certainly get by with a gasser but if you want safe, economical, towing with reasonable performance you should be lookng at any of the crop of Dodge, Ford, or Chevy diesels.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

Tow rated to nearly 10,000# "properly equipped". The Properly Equipped statement means there are options (like a 4.10 axle ratio) that may be required. Haul 8,000# or more on even flat ground into a headwind and you will quickly determine that those tow ratings have limitations. Once you approach 6500# or so the deeper rear axle gearing becomes essential. If you are towing rather short distances, you can certainly get by with a gasser but if you want safe, economical, towing with reasonable performance you should be lookng at any of the crop of Dodge, Ford, or Chevy diesels.

The truck I made the offer on is equipped for the max, and that's the general range I'll shop in now. Simply not interested in a diesel. Thanks.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

Arre you sure 7400 is the tow rating? The reason I say this is that sounds like what my F-150 was rated for with the same engine/transmission/axle ratio. If it is, its becuase of the driveline becuase the suspension would easily be up to the task.

edit: Looks like it may be 7500 lbs.
http://www.trailerlife.com/images/downloads/03towingguide.pdf
With a different rear axle you would be over 9000. I think you will be fine. It's not a suspension or brakes issue obviously.

you're right- it's 7500. You're also right that if I were to find one with the right axle ratio I probably wouldn't hesitate because the chassis is obviously up to the task. Thanks.

 

[5thFish]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

I have a 2005 F150 with the same 5.4L V8 as your F250, although I have a 4.10 rear axel ratio, extended cab, long bed, and with the correct wheel base, Ford claims a "book" rated towing capacity of 9600lbs. I regularly tow about 7000lbs (boat and trailer combined) and would definately not go any heavier. I'ld hate to be a downer, but I wouldn't recommend it...

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

Why no diesels? The range that you are looking to tow would be great for a diesel and much more fuel efficent and powerful than a gasoline engine. Yanking something around that is 8K pounds is a lot easier with a 7L diesel than it is with a 5.4-6.0L gas engine. To each their own I suppose.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

Why no diesels? The range that you are looking to tow would be great for a diesel and much more fuel efficent and powerful than a gasoline engine. Yanking something around that is 8K pounds is a lot easier with a 7L diesel than it is with a 5.4-6.0L gas engine. To each their own I suppose.

Precisely - to each their own. If diesels were the ideal solution for everyone, everyone would own one. Towing a boat accounts for about 1% of the annual mileage I put on my personal vehicle. 99% of the time it has to take me to work, shopping and going out to a restaurant or movie. I can buy the greatest tow vehicle in the world, and hate it for the 99% of the time that I'm trying to muscle it through parking lots and traffic.

If I could afford to keep 2 vehicles I would, but I've done the math and it doesn't pan out (for me).

 

[dave11]

Re: Tow Vehicle Question - F250

I have a SD F250 with the V10. You are OK with your 8000#. You will need a weight distribution hitch. The 4.10 rear would help the smaller motor.