Hi guys

I bought a 2003 Dakota V6 ( new ) to tow a 4500# travel trailer:


Problem is, that little V6 just cant handle the 4500# going up any large hills ( Dodge states it can, they lied ). So instead of losing $6000 by trading it in early, I am think of buying a cheap used P.U., just for towing this trailer a few times a year.

I'm looking at a 95 F-150 reg cab, 5.8 w/ auto OD, 3:55 8.8 with L.S.
Normally, I wouldnt worry, but this truck has 153,000 miles on it. It also has a class4 receiver, 7 pin plug and older brake controller under dash, so I know its been towing something heavy in its earlier miles. I wont have the time to take it to a mechanic to have it looked over ( it's 100 miles from where I live ). Also, being in Michigan, its too darn cold for me to be doing a compression test out in the dealer lot.

Oh yea, forgot to mention I'm a tight wad. I dont want to spend the bucks on something newer. This one "looks" ok. No rust to speak of. Anything I should keep my eyes open for? High milage, how do you think it will handle towing this trailer? Am I making a mistake?

Its loaded except for power seats/mirrors. Got the dealer down to $2600.

 

Hey!

A kindred spirit. I just bought my '95 F150 for the express purpose of towing a camper...but a miuch lighter popup than your TT, or is that a hybrid? I got mine for $500 though (a kindred frugal spirit). Your $2600 may seem too high but:

o Mine has 221,000 miles
o Only has the 5.0 (302) V8 motor.
o Class III hitch with a 4-flat plug...I need a 7-pin.
o Mine is a short bed.
o Looking at the pix, your body looks a little nicer than mine.
o I have all the maintenance records, and while the regular PM service has been done like clockwork, no major component (engine, trans) replacement has been done.
o I only have the 4w70r tranny with 3:08 rear end - from what I understand, not the best towing combo. But the GVWR of the camper is <1800#.

So your deal may be a very good one!

How far from home do you plan to tow? Will you be going out into the boonies?

I plan on a complete checkover soon, before I tow anything. I am just trying to get used to it now. One thing for sure: mine is a gas hawg, but it's definitely up to the task of towing. Having said all this, I think you will be fine, even with the mileage. You *probably* have a lot of life left in her, but there is a little "risk". But if you drive it around for a while, get used to it, have it serviced, you should be fine. I definitely think it is set up to tow your TT well. I might camp a little close to home on the first trip or two if I were you - that's what I plan on doing.

Good luck!

John

 

In my past experience, the ford 302 compares much like the Chevy 305. Not a real work horse motor. The 351 ( 5.8 ) is a good work horse, I'm just not sure about the high milage. I have never owned a vehicle with real high milage.

I had a dealer print me out an OASIS, and it shows this truck has the 4 SPD AUTO " E40D ". From what I could find out, the E40D is used in all 1989-on Super Duty Ford Trucks.

Oh, and a truck that runs good for $500, I'd call that a steal.

 

JimR -

Yep...like I said, it sounds like it's set up well to tow your TT. ANd I have also seen the posts on the E4OD transmission, and it's a good one.

And as long as the motor and tranny hold up on mine, I will call it a very, very good deal. They started out at $1500, ended up at $500. It was one of our *fleet* vehicles here at work, so I am familiar with the truck somewhat.

BTW, you can take the VIN and go to a Ford Motor Company website (fleet.ford.com ???), and it will tell you all about the truck. You can also check the tag on the door pillar and get some good info. If you search through here, you can find all the info you need to interpret the numbers.

So...get out there and buy that truck!

Good Luck!
John

 

I have a 95 F150 2WD with the 5.0 and auto tranny. I currently have 151,000 miles. I have pulled loads in the neighborhood of 5,000 lbs several times and been quite pleased with the performance. Something you might want to check on is the condition of the brakes. Around here trucks like mine are selling for about $4,000, so you might be getting a pretty good deal.

 

Well, I done it. See my sig....

 

go for it ...zap!

 

Congratulations on a great purchase! Now...get out there and start camping!

Thanks!

 

Hell yeah put some power in front of that trailer. That dodge woulda died on ya.

 

JimR1, in case you're wondering, my old F-150 brochrue shows your truck- 5.8 V8 w/3.55 gears was rated for 7,500 lbs towing capacity. You should do well. Be sure to change the tranny fluid occasionally