Hello, I am new to the forum. I am confused between what my truck manual tells me I can tow, and what friends tell me I can tow. My manual says 2000 lbs., which seems low. I have a 5.0 engine; 3.55 axle ratio; 4x4. I am looking to buy a used travel trailer that weighs 4300 lbs., which is double what the manual says. Can this be true? Tongue weight on the trailer is 400-500 lbs. I have a class 3 hitch on my truck. Any advice would be appreciated. Mrnittany.

 

Which transmission do you have? 4 speed manual, 5 speed manual, C6, AOD, E4OD? Check the door jamb sticker for the TRANS code.

 

It's like the difference between the speed limit, and how fast you see other people driving. Ford knows more about how they built the truck than your friends do. You could install a Class V hitch, and it wouldn't increase the truck's capacity (it would slightly DECREASE it). Can you get away with towing 5Kip? Sure. Should you learn by towing more than double what the truck is rated for? I bet you already know the answer to THAT one!

 

I am also trying to figure this out. Does anyone have an idea? 1990 reg cab, 302, AOD, 3.55, 4x4

 

Officially, 7500# but I wouldn't try it on a 30 year old truck.

 

Thanks. How did you come by this info? Im trying to learn but looking at the manual it gives me ranges of 8400lb (GCWR) with 2000lb trailer weight limit, 9700lb (GCWR) with 2000-3500lb trailer weight limit, and 11,500lb (GCWR) and 3500-7700lb trailer limit. Im trying to decide if going to a 4.10 gear with limited slip would help or just keeping the 3.55 and adding a locker.

 

Changing just the axle ratio does not increase the limits, I would be very concerned about how well the AOD would hold up towing, it's a light duty transmission. I would limit it to 5000#. C6 and E4OD are a lot stronger.

 

I had it rebuilt 500 miles ago and with my trailer being 3500lbs max im comfortable with it. However in the the colorado mtns it might be different and alot slower. Any advice on getting a little more pep out of the 302? Recently put new exhaust after the headers to return it to stock sound levels. Maybe headers, intake and injectors?

 

3500# should not be a problem. 4.10 gears would help a lot, but is it worth the money? You have to do both front and rear axles. Try a "sixlitre" tuneup.

https://www.fullsizebronco.com/threa...-no-56k.63592/