I am just getting ready to purchase a scab 4x4 5.5 box, one on a lot just perfect for me. However I am puzzled as to why the 5.5 bed tow capacity is only 7800 lbs when the 6.5 box truck will pull 9300. 1500 lbs. less. Same engine, trans, and rear axle, What gives?

I am holding off my purchase until I understand this.

Thanks guys.

 

So no one on this board knows the reason why a 5.5 foot box 4x4 supercab only has a 7800 lb. tow capacity, but the identical truck with a 6.5 bed has a 9300 lb. capacity???

Same engine, same transmission, same gearing, same tires, just a few inches of wheelbase.


Just for your info the dealership fleet manager is puzzled, as no literature from Ford explains why the 1500 lb difference.

Are there any thoughts at all??

 

Just my thoughts...the drving behavior of the shorter wheelbase may be that much different. It may feel a lot less stable.

Regardless, if you plan to tow 7000 pounds regularly and despite what Ford says, don't do it with a light duty pickup.

 

It's just a fact of physics, shorter the truck less stable the towing platform. Just ask any old bronco or blazer owner.
Also, heed APT's advice and move up to an F250 if you do heavy towing all of the time.

 

I agree if your going to be pulling something as heavy as a truck "ALOT" move up to a 250.... or 350 or 450 or 550 etc...hheheheheh

freddy

 

Coupester,

The 9900 lb. tow rating only comes with the heavy duty supension package. This includes different shocks, springs, and 4:10 gearing. It also includes 7-lug wheels and, I think, different tires. That's why there are different ratings for the two configurations.

 

Thanks for feedback.

Bandito, I am just comparing between a 144" and 132" wheelbase 4x4 supercab equipped identically, still a 1500 lb difference in the back of the Ford sales brochure. Yeah the HD package is even heavier yet but I wasn't comparing to that package.

You guys are maybe right about it just being a shorter wheelbase as it is 12 inches shorter.

I currently have a 96 crew cab short box 4x4 F250 with a powerstroke. This truck will haul just about anything with wheels. Just tired of the noise and the ride, so I want quiet and smooth, which the new 150 delivers.

Heaviest thing I pull currently and only occasionally weighs 7500 lbs. at most. Never did get into the 15,000 lb horse trailers. What I pull I've also pulled with a Chevy suburban 1500, so I think the new 150 will do my job just fine.

Mainly I was concerned about some mechanical defeciency, like a lightweight frame or something that would account for the 1500 lb. difference.

Maybe its just the instability of the shorter wheelbase.

Just notice that a screw is only a six inch longer wheelbase, yet with a 9200 lb pull.

So anyways the truck on the lot I was looking at got 'loaded up' with Ford accessories without the service dept asking anyone in sales So I just ordered one today.