I have a 2001 Screw XLT, 4.6, with towing package--tow capacity at 6600 pounds.

Just bought a boat that, with trailer, will weigh in a 6,000 pounds. While on paper this is within the tow capacity of my Screw, I am wondering if in practicality this is too heavy a load? Also, would this be getting on the dangerous side since I only have a 10% or so reserve on the towing capacity?

Although I really like the Screw, I don't want to endanger myself while towing, which hopefully will be often--and will involve many 100 mile plus trips.

Any advice appreciated

 

But you will be over your max. Don't forget that you will loading up with people, gear, gas, coolers, etc.. My rule of thumb is to not exceed 75% of the max towing capacity of the tow vehicle. I have a 3500 lb boat and I have the 5.4 w/tow package which gives me around 8000 lbs tow capacity, I don't think I would want to tow much more than what you have...

Time to upgrade...

With that load, you're probably looking at close to 7500 or more total - you might want to check out the diesels. Much better suited for your needs not only in towing, but in braking ability... Braking ability is probably the achilles heel of all 1/2 ton trucks..

Later,
Chris

 

While I am certian your truck will tow it and with a brake controller and a weight distributing hitch or at least sway control it will handle fine, I am certain you'll be passed by Geo Metros. If you plan to regularly tow more than 5000 pounds, invest in a Superduty, even if it has the 5.4L engine, but I recommend the V10 as a cheap upgrade and PSD if you can afford the initial cost.

 

I thought the o4 Screw had a towing capacity fo 10,000lbs. That should be plenty.

Are you guys saying that the 04 couldn't handle that kind of load? I'm asking because I'm think of trading in my 01 for an 04 so that I can tow a boat or tractor. Thoughts????

 

I have a similar concern - I am planning to tow a 34' racing sailboat from Seattle to San Diego next month.
I have a '05 (bought new Jan '06) Screw 5.4 with tow package. 88K on the clock already.
Boat and trailer weight (boat loaded with all the gear) is ~6200 lbs
Only two people riding in the truck so nots of extra people weight.
Boat trailer has electric brakes - 5 pin flat connector

This is probably a one time haul. What do you guys think?

Boat photo. Keel lifts so low profile on trailer. Boat type is a Flying Tiger 10M, hence the stripes.

 

I am looking for another trailer and will NOT go over 5000lbs UVW. Fact is I think I will upgrade to a superduty. I Tow alot and I owned an 02 Screw before and I would NOT tow 4500lbs with it, let alone 6000lbs. You can move it but it will put a big strain on the truck. I tow over all sorts of terrain and I feel that 4500lbs plus gear is safe and sane for me , my family and my Truck. Good luck!

 

While I am all for safety I also use my truck. I pull a 24 ft elclosed trailer with a car in it and if I thought it was unsafe I would not have my son in the truck with me. I believe that while I am pushing the weight limits I have set the truck up to where it is safe. I spent my money wisely on trailer brakes and a very good controller and the best weight distributing hitch I could buy. I put 4.11 gears in it to get it moving without it being a big strain on the truck and added a tuner to get a few more horses out of the truck. It does the job and does it just fine. We do not run at 70 MPH and usually run about 60 MPH tops on the interstate. In town we drive slow and keep our eyes open for the idiots pulling out in front of us. But I would not be scared to pull this across the country, but with that said it might take us a couple more days.

There is no doubt a f350 would do a better job, but some of us have to work with what we have and I believe I have. I do not think I have put my family nor anyones elses family in harms way.

Steve

 

It can be done but the truck will be cranky, and isnt really that safe.

somewhere around 6k

 

You have to look at more than just the max towing weight. That's a marketing number assuming a completely empty truck and bed with a 150# driver and 2 gallons of gas and a minimum tongue weight. In the real world, you will exceed the GVWR and/or rear GAWR long before you hit the max towing weight. Can you exceed those limits? People do it all the time. Should you? Your decision.