Tow rating of the Screw?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,609
Likes: 0
From: Summerville, SC Near Historic Charleston
Hey MikeL,
It sounds to me like the fluid leak is in the axle is what caused most of your problem. I'm betting that if the fluid level had been okay that you would have had no problem.
Wait a minute; did you say that one tire was a different size than all the others? If so, then as I was typing something hit me. If the truck were leaning to one side then the differential oil would have been biased to the low side. If the low side had a leak then that would rob oil from the right side.
I really do believe the ratings that Ford publishes and I'm sure there is some sort of safety factor in addition to their ratings. I've personally towed 9,000 lbs behind my '00 Scab and had no problems but then again it wasn't across the country either. I think if the oil level is correct and you have done all the basic stuff right then there should be no problems. That axle seal I think was the only issue you had.
Just my $0.02 worth.
DaveMan
It sounds to me like the fluid leak is in the axle is what caused most of your problem. I'm betting that if the fluid level had been okay that you would have had no problem.
Wait a minute; did you say that one tire was a different size than all the others? If so, then as I was typing something hit me. If the truck were leaning to one side then the differential oil would have been biased to the low side. If the low side had a leak then that would rob oil from the right side.
I really do believe the ratings that Ford publishes and I'm sure there is some sort of safety factor in addition to their ratings. I've personally towed 9,000 lbs behind my '00 Scab and had no problems but then again it wasn't across the country either. I think if the oil level is correct and you have done all the basic stuff right then there should be no problems. That axle seal I think was the only issue you had.
Just my $0.02 worth.
DaveMan
Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Horton,Alabama,USA
I regularly tow a 7200lb travel trailer with weight distribution bars and sway bar and have had no problems with my screw for 2 years. The 2wd has a higher tow rating because of the lower weight of the vehicle. I have heard that Ford is going to up the Max tow rating of the Screw by offering 4:10 gear ratio, raising the rating to 8200lb. That will be with the heavy duty towing package.
Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I bought 01 Screw in May and a 29' Terry Dakoda trailer in July.
5.4, XLT, 4x4, ORP, 3.55 LS, Trailer tow package...I live in Colorado
and have towed our trailer over 3 weeks when the truck only had
1000 miles on it !!!!!!...The trailer weight is 4400 lbs dry with a
450 lb tongue weight. I towed over 8 mountain passes out here
and no problems at all...Total weight towed with gear and 5 bikes
estimated at 6000 lbs....No problems at all...
Did get the upgraded radiator, and K&N FIPK and a Gibson
Side swept cat back !!!
I loose 3% per 1000" and the truck still towed OK...A little low
on power but thats the elevation out here !!!!!!!!!!
You should be OK....My personal guideline is trying not to tow
much more than the weight of the truck X2...The 01 Screw 4X4
weights 4950 lbs !!!!!!!!...so I'm over my own guigeline but
I estimated my trailer with gear and bikes at 6000 lbs...I could be
off by more than 3-400 lbs on the heavy side !!!!!
5.4, XLT, 4x4, ORP, 3.55 LS, Trailer tow package...I live in Colorado
and have towed our trailer over 3 weeks when the truck only had
1000 miles on it !!!!!!...The trailer weight is 4400 lbs dry with a
450 lb tongue weight. I towed over 8 mountain passes out here
and no problems at all...Total weight towed with gear and 5 bikes
estimated at 6000 lbs....No problems at all...
Did get the upgraded radiator, and K&N FIPK and a Gibson
Side swept cat back !!!
I loose 3% per 1000" and the truck still towed OK...A little low
on power but thats the elevation out here !!!!!!!!!!
You should be OK....My personal guideline is trying not to tow
much more than the weight of the truck X2...The 01 Screw 4X4
weights 4950 lbs !!!!!!!!...so I'm over my own guigeline but
I estimated my trailer with gear and bikes at 6000 lbs...I could be
off by more than 3-400 lbs on the heavy side !!!!!