towing
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
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towing
I have a friend who needs me to trailer some things from S.C. to Wisc. I have a 03 F150 supercab 4x2, 4.2V6, 5speed manual,355 gear. Gross is 6050. He wants me to tow a 6x12 uhaul approx. 1000 mi. Trailer empty is 1800# max loaded is 4400#. My dry weight is 4112. Also will my bumper hitch handle it? Its a one time deal so I'd rather not install a hitch if I don't have to. But I also don't want to kill my truck. I think i maybe over weight but I'm not sure.
Thanks,
DW in S.C.
Thanks,
DW in S.C.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,358
Likes: 1
From: Commerce Twp, MI
Your truck is rated to tow 3300 pounds max, with the manual tranny being the weak point. While I am sure your truck can handle this application with special driving techniques, I recommend some practice before committing to such a journey.
The bumper hitch can handle your weight. Generally, receiver hitches allow for different heights which is beneficial in how the trailer will feel while towing.
The bumper hitch can handle your weight. Generally, receiver hitches allow for different heights which is beneficial in how the trailer will feel while towing.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Londonderry, NH
If the trailer is filled with anything heavy… Yes this is pushing the limits of your truck, but the weak point is the clutch. If you are mostly cruising on the highway it should be fine, but your clutch will heat up in stop and go traffic.
My one warning is to watch out with U-Haul trailers. Any dealer is going to try and give you the oldest and most worn trailer on their lot for a one way trip like this because they will never have to see it again. Visit a few dealers in your area and insist that you get the newest trailer that you can. Ask them to look up the maintenance records (should all be on their computer system) to make sure the breaks, wheel bearings and tires have been inspected recently. I’d also recommend that you get the trailer a day ahead of the start of your trip and make sure that it tows smooth and the brakes work well. You’ll also want to get a trailer end pigtail for the wiring, U-hauls usually have bare wires on the trailer end that are well rusted and warn. Strip back to some clean wire and splice in the pig tail to give you reliable lights.
My one warning is to watch out with U-Haul trailers. Any dealer is going to try and give you the oldest and most worn trailer on their lot for a one way trip like this because they will never have to see it again. Visit a few dealers in your area and insist that you get the newest trailer that you can. Ask them to look up the maintenance records (should all be on their computer system) to make sure the breaks, wheel bearings and tires have been inspected recently. I’d also recommend that you get the trailer a day ahead of the start of your trip and make sure that it tows smooth and the brakes work well. You’ll also want to get a trailer end pigtail for the wiring, U-hauls usually have bare wires on the trailer end that are well rusted and warn. Strip back to some clean wire and splice in the pig tail to give you reliable lights.