Towing capacity
#1
04-25-2005, 04:38 PM
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Miami/Charlotte NC
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#2
04-25-2005, 06:25 PM
According to my 1997 owners manual the max trailer weight is #2177. This is for a 4.2 auto 4x2 Reg Cab 3.08 rear.
The GCWR is #9000 however, so the math does not really add up because your truck probably has a GVWR of #6050 and subtracting that from the GCWR would give you at least a #2950 max trailer weight. This is even assuming your truck weighs in at it's max amount.....
I think Ford just down grades the tow ratings for all 3.08 equipped trucks because it's not really the best gears to be towing any significant weight with anyway...
Your truck could probably move whatever weight trailer you decided to hitch it up to, but your transmission will take the most abuse because your torque converter will need to slip quite a bit to get you moving.... That'll create a ton of heat and that'll kill your trans pretty fast...
Good luck!
Mitch
The GCWR is #9000 however, so the math does not really add up because your truck probably has a GVWR of #6050 and subtracting that from the GCWR would give you at least a #2950 max trailer weight. This is even assuming your truck weighs in at it's max amount.....
I think Ford just down grades the tow ratings for all 3.08 equipped trucks because it's not really the best gears to be towing any significant weight with anyway...
Your truck could probably move whatever weight trailer you decided to hitch it up to, but your transmission will take the most abuse because your torque converter will need to slip quite a bit to get you moving.... That'll create a ton of heat and that'll kill your trans pretty fast...
Good luck!
Mitch
Last edited by MitchF150; 04-25-2005 at 07:12 PM.
#4
04-25-2005, 07:16 PM
That was going to be my next question... What are you planning on towing??
You should be fine with that weight I'd think. The trans cooler would be a good idea anyway. Don't get one of those "tube and fin" jobs however..... Get a "stacked plate" type. They cost a bit more, but are way more efficient and it's what the factory puts in when the truck has the "tow package".....
Mitch
You should be fine with that weight I'd think. The trans cooler would be a good idea anyway. Don't get one of those "tube and fin" jobs however..... Get a "stacked plate" type. They cost a bit more, but are way more efficient and it's what the factory puts in when the truck has the "tow package".....
Mitch
#6
04-25-2005, 08:02 PM
I've got the stock unit, but B&M seems popular and Troyer Performance has some that are a direct bolt in. Troyer is also a sponser of this site, and I've talked to them before about coolers and they are A1 in my book.....
The only reason I didn't get their cooler was because it was determined that I was fine with the stock one..... At least according to my trans temps from the gauge I installed..... I've been towing a #4500 travel trailer for 3 some odd years now and all's been fine.... My trans temp is usually right around 180* for the most part. And that's taken from the trans output side, so it's not seen any cooler yet..... That's pretty good IMO!
I don't think you really need a gauge, but it would be good info at any rate!
Mitch
The only reason I didn't get their cooler was because it was determined that I was fine with the stock one..... At least according to my trans temps from the gauge I installed..... I've been towing a #4500 travel trailer for 3 some odd years now and all's been fine.... My trans temp is usually right around 180* for the most part. And that's taken from the trans output side, so it's not seen any cooler yet..... That's pretty good IMO!
I don't think you really need a gauge, but it would be good info at any rate!
Mitch