Just wondering why my 2000 F-150 ext. cab 4.6 w/5spd manual 3.55 gears can only tow 3500lbs trailer. Is the transmission or clutch the limiting factor, can you upgrade clutch [centerforce dual friction?]. Also I'm running 33x12.50x17 Muds. Just interested why? Only towing small tent trailer right now.

 

It's my understanding that the 5 speed manual in F150's is a Mazda unit that is designed for light truck use only. The clutch is probably the weak point.

When I traded my '01 in last year, I was headed for a new clutch at 70k miles. That's with only about four or five thousand miles towing a light pop-up trailer.

I have been told the manual in the super-duties has a similar towing capacity to the autos - sure wish they carried that philosophy over into the light-duty trucks!

In short, you probably *can* tow a ton with that transmission, the question is just how long will the clutch last.

 

my uncle has a 97 F250 LD with the 4.6/5 speed combo. we tow a 4000# tractor and have had the truck and trailer loaded with blueberries, probobly 3000# at the same time and have never had a problem. And thats at 135,000 miles. Built Ford Tough.

 

Somebody on here is towing a decent size TT with a clutch. But, yeah, that's the weak link with the manual.

 

It was probably more because people might burn up the clutch towing a 7000lb trailer (many people, while they can operate a clutch, don't necessarily know how to) and take it in for warranty saying "I didn't exceed GVRW".

With a 3500lb TT, you should be fine, just keep that clutch slipping for as short a time as possible and you'll be fine. The actual transmission is probably just as strong as the 4R70W people tow 7700lbs with, so I wouldn't be too concerned about that. Since the majority of the heat that kills transmissions comes from the torque converter slipping to maintain speed/gear, the manual shouldn't have any problems.

 

Thanks for the info guys,always wanted an answer maybe now I can set my eyes on that 29ft. triple axle travel trailer [just kiddin].

 

Shoot, might as well pick this one up...

http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/brandtomo...ox/gbe&m=310FS

 

JMC can tell you all about how weak the trans is.... I think he's in the habit of rebuilding it almost annually. It's just not a beefy design for a heavy truck, let alone heavy duty towing duty.

-Joe

 

it's when you backing up that you burn out the clutch, ridding it, the whieght of the trailer and your truck...one the road thiers not a lot of wear and tear if you know how to drive, tire size and rear diff are make or brake with towing...