Does anyone know why a 2002 Supercharged HD F-150 Supercrew is limited to 2000 lb towing capacity? Is it the low pro tires, suspension, or the supercharger heat? any help in improving this would be appreciated

All non tow package equipped F 150's are limited to 2000 tow capacity. Seems low, but I'd guess there are several reasons.

a) no tranny cooler or smaller than needed for heavy duty towing.
b) no receiver hitch... bumper only
c) tall gears (3.08).
d) no heavy duty shocks
e) manual transmissions/clutch weak for towing purposes

I thought the HD was an option package, not a separate model as is the L. Maybe that was changed with the new SuperCharged engine.

I think the Lightining is rated to tow 5,000 lb. As you you the L is for all intents and purposes a 2 seater and, well the HD is now a 4 seater. . . . maybe Ford is reducing the tow rating to make an alowance for you 'HOGs'

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Ireally don't know the answer but I am sure someone here does.

Thanks BeastRider - that probably makes sense, I've never had a pickup that didn't have a tow package, didn't know they were only 2000 pounds. That's easy enough to fix. Thanks for the input

I was looking at the reciever hitch for my HD. It's a Class III obviusly.

But I was wondering if a Class IV, normally for the >=F250's, would bolt right up to the F150 as well.

I don't plan on pulling anything near that heavy-- ever. But thoght for the extra 20 bucks to upgrade from a C-III to a C-IV would be worth it-- if for nothing else but peace-of-mind-overkill

I would think it would-- I mean, what if a F250 owner only needed a C-III?

Anyone know for sure?
/tg

Nope. Different frame obviously. However, Putnam and others make a Class IV direct replacement for the Ford trucks.

I replaced mine withe a Putnam (About $115) class IV (for the 8000 pound carrying weight rating) and Putnam has a patented coating that looks awesome. About 20 minutes to drop the old and blot up the new.

It undoubtedly has to do with the rear suspension, as the drivetrain would undoubtedly be up to the task... However, it seems as though based on the SVO catalog I got this weekend, the Harleys and Lightnings share at least front shocks, front springs, and rear shocks... one would think that the rear springs would be different based on the weight of the trucks, but then again, that could account for the significant weight reduction... oh, and the lack of a hitch, maybe? Of course, what do 4 harleys on a trailer weight?

-Joe-

Well I'm going on your word alone I ordered the Putnam mail order and shipped to my door (I guess it's heavy and "big") it'll eb about $150.00

Still I don't care much... the people I spoke to in Memphis all seemed like idiots and didn't understand why I didn't want to wait two weeks for them to order it for me-- and then boast up the price. So I did it myself and will have it in less than five days!

Thansk for your info, and I will post my results when done!

Thanks again,
/tg

Harley's lowered 1 inch too, so that may factor into that.

BTW, if I get the hitch package from Ford, should I also get hitch ball too? I just bought a '02 King Ranch supercab and it came with a hitch but I can't find the hitch ball anywhere.