Does have a good resource for establishing towing capacity?
I’m not a gearhead but I have a 2002 f150 4.6l 6 cyl manual transmission, supercab. According to the sources I have come across (among them http://www.fordf150.net/specs/02f150.php) the truck is limited to ~2k. The previuos owner had a tow hitch put on with a 5k tow capacity. But then I’ve read vehicles can be modified to increase their towing capacity, how would I determine if such work was done? And any idea why their is such a difference in towing capacity between manual and automatic transmissions?
Thanks.
Replies
You have either a 4.2 or a 4.6 check under the hood on top of the engine, its cast into the plastic cover. Getting the load moving is the toughest thing. Auto trans takes more abuse. Check also the final drive as this also affects towing weight.
With you towbar rated at 5000 pounds, you might find thats a standard size.
They sure don't have much faith in the manual tranny. You can increase the load carrying capacity of the truck with added springs, airbags, etc., and your truck could certainly pull more than 2000#. BUT! You haven't changed the braking ability, you might be able to get it moving, but can you stop it?
Also, if you exceed the numbers on the door post and your involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault, you could be found partially responsible. Because maybe if you weren't overloaded you could have avoided the accident.
agree. The door post states what the mfr rates it at. Your taxes and registration state what you pay for. They're usually the same, but not always.
The load limits set by the mfr are there to save us from ourselves as well as the people driving next to us. I'm sure you've seen the famous Home Depot pic with the small car overloaded. Thats an extreme example. Its also not uncommon to see a 3/4 ton with a 30' fifth wheel weighing 18000. It might not look as extreme, but thats overloaded, and dangerous.
Helper springs, steel or airbag, will help the rear end sag under load, but they dont make your axles or tires actually carry more load. They just make you ride different with one.
Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
There are a lot of factors, the engine size probably amoung the least of them.
Frame - strength so you don't bend it
Suspension - you want to be able to control it
Brakes - you want to be able to stop it. States specify the max size load that can be trailered without having a brake system on the trailer.
Tranny - there are aftermarket extra coolant systems for trannies
Clutch size - no fun to burn one out getting going or to have one explode trying to downshift on hills for control.
Tires - obvious item to beef up
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
pd,
Your owners manual should state the towing capacity.
Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md