What Are My F-250 Tow Weight Spec’s?
My truck has been painted prior to me purchasing. Great paint job but they removed all the vehicle spec’s I tried to find on the truck.
I just bought another 5th wheel which is considerably heavier. I’m trying to figure out my GVWR, GVCR, etc…..Want to be sure I have enough truck to haul this fiver.
My pin weight on this new trailer is 2180lbs. The trailer weighs about 12,500 loaded. It does weigh 10800 dry……..
I’ve heard based on a possible GWVR of appox. 14000 lbs? That I should be in the neighborhood of 15%-20% pin weight. That would put my aloud pin weight at 2900lbs so I am within limits, no?
Just want to be sure. I just don’t have any hard numbers to go by.
Also, should I tow this set up without the overdrive engaged? With the other 5th wheel I left it in overdrive and never had a problem. Never popped out of overdrive. I don’t think I will have this luck towing this new rig.
I am not knowledgeable in my tranny. I’ve heard ya’ll talk of tranny converter lock and my eyes start to glaze over…… 🙂
“Some people wonder all their lives if they’ve made a difference. The Marines don’t have that problem.â€
Reagan….
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.
–Truman Capote
Replies
treadwell ford
They'll charge me $200 just to ask the question! LOL
I brought my truck in one day to ask a question. They said we have to put your truck in and let the technician look at it.
I remember now. They wanted like $69.00 to tell me why my open door bell goes off at 75 miles an hour. It will ring five times at 75 every time. Go below 75 ok, go back to 75 and it rings again. The interstate speed limits are 70, can you imagine how often I will get the alarm in Mobile with our drivers?
I said ok, forget it. Just remove the buzzer. They came back and said he wouldn't be able to duplicate the discrepancy..........Go figure, kinda hard to do that sitting in the shop......and I don't know where the dang thing is located. I am afraid to really remove it because it is my main alarm for the instrument and engine problems and may need it. I'm in a rock and a hard place.......
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
14300 w/ a fiver
http://www.ford-trucks.com/specs/2002/2002_f-series_SD.html
great site . . .
Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
looks like he gets him a new truck...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Yeah?
If I had your money! LOL
Are there other options?
Add ons?
This truck is paid for, looks good, hauls good so far. 2002 with 185,000 miles. I'd like to get as much as I can out of her.
If I can safetly pull this fiver !
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
from what I read you are over weight with that rig...
beef up yur truck to SD350 specks and you maybe in limits....
safty is one thing... can the truck deal with it without tearing it's self apart is another....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
What would be the spec difference between the 250 and the 350?
I thought the only difference was some changes in the rear frame area?
They have the same drive train.
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
This is from RW's site link he gave. It really doesn't give concrete numbers but this is what it said regardless.
When the vehicle is properly equipped it can tow 12,500 pounds, the highest conventional trailer towing of any pickup in its class. Adding a fifth wheel hitch increases the towing capacity up to 14,300 pounds.
They are using the term or saying "You can Tow" 12500lbs or with a fiver hitch tow 14300lbs. Mine is about 12,500lbs.
Problem is they don't take into account the pin weight. What that phrase they wrote above sounds like to me is a dealership type selling phrase to grab you? No?
Just trying to learn here. Thanks everyone for the input.
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
What exactly does 14300 mean?
Is that the max weight for my truck and rv if I drove it on the scales?
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
Combined weight of truck, contents, fuel, trailer, contents . . . IF you are, as they say, "properly equipped". Honestly, the run of the mill 250 then, unless you had a tow package option added with the beefier springs, you're probably are around 12500 for a total.
I don't know about around you, but around here scales only apply to them thats got an actual DOT # on the side. They can't, or don't, say diddly to anyone with an RV or trailer unless it has some construction name on the side.
So one answer is will it pull it, sure. Will it do it safely? Thats where you're weighing risks. Something made them put that restriction on there. It didnt come out of the blue. Usually its a handful of safety considerations including axle strength, wheel and tire load ratings, braking capacity, etc.
Back before I sold my truck, my 01 was heavily modified. So its a year older, and a 7.3. But I'd changed springs, rims, had commercial treads on, and over double the stock power output, and the axles held. So I don't think those are the weak link. And I scaled typically around 21300.
If you have an auto transmission i.e. 4R100 that really is the most common achilles heel in that year range (late 99-03) when towing. I was on my 3rd by 80k miles, and had one custom built since I was paying for that one. That is not uncommon. You can upgrade the valve body or play with the electronics but they just dont really handle the load like they should for the way people use them. You could be lucky. Run with it. But if you frag it, I can tell you who makes an indestructable version.
Your torque convertor is simply a part of the transmission. It has an outer shell and a series of plates or stators in it that convert power from the engine to the driveline. In lower gears it is direct power to hydraulic/fluid power to direct. At about 40mph in these trucks, you go into TC lockup which is where the plates snap together and you no longer have fluid power, you are mechanically locked. You can feel it readily if you are attempting to look for it. Romping on the accellerator is an instant result instead of a delayed one. Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
Thanks for the tranny lesson. That cleared some things up.
Fragged the tranny....... LOL
Are you ing about a BTS tranny rebuild?
What would it cost to rebuild one like you are talking about? Who did you go through? Ship it?
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
Yes, BTS. Guaranteed, no questions asked. Or almost. Probably not if you're a dope.
You make a phone call, you give money, a tranny ships to you. Thats one way. You limp, if thats the case, down there, and he puts it in gratis. Thats the deal. It costs $4500 or whatever either way. He'll ship it, or install it. And he prefers to install his own stuff. But its got a PI Stallion for a TC, its got transgo electronics, theres 5 plates in the TC not 2, the input / output shafts are billet cut, there's center supports, completely redesigned (and proprietary) valve body, the torque multiplication is much higher than stock . . . lotsa goodies. Holds 19qts.
Couple that with a tranny cooler out of a 6 liter (if you've got a 7.3) and you'll never break 70 over ambient towing.
Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
Where are they?
Does he include the new cooler install?
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
Edited 5/22/2008 10:22 pm ET by jarhead2
Lead Hill AK, no, thats not in the $ but he could certainly do it. You want to look at ebay for the cooler, or a dealership with a parts guy you drink brews with.Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
Wow, Alaska......
That would be a drive......
I looked online and the one that popped up (BTS) was in California. There must be many of them around. I even thought I heard of one in Arkansas......
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
not Alaska....
Arkansas....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
He said AK........
I tried to find their website in Arkansas but no go so far......
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
it's not what he said...
it's what he meant.....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Dog biscuits for ESPReal trucks dont have sparkplugs
those'll come in handy....
just took in a new critter....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
it's not what he said...
it's what he meant.....
:-)
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
oops
Arkansas
Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
LOL! That is better!
I wrote to IMERC before reading yours.
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
http://www.brianstruckshop.com/
dat b himReal trucks dont have sparkplugs
Thanks!!!!
I saw that earlier on the net but didn't see the location on the site. I didn't dig under every rock either..........
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
Would air bags help me out?
Firestone 2330's? $279 5psi-100psi
I know it doesn't change my GVWR but would it help out in this case for me? Level the load?
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
You would absolutely love Firestone Ride Rites. Swear by them. Level load, and even out the feel of the load. 'Brakes . . . oh yeah. They only take so much. You can upgrade that too. The best "budget" option is cryoslots for rotors and Hawk pads. After that you're getting up into the $2000 per set stuff like SSBC. They're good, but maybe a little steep even for my tastes.
Careful though. I tell people that making mods is like a crack habit. One day its "just a chip, what can it hurt" and the next you're in friggin rehab, jitters, flashbacks . . . still recovering unwillingly here. I used to be able to smoke an empty Dirtymax with my trailer hooked up . . . *sniff* used ta, used ta *quiver*Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
I'll get the ride rites......
hmmmmm, brakes. I just bought rotors this past year so I'd rather wait on the slots but can we use those Hawk pads with regular rotors?
Careful though. I tell people that making mods is like a crack habit. One day its "just a chip, what can it hurt" and the next you're in friggin rehab, jitters, flashbacks . . . still recovering unwillingly here. I used to be able to smoke an empty Dirtymax with my trailer hooked up . . . *sniff* used ta, used ta *quiver*
ROAR! Sorry to let you know but I am already on the pipe! I have a Hypertech3, AFE stage 2, A full flow through muffler.
Almost bought a larger exhaust, real close when I read some where that you only needed 4" all the way back for something like 450hp+, 5" for 550+, 6" from there. I don't recall the exact numbers but at any rate they said at a minimum to get a muffler change and it was waaay cheaper so that is what I did.
NONE of this changed my fuel mileage as many said it would. Which by the way was my original quest. Never changed.....
The power? Was another matter all together. Waaay plenty, at least for me,.....
I tried to talk to Hypertech about the programmer to get more information. All they tell me is to tow in the highest power setting put it in setting 3. There are only 3 settings. So I am not sure what HP I am gaining on this modification.
Just so much to learn......
Nothing like a gasser, nothing. It was a big learning curve when I bought this truck. People talking about oil injectors, etc........
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
I spun 507/1109 on the rollers . . . with a 7.3, no juice. Straight #2.
you have only grazed the surface of the addiction . . .Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
yup....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Okay Help me out with my diesel.
I've got a 95 F450 7.3l with the auto trans. It doesn't have enough power when loaded down to get over the mountains at the speed limit. It runs fine otherwise. IE starts fine, sounds fine (for a diesel) doesnt burn oil or leak fluids and its got low miles ~100,000.
What tweeks should I do and in what order?
One wacky thing about the truck is that the PO sprung for the posi rear end and this insane gear ratio....5.13!!! or 5.31 I can't remember but its definately one of the two...
Daniel Neumansky
Restoring our second Victorian home this time in Alamdea CA. Check out the blog http://www.chezneumansky.blogspot.com/
Oakland CA
Crazy Homeowner-Victorian Restorer
Are you mechanically inclined?
I'd want to make sure the injectors are up to snuff. Then I'd see if the severe duty air filter fit your year model, I'd pop a 4" pipe turbo back (and while you're in there make sure your vanes aren't dusted), call Jody at DP Tuner and have him burn a chip or a complete PCM replacement, and call it good.
Synthetic in everything, diff, tranny, oil, and it's 5:13 but its stupid steep. Stock 350s were 3:73 or 4:10. You could move up to 4:30 and probably see worlds of difference. I don't know everything that would be different in the 450 from the 350 so I'd compare engine rpms to gear ratios on an online chart first but your power band is about 1700-2200. You go over that you're just wasting fuel. So pick gears that get you in there. Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
FYI... If you operate a truck for a money making activity.... contracting, commercial fishing, racing... etc... and have a GCVW over 10,000 lbs you fall under DOT regs.
If it's a personal truck hauling a travel trailer for camping no worries.
Yep I'm mechanically inclined...
The differences between the F450 adn F350 are like the differences between the F150 and F350. Same engine, beefier tranny, beefier running gear and brakes but the 7.3l diesel is basically the same-I believe..
So freerer flowing exhaust, Intake and a mild chip? It only has the stock gauges now but I'm thinking I need to add...pryo, tranny temp, boost guage? This is probably getting too far out but I wish the dang thing had an intercooler...its just makes good sense.
I've had the truck in for service at the local stealer and they took it for a freeway test ride and said the truck acted 'normally' engine wise. How would I check the injectors?
The rear diff carrier is different than on the F350's I believe, so gears don't interchange...I know they offered this model in a more sensible rear diff ratio so I know they exist...just much more uncommon and much more expensive...
Part of the reason its gutless on the freeway is I'm past the torque peak and losing power the faster I go!
Daniel Neumansky
Restoring our second Victorian home this time in Alamdea CA. Check out the blog http://www.chezneumansky.blogspot.com/
Oakland CA
Crazy Homeowner-Victorian Restorer
No intercooler? Holy schmoly. That I didn't know. That seems to me like an issue.
I'd seriously talk to Jody on that. I'm sure he's dealt with a little older trucks before and has far more insight there than I am going to.
On the injectors - basically just that one isnt missing or that they're real old. If you've got 100K on a set of stocks and then go changing how their world works, its not uncommon that they disagree with the process and one or two start acting funny, which basically gets you to a whole new set of injectors in short order.
I know in the MY I had (which the 7.3 was a little different after 99.5) the wiring harnesses up under your covers could work loose and cause all manner of issues when all it took to remedy was a ratchet and a plastic clip, and O rings are just unpredictable in general. The HEUIs they used have a series of rings and if any one of them on any 8 of your sticks goes out . . . issues.
Good lord, did you even have a turbo? If they didn't, that'd be something I'd look at, and would explain no intercooler, but putting those in right there is several grand.
I know what you mean on rpms. After I swapped gears it was beautiful down low but 75 was screamin.
you might look at Randy's Ring & Pinion, they're out west in your neck of the woods and deal with diffy gears all day long, and they're on the web.Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
Its a 95.5 first year of the PSD. No intercooler yes its got a turbo...Its got low miles for a diesel but it is old. Being V 1.0 probably explains why its down on power compared to the later models....All I hear about is how the late 90's models have tones of power stock...I just want to be able to cruise at freeway speeds with the thing reasonably loaded down...and go over a mountain or two without the exhaust temps going thru the roof...
think we've hijacked this thread enough?
Daniel Neumansky
Restoring our second Victorian home this time in Alamdea CA. Check out the blog http://www.chezneumansky.blogspot.com/
Oakland CA
Crazy Homeowner-Victorian Restorer
So, I've got a question related to all this talk about BTS. I drive a 2001 V10 Excursion with the automatic transmission. What happens when I upgrade the transmission with one from BTS and the next week someone runs into me? Is there a rider policy that you can have for a $4500 transmission?
show the insurance company yur up grade reciept...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
think we've hijacked this thread enough?
There is no highjack here! :-)
We're talking diesels, trucks, etc...... And....if it migrates else where there still is no big deal to me. Great friends, excellent coffee and good conversation is all that matters.
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
or ya upgrade the engine and it buckels and racks the truck so you get a heavier truck for that much engine and ya think.....
hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....
oh but I only wanna do this once and go hunt down the folks at Dana and.... oh but wait... a gear vendor will fit in there.....
ummmmmmmm.....
wunder what tranny will go in there.... cool... 12 forward and two reverse... not including granny low range...
those brakes look a little puny don'y they.....
why didn't ya tell me I need more boost and a larger master ....
let's upgrade these lines while we're in here...
ya know... those leafs look a little turned....
be right back....
after all that injector work, pumps, balancing, caming, sleeving, valve, brearing, rod and crank work...
I'll bet a second turbo would be the ticket for this to help it asperate at this high of an altitude....
that new brake system sure cost a fortune....
let's help them out and add a Jake.....
hey look what I found... Air Rides and only 1200$ a piece....
just a minute - let finish cruising these truck sites....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I went by the weight station the other day and weighed my truck with all people normally aboard and full of fuel.
7400lbs......
GVWR is 8800lbs. That leaves me with 1400lbs to spare. My pin weight on the trailer is 2100lbs. If this is my actual pin weight I am over by approx. 700 lbs. Not as bad as I thought it would have been.
I did order those Firestone air bags. My buddy ordered them for me $200.
I feel a little better.......
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
"I went by the weight station the other day and weighed my truck with all people normally aboard and full of fuel.""If this is my actual pin weight I am over by approx. 700 lbs."Easy fix. Just leave the mother in law at home !
Politics: the blind insulting the blind.
Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern
LOL!
No chance at all she would be in the same truck! No matter what!
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
what about the brakes? I can't imagine it not having enough brakes, but....
Brakes are plenty in my opinion but haven't pulled it any distance to really tell anything at all. I just pulled it from the dealer to the house. I'll take it out soon and give it the run down.
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
you need to head here http://www.trailerlife.com/downloads/02towingguide.pdf and find yur package...
there are more variations than you can shake a stick at.....
seems you just may squeak by and are at limits... this is just a tiny sample....
SuperCab 5.4 V-8 9,000e
SuperCab 6.8 V-10 10,900d
SuperCab 6.8 V-10 12,500j/13,900j
SuperCab 7.3 TD 12,500d/13,400d
SuperCab 4WD 5.4 V8 7,100d
SuperCab 4WD 5.4 V8 8,600e
SuperCab 4WD 6.8 V-10 10,500d
SuperCab 4WD 6.8 V-10 12,500j/13,500j
SuperCab 4WD 7.3 TD 12,500d/13,000d
Crew Cab 5.4 V8 7,300d
Crew Cab 5.4 V8 8,800e
Crew Cab 6.8 V-10 10,600d
Crew Cab 6.8 V-10 12,500j/13,600j
Crew Cab 7.3 TD 12,500d/13,200d
Crew Cab 4WD 5.4 V-8 6,900d
Crew Cab 4WD 5.4 V-8 8,400e
Crew Cab 4WD 6.8 V-10 10,300d
Crew Cab 4WD 6.8 V-10 12,500j/13,300j
Crew Cab 4WD 7.3 TD 12,500d/12,800d
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
That's a good site, lots of tow info!
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
and a 1,700 pounds of wet weight sure seems conservitive... by a long ways....
how much weight wilbe in yur holding tanks at 8,5 pounds a gallon...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
The answer is right there in the title. 250 lbs.
:D
--------------------------------------------------------
Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.net
See some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com
The answer is right there in the title. 250 lbs.
That was in my last physical! LOL
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.†Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote