well I down loaded the 2000 towing brochure from above and it seems I have every option available to tow. I agree I should and most likely will hit the scales, some towing info was confusing// // are trucks rated for more with a 5ver than a bumper hitch? // in either case it looks like the truck in theory can handle the pull weight "it is close", so far the short trip 50 miles up the road the truck handled well 2200 to 3000 rpm at 60 mph (not in overdrive) and I will shortly be hitting the hills in north western Arkansas which should give me a much better feeling for that 5.4 L V8 at that weight, as far as hitch weight the spec of 1200 was with water, pots, pans, food, all store almost directly above the axels of the 5ver, their is storage just in front of the axels of the 5ver so I would assume some of that will distribute to the hitch weight. ??? so if I load wrong and the tail end of the truck looks like it is sagging would a simple set of air shock level it or do I need something more ?? maybe I should ask that on the tow vehicle forum.