Towing/Truck Newbie Trying to Understand
I've been reading on this, and other sites, about towing as I need to figure out what I can safely tow with my truck (2003 F150 4.6L V8; automatic transmission; 3.55 differential). Here are the fig...
Forum Discussion
You're not too far off.
Ford, and every other manufacturer, has a higher towing capacity listed than is often "real". Case in point is newer 1/2 tons that list a 9k towing capacity. The limiting factors are tongue limit and rear axle capacity. But that's more of an issue for travel trailers than utility trailers and boats, which have far less tongue weight than a TT. So a new 1/2 ton can probably tow a 9k boat, but not a 9k TT.
I'm not convinced you have all the right numbers. Don't go by online towing guides. That's generalized information. They list Max trailer weight for a properly equipped truck. It's not one size fits all. Engine size, cab configuration, and towing packages change that configuration. Your owners manual should have a chart showing possible configurations and corresponding towing capacities and GCWR. Those are the numbers you need.
You also have to subtract anything you carry in the truck, including people. So your real world capacity will be something under the 6500# cited by APT.
Ford, and every other manufacturer, has a higher towing capacity listed than is often "real". Case in point is newer 1/2 tons that list a 9k towing capacity. The limiting factors are tongue limit and rear axle capacity. But that's more of an issue for travel trailers than utility trailers and boats, which have far less tongue weight than a TT. So a new 1/2 ton can probably tow a 9k boat, but not a 9k TT.
I'm not convinced you have all the right numbers. Don't go by online towing guides. That's generalized information. They list Max trailer weight for a properly equipped truck. It's not one size fits all. Engine size, cab configuration, and towing packages change that configuration. Your owners manual should have a chart showing possible configurations and corresponding towing capacities and GCWR. Those are the numbers you need.
You also have to subtract anything you carry in the truck, including people. So your real world capacity will be something under the 6500# cited by APT.
