Newbie needs help with tow ability
I am hoping to get your advice and help. We have recently upgraded to a 2018 sunset trail 291RK that is 33.33 feet long and weighs 5600 lbs dry weight. We are trading in a 2006 Ford F 150 that we were...
Forum Discussion
MFL wrote:camp-n-family wrote:
3.31 axle gearing is a poor choice for towing. It will not be fun.
I agree, not the right gear choice for towing. The 13 truck with 5.0, would be a good improvement with 3.73 gears, due to more hp, and much better 6-speed transmission.
Jerry
The difference between 3.73 gears and 3.31 is only 12%. Just lock out high gear and you will effectively 3.73 gears with a five speed transmission. It wasn't that many years ago we towed with a 3 speed transmission and 3.27 gears. Also, 3.73 gears are nearly impossible to find and Max Tow package gives you 3.55 gears which are sufficient for maximum towing towing capacity. Difference between 3.55 and 3.13 is only 13%. I doubt that most people would notice that. I have to wonder if the tow rating for 3.13 is reduced for reasons that the driver won't notice, such as strength of the rear end. Regardless, if you are within factory ratings I would not worry about. If you are getting beyond factory ratings you should be thinking about it. Ford does recommend using synthetic oil in the differential if you tow frequently near rated capacity. A heat dissipating cover might help too.
