Towing 12k with Super singles - Diesel Forum

renfroeinc · 10-11-2009, 07:47 PM

Anyone towing 12k-14k with 385/65/22.5 super singles? Obviously the tires are not the week link. I want stablility and currently have a f250 with 8" Fabtech and 39 Mickey thompsons but don't want to lower the truck. What springs, sway bars or bags would be needed. Height shouldn't be an issue with a proper setup suspension f650's are pretty big.

Texascadillac42 · 10-12-2009, 09:53 AM

I have towed 10k with my last truck (94 F350 CC, 9" lift, 335 80 R20 Michelin XZL Super Singles) It wasnt like towing with a DRW truck, but the stability was not an issue. GCW was 20k, and I towed this 1000 miles. As long as the springs are still 1 ton springs, and you have lengthened your factory sway bars, you should be fine.

What kind of hitch do you have? There are only a handful of receivers that will handle 12-14k of weight, in a weight carrying setup. Make sure your receiver, hitch and ball can all handle the weight.

renfroeinc · 10-12-2009, 11:18 AM

I will probably build a subframe to lower the hitch mounting point rather than a huge drop hitch. Then upgrade to a larger receiver.

How was the cummins swap? What kind of costs?

**Flywheel** · 10-12-2009, 11:59 AM

I tow 12-14k regularly with 285/75/16E SRW - I can't imagine you would have any problems Super Singles....

renfroeinc · 10-12-2009, 12:26 PM

The 385's are 42" tall

RD97 · 10-12-2009, 01:50 PM

Looking on the Michelin website, the 385/65R22.5 tires weigh about 180lbs. This is about double the weight of a PAIR of the 235/85R16 tires (45-55lbs/each) you would see on a dually. With the weight and the increased diameter, you're looking at a factor of 2-3+ increase in the rotational inertia of the tires/wheels. It might be prudent to investigate some brake upgrades, and perhaps some stronger wheel-bearings and steering components. (Or just swap in the axles from an f-650).

JW350 · 10-12-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by renfroeinc

Anyone towing 12k-14k with 385/65/22.5 super singles? Obviously the tires are not the week link. I want stablility and currently have a f250 with 8" Fabtech and 39 Mickey thompsons but don't want to lower the truck. What springs, sway bars or bags would be needed. Height shouldn't be an issue with a proper setup suspension f650's are pretty big.

Can't comment on the Super Singles. But why bother? I tow that much on Toyo Open Country MT tires. The 37x13.5Rx17 is a 10 ply tire with a 4,300 lb rating. It's a stiff tire and with anti-sway bars and air bags, towing is very stable.

renfroeinc · 10-12-2009, 02:04 PM

Braking would be a big consideration. F650 axles may be the way to go.

RD97 · 10-12-2009, 02:10 PM

Heck, maybe just a good, used 650.
ford 650, buy and sell Commercial Trucks on eBay Motors

Texascadillac42 · 10-12-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by renfroeinc

I will probably build a subframe to lower the hitch mounting point rather than a huge drop hitch. Then upgrade to a larger receiver.

How was the cummins swap? What kind of costs?

Cummins swap was fairly straight forward. If I had to do it again I would use DESTROKED: Cummins Conversions products and probably put a CR motor in, instead of a 12V.

As for costs, tough to say. I rebuilt the motor during the swap with alot of aftermarket upgrades. I try not to think about the costs

Texascadillac42 · 10-12-2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JW350

Can't comment on the Super Singles. But why bother? I tow that much on Toyo Open Country MT tires. The 37x13.5Rx17 is a 10 ply tire with a 4,300 lb rating. It's a stiff tire and with anti-sway bars and air bags, towing is very stable.

How do those tires wear? The load rating is pretty impressive for a 37" tire.

JW350 · 10-12-2009, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texascadillac42

How do those tires wear? The load rating is pretty impressive for a 37" tire.

It's a mud tire with a soft rubber compound. But, they do wear evenly and rotating helps keep the noise down. This is my second set and I get about 2.5 - 3 years of use (approx 30K - 35K miles).