What is the real world towing capacity of my new truck - Diesel Forum

SuperDutyDave · 01-01-2008, 11:12 AM

Yes I can read the Ford towing literature etc...but you hear all kinds of variations within this forum on the subject...

Based upon the following vehicle equipped the following way with a estimated starting weight give me your thoughts on how much I can safely tow both with a conventional trailer and a gooseneck. Obviously having a trailer in each case that can handle its load safely.

2008 Ford F-550 CrewCab 84"CA 4WD, PSD Auto Tow Command 4.88 locking rear end...no increased GVW nor High Capacity tow pack.

Truck with fitup and no load other than fuel and driver will have a starting wieght of 10,000lbs

Rear hitch is a 2-5/16 pintle combo direct bolted to dump body frame rated for 25K

Gooseneck ball is frame mounted to center of truck as per norm.

Thanks for the input and comments

Dave

ps. no stupid one time amounts...just safe consistent tows.

toalpi · 01-01-2008, 03:51 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SuperDutyDave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes I can read the Ford towing literature etc...just safe consistent tows. </div></div> So you CAN read BUT you can't comprehend? Is that what you are saying? Or is there some part about what ford says that you don't like?

SuperDutyDave · 01-01-2008, 04:04 PM

nice attitude Toalpi....

yes I can read....but I was wondering about some real world opinions from others within this forum...if you have been around here for a while reading you will find quite a divergance of opinion on what some feel is appropriate/possible with their trucks based upon a variety of reasons....many of those opinions vary considerably from what is stated in the Ford literature.

Considering all I was just curious to see what other my have for opinions. Sorry if you found that line of discussion annoying.

I would still welcome some others with more constructive thoughts.

Cheers

Dave

toalpi · 01-01-2008, 04:21 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SuperDutyDave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I would still welcome some others with more constructive thoughts.

Cheers

Dave </div></div> You mean others that can't comprehend or don't like what ford says AND chose to ignore the laws. Do your own search for "fmcsa regulation 390.5" and see what they say about GCWR and GVWR. Search your own state laws about GCWR and you will see that the manufacturers numbers apply.

SuperDutyDave · 01-01-2008, 04:32 PM

not sure how to interpret it...just saw a guy in another section stating he was towing 30K-lbs with his new F450 and had it registered/tagged for 36K-lbs. This is far in excess of what I read as Ford's recommended maximum towing amount for his truck. That is just one small example....seeing how long you have been in this forum I am surprised if you have not seen similar.

I will most likely stay well within what Ford seems to state for my truck...but I was interested as to what others opinions on its abilities might be considering my wieght and hitch set ups.

Now hopefully we will hear from others with some opinions etc.

happy new year.

Dave

toalpi · 01-01-2008, 04:49 PM

I edited my last post, please read. Yes it is true that the DMVs in some states are run by morons and you can register a ford ranger for 30,000 pounds. That does not make you legal. When you provide numbers that differ from the manufactures numbers to the DMV, then you have forged a document. The manufacturer makes the truck and they get to assign the numbers. When Joe Tow Hard builds his own truck and puts a federal cetification label on the door pillar then he can legally make up his own numbers.

SuperDutyDave · 01-01-2008, 05:05 PM

first let me say I agree with you on all the legal aspects...I was still however looking for some real world opinions...both higher and lower...sometimes what the manufacturer states is on the highside for how the particular truck is equipped....nonetheless I would not encourage going higher than the trucks stated limited regardless of what DMV's will allow.

all I was looking for in this post was real world interesting opinions...

Dave

bigjimcruising · 01-01-2008, 06:24 PM

Wow Dave, sorry about all the hostility! I must be getting old and slow since I didn't read anything in your post about exceeding your weight ratings. Since I DID read YOUR post I'll chime in here with my .02 cents worth. In all my years of towing I've tried to stick to my 75% rule. Take your maximum weight rating and figure 75% of that and there you go. Overly simple I know but for long term consistent towing I think this gives you an extra margin of safety and helps to keep from trashing your rig prematurely. And congrats on the new truck! You'll be joining me at every fuel station you see! lol! I'll be interested in hearing your mpg's. Mine with the same gears is really bad. Happy New Year! Jim.

Mr_Roboto · 01-01-2008, 07:30 PM

Without a Class A CDL you are basically limited to 26K combined and 10K trailer (most states). And it hardly makes sense to go over that weight with the extra regulations if you can help it.

SuperDutyDave · 01-01-2008, 07:40 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bigjimcruising</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow Dave, sorry about all the hostility! I must be getting old and slow since I didn't read anything in your post about exceeding your weight ratings. Since I DID read YOUR post I'll chime in here with my .02 cents worth. In all my years of towing I've tried to stick to my 75% rule. Take your maximum weight rating and figure 75% of that and there you go. Overly simple I know but for long term consistent towing I think this gives you an extra margin of safety and helps to keep from trashing your rig prematurely. And congrats on the new truck! You'll be joining me at every fuel station you see! lol! I'll be interested in hearing your mpg's. Mine with the same gears is really bad. Happy New Year! Jim. </div></div>

Jim

thanks for the support and kind words...as you can see I have owned a lot of trucks and towed for most of my life. Like you I always have preferred to have more truck than I need for all situtions. This truck is definitely overkill for most of my normal duties. I have a fairly strong knowledge of it compabilities but I was interested "morbid curiosity" to hear what others thought it was capable of. Hopefully a few more will chime in.
Fuel milage will stink...I know...my last 450 had 488's and it wasn't great and it had a unrestricted 7.3PSD....these new emission trucks sacrifice fuel mileage for the sake of some stupid tailpipe particulate...crazy!!
Since I am on the east coast I doubt I will see you at any fuel stations but I will definitely feel your pain.

Happy New Year

Dave

SuperDutyDave · 01-01-2008, 08:11 PM

Roboto

Since this is a commerical truck, DOT registered, I will definitely keep it legal...Ford Rated GCVWR is 26K...just under CDL.

thanks for your input.

Happy New Year.

Dave

Mr_Roboto · 01-01-2008, 09:13 PM

Once you get into these bigger trucks the weight "limits" get tricky. How much difference is there between a big straight truck and a single axle semi tractor..... At that point most of the real capacity is in the trailer.

firesoutmatt · 01-01-2008, 11:07 PM

Dave does a 6.4 PSD know what level of truck it's setting in ?

You asked a loaded question here and really don't know what kind of answer your looking for.

You could hook 20k,30k or 40k to that truck and tow that weight.
Be legal ? Depends on what you plate it for. Safe ? Depends on you and only you.

FWIW Here in Indiana if you plate it for 15k you better have a CDL. 26K You should know what state your plated for and what thier laws are. If not you will find out sooner or later and how much it will cost you. State Police won't take stupid as an excuse................. Ask me how I know ..

svsoccerpoker · 01-02-2008, 12:15 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: firesoutmatt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dave does a 6.4 PSD know what level of truck it's setting in ?

You asked a loaded question here and really don't know what kind of answer your looking for.

You could hook 20k,30k or 40k to that truck and tow that weight.
Be legal ? Depends on what you plate it for. Safe ? Depends on you and only you.

FWIW Here in Indiana if you plate it for 15k you better have a CDL. 26K You should know what state your plated for and what thier laws are. If not you will find out sooner or later and how much it will cost you. State Police won't take stupid as an excuse................. Ask me how I know .. </div></div>

How do you know " trouble " ? thanks greg

SuperDutyDave · 01-02-2008, 12:31 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: firesoutmatt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dave does a 6.4 PSD know what level of truck it's setting in ?

You asked a loaded question here and really don't know what kind of answer your looking for.

You could hook 20k,30k or 40k to that truck and tow that weight.
Be legal ? Depends on what you plate it for. Safe ? Depends on you and only you.

You need to have a CDL for a 15K truck??? Everywhere I have been its been 26001 for a CDL...GVW or GCVWR once you exceed 26K better have the CDL...never heard of needing it at 15K

Glad I never drive in Indiana
FWIW Here in Indiana if you plate it for 15k you better have a CDL. 26K You should know what state your plated for and what thier laws are. If not you will find out sooner or later and how much it will cost you. State Police won't take stupid as an excuse................. Ask me how I know .. </div></div>