Re: 1/2 Ton Truck and Tractor Hauling

Posted by Jonathan on November 10, 2003 at 17:07:14 from (165.121.146.160):

In Reply to: 1/2 Ton Truck and Tractor Hauling posted by Martin Miller on November 10, 2003 at 14:23:02:

I haven't hauled tractors, but I have hauled large loads of slabwood before. My trailer is a 3.5 ton capacity and I have loaded it up to full capacity. I used a 1988 ford F150 4x4 with a very tired 302 under the hood and a 5 speed with a somewhat tall gear ratio, it would take all it had in a very steep hill, but if worst come to worst I'd shift it all the way down to 1st and it would pull it up. I didn't try to beat the truck and just took my time and it worked just fine. I'd buy a bigger truck if I hauled all the time, but it's very rare I put that much on it. I cannot stress enough that if you are going to pull that much with your truck that YOU NEED TRAILER BRAKES, I made the mistake one day of accidently unplugging the brakes with my foot when I stepped over the trailer tongue to get to the other side. I made a big scene when I come into town and tried to stop at a stopsign, I stopped alittle later than I wanted, and didn't come anywhere near an accident, but I sure did leave some black marks were the trailer pushed the truck along.
Your 4.6 liter should pull it no problem seeing as how it has more torque and horse power than my truck and a 5 speed will take alot more abuse than an automatic. Also a lower gear ratio will make heavy pulling an easier task in the hills. Since you plan on doing a long trip, I'd keep watch of the temp guage, and pull over for awhile if need be. Also when you load the trailer, you need to try to put the majority of the weight on the axles of the trailer, but enough on the truck so you'll have easier braking and not be overloading the rear springs and tires of your truck needlessly. Make sure your tires are properly inflated because they will get hot if they are soft, which will damage the tire(s) and/or cause a blowout, always carry spares too!.
Hope this helps,
Jonathan

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