F350 Dump Towing Capacity

[mytoys]

Hi folks,

This will be somewhat of a dumb question but i'll ask anyway. I saw a 1990 F350 dump truck advertised locally for a nice price (3500). It's a 5.8 gas engine with an automatic. I know i'll have to look at the plate on the doorjamb but does anyone know what the towing capacity might be for this? I'm wondering if i'll be able to legally tow my 10,000 trailer.

Thanks much

 

[Builder]

Hi folks,

This will be somewhat of a dumb question but i'll ask anyway. I saw a 1990 F350 dump truck advertised locally for a nice price (3500). It's a 5.8 gas engine with an automatic. I know i'll have to look at the plate on the doorjamb but does anyone know what the towing capacity might be for this? I'm wondering if i'll be able to legally tow my 10,000 trailer.

Thanks much

Yes, you will. With the proper tow hitch installed properly, that won't be a problem. The towing capacity won't be on the door jamb. You'll need to phone a helpful Ford dealer or find archived Ford information to get the exact figure, but my '91 F-350 4x4 pickup with a 460 was able to tow 10,000 or more. Common sense would tell me a F-350 dump, even with a 351, should be able to tow the same.

 

[Ductape]

My 97 F350 pickup (standard cab , 4x , single rear wheel) has the towing package with 4:10 gears..... my owners manual says tow rating is 13,900. I suspect your dual wheeled rig will have no problems towing 10K.

 

[Builder]

Remember: 5th wheel/gooseneck ratings are much higher than aft of axle or "bumper pull" ratings.

Since he's talking about a dumptruck, he would be talking aft of axle ratings so I suspect they'd be lower.

 

[Dmace]

I have been looking for the same info for my 94 F-350 dump with the 7.3l diesel. I know the GVWR is 12,000lbs and that is what the local Aggregates/Quarry uses to judge how much gravel they can load in the dump but the towing capacity is not listed on the truck.

I do know I hauled a 9,000lb mini-excavator on a 2,200lb 5-ton trailer with no problem. I am sure it is easier to pull with the diesel, but the rear end and the suspension is the same as it's gas equivalent.

It huals the little Kioti real well, I just need a longer trailer...

 

[Builder]

A big majority of less experienced guys think the power of the engine is what determines towing capacity, but actually engine power is lower on the list of priorities.

Brakes, wheels/tires, suspension, gearing and even the parking brake are more important factors.

DOT doesn't really care if you're going slow when towing due to lower power under the hood, they want to make sure your chassis has the braking power and strength to hold the weight securely & stop it quickly.

 

[Blk88GT]

Depending on the year of truck you guys are discussing, there is some info at: https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/rv_trailer_towing/

I don't think it goes back quite as far as some of you are hoping for though.

 

[mytoys]

All,

Thanks for your replys. I have no doubt that the truck would tow my loaded trailer, but before i purchase i want to be sure i'm legal. I very seldom get on the highway but the DOT occasionally does random weight checks with their portable scales. Also, god forbid, i was ever in an accident, and someone was hurt...yikes. I've been looking online for archived info but no luck so far. There are many variables that come into play...gross vehicle weight, weght of the vehicle, blah blah blah, i wish they would make it easier. I suppose i could buy a truck that is extremely beefy but then i'd have to drive that around all the time...not to mention the expense. Ok, now i'm rambling. Again, thanks for your replys. If anyone else has thoughts please share.

Regards.

 

[mytoys]

Wow, I just looked at the link to the web site on towing provided above (thanks) and was shocked. An f350 DRW cab/chassis with a v8 can only tow 7000 or 8500 lbs, depending on gear ratio. Not only that but the specs are for 5th wheel towing which are always higher than bumper towing. Hmm

 

[Builder]

Wow, I just looked at the link to the web site on towing provided above (thanks) and was shocked. An f350 DRW cab/chassis with a v8 can only tow 7000 or 8500 lbs, depending on gear ratio. Not only that but the specs are for 5th wheel towing which are always higher than bumper towing. Hmm

That is shocking. Like I said, I had a 10K trailer behind my '91 F-350 4x4 SRW pickup constantly. The dealer actually installed the hitch !