Need Help Choosing Truck

[RobertN]

Based on my years of experience, your truck should be able to tow that load. It will not be a race horse, but it should do ok.

When I was a kid, we had a Plymouth Fury-3 with a 360 2barrel, and pretty tall highway kinda gears. We pulled a 18' travel trailer pretty well, even over Donner Summit. That car was a heavy tuna boat, and the trailer was not lite. We were in the slow lane going over the summit, but we cruised along. Your truck should be able to do the same.

Unless that F250 is geared low, that 302 will do no better than what you have. In fact, your 318 should out-pull a 302 given similar gearing. My F250 had a 351/stick in it. It towed pretty well, and hauled a heavy 11' cabover camper around the western states and parts of BC/Alberta CA.

The truck itself will handle 6000lbs easily, but the 302 won't unless it's got 4.11 gears. And even then...

My old truck, with stock tires and 3.55 gears would have pulled your 6000lbs fine.

If I got another 3/4 ton gas engine pickup, I would not go smaller than a 351(5.7l?) motor, used or new. Truck is heavier than a 1/2 ton to begin with.

So, in regard to my original question, whether or not the truck listed on Craigslist could tow up to 6000lbs (F-250 4x4), I seem to get the impression from this forum that the 302 ci motor really isn't powerful enough, but a lot depends on the gear ratio. Right? I asked the seller about the gear ratio, but he didn't know. So, buy or no buy?

 

[RobertN]

Maybe this one
**REDUCED***1989 Ford F-250

 

[miramadar]

Maybe this one
**REDUCED***1989 Ford F-250
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RobertN in Shingle Springs Calif

Yeah, I've been looking at that one too. But it is 2WD. After the winter we've had this year, I'm putting a premium on 4WD. And the terrain around here really calls for it year round if you're pulling a load. I guess I'll just continue my search. Thanks for all the advice and info. I just can't say enough good things about this forum and the folks who participate in it! :thumbsup:

 

[Soundguy]

I agree.. I'm no fan of 2wd trucks... I've been saved by 4wd in my truck too many times. Wouldn't mind having the 3/4 ton I want to buy be 4x4 as well.

soundguy

 

[4105deere]

Andy... I feel your pain. Towed for years on limited basis, always with 1/2 ton trucks and usually over loaded. Even the best older 1/2 tons have very limited towing and even when within the trucks limit I was never happy. I was constantly doing or looking at upgrades. Had an f 150 4.10 gears, 351, pulled as good as most any f-250. Or so I thought, started going into north ga and sc. Boy those hills never looked so big in the car. Huge diff hauling the flat land to savannah and going into the hills. Seemed I was killing the truck to go up and praying to get it stopped. Just dont like a lot of white knuckle driving. Recently moved up to f350 even though day to day I can't justify it. I don't think I'll ever drive anything else. Good luck