Tow vehicle question

[NINA]

Hey everyone.

Here is my question. 2002 Ford F150 xl 4.2 v6 3.55 gear ratio
Towing my 26ft BH. Gross vehicle 4500?

Will I be ok?

Nina

P.S. Has to be better than our 1991 V8 I hope!

[rockwood06]

Need to know the max load weight of the camper. As far as the rear, I am not sure about a 3.55 for Ford, I think that might be what is called a high speed rear this is for improved gas mileage not for towing, As far as GM the smallest rear that they consider as a tow rear is a 3.73 I am sure there is a Ford person out there that will correct me if I am wrong and that's ok, I don't want to give anyone the wrong info. You can also contact your local Ford dealer or Internet about tow capacity. If you call the parts department at the Ford dealer and give them the VIN number off of the dash, they can tell you every thing about the vehicle.

[dimurrrw]

I agree with the last post. Small engine and wrong rear end. Could you...maybe. Should you...I wouldn't.

[RJW]

http://www.rvtowingtips.com/index.html

read that link, not saying it cannot be done, but could create problems on heating tranny unless you have a cooler, and you are gonna be working that engine hard.

[mschrowang]

Nina,

If you're not over the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) for the Ford when the trailer is fully loaded for a trip it depends upon how far you're going to go on a camping trip and how hilly its going to be.

For short trips (less than 100 miles) over relatively flat terrain, I don't think you'd have a problem. But, coast to coast and over the Rockies or even the Appalaichins, its going to be difficult for you. Alot of strain on the brakes and drivetrain. Even on short trips, I'd lock out overdrive and run in 3rd gear.

Just be careful, stay in the granny lane and don't exceed 60mph.

Mike

[rockwood06]

Remember, if your gross vehicle weight is 4500 lbs you have to subtract your cargo weight in your truck. Example: If there is a combined weight of two passengers @ 200 lbs. each that= 400 lbs. subtract that from the gross vehicle weight, now your are at a capacity of 4100lbs. towing ability. Now lets say you put fire wood in the back, that's more weight on the truck, then you hook up your camper and of course all the supplies for your camping needs that are inside. See how the weight adds up. That is a lot of strain on the engine, transmission and rear if you don't have a tow package on your truck.