Can I tow this??

newtattoobob · March 1, 2003

I have a 94 K1500 reg. cab long bed, 305 motor with auto tranny, with OEM tranny and oil coolers, 3.73 rear end, tires with E load rating, class III receiver hitch with trailer brakes. I am wondering if I will be able to pull a 16x8ft. trailer with a tractor on it that weighs 4,500lbs? I will only pull it about four or five times a year and it will be all two lane roads no highways or real steep grades. Any input would be appreciated! Thanks Bob

Shaners · March 1, 2003

Pull it into drive "3" and put your foot into it... Your truck can tow it with no problems!!! Make sure your tranny cooler is working fine first... but your truck will pull 2 tons with only a little more effort from your right foot!!!

You have the correct tires and hitch. The only thing I would make sure you have is electric brakes and a set of torsion bars and a sway bar.

SilveradoWV · March 1, 2003

It should pull it fine, I had a '95 305 and pulled a camper which weighed about 4300lbs, just had to get a run at a few big hills but no overheating probs or anything. Does the tractor weigh 4500lbs? I dont want to ask a stupid question, but the trailer probably weighs at least 1500lbs empty, thats what my 6x14 dual axles weighs. So is that 4500lbs all together?

newtattoobob · March 1, 2003

Yes the tractor alone weighs 4,500lbs. the trailer is a dual axle and I am guessing it weighs between 1,500 and 2,000lbs? So I guess total it would be between 6,000 and 7,000lbs. Thanks Bob

BDBWTE · March 1, 2003

You'll be fine. Trust me. I'm the King of over towing and as the King I knight thou okay doth pull trailer..

SilveradoWV · March 1, 2003

Based on the '95 305 I had it will probably be quite a strain on the truck if you are on ANY hill. If I remember correctly the suspension did fine with 4300lbs so you should be ok there, but then again you are pulling at least 2000lbs more than I did. The weight is at one of those points where you just have to try it and see once, and if you dont feel like it can handle it back out!

WEFs99 · March 1, 2003

I agree about the hills. Our K2500LD with 3.73 and a 350 pulling a Burkeen drop plow/trailer (5500 lbs total) does OK except for fuel mileage. Any weight over this is very noticeable especially on the hills. If it is just an occasional pull then there shouldn't be a big deal.

tps0424 · March 2, 2003

Didn't you ask this question somewhere else and get a lot of 'no' responses?

If it wasn't you, it was very similar situation and since this is your only posting... I wonder if your just looking for greener pastures?

tps0424 · March 2, 2003

Oh yeah... here it is http://forums.pickuptruck.com/showfla....fpart=1

It's Ok to ask advice, just be prepared to not like what you hear.

I don't know if the above link will work but this should.

You post on PUTC

WEFs99 · March 2, 2003

His first post was a total load just short of 8,000# and that is too much for that truck. This post is for a load of just over 6,000# and is within the limits of the truck.

tps0424 · March 2, 2003

Actually, in his post on PUTC, he does correct the weight (several posts down in the thread) to what he has posted here (4500) and he still got many replies that they didn't think his truck would be up to the task.

I think it's great that we can ask for advice so many different places.

What I think is funny is that after 3 weeks and 23 responses (mostly, but not always, against trying it) to his question on the other forum he posts the same question here.

I should clarify that I see no problem posting the same question on multiple boards; either at the same time OR if you don't get any responses on one board, try another after a while.

I think he asked the question, didn't like the answer he was given and was hoping people here would be more open to unsafe towing practices. It kind of reminds me of my 8 year old son asking me for something, getting a 'no' and then asking his mother for the same thing.

Maybe he is just trying to find enough people to validate what he wants to do so he doesn't feel so guilty doing what he already knows, deep down, isn't right. I don't know.

WEFs99 · March 2, 2003

How about the guy on PUTC that says he regularly tows 10,000# with a 1/2 ton, no problem? I just noticed we don't have a BS smilie

CapnDean · March 3, 2003

FWIW:

2 or 3 times a year I hitch up to my 16' flatbed. Yup...when I drive that ole Ford 3000 up on it it lifts the back end off the ground. I guestimate that with the 6' bush hog, or with the 6' Box blade either one.....That I have a 5000 - 6000 lb load on the trailer. Something has me thinking that the tractor itself if 4000# without the water in the tires...I may be off some here though.

I tow it with what I got....4.8 auto, 3.73 etc.... Nary a problem. I do not have trailer brakes (although I should). I do not have a stabilizing hitch or any of that. I just take it easy and roll it on up the road the 50 miles or so I go.

Do I have a problem with it? Nope...handles it fine. Would it be nice to have a dually? You betcha... In a perfect world I'd tow with a dually, elec or surge brakes, tranny cooler, manual trans, 4:10 gears etc... If I towed every day...then it would be a different ball game.

Of course then I would have steel ramps instead of 2X12's to load it with, I'd never have to spray ether to start the tractor.... heck, while were at it, if I could afford the proper tow vehicle, trailer and loading ramps....and a new tractor....sheesh...I could affor to have somebody else bush hog that property for me!

SilveradoWV · March 4, 2003

I do not have trailer brakes (although I should).

Thats just scary!!

Plus the thought of not using a weight dist. setup is kind of bad too, does your spare tire drag the ground, or is all the weight on the rear and your rear truck tires dont even touch!

clk7711 · March 4, 2003

I do not have trailer brakes (although I should).

Thats just scary!!

Plus the thought of not using a weight dist. setup is kind of bad too, does your spare tire drag the ground, or is all the weight on the rear and your rear truck tires dont even touch!

Yes it is. Having a trailer push you through an intersection is very scary.

I had to pull about 9000lbs once at it wasn't pretty. I was in a bad situation and had no choice. I'll never do it again without trailer brakes.