There are disadvantages to inertia (surge) brakes. If the trailer starts to sway back and forth they are useless to straighten it out, whereas electric brakes can be manually applied in the cab to straighten it back out. I think some states outlawed mechanical trailer brakes.

 

i know this thread is really old but I have a 1985 f250 with the inline 6 and the heavy-duty 4 speed with 4 wheel drive and I was wondering how much I could pull with it.

 

It depends on your gearing, really, and the ability of the brakes to stop the combined GVW. If the trailer has brakes, it works better.

The GVWR should be listed on the door sticker, if you want to know for sure what it's legally rated for. I've never had an officer *check* that I'm not overweight on a private vehicle, but it's something to keep in mind.

Keep in mind, this also *very* much assumes that you're staying on top of the maintenance on the truck, if the clutch is wore out, the piston rings are shot, the ring and pinion and rear wheel bearings shot, the brake pad/shoe linings worn out, or any number of other things will reduce your ability to tow heavier trailers, and make you a rolling accident waiting to happen.

 

yes, I keep my truck always up to date on maintenance and everything but yes I will look at my sticker when I get home today thank you!

 

i had a 86 f250 with the 300 6 with 4 speed with the sterling rear axle non full floater with 3.73s worked good up to 65 if you put a header on that motor and elimanate the efi

 

ok my truck was carbirated from the factory but I defenently like the fuel injection

 

I guess it all really depends on how fast you want to get there. I go back and forth with my truck. I tow a 4,000 lb popup camper a couple times a summer. My acceleration from a stop is measured by a calendar over anything else. It's miserable, especially in stop-and-go with the 5 speed. That said, it can and will do 70-75 on flat land. If I hit any kind of hill, I'm on the gas and I'll usually drop down to 55-60. I've had it go as low as 45 but no lower. Around town and on back roads, I'll tow in 4th gear, out on the highway the truck doesn't have a problem with overdrive. And I've got a '96, the supposed "cream of the crop"..... Kinda makes me wonder what y'all are doing with yours if you actually ENJOY towing with the straight six. I do it out of necessity, I cannot wait to either get another truck or swap the engine on this one for a 351....

 

Blasphemy!

 

Head modifications with a larger cam or turbocharging

 

Yeah I know, I know. Sacreligious to say, especially in this sub-forum. I'm just not so impressed with it, especially when folks say "oh I towed 10000 pounds straight up the side of the mountain" type stuff. I mean, yeah, my truck will pull whatever I've hooked to it so far, but it's sure miserable doing so. Sucks gas like a 460 with the power of a six-banger. I suppose I can't complain too much, as it hasn't let me down and is a very reliable driver if I need it. I just have to do my best to remember that it isn't a new truck and it won't pull like a newer truck would!

I suspect this one would benefit greatly from a refresh. Gotta keep the oil and coolant in it, fix the emissions system, and a couple other things might make it a happier runner. If I'm going to mess with the head or the cam, at that point I might as well drop a V8 in the truck. But then again, that's just my thinking.

 

Likewise, my experience pulling a car trailer on flat ground, it is not so bad, as long as you are not trying to break any speed records, which you shouldn't do when towing anyhow. But when towing in hilly country - UN FUN! I kept having to row that 4-speed shifter like a bent canoe. Got old quick. In my case it was in a '85 Econoline.

 

I don't think I've ever seen a manual Econoline! But yes, definitely leaves some to be desired. And I 100% agree with being over rowing on that hand-shaker when you're going through hills. Stop and go to get on the interstate is hardly fun either. Oh well, it's all I've got for now, so it will have to do!

 

How whould it be towing with a 308 gears I have a 1993 f150 with axle 19 And 5 sped manual trans?

 

It would be better than the 2.75 gears I have in my 81 F100 flare side then again I have the granny first gear 4sp to get the show going.

You did not say what you are pulling and where? You dont have the granny first gear to get going from a stop and that OD 5th and the 3.08 would hurt when you hit hills. If out in flat land other than getting started you should not have much issues but add some good weight and mountains and you could be like the others say not fun. If you had 3.50 or even better 3.73 gear would be better.

For me and the granny first gear I have an Advance Adapters Range Splitter so I can split all my gears.
Truck is a back up to pull my open deck 21' car trailer.
Dave ----

 

Don't tow in OD. It puts undue strain on the countershaft and cluster gear. Use direct (4th) when towing.