Posted 2005-03-31 8:24 AM (#608) Subject: Truck Axle Ratings
Posts: 17
Location: Orlando, FL
I've got a 2000 F150 Sport extended cab with a 4.6 L engine and tow package rated to pull 6900 lbs, according to the manual. Last night I took a look at the axle ratings posted on the inside of the door. The front axle is rated somewhere around 3100 lbs. and the rear axle is rated at 3200 lbs.
With those axle ratings, can this truck pull 2 horses (1100 lb and 900 lb) in a 2H BP 3200 lb trailer with a WDH?
Posted 2005-03-31 8:44 AM (#609 - in reply to #608) Subject: RE: Truck Axle Ratings
Posts: 128
Location: Iowa
Should be able to. You'll need to check a couple other things, though. You need to know the actual weight of your truck with fuel, passengers, and cargo. Then add to that the tongue weight of your trailer (usually about 10% of loaded trailer weight with a BP). Then, subtract the total weight from your GVWR to make sure you are under that.
Example: say your actual truck weight is 5500 lbs and your trailer tongue weight is 500 lbs, and your GVWR is 6400 lbs. 6400-6000 leaves you 400 under GVWR, so you'd be good to go. Then just make sure the total weight of your truck and trailer is also under the GCWR (gross combined weight rating...usually listed in your owner's manual). The "towing capacity" number really doesn't mean much, unless you order a stock truck with absolutely no options.
You won't win any races, but you'll pull it okay. As far as a WDH, it's usually recommended for anything over 5000 lbs...but if you hitch up the trailer, and it doesn't drop your rear end more than 3 or 4 inches, you probably won't need one.
Also, what gears do you have in the truck...it will make a big difference in how easily it can pull.
Posted 2005-03-31 9:16 AM (#610 - in reply to #608) Subject: RE: Truck Axle Ratings
Posts: 17
Location: Orlando, FL
Thanks, Flooper! We've done all the GCWR calculations using the curb weight of the truck and have figured out that this truck can pull the trailer. The gear ratio is 3.7something. Can't remember off the top of my head.
I'm concerned with the axle rating on the truck and if I'm exceeding them by pulling 5500 lbs with a WDH. I did have to get a ball mount with a 2" rise because the back of the truck was weighted down.
Posted 2005-03-31 4:53 PM (#611 - in reply to #608) Subject: RE: Truck Axle Ratings
Posts: 727
Location: sc
Originally written by PrimeTime on 2005-03-31 10:16 AM
Thanks, Flooper! We've done all the GCWR calculations using the curb weight of the truck and have figured out that this truck can pull the trailer. The gear ratio is 3.7something. Can't remember off the top of my head.
I'm concerned with the axle rating on the truck and if I'm exceeding them by pulling 5500 lbs with a WDH. I did have to get a ball mount with a 2" rise because the back of the truck was weighted down.
looks like flooper pretty much answered this. but as far as being concerned about being over the axle rateing the only way to know is to weigh it. with the WDH i seriously doubt youre over, without it you might be over. does the 2h BP have a dressing room? i have a 2h slant BP w/dressing room it weighs 3500 empty and comes in at 5200 on the axles and about 750 tongue loaded (2 1000 horses and tack). i use a WDH, my suv is loaded to the max GVWR, without it i have no doubt id be over on the rear.
Posted 2005-04-04 10:54 AM (#612 - in reply to #608) Subject: RE: Truck Axle Ratings
Posts: 17
Location: Orlando, FL
Thank you! I took my maiden voyage with the loaded truck/trailer combination this weekend. The truck hauled the 2 horses nicely, but eventually I'd like to get a larger truck for more power.
Truck Axle Ratings
