1/2 ton trailer tower

[Backwoods]

Hey fellas, I have a 1/2 ton 4wd, and tow a 17 ft. car trailer with it quite frequently, question, is there things I can do to the F150 to make it as heavy duty as a 3/4 ton, or should I just look for a 3/4 ton rolling chassis to swap to.

 

[blacksnapon]

Hey fellas, I have a 1/2 ton 4wd, and tow a 17 ft. car trailer with it quite frequently, question, is there things I can do to the F150 to make it as heavy duty as a 3/4 ton, or should I just look for a 3/4 ton rolling chassis to swap to.

Just remember, even though you add springs, shocks, etc, you'll still have half ton axles, half ton bearings, half ton wheels. You need a chassis that is capable for the job.

 

[Mil1ion]

Upgrade the disc brakes so you can get stopped !

 

[countryboytn]

Upgrade the disc brakes so you can get stopped !

I'v had a couple close calls in my Bronco, without even towing anything. It's a funny feeling when your standing on the brake pedal, and the car infront of you keeps getting closer and closer to your grill...

 

[godblessmud]

Sure, dana 60s front and rear, a big block swap and fram bracing, youl be all set.

 

[godblessmud]

That being said I towed 3 and 4 horse bumper pull trailers with the ford before i had the cummins and never had terrible problems (other than lack of power before the 351 swap) though that was mostly due to the lack of gearing for the 36's

 

[UNRULEE]

or should I just look for a 3/4 ton rolling chassis to swap to.

To make it an actual 3/4 ton truck, yes. At the very least you'll need the axles (and brakes) from a 3/4 ton truck swapped under you're 150.

 

[polarbear]

Stoopid question- why wouldn't a F150 tow a car trailer easily? About the same weight as a decent-sized boat- shouldn't be a problem unless it's over 6,000 lbs with the trailer.

 

[Backwoods]

Actually trailer and all I tow mostly around 9400 lbs.

 

[Backwoods]

I know I shouldn't be towing that big of 4wd tractor on it, but it is all I have at the moment, just wondering how soon I will start breaking the truck down.

 

[Alvin in AZ]

...how soon I will start breaking the truck{?}

Right away, it begins the first time you overload it.

The bearings are designed to handle just so much load.
Searched -types bearing failure- got this first on the list...
http://www.vibanalysis.co.uk/technical/contents.html
BTDT with my Ford9inch BTW! LOL
Cool pictures, just what I was wanting to show you.

Just saw it in my Bronco's front wheel bearings too but
this time it was started by water. Not very much water
just that it had been allowed to sit and lightly rust the
races before I got it. They'd used a very small amount
of brown grease and I just about filled 'em up with red
grease after replacing the bearings and races.

----------------------

Run it/ruin it how you want, I'm not here to judge anyone
other than "judgers", who I've always enjoyed nailing to
the wall best I can. LOL

The need for a heavier duty truck (and brakes) is all about
who you are, where you are and how you drive it. None of
my cowboy buddies like or use "dually pickups" and haven't
caused any accidents because of their truck not being
heavy duty enough. No kidding on that.

Alvin in AZ