Towing

[JeffsJeep04]

Legally (the manual doesn't mean squat) if you aren't over weight on any of your axles and your trailer isn't over weight, you could pull as much as you wanted. Around 1500# tongue weight is about all you can put on a bumper pull and still be under gross with these trucks. Depending on how your trailer is set up, there's your towing capacity.

They may not pull it fast, but trust me, they'll pull it. Keep your truck AND trailer maintained, and you'll have no issues with braking or handling.

 

[chevyinlinesix]

newer fleet trucks are running 3.08, 2.93, etc. with LP 22.5 tires and direct transmissions. direct 1-1 ratio is the most efficient, so running small tires for less weight and rolling resistance, and a high geared rear end to make up for no OD, and a direct tranny for efficiency. also running at least 425 HP all the way up to 625HP. (may be 650)

but that is on highway fleet. here in farm country 3.55-4.11 is the norm, with 11Rx22.5- 11Rx24.5 for rubber, and most trucks are old enough 300-500 HP is the norm. also, we don't take kindly to no OD, so 13, 15, and 18 speed is common. (dad has a 84 Peterbilt 362 COE Single axle that has a semi-rare 13 speed RTOO fuller (quantity 3 overdrive ratios))

My 1968 F-600 has a 170 HP 300 inline six in it, 4 speed manual, and 9.11 rear gears, and I think 22.5" rims. Has been loaded with 50000 lbs. many times before, and could still run at top speed, 45 mph. Just wait till after the upgrades.

 

[JeffsJeep04]

Along with "Go!" is "Whoa!!!"

If you're going to tow beyond the factory rating, I'd make sure the brakes are in good condition (plenty of pad, smooth rotors/drums) and drive in a fashion that acknowledges the under-rating of the brakes. Intentionally drive at a speed below traffic flow and you'll ensure bugs remain the only thing you're collecting on your bumper. I'd also mod with a trans lockup to give the brakes a rest on long descents. Drive with patience.

Suspension upgrades that will effect unladened ride quality should be considered to maintain control in crosswinds and aggressive maneuvering.

It's not fun stuff but controlled stopping is still a high performance issue.

I would hardly consider the factory brakes under-rated for a 10-12k load. I've pulled it before, and yes, you have to pay attention, but you are towing a big load, that's the name of the game. Too many people want to be able to accelerate with traffic and stop on a dime with 7 tons behind a 3/4 ton truck. That's not always a good thing...

 

[GM Guy]

My 1968 F-600 has a 170 HP 300 inline six in it, 4 speed manual, and 9.11 rear gears, and I think 22.5" rims. Has been loaded with 50000 lbs. many times before, and could still run at top speed, 45 mph. Just wait till after the upgrades.

Now my post was about class 8...2-tons are a way different story! Dad's detroit powered IH loadstar is tons of screamin detroit fun!:thumbsup: common tranny speeds and rear axle gearing is pretty different from class 8.

your truck is the example that some need to read. it is all about gearing. (although, is that a typo on the gearing? never heard of that low on a two-ton) some people say that a 350 is too small for a 1-ton pickup...so why again is it found in two ton tag axle chevys around here propelling 30-50K? :thumbsup:

 

[chevyinlinesix]

Nope, no typo. I'm sure it's got 9.11 gears...or maybe it was 9.23, one or the other. The pumpkin is approximately 16" in diameter. It's not exactly your run of the mill truck. I'll try and get a picture of the rear end for you guys, it's quite the beast, just not completed yet.

 

[just a number]

these are pics I gotta see. as for the new tow ratings, the question you godda ask "are you towing the trailer or is the trailer helping you along?" I don't think I'd wanna try 10K behind half ton. You'd get going and go wherever the trailer wants to.

 

[DEERE3594]

I seriously don't know. My manual must be a miss print or something is wrong. I was going through and my truck is only rated for like 7500 pounds and thats it. Its a dually I see guys hauling 35' trailers no problem with the 2001. Is my manual wrong? How many pounds is your truck rated for, mines on 75 as i said.

K3500 LS 4x4 6.5 liter 2000 stock now

I pull double that with mine. Just go easy no problems

 

[trapp2012]

Just got the oil changed in my truck it was ridiculous $70 for oil thats almost 2 barrels of crude oil and It turned out to only be 2 gals of oil. I just pulled a utility trailer full of wood to my house. Didn't even know it was there

16' trailer filled as much as possible for heating though its 62 F here in Youngstown,OH
I live in the suburbs not in Youngstown.

 

[Tookie]

You got it changed somewhere? I have had places try to rip me off on oil,
it's a diesel so they charge for more oil, but it's not like the Ford or Dodge,
6.5 only holds around 6 quarts or so.
But even so, eight quarts (2 Gals.) = 8.75 a quart!
I hope this was this synthetic? Geez, you need to learn where the oil
plug is.

 

[trapp2012]

Tookie its raining so I took it to a place to do it for me. Just recently hurt my knee to. I have done it before its entertaining to do but with the knee i could not.

 

[Tookie]

I was kidding with you, but that sounds high

 

[trapp2012]

It's ok. No hard feelings

 

[Detroit Dan]

mine holds exactly 7 qts

 

[Matt Bachand]

mine holds exactly 7 qts

Odd, my 97 takes 8

 

[Bullseye240]

:iagree:
My Blaze takes 8 quarts but since I run a quart of lucas I always end up with a gal jug with a quart in it for top off betwen drains.

 

[Detroit Dan]

I could squeeze 8 quarts in, but I think it would put me over the top of the hashmark area. 7 puts me right over the middle.

 

[Deere Freek]

7.5 Quarts every time.

 

[chevyinlinesix]

just a number, here are a couple pictures of the F-600's rear axle, I measured and it is exactly 16" from the top of pumpkin to the the bottom of the pumpkin. I think you can see some of the leaf springs in one of the pictures too. Brand new brakes and lines on this thing, among other things, not cheap.

 

[just a number]

that is a big sucker. I thought the 14 bolt were bad

 

[Tookie]

Looks like a Rockwell