Vehicle (truck) weight and towing capacity

[69SCJ]

Could someone please tell me the vehicle weight and towing a capacity of a 68, f-100, 4x4, np435, 3.50 gears?

I think towing capacity is 5,600 pounds???


How much would the truck weigh in stock trim? Basically, as factory literature would state.


I know the two are not related. I'm curious how much I can tow, and also what it weighs in case I want to tow it behind my Durango.

As usual, thanks,
Tyler

[averagef250]

IMO, an F-100 is not very comfortable past about 5000 pounds towing. Their frames and suspension are too flexible even with upgraded brakes.

I would guess the truck weighs around 4500-5000.

You can tow whatever you want to with whatever you choose (within the law hopefully). I've towed big stuff with comparatively small pickups and got away with it through extreme caution, planning and luck. I've also been bit by underestimating how an unfamiliar truck and trailer combo would handle. I won't take the chances I used to.

[cep62]

I pulled a 4500lb truck on a 2000lb trailer for many a mile with a '71 F100 4x4 ,and pulling isn't the problem ,stopping is.
I had a near death experience with a homemade trailer , then I figured I could afford a good trailer with brakes.
I also updated my truck with front discs and power steering .

I finally upgraded to a F350 and felt a lot more comfortable .
For short trips the F100 will do the job, but for frequent long hauls a bigger truck is better.

[69SCJ]

Thanks for the reply guys. I like to keep it safe is why I was asking. I pulled a 79 Bronco on a hauler behind my 89 bronco, and it was surely above what I should have been towing. Took it easy and all was fine, but applying too much brake would start to lock the rear. I think the wheelbase was the biggest problem.

I did some more digging so it looks like my truck from the factory weighs in at 3,505 pounds.

[averagef250]

Weigh your truck. 3500 pounds is pretty light for a fullsize 4x4. A bump F-250 4x4 in average attire weighs 5500-6000 pounds. Things like bumpers, hitches, toolboxes, fuel tanks, larger tires, beefier axles, fat chicks all contribute.

[69SCJ]

Looks like you are correct sir:
http://www.oldride.com/library/1968_ford_f100.html

[Whateverman]

the biggest problem you'll have is the front drum brakes overheating -brake fade makes for a pretty scary and potentially tragic ride

[papabug71]

These old trucks are pretty beefy. Lots of good steel in them. I hauled a dent side f250 a couple of towns over for a friend & it was ALL my 1/2 ton Dodge truck wanted. Thank God the trailer had good brakes.

[bluef250]

Rule of thumb I use is tow vehicle weight should be greater than the trailer and load. Now, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. The slower you go the less likely you will have problems.

[69SCJ]

One reason I was trying to figure the truck's weight is because I am going to end up needing to get it to the muffler shop after I build the motor. A 5,000 pound truck on a 1,900 pound trailer behind my Durango sounds like a very bad idea!

[papabug71]

If the muffler shop is just down the road, you might get away with it if your carefull. But that old Ford is gonna bury a durango. So a long haul is prolly out of the question.

[69SCJ]

I think I'll just get a car dolly and see what that's like to be safe.

[cep62]

I think I'll just get a car dolly and see what that's like to be safe.

The only thing you'll save is tongue weight.
You still have to stop more weight and it difficult to back up with a dolly.

[averagef250]

If it's not too many miles just get a buddy and flat tow it with a heavy rope. If you flat tow it you're using the towed vehicles brakes and there's no tongue weight to worry about.

Personally, I think tow dollies are a joke. A towbar, properly connected and used is a much better tool.

If you end up using the durango use load bars on the hitch so you aren't relying solely on the durango rear suspension to stabilize the trailer.

This kind of subject is difficult to answer without knowing your experience level. If you own a car trailer one would expect you would be familiar with how towing works and be able to gauge for yourself what's safe and what isn't. If you stay under 25 MPH you can pretty much pull anything with anything and stay in control provided you avoid hills and pulling into traffic.

[69SCJ]

Thanks for the advice. I feel I have good towing experience, and that why I was inquiring about weight and capabilities. I'm not too into winging it and seeing how it goes.

That said, I just had the worst towing experience of my life yesterday. Towing a stock 68 bronco on a dolly behind the durango. For some fricking reason just the right bump or curve and the Bronco would start swaying violently back and forth. Thought for sure it was going to flop sideways at one point. Never had this problem before. Maybe someone can shed some light.

Here's some details:
Stock bronco so lower center of gravity than a lifted one. Steel full top.
shocks were shot so after it swayed the first time I ratchet strapped the axle to the frame to stiffen it up.
That gained me about 5 more miles per hour safely, but top speed was 45. period!
Bronco was empty. No gas and no junk in it.

I towed a bronco with 33's five hours no problem on a dolly before. I'm dumbfounded!