Next month I have to haul a load of beans and rice from Modesto to Rancho Santa Marta Orphanage at San Vicente. (very level run except for the quick
jump over the Tehachapis)
Local church groups have 7500 pounds of bags, at the ready.
I scanned my fairly useless F-150 vehicle guide but could come up with only vague generalities as to loads.
Any random thoughts on how much I can haul on board, and also tow in my 'Baja Trailer?"
1999 F-150
4.6L V-8
3.55 rear end
P255/16 radials
Everything is in good shape, had an excellent run down and back to LABay last month, pulling the bright red trailer loaded.
I am thinking in the area of 2000 pounds in the truck and towing a gross of 2500 pounds.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Baja Arriba!!bajajudy - 5-22-2005 at 03:58 PM
I dont know much about fords but we blew out our trannie on our gmc with an overload because we didnt have the towing package that cooled the trannie.
does that help? they probably all have that nowelgatoloco - 5-22-2005 at 04:19 PM
F-150 is considered a half ton. 1,000 lbs.
F-250 is 3/4 ton
F-350 is 1 ton.
I would consider getting something like a Hellwig LP 25 kit. They are progressive and allow you to carry additional weight more safely. I had some on
an F-150 that I use to run stuffed to the gills. I also had them on a 1986 F-250 that had a Tommy gate on the back and a dump hoist underneath. When
you get too much in the back the front end handling degrades. Hellwigs help level the load.
On there web site you can even download instructions on how to mount them yourself. They bolt on the existing springs. Your rig would take the 2510
Spring kit and most likely the 25250 mount kit. You need to measure factory spring width for the correct mount kit.
What dates are you making the run?
MateoPacO - 5-22-2005 at 04:32 PM
Throw a tranny cooler on there. It's going to be hot and they are pretty cheap and easy to install.
7500 lbs> 1999 F150 + trailer
Sharksbaja - 5-22-2005 at 06:06 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by whistler
I'm sure you will be over loaded.
I am sure too. You need a bigger payload hauler. Be safe, not sorry.
[Edited on 5-23-2005 by Sharksbaja]TMW - 5-23-2005 at 07:43 AM
A typical 1/2 ton full size truck weights 5000lbs with a gross vehicle weight of around 6500lbs. Total axle weights run a little higher like around
3500lbs each front and rear. A safe cargo weight in the bed is 1000lbs, maybe a little more. But keep in mind if you have passengers and luggage stay
at no more than the 1000lbs in the bed.
With your engine you should be able to pull a 5000 lb trailer without problems. Also keep in mind the tongue weight of the trailer adds to the weight
on the truck.
Keep your speed down and have a safe trip.
Beans and rice.....
Hook - 5-23-2005 at 10:19 AM
....are cheaper in Modesto than in Mexico? You musta gotten some kinda deal.
To paraphrase Richard Dreyfuss, "I think you're gonna need a bigger truck".
As mentioned earlier, look on your side door and stick to it.thebajarunner - 5-23-2005 at 10:45 AM
Thanks for the helpful tips.
I did take the suggestion to look at the door tag.... and it indicates a gross vehicle weight of only 6050 pounds, and the book indicates a total,
including tow weight, of 11,000 pounds, so the 5000 pound trailer number was spot on.
No, I have no intention of hauling it all, just what is comfortable...
The cooling and the temps. don't concern me, I have coolers and capacity for that.
Last winter I hauled a ton of stove pellets home, about 20 miles. It really scrunched the springs, and the steering was so light it was ridiculous,
guess that the front wheels were not touching the ground all the time.
Sooooo, methinks about 1200 to 1400 pounds in the bed, another 2500 pounds in the trailer with a couple hundred to the hitch and I am going to make a
run for it.
(Yeah, you knew that I would push the envelope, "seriously overloaded" did someone say? But that is what makes it fun.)
Also, the run will start early, early and the valley heat will not be a problem.
Last comment....
"Cheaper in Modesto???" Quien sabe? No doubt it would have made a lot more sense to take the cash and buy it there.
No one ever ascribed a lot of good business sense to a Sunday School class with a big heart. Ah well, git it and go I say.
Thanks again.
Will report in on July 1, assuming that I return.
Baja Arriba!!Bruce R Leech - 5-23-2005 at 10:57 AM
check the GVW on your tires. it is important to stay about 20% below this rating in Baja.
beans and rice--code words for some illegal substance?
BajaVida - 5-25-2005 at 01:23 PM
knowing thebajarunner, however, it has to be legit
and how much money should he bring for the mordida(s)?
and he won't have me along to talk the federales out of it
