Good or bad idea

[OldRedFord]

Can my F100 safely pull 10 - 12,000 lbs behind it or no?

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

bad idea.

[Caseys71]

bad idea.

, I bet it could do it as long as you've got a receiver hitch rather than a bumper ball could probably tow even more. BUT, that doesn't mean that it could stop the load safely, and without electric brakes it sounds pretty risky IMO.

[OldRedFord]

I would be using a trailer with electric brakes and a receiver hitch. Were looking at a equipment trailer with a tractor and bush hog.

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

if you decide to do this, which you should not. please get pics

[Caseys71]

As long as the truck is wired for electric brakes I.E. has an electric brake controller than I think you'd probably be OKAY doing it. Just take it easy and give yourself plenty of room to stop and be safe. I've seen 1/2 ton trucks tow heavier loads, but like BRUTUS_T_HOG said that doesn't mean that it's a great idea just that it can be done.

[hazelnut]

NO, a F100 shouldnt pull anything that is heavyer than it is.

[1971ford]

Swap out leaf springs for f250 springs, good tow hitch and electric brake controller, dual piston discs up front and a d60 in the rear, longbed, power steering, power brakes, west coast mirrors, and driving slow...i think it would be half safe.

The f100 can definately pull it. But I wouldn't do it on any public road with people nearby. I'd also be scared of tweaking parts of the f100 from pulling so much weight.
A long time ago i posted the same question about if my 69 (when it was a f100, and 2wd) could tow a 6,000 pound trailer and it was still not hte best idea. Doubling that weight and I think it's potential disaster.
I'm 90% srue Dustin has towed more with his highboy, but he's got a thicker frame than you, as well as a beefier every thing else...

[Ranchero50]

It could pull it, could it steer around a kid chasing a ball, probably not. Could it stop quickly, without getting pushed, doubt it. Combine the two and it's a recipe for disaster, especially for the duty you plan for it...

Jamie

[Oren09]

Not to thread jack, but I have some related questions.

Is there a publication/site that lists towing capacities formulated from springs, engine, steering, brakes, etc?
There are ones for newer trucks, just wondering if there are any for bumpside Fords.

What would be a safe towing capacity for my truck?
71 F250 7500# GVWR
360 and C6
Dana 60 3.73
Power steering, power front discs
receiver hitch
load range E tires
with/without brake controller? I don't have one but will install one at some point.

I'm currently using my Dodge right now ( I have to run to Idaho in the morning and pick up 3 tons of hay with it and a 16ft flatbed..)
My 97 Ram 1500 (318, 46RE tranny, front discs, rear drums) is rated at ~7,000# trailer towing.
I would like to use the F250. Typical route has one large curvy hill (6% grade? at one mile).

[rjewkes]

I would keep towing with an f100 down to the 3500-6500 range. Even with the brake controller and the hitch

[sargentrs]

Done it with a '77 2wd short bed before. 400ci engine and auto tranny. Pucker factor = 10! 4.2 ton track hoe on a 26' trailer with a bumper hitch. Pulled it about 60 miles from a friend's house to mine. Had to stop 6 times and move it front or back on the trailer till I found the right spot to keep the front tires on the ground. Over 35mph and the front end lost traction. Desperation will make you do stupid things. I don't recommend it.

[cdeal28078]

I don't suggest it either. I have towed more than I should have with my 71 F100 before even back when it still had the 302 and 3 speed on the column. Was it safe? No. With trailer brakes it will do it but you just can never anticipate when that kid chasing the ball will run out in front of you like stated or that old lady will back out of her driveway. It is not just the brakes it is the whole truck. The frame etc. I got trashed a little on a Cherokee forum for saying the same thing about the Jeeps. Some guys were using 90 model Cherokees and hauling 26 ft dove tail trailer with 10k on them saying they had no problems. On today's' roads with all of the crazy driving that is going on you have to be really safe when hauling a heavy load.
If it is a one time deal you will probably get away with it with no trouble. If it is an every day deal I say no
Is it just me and the area I live in around Huntersville or Charlotte NC or have people gone completely crazy on the roads these days.
I slow down to take a normal right hand turn and they blow their horn and throw me the finger because I turn too slow. They are always blowing horns at my pore mother. Had a load of junk on a trailer the other week, an older man and woman passed me on a two lane road, forcing an on-coming car off the road because I was driving 45 in a 45 mph limit. It is getting crazy!
clint

[OldRedFord]

Well crap. I was hoping to keep working with the trucks I have.

[AlleyCat]

Tim as others have said it's not a good idea and for the same reasons they stated. Most of us have done unsafe things to get out of a jam but not on a steady basis. You also should consider potential legal issues. You're planning to do this as part of a business which puts you into a commercial usage catagory meaning you can be pulled over and inspected like the bigger trucks. Any creeper cop worth a snot will take one look at the GVWR of both units and put you out of service. Having it towed and quite possibly impounded is sure to follow.