In a message dated 12/18/98 2:02:27 PM Eastern Standard Time, rms@cdepot.net writes:

We recently bought a Ś73 Safari, which has a maximum GVR of 5,800#, and need to trade in one of our existing cars for something to tow with. We are most interested a Ś99 Ford F-150 with the 5.4L engine. This has a maximum tow rating of 7,600# (regardless of rear axle ratio, but we would get the high-ratio 3.73:1), so it is obviously a combination that will "work". But...

You are right that the Ford F150 will do the job for you -- but the axle ratio does matter -- and so does the engine. Look at the sales brochure and towing specs from your dealer or check out the Ford WWW page. The F150 with the 5.4 and the 3.73 will lug a CGVW of about 12,600#. If you load both the truck and the A/S you are going to be pretty close to that. The truck won't tow 7,600 # unless it is pretty close to empty. You have to consider both the wet weight of the A/S and the weight in the tow vehicle -- thus the relevance of the CGVW.

You don't say how long the trailer is -- but if it is 25 feet or more you should consider an extended cab truck -- to get the 139" wheelbase. A short-bed regular cab pickup would not have as long a wheelbase as I would want.

Doug and Hunter are going to say "get a diesel", but you don't need either a diesel or a 3/4 ton truck to tow 5800# wet, if you get the right engine and axle in your 1/2 ton.

Hartwell