tongue weights

berns29scarab · 11-16-2006, 04:58 PM

whats the standard rule of thumb for adjusting tongue weights? a percentage of load ? percentage of gross tongue weight etc...will be towing a 99 353 fastec on an 18K lb triple axle trailer behind a 99 f-250 xtended cab powerstroke shrtbed 4x4. am being told to set tongue weight between 4-600lbs ?

Cattitude · 11-16-2006, 06:20 PM

theres more leeway in boat trailers cause the axles are in the next zip code which is good for handling. 10% is usually a good est for tongue trailers but most better htiches max out at about 1000-1200 for weight carrying, many are 500. Read what is stanmped on your hitch. The Reese Titan may get you to 1500 wt carrying- Buck183 would be a good source. I'm betting a 353 on a trailer is closer to 11k- maybe 12- bring it to the scales. good luck!

Sydwayz · 11-16-2006, 06:28 PM

VERY true what Cattitude said. Upgrade your hitch to the Putnam XDR or Reese Titan-V hitch. They make the factory hitch pale in comparison.

Byrdman · 11-16-2006, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by berns29scarab

whats the standard rule of thumb for adjusting tongue weights? a percentage of load ? percentage of gross tongue weight etc...will be towing a 99 353 fastec on an 18K lb triple axle trailer behind a 99 f-250 xtended cab powerstroke shrtbed 4x4. am being told to set tongue weight between 4-600lbs ?

Doesn't that boat have some real weight to it????

Byrdman · 11-16-2006, 09:49 PM

Standard rule of thumb around here is.......................get a nice used dually off your car lot.......put your pos on the lot....upgrade you bum

wannabe · 11-17-2006, 02:46 AM

Boats 5-10% tounge weight so Cattitude is right on. If it's too light the trailer "pushes you" - you get sway. Too heavy, your draggin yourazz. A f250 should be OK for a 353 if set up right.

Wannabe

berns29scarab · 11-17-2006, 08:06 AM

oh shes set-up alright...5.5" fabtec lift, 33" nitto's on 20's, edge programmer, intake, 4" exhaust from turbo back, trans completely re-done, with heavy duty clutches and billet convertor, trans-go tugger kit etc...

czy40p · 11-17-2006, 12:23 PM

I am not sure what the boat and trailer weight is, but I would recommend hitting the scale to remove all the guess work. Below is a link that has some specs on your truck. I am not sure if a lift kit and oversize tires are the correct set up for pulling a heavy trailer, but you should know if you are legal. I have always heard 10% on bumper pulls for a tongue weight.

http://www.thedieselstop.com/faq/199...AQ-Hauling.htm

Chris Sunkin · 11-17-2006, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by berns29scarab

oh shes set-up alright...5.5" fabtec lift, 33" nitto's on 20's, edge programmer, intake, 4" exhaust from turbo back, trans completely re-done, with heavy duty clutches and billet convertor, trans-go tugger kit etc...

Jeez- I hate to be a wet blanket but...

Lifting a tow vehicle substantially reduces its stability. Larger diameter tires don't help things in the braking or towing power department either.

Those wheels look like Helo or another of those imported alloys- most likely not rated to the same capacity of your stock Ford wheels

Are the tires load range E?

As has been alluded to, Ford puts 5,000# rated hitches on 15,000# rated vehicles. Just because the factory put it there, don't assume it's what you need.

wannabe · 11-17-2006, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by berns29scarab

oh shes set-up alright...5.5" fabtec lift, 33" nitto's on 20's, edge programmer, intake, 4" exhaust from turbo back, trans completely re-done, with heavy duty clutches and billet convertor, trans-go tugger kit etc...

Bern29:

A lift kit is NOT condusive to trailering. Not trying to give you crap, but a higher center of gravity is not good. Suggest you consider going back to stock height and tires. The 353 weighs alot more than the Spectre.

Wannabe