1/2 Ton Pickup can haul tractor?

Dustin · Mar 14, 2006

I have a Ford F150, and I wanted some opinion on my plans of hauling a 6,000# tractor with it. Do you think the truck will not be able to handle the weight of the tractor? It's about a 500 mile trip. What do you think?

Rogator · Mar 14, 2006

I sure hope you mean haul it with a trailer. If not don't even consider it. It would be extremely dangerous. I have seen people put 2500 lbs of crushed rock in a half ton and have very limited control of the steering. IMHO don't do it!!!

Bob_Skurka · Mar 15, 2006

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have a Ford F150, and I wanted some opinion on my plans of hauling a 6,000# tractor with it. Do you think the truck will not be able to handle the weight of the tractor? It's about a 500 mile trip. What do you think? )</font>

Personally I think you have a problem. Don't forget the trailer will weight between 1200# and 2000# depending on the size/construction. So you are really looking at hauling approximately 7500#, maybe a bit more. Is your truck rated for anything close to that? 500 miles is a long run that can cause all sorts of damage to your transmission and shorten the life of your truck.

What is your truck rated to tow???

KubotaSteve · Mar 15, 2006

I was going to say ok, until I saw you wanted to haul it 500 miles. I would think that would be a bit much especially if the truck is not set up to tow (hitch, brakes, transmission cooler, etc.). The terrain you are going accross would make a big difference too (mountains or flat). If you are towing out where it is completely flat, it may not be a problem but wouldn't dream of it in the mountains. I think it would end up costing you more in repairs than just renting a truck more equipped for the job.

BB_TX · Mar 15, 2006

It will depend on the year model, body style, engine, transmission, rear end, etc. IF it has a factory towing package (hitch, wiring, cooling, etc.) AND IF the trailer has brakes, AND IF your truck specs say you are within the design limits, then you MIGHT consider it. I think you will find you will be right on the limit of its rating. It will really be working your truck, especially if you will be driving hilly or mountainous terrain. Is it worth the risks?

Bird · Mar 15, 2006

The question is too broad. What year model is that F150? Standard, Supercab, Crewcab? Which engine, transmission, trailer, type of hitch, trailer brakes? How much experience does the driver have with towing? What weather conditions and road conditions? What speeds? Does the truck have gauges or just idiot lights? Auxilliary transmission cooler?

RonR · Mar 15, 2006

Years ago, I moved my 7,000# 1929 McCormack tractor 10 miles to its final resting spot (new owner) behind my F100 and a tandem axle trailer.

I would never do that again! I would never consider doing a 500 mile trip with a setup like you are viewing. You just don't have enough truck to safely pull or stop it, unless its a 3 axles trailer with brakes.

When I had my tractor hauled to me, I found an ag dealer that would be dead heading to near my home, so I got him to haul my tractor down to me for 50% of the normal rate.

If it were me, I'd visit ag dealers and if time is not critical, find one that can work your trip in either on a dead head run or on a slow week.

ron

Dustin · Mar 15, 2006

Thanks. I think I have my answer. I couldn't find anything about what the truck is rated to haul. I no longer have the factory manual. I was planning on hauling the tractor on a trailer, but didn't think about the additional weight of the trailer. The truck is a 2000 Ford F150 Off-Road edition. It has tiny back seats and small second doors that open suicide style. In any event, I think the prevailing opinion is that a larger model vehicle is needed. Thanks for all the info!

CurlyDave · Mar 15, 2006

Before I said "it can't" I would go ask a dealer.

You want to get the "GCWR" which stands for "Gross Combined Weight Rating" for your truck when pulling a trailer.

The truck is more than capable of handling the tongue weight of a good trailer, the real issue is whether the brakes are good enough.

Most trailers rated to carry your tractor will have their own brakes, either electric or surge. Electric is better IMHO, but either can be legal and work.

If you are in any doubt at all hire someone to do it. I haven't checked on long distance hauling, but my JD dealer charges $100 to haul a tractor in for service. For my 8000# TLB they use a fifth wheel setup in a pickup bed.

For a one-time move, it may be less expensive to hire someone.

Even if it is possilbe to tow with your truck, setting up to do it legally can cost quite a bit.

Highbeam · Mar 15, 2006

I tow a lot with a half ton chevy from 98. A trailer large enough to tow that tractor will weigh abotu 2500 lbs. That's what mine weighs and it's a 10k# GVWR trailer. So you're looking at 8500#s of trailer plus the chains, binders, and hitch equipment.

I am all for doing things within the ratings of the truck so if you can find the GCWR, GVWR, and GAWR for the truck and trailer (GCWR for truck only) then we can give you the real deal. You also would have to provide the actual weight of the tractor, trailer, and truck.

My gut feel is that there is no way in heck you would be within the ratings.