Towing Capacity

[Aaron]

It is never 'legal' to carry more than your vehicle was meant to carry (or tow). You can do things that make your rig more tow capable like more horsepower, suspension mods like airbags, better brakes, etc. However, you will still have plenty of components which just aren't ready for the increased demand of towing.

In other words you can do things to make your rig better at towing what it is supposed to tow, but you still shouldnt tow more than it was supposed to tow.

[Aaron]

Zatticus previously posted:

[scout man]

keep in mind a good portion of the towing rating is based on the physical connection of the hitch to the vehicle. Is it bumper mounted? That will be your weakest and wont have much capacity. Plus if you tow anything, even within the capacity, chances are your bumper will start to sag. If it is frame mounted that is way better, but depends upon how it is mounted to the frame, welded or bolted, how well it is welded or bolted, how strong the frame is where attached, etc. Aaron is 100% right, if it isnt rated to tow it, it never will be. In order to really upgrade the capacity you would technically need to re-work just about every single thing on the vehicle.

[scout man]

Zatticus previously posted:

[scout man]

or pay me lots of money and rent me a trailer and I will get it for you

[scout man]

well, I just sold a class V (way more than your truck would need, or could handle) for I think $80 used.

http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/1690975690.html

not sure if this fits your truck or not, as most people who sell these dont know there ass from a trailer hitch, but contact a few, drive your truck over and see if it lines up with your frame rails and clear your bumpers. If you get lucky the bolt holes may line up with exsisting ones on your frame, if not take it to someone on here to weld it on for you. Also check junk yards.

Edit: Even if it does bolt on, I think I would have someone run a few beads of weld on it just to be safe. I would do it if you wanted, but I dont think I would weld the hole thing on, just because I think a higher power welder would be safer for something like that. I am sure I could do it, but would hate to think it broke on your way there and stranded you and possibly hurt/killed someone with a runaway trailer.

[scout man]

sure, if you buy when that can tow a lot! Although, you are not going to find one cheaper than the $80 hitch would be. Plus you need insurance and plates and titling fees It would be better to not put that kind of stress on your little truck though.

honestly, go to uhaul, rent a small box truck, or large van, tell them it is staying in state for 4 days, and drive home and get your stuff. Save the wear and tear on your truck.

[scout man]

Zatticus previously posted:

[Fordguy77]

I have hauled a lot with my little ranger. Its towed a Explorer and a B2 back form the springs, with not much problem, but keep in mind i have the 5 spd, and was able to use good gear selection to make up for the lack of balls and such. I am not sure if it would have faired as well if it was an auto. Also i have put a 460 in the bed, 32 80lbs bails of hay in it(short trip less than 4 miles) and hauled all sorts of things from my friends. The little rangers are capable and such, but what all are you really hauling? I have a receiver hitch Class IV rated at 5000. And it has never failed me, but all the excessive hauling and towing i have done have taken its toll on my rear end. When i got it the back end never sagged or anything, now i need to replace the rear springs and shocks. So what are you towing anyway?

[scout man]

keep it mind just because you can doesnt mean you should, and also Missouri is a heck of a lot further than Colo springs.