Powerstroke towing: single rear wheels vs duals

[Rover Addiction]

I posed this to the general 4x4 group and thought you Ford guys could help.

I've got an '01 F350 with single rear wheels and short bed. Can I tow a goosneck/5th wheel that will carry two rigs? I'm wondering if the single rear wheels would be up for this?

-John

[patooyee]

You'll be fine. The main reason for having dual rears is for more braking traction.

J. J.

[bwright]

That'll depend on the weight of the trailer and the two rigs. Plus, the load rating of the tires. But, to answer your question, yes the WHEELS will be fine (I'd be more concerned about the tires). I forget exactly what the rating is for load range 'E' tires (3??? lbs each?)

[smurfsdad]

i used to do it with an f250 crew cab short bed and it was never a problem. i had E rated tires and just made sure the load was balanced out good. to get the proper balance i had to load the first one on backwards to get the engine weight nearer the axles on the trailer. make sure your trailer tires are rated enuf also, i had G rated on the on trailer i towed.

[F-350 PSD]

As long as you don't violate your weight limits (9900 # vehicle and 20000 # combined) you should be fine with the stock "E" rated tires. How much does your trailer weigh loaded? I've got a SRW F-350 also.

[Rover Addiction]

Dunno about the trailer weight yet.. I'm just trying to do some planning for the future. I'm thinking about getting rid of the rollerskate wheels that the truck came with and going to something in the 35" range. I think I should still be able to tow a large trailer like that, but I want to be sure. I'll probably be looking for the trailer in the next few years so I can carry two rigs to and from the trail.

[F-350 PSD]

I think if you can keep the trailer around 10k you will be fine. Your lift/35" tire combo might be too tall for a gooseneck (just a thought).

[Rover Addiction]

That's why I was asking. I'll probably not lift it now since I can use it for the big trailer. I was thinking that if I couldn't tow a bigger trailer with it, I'd lift it and do some other stuff that precludes gooseneck use and then if/when I decide I need the bigger trailer, I'd trade up to the dually. However, since it can tow the trailer I want to get, I'll just keep it a little more conservative and I'll still be able to tow when I want to. I guess I'll start researching trailer specialists in the area and take it in to have them give me their thoughts.

Thanks for your help!

[smurfsdad]

i exceed those rated limits everyday, dont worry it will do what you are asking

[F-350 PSD]

As smurfsdad said, the truck is capable of more than 10k, but you could be overloaded (illegal) or unsafe depending on the configuration and weight of the truck - trailer combo.