Hello, Have 90 f-150 302 with the overdrive transmission. I pull a 26 foot fifth wheel rv, that is about 7000 pounds. Have probs with
the tranny and the overdrive going from overdrive to 3rd gear and back again and as well no lock out for 1st and second, needed for steep climbs etc. want to take that trans out and install something else. any ideas, such as, fmx, c4 c6 etc. What would bolt up without having to do alot of driveshaft work etc.

Thanks
colin

 

>Hello, Have 90 f-150 302 with
>the overdrive transmission. I
>pull a 26 foot fifth
>wheel rv, that is about
>7000 pounds

Hi Colin !

I'm a plumber that works for one of the biggest mechanical contractors in Fargo, ND. Last winter I had to work in Baudette, Minnesota. On Sunday evenings it was my job to drive a Ford 1 ton truck pulling a flat bed trailer way up north to the job site. This trailer was always loaded with iron pipe, sheet metal duct work, pipe fittings, I mean I had monster loads on that thing. The truck had a 460 V8 in it and even with the biggest
gas engine Ford made my top speed was about 65 miles per hour. And I was only getting 3 to 5 miles to the gallon. We finally convinced the owner of the company to get us a new Ford truck with a big diesel engine in it. F-350 flat bed truck with duals. Our fuel mileage is more than double now with a load on, and really good running empty. I guess what I'm trying to tell you is, a 302 V8 just isn't enough engine to pull a fifth wheel camper.

I'm sure this isn't what you want to hear. But in my opinion, there is no substitute for cubic inches.

LeRoy Wolff
84 Ford F150 300 six

 

LeRoy's right. The frame and suspension of an F150 are not even rated to haul a 5th wheel trailer. The brakes are another thing. This could be dangerous. The 302 is a good motor for pulling smaller bumper pull trailers and has plenty of power for this but I would recomend trading the truck in for a F250 or F350 with a Diesel. You will love the fuel milage and it will make your trips that much more enjoyable. For the money you will put into beefing up a 150 you could just buy a heavier unit. I know this is not what you want to hear but I hope this helps.

Brad Godkin
1986 F350 CC/SRW
6.9liter/C6

 

Colin. When I pull my boat trailer which weighs about 2500 lbs (way less than your trailer) I leave the transmission in drive, not overdrive. Overdrive just isn't set up to pull with. I think there is even something in the owners manual about not trailering in overdrive.

1992 F150 Supercab SB 4x4 302 AOD 3.55 31x10.5 All Terrain on Ford 15x8 Ralleys

 

it is quite possible to trailer a light trailer in overdrive.

it says so in the manual. but after a certain wieght your supposed to use drive only.

rulz I follow:

Auto tranny: if it is constantly shifting from over drive to drive pull it to drive.

standard: if your laggin the engine and making it sound like it isn;t movin up the rpm band, or loosing rpm's use drive in stead of Over Drive.

Hilly trailerin: drive only. saves brakes and wear and tear on engine/tranny