I am thinking of purchasing a used truck. A 1988 ford f150 with a 5.0 liter v8 but am not sure what the GVWR are on this model. My trailer is a gooseneck and weighs about 5000 lbs. Will this truck be adequate or do I need a larger one? I was pulling this trailer with a 2000 dodge quad cab 4x4 with the smaller v8

 

Your owner's manual gives the towing capacity.

Bob
'66 7 Litre, top loader, 3.25 Traction-lock, Sidewinder Intake, SCJ Exhaust
'88 F150 XLT Lariat, 302, 5 speed, 3.08
'99 Ranger, 3.0, 5 speed, 3.73 posi

 

If you're pulling a 5000 lb. trailer you probably need a little more truck than that. Also better have some low gears and a tough tranny. The problem with the gas engine and that kind of load is the mileage is going to suck and you're going to have your foot in at all times in order to keep the vehicle moving. It might be okay on a short haul but you're not going to like it for long especially if it's stop and go or alot of hills.