Towing a Stripped Camper Flatbed With a 2002 F-150 V6

[preacherman2014]

See this post: Restoring a Rotted 1993 Coachmen Catalina Roof and Walls
for background.

Here's my question: I have a 2002 Ford 150 with a 4.2L (v6) engine (non 4WD). My question is this: if I do convert this to a flatbed trailer (as I hope to), can my truck safely pull this trailer, since all of the camper weight will have been removed?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Larry N.]

There is more involved than just the engine and transmission that determine what you can haul. The truck's suspension, drive line (not just transmission, i.e. drive shaft, axle loads, differential, etc.) the type of hitch, the tongue weight, etc. are involved too.

So I expect that truck shouldn't have any trouble pulling the empty trailer, but the answer on each trip will vary depending on what you load on it. Basically, you'll need to keep the combined trailer weight (please DO weigh it empty) and the weight of the load for the specific trip low enough to not overload your truck.

Or, in other words, the total weight of trailer and load combined must be limited.

 

[preacherman2014]

There is more involved than just the engine and transmission that determine what you can haul. The truck's suspension, drive line (not just transmission, i.e. drive shaft, axle loads, differential, etc.) the type of hitch, the tongue weight, etc. are involved too.

So I expect that truck shouldn't have any trouble pulling the empty trailer, but the answer on each trip will vary depending on what you load on it. Basically, you'll need to keep the combined trailer weight (please DO weigh it empty) and the weight of the load for the specific trip low enough to not overload your truck.

Or, in other words, the total weight of trailer and load combined must be limited.

Copy that.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Probably, but do your homework on the items in post #2. It's difficult to predict how stripping the body off will affect the pin weight that your truck will have to deal with (carry). It's entirely possible that the change in trailer balance will actually increase what the truck has to carry on the 5W or gooseneck hitch. You should, however, be fine as far as the engine & tranny are concerned

 

[Derby6]

See this post: Restoring a Rotted 1993 Coachmen Catalina Roof and Walls
for background.

Here's my question: I have a 2002 Ford 150 with a 4.2L (v6) engine (non 4WD). My question is this: if I do convert this to a flatbed trailer (as I hope to), can my truck safely pull this trailer, since all of the camper weight will have been removed?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Short answer is you are probably fine—empty.
But once you start hauling stuff you are likely to far exceed vehicle payload capacity.