I have an '06 4.0L 4x4 extended cab with an automatic. The Ford website lists the maximum loaded trailer weight at 5,580lbs. I would like to know if my truck could handle pulling a '98 Mustang V6 on a U-Haul auto transport.



U-Haul's website says the trailer weighs 2,210lbs. The Mustang weighs 3,210lbs according to Edmunds.com. I am running synthetic oil in the transmission as well as the rear differential. I have 4.10 gears. My hitch is just the stock Ford hitch that came on the truck.

I would be hauling the car for 682 miles from southern Minnesota to Northern Arkansas.

Another question I have is about adding a fan to my factory transmission cooler. Can it be wired to run all the time with the key on, or does it need to have a thermostat? I'm considering this fan. Summit Racing has it for $85.95, it's 5", 315 cfm, 3.6 amps, and can be used as a pusher or puller.



Update: found the fan on Ebay, new for $75 OBO.

 

I used a u-haul car dolly (2 wheels) to tow my 89 Honda Accord with my 2004 4.0L 4x4 with 4.10 gearing over 2300 miles. I didn't really have many issues except for hills... Kinda had to punch it. It got irritating over that long distance, but the truck handled it like a champ. Is it recommended ? Maybe not... But its doable. And U-haul let me do it, haha.

 

Pulled a 6x12 enclosed unhaul trailer packed with a couple couches two dirt bikes and a bunch of other stuff with my bed full and a shell and it pulled it awesome. I have a stick so it was not as hard on the tranny. Just tow it smart when driving and you should be good.

 

id suggest unless its 30 min or less, rent a larger pickup truck. when we moved out corvette we went that way.

 

I would worry less about trailer weight than I would tongue weight. If the trailer is loaded right it should be a bit on the heavy side on the tongue which might be too much for a Ranger. If possible a WDH will help a ton. Also make sure if the trailer has brakes that you have a working trailer brake controller if the trailer brakes are electric. Some uhaul trailers have surge brakes which require no controller on the truck to work them.

 

According to the U-haul website, a 4 pin plug is all that is required, so the trailer must not have electric brakes, not sure if it has the surge brake. I thought about going with a dolly. If I used a dolly I would put the front of the Mustang on the dolly and remove the drive shaft. I know this would reduce the trailer weight a lot but I'm not sure how much difference it would make on the tongue weight. Opinions? Anyone out there have a fan on their transmission cooler? Thermostat, or no thermostat?

 

I think a dolly might be a better way, that will reduce both tongue weight and total trailer/ vehicle weight. Tongue weight with a dolly is very low.

 

I forgot to mention I had the car and the bed and cab of the truck pack full of moving crap that I didn't want to take to Japan.

That much extra weight does require quite a bit more stopping distance as well, so make sure your brakes are good to go. I had my truck inspected prior to leaving to make sure nothing needed repaired that might go bad on my trip. And the U-haul dolly just requires you to plug in to have working tail lights and blinkers... Pretty sure they do not have brakes.

 

Why remove the driveshaft? Just leave it in neutral.

 

Why not remove it? It's very simple to take out. My thinking was slightly less resistance, and maybe a little bit less wear on the transmission.

I'm also curious about running premium fuel or octane booster while towing. Without doing any tuning, is there any benefit?

 

Bad idea. The trans pump isn't working when left in nuetral when the car is not running. Therefor the fluid is not being moved through the trans, lubricating any of the clutches or gears, bearings, ect. It's a good way to ruin a trans if going long distances.

 

Can't do it, well, you shouldn't do it. I wouldn't tow that sucker (it's 2200 pounds of metal) behind my ranger. I work at Uhaul and we have to turn people away because they have a towing vehicle that weighs less than the gross loaded trailer weight. The trailers all use the flat-4 plug, we don't use any sort of e-brakes, only auto-hydro brakes. Also, if you're going a long distance, you will want to go with the auto transport over the tow dolly. Why? The tow dolly has no brakes on it, thus putting more stress on the towing vehicles brakes. Best thing I can recommend is: a) find a friend with a bigger truck that can tow more or b) rent the F-150 we offer, if you're staying local or the 10' truck, if you're going out of the area. If you have any questions, shoot me a pm.

 

Thank everyone for your input. I think I'm either going to get a ride up to MN or else fly up there, and then drive the Mustang back.

 

I pulled a twin axle hydraulic dump trailer that empty weighs 6600 lbs about 18 miles a couple months ago. Only thing is it is hard to slow down with stock brakes and no trailer brakes...

 

If my math serves me correctly your total weight is less than the maximum weight Ford recommends, so you're OK. Going up and down hills might be a little difficult, but the truck should do it. If the tongue weight is too much, unload the towed vehicle, turn it around then back it onto the trailer. Instant reduction in tongue weight and it tows better. Good luck.

 

I pulled my 99 Mustang Cobra from Texas to WI on a car hauler (along with everything I owned) with my 02 Ranger in my sig. Was it ideal? No, but the truck is capable of doing it. I had electric brakes and a brake controller, along with a WDH. I grossed 10,500 pounds, a 1000 pounds over listed max weight. Power wasn't an issue. Fuel MPG was terrible, but I drove it hard because I just wanted to be home (and the Army was paying for the gas). My trailer was cheaply built, with only axle set up for brakes, but it stopped fine. Most trailers have both with brakes, so they would be even better than my old rig.

No trans cooler add on, gauges, ect. Brake controller and that was it. That trans made it to 186k miles when O/D died on it, and it has had its guts twisted more than I can count.

I pulled numerous loads with that trailer since then at that weight, or over, and it handles it very well with the proper setup. I have had heavy loads of scrap to large skid steers and pulled them just fine. Knowing your limits and driving within them is the most important thing.