Small Trailer Guys---Who is towing with 6 Cylinder Trucks?

[Shawn S]

Our "usual" mowing truck is a 05 Silverado with a 4.3L v6 and auto trans. It pulls a 10x6 open trailer that weighs 1,050 lbs. On the trailer is a JD 647A that weighs 1,014 lbs, a Honda commercial push, two Stihl Kombi's, a Stihl blower, 5 gallon gas can, 2.5 gallon gas can, and racks for everything. We haven't had any problems. I wouldn't go 80 mph with this combination, but it gets us around town and to the next town over which is 5 miles of highway.

Our leaf cleanup truck is a 67 Chevy C30 with a 292 inline 6 and a 4-speed, but that isn't even in the same realm. That truck could pull a barn over.

[Deori]

I've been running a 2001 with the 4.2 the last ten years. Bought it with 15K miles on it, it's now at 188K. It's been a VERY reliable truck. I did replace the transmission at 150K which I don't think is too bad for a work truck and that's pretty much the only repair it's ever had. I pull a semi-open 5X10 which loaded up weighs about 2500#. It wouldn't be able to hang too well in the mountains but its pretty flat out here. It feels a little under powered here and there but really, it gets the job done just fine. It is an auto trans. I've also heard those older Ford inline 6s are tough as nails. Starting out I don't think you'll go wrong with a 6 banger.
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[Boaz]

Originally Posted by S&M Landscapes

I have an 89'hour f150 with the i6, and i absolutely love it. Has great torque and is a tuff truck.
I added some 250trades leaf springs and i pull a 14' enclosed or a 16' utility daily with 2 scag ztrs.

With a 10' you will love it.

Get a trailer with brakes if possible.
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Would 320,000 miles be a concern? The engine was rebuilt at 220,000 and new clutch was installed...

[CLARK LAWN]

If it runs good and still has decent money compression then for $1500 I would take it.

BTW semi trucks run 6 cylinders
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[MR-G]

91-94 chevy s-10s....4.3 v-6....tow rating is just under that of the f150 v8...we have been pulling 14 ft trailers with 2 ztrs for many many years with the 6 cyl...no issures except better fuel mileage...we do also have a ford f 350...250..150...for the larger trailers. the problem with the small trucks is stopping...make sure the trailer has brakes if you use a light truck.

[Boaz]

Originally Posted by CLARK LAWN

If it runs good and still has decent money compression then for $1500 I would take it.

BTW semi trucks run 6 cylinders
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Huh? Cylinder compression?

[slowleak1]

Originally Posted by CLARK LAWN

If it runs good and still has decent money compression then for $1500 I would take it.

BTW semi trucks run 6 cylinders
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Comparing a 6 cylinder 8.3 litre diesel to a 6 cylinder gasser is like comparing apples and oranges. 450 hp and 900 ft lbs of torque compared to maybe 150 hp/tq.

And what is money compression?

[Boaz]

Originally Posted by slowleak1

And what is money compression?

The relationship of $$ in your wallet to money going into your diesel engine...I think...lol...

I kid I kid!

[CLARK LAWN]

Oopps auto spell on the phone added that. Cylinder compression.


8.3 is a small diesel most trucks running 11&13 liters
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[knox gsl]

Originally Posted by CLARK LAWN

Oopps auto spell on the phone added that. Cylinder compression.


8.3 is a small diesel most trucks running 11&13 liters
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My first truck had a 14.7 liter with 525 hp and 1650 lbs of torque. The second one had a 15.2 liter 475 hp and 1800 lbs of torque. But talking about that inline 300, it will pull similar to a diesel and will not like being reved high.