How Much Are You Towing with Your 1st Gen

[scjarena]

I have a 1990 5.9 Cummins swapped in a 1990 F350, Getrag and 4.11 rear. which I've towed all kinds of stuff. Just lately I towed about a 14,000lb fifth wheel RV and it really made the old 12V work. Really felt underpowered. It is all stock and great condition as far as I know, just changed filters, etc. Not sure how many miles on the engine, maybe 200K. Does this sound about right? I've never driven another another 5.9 cummins to compare. I'm thinking about doing a compression check, just to do a double check. Time to start thinking about some mods maybe?

 

[Black dawg]

Early ones had pretty low hp/tq numbers. Some small adjustments can really wake them up.

 

[u2slow]

Agreed. 160hp isn't going to feel 'powerful' with 14k# hooked up. You are lucky to have 4.11 gears for that purpose.

I would get a pyrometer before doing any pump tuning. The non-intercooled can throw more fuel, but the turbo is small; so things can get too-hot quick.

 

[scjarena]

I already have a pyrometer and was keeping an eye on it. I think I'll start with some mild pump mods and go from there. I know my transmission will limit me, so I need to be careful.

 

[1320Fastback]

I tow this 30' Toy Hauler pretty regularly. Actually got home today from a camping trip. She is #7,000 empty.

 

[IDIBOBS]

I know it’s a super old thread but drivers of old trucks or any year trucks need to know the max legal tow capacity of the truck they are driving. The original post says he is towing 14,000lbs with a 1990 f350 with a Cummins. So the original 1990 f350 had a max tow capacity of 10,000lbs or 11.9k with a 5th wheel. Thats the max legal limit. 14k is way over that. And to make things worse the original dodge truck the Cummins came out of could only legally tow 6800lbs. No matter how big a motor you put in these truck if you get caught or in a wreck being over weight you can be charged criminally. Even if it wasn’t your fault. Worst case you can be charged with homicide if some one dies. And insurance won’t cover you either. It’s not worth it. Don’t tow over legal limit in public.

 

[ttman4]

I guess I should just go ahead & go turn myself in, give up, & start rest of my "Life Sentence" for all the illegal loads I pulled thru the yrs with my '90 CCLB Dually!!!
As well as all the BIG OVERLOADS I pulled during my semi-trucking days in late '60's, '70's, early '80's!!!!

 

[u2slow]

I know it’s a super old thread but drivers of old trucks or any year trucks need to know the max legal tow capacity of the truck they are driving.

I agree with the sentiment, but that is NOT a hard spec. If it were, it would be stamped on the door-jamb decal along with the gvwr.

The highway cops here will check your axle/pin weights against your gvwr, gawr, tire capacities, and hitch rating; if you are licensed/insured for that weight; and that trailer-braking and break-away arrangements are appropriate.

 

[Jesus Freak]

I guess I should just go ahead & go turn myself in, give up, & start rest of my "Life Sentence" for all the illegal loads I pulled thru the yrs with my '90 CCLB Dually!!!
As well as all the BIG OVERLOADS I pulled during my semi-trucking days in late '60's, '70's, early '80's!!!!

I'm with you fellers.....

I want to make another comment, but I'm going to be nice.....