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Old 06-23-2016, 11:31 AM   #45 (permalink)
mwilliamshs
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Join Date: Apr 2015
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VanDelay - '89 Ford Econoline E-150 XL
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hersbird View Post
The frontal aera limit is a bit general. I would figure the 60 sqft limit would be based on a towing a cargo container brick. Also that would be at interstate speeds. That 60 sqft limit is also on the f250 diesels. To be an accurate measure of the load on the drivetrain they would have to calculate a combination of speed, frontal aera and Cd.

Oh and what about headwind/tailwind? 60 sqft in a 40 mph headwind is different then 60 sqft with a tailwind. Dodge doesn't seem to list these restrictions on their 1500-3500 trucks. Seems like Ford just looking for an excuse to deny warranty claims.

My new 5000 pound camper has a frontal aera of 74 square feet not counting awnings and A/C unit so probably 76 Sqft. So a 1500 Ram is good to go but I guess I need a F-350 diesel in the Ford world.

Edit: I just saw the 60 sq ft Ford limit is f-150-f550 so I guess I need an f-650 if they even make it LOL!
Just as the weight limits aren't specific as to trailer brake type or rolling resistance of trailer tires, the wind resistance limits are a guideline for the customer and an exit-strategy for the manufacturer. I too would assume the 60sq ft limit is worst-case-scenario. Any thought given to the fact that an F250 has a larger front area itself than does an F150? Maybe each truck differs enough in that respect to have similar limits in their remaining available total?

Likewise, the larger truck blocks more of the trailer with its body so by default a larger truck can tow a larger trailer (with regard to frontal area) than can a smaller truck with the same frontal area limit.

Last edited by mwilliamshs; 06-23-2016 at 11:42 AM..
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