Real-world towing capacity

[ttyR2]

I have a '71 F250 camper special with a 390 and C6 tranny. Disk front brakes. With a gooseneck flatbed trailer (5th wheel hitch bolted in the bed), dual axle, dualie tires, what is the realistic amount of weight I can safely haul with this truck?

[Drednme]

Well, there is still a lot of factors to consider. One, tires load capacity and condition; two, general truck condition; three, distance and speed. Mine is a 250 single wheel with a good set of load range d tires. It took about 6000 pounds to put it to the overloads. But, I was only going about two miles at 30 mph. I definately wouldn't of wanted to go very far, or up to highway speed. However, with dual wheels and a flat bed you can place the load a little better on the truck and the dual wheel will keep your tires from squatting too much. So in conclusion you will just have to use common sense when loading but I would guess that it could probably safely haul at least 4000 pounds for any good distance. Hauling a trailer is a whole 'nother deal though.