SM105K's SHO BIBLE/BUILDS/LIFE

[SM105K]

Some things to think about when it comes to hauling or towing. This is from the research that I have done. I am not new to hauling, I am new to these type of weights.

I will try my best to break down the weights that I have researched because that will play a role later with DOT standards and Insurance coverage.

Prelim weight numbers are the looking like this:

2000 F450 GVWR: 15,000 lbs
F450 Cab and Chassis : 6789 lbs
Utility Bed: 1200 lbs (rough guess-imate)
Other Weight: People, Tools ect: 700 ish lbs
Total Truck weight: 9000 ish lbs

2016 Lance 1062 Camper Wet Weight: 3900 lbs
Add other things pots pans ect: 250 lbs
Total Weight 4150 ish lbs

Total Weight of Truck and Camper: 13,150 ish lbs. Well below the 15,000 lbs GVWR limit.

I will 100% verify this weight the same day I take delivery with a full tank of fuel.

I do plan on hauling a car trailer with various different cars behind the truck and camper as well. However I have limitations there as well.

My truck has an attached Torklift SuperHitch Extension System. Now if that is mated to a regular aftermarket hitch my towing capacity is only 6,000 lbs. If it is mated with the Magnum Receiver Hitch, that bumps it up to 10,000 lbs. I will have to check when I pick it up.

Looking at Carson California Car Haulers. My buddy has had one for 20 years and he swears by them. GVWR of the trailer is 7000lbs. Plus at $2100 to $2800 dollars for the price is hard to beat. https://www.carsontrailer.com/trailers/car-haulers/california/

I am also adding Curb Weight of all the vehicles that I plan haul as well.

CCCH Weight: 1700 ish lbs
E63s: 4515 lbs
Santa Fe: 3960 lbs
Focus ST: 3223 lbs

The trailer and the E63s would weigh about 6200lbs, That is well within the GVWR of the trailers. However it could be over weight for the hitch extension. However, all of my other vehicles are good to go.

All of these weights are super important when it comes to safety and insurance. I will explain why later.

So the GVWR of the truck is 15,000 lbs. That is the weight of the truck and what truck can carry safely. Then there is GCWR. That is Gross Combined Weight Rating. I have the Factory Ford 2000 RV and Trailer Towing Guide for my truck. Since my truck has the 7.3 Liter Powerstroke, with the 4.88 rear end gears the GCWR for my particular truck is 26,000 lbs. That means a fully loaded truck, with a full loaded camper, a trailer and car cannot exceed 26,000 lbs.

So:
Truck: 9000 lbs
Camper: 4,150 lbs
Trailer: 1700 lbs
E63s: 4515 lbs
Total Weight: 19,365 lbs <This is total max weight for what I plan to carry/tow. I will 100% weigh this whole exact set up, just to see. However, I am well under the GCWR.

Obviously towing the Santa Fe or the Focus would be lighter.

Knowing these numbers are super important because of insurance and DOT requirements. Being over weight stresses the truck and limits it's capabilities. Most trucks will pull overweight no problem, however stopping is your biggest issue.

Just because you can do something doesn't mean your insurance policy will cover you if an accident happens. In fact, it could expose you to lawsuits that your insurer may not defend.

Some insurance companies won’t care, but others might use it as a reason to deny coverage. A common justification is labeling the situation as an “intentional act.” While you may not have intended to hit anyone while towing, you did intentionally exceed the vehicle’s rated weight capacity—and that alone could be enough to void coverage.

I have zero doubt DOT/Highway Patrol will probably pull me over at some point when they see this monstrosity roaming the land. However if I have all my documentation and my weights are good, all should be well. Unless I am speeding ect.....

 

[Zpak]

So if I’m hearing you correctly, and I believe that I am, you’re going to be able to deliver me that ‘93 SHO from Bakersfield?

Half joking. And yes, I’ve still been in contact with that man. The best estimate I got was just over $3K to get both of them to me. The inop status adds to the price quite a bit. I don’t blame them though, wenching two non running cars on a hauler in a neighborhood doesn’t sound like an easy start to the journey.

 

[SM105K]

So if I’m hearing you correctly, and I believe that I am, you’re going to be able to deliver me that ‘93 SHO from Bakersfield?

Half joking. And yes, I’ve still been in contact with that man. The best estimate I got was just over $3K to get both of them to me. The inop status adds to the price quite a bit. I don’t blame them though, wenching two non running cars on a hauler in a neighborhood doesn’t sound like an easy start to the journey.

That number is actually pretty decent for two cars for a total of 2105 miles. I will just run the fuel numbers if I made the run. This is not including food, hotels, ect. This is just fuel and maybe a too optimistic MPG calculation.

Phoenix to Bakersfield: 484 miles

I would presume that the F450 would get about 12 to 13 mpg pulling an empty Gooseneck large enough for two cars. The truck has a fuel tank capacity of 40 gallons. If I average 12.5 mgp total range is roughly 500 miles. Diesel Fuel costs around $3.30 a gallon. 484 miles / 500 miles per tank = .96 fills up. $3.30 x 40 gallons = $132. $132 x .96 fill ups = $126.72 just in fuel for the first leg.

Bakersfield to South Bend: 2105 miles

I would presume that the F450 would get about 10 mpg fully weighted down with Gooseneck and cars. The truck has a fuel tank capacity of 40 gallons. So we will say total range of 380 miles. Diesel Fuel costs around $3.30 a gallon. 2105 miles / 380 miles per tank = 5.539 fills up. $3.30 x 40 gallons = $132. $132 x 5.53 fill ups = $729.96 just in fuel to get out there. Add another $50 to $75 for other fluids ect.

South Bend to Phoenix: 1808 miles

Again I would presume that the F450 would get about 12 to 13 mpg pulling an empty Gooseneck large enough for two cars. The truck has a fuel tank capacity of 40 gallons. If I average 12.5 mgp total range is roughly 500 miles. Diesel Fuel costs around $3.30 a gallon. 1808 miles / 500 miles per tank = 3.60 fills up. $3.30 x 40 gallons = $132. $132 x 3.6 fill ups = $475.20

Total Miles: 4397
Total Fuel Cost: $1331.88

Remember, that number only represents fuel for a personal journey hauling cars for personal use.

 

[SM105K]

I know some of my posts are long and very detailed, however there is a couple of reasons for this. I like to use this thread as a detailed plan for everything. I also use this to reference all the things looking back.

Also new developments. I just received a letter from my commercial policy provider that my insurance policy is going to be cancelled on effective July 6th. The reason is, the truck is not registered in my name yet. I was originally going to pick up the truck on July 5th and take care of everything July 8th. I asked the Underwriters if they would extend the deadline to July 8th because of the holiday. They said no.

So I am hopping a flight July 1st, grabbing a rental car and driving 3 hours to pick up the truck the morning of July 2nd. I am leaving my rental car. After doing a check, I am driving down to Palmdale two hours away to Lance Campers. I need them to verify all the hard mounting points, give me all the information on the hitch extension, and hitch itself. If I need to buy removable camper anchors (speed g u n s) I will as well. Then I will fill up and hit the road. When I get home, I am going to drop the camper in the back yard.

July 3rd straight in the morning, I have to get the truck smogged. Because I live in the city, it has to be smogged. After it passes, I then to go the DMV to get a level one inspection. After it passes the level one inspection, I will then be able to title and it get it registered. Registration will only be about $330. Only $330 lol, $300 of that is weight fee and commercial plate fees. Then I can send all of the paperwork to my broker and hopefully I will still have my commercial policy.

On July 4th I intend to install all of the goodies that I bought for the truck.

Then on the evening of July 4th, I have to drive back to CA so I can go with my other Uncle back to where I picked the truck up to retrieve my rental car, a safe, and some other items on July 5th.

Just to turn around on July 6th and drive back home to Phoenix......also I might add, I have to drive to Montana on Friday this week to pick my daughter up, just to return on Sunday. Lol.

 

[FrankK]

Easton,

That agenda only works if everything comes together for you, which I hope it will.
But I know a guy named Murphy who may get in the way.
Plan accordingly. Good Luck.

Frank

 

[Junkyard_Mad-Scientist]

Man oh man the hoops to jump through for registration and insurance.

Most states:"we need gvw, smog report, vehicle inspection, insurance, intended use, color of your underwear, and a cold glass of iced tea".....

Florida Dmv:"does it run? How many wheels it got? How many wheels its sposed to got? You gon drive it? Okay be safe"

I moved from CT which had a lot of hoops to here and was shocked at how easy it was to register a car. I bought a car no title previous owner dead for 12 years, I had a sheriff come out run the vin sign a paper and asked me if I had any Chevy small block parts at the yard. Boom, car was mine. Still is, dont know where it is though. 69 cougar.

Anyway, sounds like a thoroughly thought out plan with plenty of miles to put down out the gate. Bet you can hear that diesel whistle already.

 

[SM105K]

Easton,

That agenda only works if everything comes together for you, which I hope it will.
But I know a guy named Murphy who may get in the way.
Plan accordingly. Good Luck.

Frank

Murphy is an ******* for sure. I did go to AAA and pick up a membership that covers RV's so at least I have that.

 

[SM105K]

Man oh man the hoops to jump through for registration and insurance.

Most states:"we need gvw, smog report, vehicle inspection, insurance, intended use, color of your underwear, and a cold glass of iced tea".....

Florida Dmv:"does it run? How many wheels it got? How many wheels its sposed to got? You gon drive it? Okay be safe"

I moved from CT which had a lot of hoops to here and was shocked at how easy it was to register a car. I bought a car no title previous owner dead for 12 years, I had a sheriff come out run the vin sign a paper and asked me if I had any Chevy small block parts at the yard. Boom, car was mine. Still is, dont know where it is though. 69 cougar.

Anyway, sounds like a thoroughly thought out plan with plenty of miles to put down out the gate. Bet you can hear that diesel whistle already.

See this is where I am get annoyed with the whole insurance scam thing........

I spoke to my broker, she is absolutely amazing. I told her my plan, because she is has a pretty important role in this whole thing. She has to verify the paperwork and contact Traveler's Insurance on July 3rd. However, when she called Traveler's underwriters for an extension, they chewed her out for issuing the policy without verifying the registration ect.

This chaps my ass, because how the **** am I suppose to get the truck to AZ to have it registered and then have it insured? WTF? Did they expect me to pick up the truck and drive it back with no insurance? I know for a fact, my personal USAA coverage would have not covered any incident that could occur if that were to happen. So........yeah. Good times.

I am flirting with the idea about making a crude vlog documenting this trip. Would you guys be interested in something like that?

 

[FREAK_SHO]

I am flirting with the idea about making a crude vlog documenting this trip. Would you guys be interested in something like that?

I you have the time to document this experience, I definitely have the time to learn from it.

 

[Austin2013SHO]

7.3 most reliable hands down
6.0 least reliable but sounds best and when work is done cane be fast as ****,
6.4 were referred to as the rocket. They were fast as **** with a twin turbo set up on them but on almost every job the cab had to come off so labor charges on simple jobs were astronomical.
6.7 is the latest and not too bad on either aspect, see reliability and speed from it but nothing tops the old ford 7.3.

Now there are a few dodges with the 5.9 and Allison trans that are also pretty F’ing bad but rare to find.

I personally had a 6.4 and a 6.7, worked on and drove a 6.0. Same with the 7.3.

 

[SM105K]

7.3 most reliable hands down
6.0 least reliable but sounds best and when work is done cane be fast as ****,
6.4 were referred to as the rocket. They were fast as **** with a twin turbo set up on them but on almost every job the cab had to come off so labor charges on simple jobs were astronomical.
6.7 is the latest and not too bad on either aspect, see reliability and speed from it but nothing tops the old ford 7.3.

Now there are a few dodges with the 5.9 and Allison trans that are also pretty F’ing bad but rare to find.

I personally had a 6.4 and a 6.7, worked on and drove a 6.0. Same with the 7.3.

Good to know. I am not looking for a hot rod per say, I have other vehicles that scratch that itch. Also at 9k empty, I know how much it will cost, and how much it will take to actually kinda be fast. Just looking for reliability, longevity, and a bump in performance honestly.

 

[Austin2013SHO]

@SM105K yes now diesels I know much more than ford Taurus sho’s. Growing up in country ass GA since 11, everyone first vehicle is either a G-body or a diesel. TBH the fastest thing I have ever had was a diesel. TBH you have the most reliable one they make brother. I have a buddy with 999,999.99 on his dash right now with original motor and trans lol not many people can say that about a diesel. IMO I got the most fun out of mine with a good tune, EGR delete, exhaust system. Now if u want something more, I eventually got a jasper motor and trans and upgraded my stock turbos for slightly bigger ones but this I think is unnecessary for what you are building.

I’ve been on the hunt for a 5.9 L Cummings with an Allison trans, they are rare and only made few but that is the only other diesel out there even close to reliability as the 7.3,

 

[SM105K]

I had a 2003 Dodge with a 24 valve for about a year when my buddy deployed for a year. That truck was amazing. Everything in the interior was falling apart, but it was a good truck.

I plan on documenting my journey with this truck in this thread. ****...I even bought a tripod today. LOL.

 

[Austin2013SHO]

I had a 2003 Dodge with a 24 valve for about a year when my buddy deployed for a year. That truck was amazing. Everything in the interior was falling apart, but it was a good truck.

I plan on documenting my journey with this truck in this thread. ****...I even bought a tripod today. LOL.

Dodges are known for a few things 1. The dash dries and cracks to **** in no time, 2 transmissions are usually toast before 100k especially when pulling heavy duty trailers but they get amazing gas Mileage especially the 5.9. Parts aren’t to pricey and working on them isn’t too bad. But if u can find that special breed with the 5.9 and Allison trans you are winning for sure.

Look forward to seeing and hearing about what all you do to it.

 

[Junkyard_Mad-Scientist]

That truck was amazing. Everything in the interior was falling apart, but it was a good truck.

Only thing that wont fall apart is what Dodge didn't build.

But as already said and praised, the 2nd gen PS 7.3 is top of the heap for reliability, when they went to super duty they added the IC in late 99 and coupled to a 4R100 its an unstoppable force. I like to taunt that you can build it to run good numbers but I like a good sled, heavy things that shouldnt be fast. in all practicality though they are pullers and the 7.3 is a Clydesdale, big and reliable and while not as fast as some of the others she can pull a train, my observation has been anything beyond mild, which is what you have already outlined, is chasing something its just not built to do at the sacrifice of its biggest claim to fame being reliability. given her history and sentimental significance I think what you have mapped out is great and honestly you can't do any better in my opinion with the exception of a manual trans but thats a preference and by no means a fault in any way having an automatic. Cummins and Duramax are fine but they all have significant issues related to the vehicles theyre in if not the engine itself, what you have is a holy grail of parts that just work. looking forward to the video! I did one in my mustang and started every entry with "Captains Log", did it to stay awake on a flip phone lol

 

[Austin2013SHO]

Can’t lie brings up memories of the Farm truck and my ambition to build one lol

 

[SM105K]

Easton,

That agenda only works if everything comes together for you, which I hope it will.
But I know a guy named Murphy who may get in the way.
Plan accordingly. Good Luck.

Frank

Frank,

Everything went to together pretty good and I have a lot to post. Just not today because I am buried in paperwork.

 

[FrankK]

Great news Easton. Whenever you have the time is fine. Looking forward to hearing your stories.

 

[SM105K]

Great news Easton. Whenever you have the time is fine. Looking forward to hearing your stories.

Prelim...

3963 miles in 8 days

I named the truck Betty.

She is amazingly slow, and has a sustained max speed of 65 mph. LOL.

 

[FrankK]

Reminds me of the song "I can't drive 55"

Thats almost 500 miles a day. Are you worn out?