300/T18 pulling power

[Mhfco6]

I pulled a 24’ enclosed trailer and Chevy ii roller yesterday. Compared to my dodge 24v this truck was a slug. I was hoping it would have done better. On hills I was constantly downshifting from 4th to 3rd and didn’t have a lot of power.

Is this normal or should I be looking to tune up anything. Seems the 300/T18 combo is really strong and beefy, just not a whole lot of horsepower. If I took this out on the highway over a mountain I would be like the semi’s in the slow lane with the hazards on the majority of my trip. The dodge seems like a locomotive compared.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I pulled a 24’ enclosed trailer and Chevy ii roller yesterday. Compared to my dodge 24v this truck was a slug. I was hoping it would have done better. On hills I was constantly downshifting from 4th to 3rd and didn’t have a lot of power.

Is this normal or should I be looking to tune up anything. Seems the 300/T18 combo is really strong and beefy, just not a whole lot of horsepower. If I took this out on the highway over a mountain I would be like the semi’s in the slow lane with the hazards on the majority of my trip. The dodge seems like a locomotive compared.

Whats the weight of trailer and car?

The wind grab of that trailer did it.

When i would tow my 7000 lb camper with my 460 id run out of O/D and even then it wanted to downshift at 65 or so if i hit decent hills.

By comparison ive had 7000lbs on my flatbed and it would run 70 in O/D all day with zero issue.

 

[Curious Hound]

Weight and aerodynamics of the load are the culprits here. And it probably isn't fair to compare the 300 with a 24valve Cummins. Compare a 460 with the Cummins, if you must. But the 300, while it's a great engine, is in a different league. It will do the job, but at slower speeds.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Weight and aerodynamics of the load are the culprits here. And it probably isn't fair to compare the 300 with a 24vakve Cummins. Compare a 460 with the Cummins, if you must. But the 300, while it's a great engine, is in a different league. It will do the job, but at slower speeds.

Difference in a 460 and a 300...atleast in my observation?

You can hook 4 or 5 tons behind a 460....start up a mountain...60-65mph...itll overheat, drop oil pressure, or suffer some sort of death blow half way up...you then call your buddy with a 300 with 350,000 miles on it and he drags you the rest of the way up with zero mechanical issues....but at 10mph.

I dont hold the 460 in high regard for reliabilty lol

 

[Curious Hound]

.you then call your buddy with a 300 with 350,000 miles on it and he drags you the rest of the way up with zero mechanical issues....but at 10mph.

Exactly. You're going to downshift a few times. But enjoy your sandwich. You'll get there eventually.

 

[Mhfco6]

Great info and analogies here guys! The car has no motor and was able to push it up the ramp and in the trailer with ease. I’d say the trailer weighs around 3600#

Been seriously thinking about selling the dodge, but have reservations now.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Great info and analogies here guys! The car has no motor and was able to push it up the ramp and in the trailer with ease. I’d say the trailer weighs around 3600#

Been seriously thinking about selling the dodge, but have reservations now.

If youd be willing to haul the car on a flatbed that 300 would do fine.

Get a 16ft open deck....1500or so lbs...figure car once motors in what? 2500-3?

No wind resistance really...300 will drag that with ease

 

[Roert42]

I think it was probably just the flat wall you were trying to pull. I’ve towed similar and heavier weights on flatbeds and had no issues. With my 4.9 or my 4.0sohc.

What gears are you running?

 

[Mhfco6]

I think it was probably just the flat wall you were trying to pull. I’ve towed similar and heavier weights on flatbeds and had no issues. With my 4.9 or my 4.0sohc.

What gears are you running?

Axle code L9 so 3.55 gears. I will have to feel out another flatbed trailer pull for comparison. This was the first I pulled anything with this truck, but left a bad taste in my mouth.

 

[Roert42]

I had 3.55s in my 4.9, but it was a much smaller truck too. Single cab short bed 2nd, plus it had the M5OD2 trans, so I’m not sure how close the final drive ratio is to what you have.

 

[Roert42]

For sure it’s going to be slow, just slow and reliable.

Should really be comparing a 300 vs a 302, then you will fall in love. I don’t have a lot of experience with diesel, but I’m sure a V8 diesel will beat out a 300 in a lot places.

 

[Snoranger]

The 300 is way overrated… it’s a slug.
Will it get the job done? Yes, eventually.

My grandfather bought a ‘82 f150 w/ a 300 when he retired from Ford. He always said it’s an old man’s truck. It’s slow and steady, and now that he’s retired he’s got all day to get there.


The 302 could actually get better gas mileage, but didn’t have the low end grunt. A 351W in the same truck outperforms the 300 in every way.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Axle code L9 so 3.55 gears. I will have to feel out another flatbed trailer pull for comparison. This was the first I pulled anything with this truck, but left a bad taste in my mouth.

My dad towed a 4 horse gooseneck with a 94 F250 with a auto and 3.55s with a 300. It was 2wd but it would cruise 65-70 with 3 or 4 horses all day...even with the AC on.

We did take it to tenneesee a few times....and in the mountains it would huff...but it always got it done.

I really think a open trailer and you would be surprised

 

[Mhfco6]

Also first time pulling an enclosed trailer. I’ve pulled open trailers with my dodge all the time.. so first time for an exposed also.

It definitely got the job done, felt like I had to really drive it every mile along the way. Specially being a manual.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

.

It definitely got the job done

At the end of the day thats what matters