What is the towing capacity of a 1987 Dodge D150?
The towing capacity for a 1987 Dodge D150 isn’t a single fixed number; it varies by engine, drivetrain, gear, and equipment. In general, most 1987 D150 pickups could safely tow roughly 5,000 to 7,500 pounds, with some configurations capable of approaching 8,000 pounds when properly equipped and with trailer brakes.
What the rating depended on in 1987
In 1987 Dodge derived towing capacity from the vehicle’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and GCWR (gross combined weight rating). The D150 offered different engines and drivetrains, which influenced the tow figure. The key variables included the engine choice (for example, a 5.2 L/318 V8 versus a larger 5.9 L/360 V8), whether the truck was two‑wheel drive or four‑wheel drive, the axle ratio, the type of transmission, and whether the trailer had brakes. The presence of a suitable hitch and braking system on the trailer could also affect safe towing limits. Because of these variables, there wasn’t a single universal figure for all 1987 D150 trucks.
Understanding these factors helps explain why a single number can be misleading. Below are the main considerations that shaped the towing capacity for a given D150 configuration.
- Engine choice: 318 V8 (5.2 L) vs. 360 V8 (5.9 L) and the associated power/torque profile.
- Drivetrain: two‑wheel drive (2WD) vs. four‑wheel drive (4x4), which adds weight and can affect ability to tow.
- Axle gearing and transmission: differential ratios and transmission type influence how much trailer weight can be managed safely.
- GVWR and payload: the truck’s own weight limit and how much weight it must carry beyond the trailer.
- Hitch class and trailer brakes: proper hitch class and the presence of trailer brakes can enable higher safe towing within the published limits.
- Vehicle condition and modifications: wear, added aftermarket equipment, and load distribution can alter actual safe towing capability.
These factors collectively determine what a specific 1987 D150 can tow in practice. For safety and reliability, always use the manufacturer’s published rating for your exact configuration and avoid exceeding it.
How to determine the exact capacity for your specific D150
To confirm the precise tow rating for your 1987 D150, use these steps to check the vehicle’s documentation and weight data.
- Inspect the door jamb data plate for GVWR and GAWR; these numbers help establish the truck’s own weight limits, while GCWR (if shown) indicates the maximum combined weight of truck plus trailer.
- Consult the original owner's manual or the Dodge sales brochure for the stated towing capacity for your engine/transmission/drivetrain combination.
- If you have access to the build sheet or a VIN-based archive, cross‑check the configuration with Dodge’s archived specifications for that year.
- When calculating for a specific trailer, factor in the trailer’s weight (plus cargo) and ensure it does not push the combined weight beyond GCWR.
- Account for passengers, cargo, and any aftermarket modifications that could affect payload or towing capacity.
By following these steps, you can determine a safe and accurate towing capacity for your particular 1987 D150 configuration.
Summary
The 1987 Dodge D150 did not publish a single universal tow rating; the safe towing capacity depended on engine, drive type, gearing, GVWR/GCWR, and trailer equipment. In practice, most D150s could tow roughly 5,000–7,500 pounds, with some configurations approaching 8,000 pounds under optimal, properly equipped conditions. To know your truck’s exact limit, consult the door data plate, the original manual or brochure, and any build sheets or archived Dodge specifications for your specific configuration. Always tow within the published rating and consider trailer brakes, hitch class, payload, and overall weight distribution for safety.
