I am a new member to the forum. I've come seeking enlightenment and a desire to assist others if I am able.

I have a 2002, F-150 XLT, Triton V8 with about 175,000 miles on it. She was bought used, about five years ago, with 150,000 miles and I have taken care to keep the service up-to-date. The service writer at Longmont Ford tells me she is in really good shape. She doesn't leak a drop, which surprises the heck out of me and she runs very smooth.

It is my goal to buy a travel trailer, and eventually a newer (2 - 4 year old) F-150 EcoBoost V6 to tow it, but for now I am wondering how a truck with high milage, in good condition, will fair pulling a reasonably sized and weighted trailer in the mountains of Colorado.

Primary concerns being the engine and drive train, obviously, so I'm wondering if anyone has a history of towing with a truck of similar age and or mileage?

Also - What modifications might be made to improve towing performance and overall mileage? I've read the thread regarding the K&N air filers, which I'm familiar with, and the high-flow exhaust system. Any other info would be appreciated.

Thanks, in advance, to anyone that might shed light on my concerns.

 

First, forget the K/N filter and exhaust changes if you was thinking about those.
They won't help at all. Those changes are all high RPM where you do not tow at normally or run unloaded. The motor's peak torque is at 3250+/- rpm.
Next is to look into your owner manual to find you model and equipage, as the "Gross Combined Weight Rating" not the trailer weight.
You should see a figure in the area of 11,000 lbs for gross weight.
Then select a trailer that when everything is loaded for the road including passengers, gas, any other items, the total weight does not exceed the GCWR rating for this truck or any other one you might get using the same type info for the new truck..
At 175k you have to expect the trans has wear, the cooling system may be in need of service.
The rest of the equipment is up to the job. Aux trans cooler etc. Tires are not down sized, brakes are first class plus a trailer brake controller etc.
Good luck.

 

Thanks for that info. I feel better armed to move ahead with this adventure.

The aux trans cooler is a great idea as I'd put one on a Econoline Van I pulled a 23' trailer with in the early 70's.

The tranny is my main area of concern. I figured we would make a number of short weekend shakedown trips and build confidence before making any "over the mountain" type trips.

 

Which engine and what gear ratio? Those two answers will be the biggest info needed.

 

I have the 5.4 L triton. Ratio is unknown at this time. Will have to get the under the old girl and find out. Assuming the there are tags on it.

Any other easy place to find that info?

 

The info tag on the door post should have the axle code under AX.
Post it here.
Good luck.

 

is gas mileage a concern? the best way to improve towing power is to change the ring and pinion to a higher reation gear, IE if you have a 3.0X change to 3.55 or 3.73 have 3.55 change t a set of 4.10 etc this will lower the numerical gear ration and allow the engine to run closer to its torque peak giving you more pulling power in the hills. this will not legally affect your gross combined weight rating, only make it easier to pull (also easier on tranny as a result).

a cheaper way to get the same results is to use a smaller diameter tire, just make sure that it has a load capacity that wil do the job, for example if 265 65 17 is your stock size, then a set of 265 65 16 would lower your gear ratio by about 4%

 

The axle is noted as ann "H9", see below, does that indicate the gear ratio somehow?

 

H9 = 3:55 Limited Slip.
Good luck.

 

Aside from a tune up, nothing will improve mileage by any noticeable/cost effective amount.

A high mileage vehicle in good condition should not have a problem towing an appropriate size trailer.
Changing the transmission fluid/filter and an aux cooler are good ideas, as is an electric fan setup.
A tuner with a tow tune could help more with a trailer near max weight by adjusting shift points, and if you get a higher octane tune can help with a little more power also.

 

I want to thank each of you that replied to my query. It's nice to have a brain-trust like this to get the proper scoop on things before I dive in. It also gives me more confidence in staying with the truck I have going into this adventure. She's in very good shape and I've stayed up on all the maintenance. I have her serviced at a Ford Dealership that has impressed me with their professionalism and knowledge. And their prices are very competitive.

It's all great info. Remember… Safety First, but Fun has to run a very close second.

Paul