I am in the market for a '04 F-150. I need to get the highest tow capabillity. Currently, the XT and XLT, properly equiped, will provide a 9,900 pound tow - at the hitch.

History has always shown in the past that 5th wheel towing provides greater towing capability because of the location of the pin (in the bed over the axel).

All the literature I have found does not mention anything about 5th wheel towing. The same lack of information was present when the new Ram came out a few years ago. After a while, Dodge came out with information on 5th wheel towing.

I'm assuming that because the '04 F-150 is totally redesigned, the 5th wheel towing information will be forthcoming.

Does anyone know if there IS any information out there now?

 

Ask a dealer for a towing guide they have one that covers all applicable Ford vehicles. I don't have mine with me (at work) but I believe F-150's are rated at 10,000LBS with the towing pkg for 5th wheel towing. BTW welcome to this forum, you'll find a wealth of info here.--Jack

 

Thanks for the information. I have the towing guide from Ford - got it at the dealer this weekend - it doesn't mention 5th wheel towing.

If in fact, it's 10,000 pounds, that's only 100 pounds more than hitch towing.

Thanks again for the information.

I like this forum a lot. It seems very helpful. I look forward to being a long term member.

 

I'll look at my guide tonight and try to find where I saw that.--Jack

 

JustJimmy,

5th wheel towing caps. are on pg 16 of the 2004 RV and Trailer Towing Guide. Max is 10,000 lbs for a Reg. cab 5.4L w/4:10 Gears and it goes down from there depending on cab, engine, rear end combinations.--Jack

 

Thanks for the information. Where can I get the 2004 RV and Trainer Towing Guide? Is it on line? Subscription? You're being a BIG help to me. Thanks!!

 

I got mine at my dealer. It was in a rack with all of their brochures. Ask a sales person or manager if you can't find one.-Jack
BTW super crews are not configured for 5th wheel towing for some reason.

 

You are just a WEALTH of information my good man.

I was looking at the SuperCab (SC) with the 5'-5" bed and Max towing (9,900lb). After some reasearch, I found that the SC with the 5'-5" bed only tows 8,200lbs. I have to go with the SC with the 6'+ bed to get max towing - wich is only 9,500lb. Aparently, the only '04 F-150 that tows 9,900lbs is the regular cab. I got this information from a dealer brochure on the F-150 and the net (this site)

This is getting to be a lot of research but it's good to know all this information so I don't get something that doesn't suite my needs.

As always, thanks.

 

Your Welcome, a little research now can keep you from making a $30,000 mistake.-Jack

 

warning, warning, warning about the 2004 F150 for 5th wheel and/or Gooseneck (GN) towing.

Because the sides of the box are 2" higher than past F150s, you may not have sufficient clearance for a 5th or GN trailer. If the trailer is a single axle, you might be able to "fudge" it, but you don't want a multi-axle trailer running at an angle - it messes up your tires, suspension, axles etc on trailer.


4x4 will make the bed height problem worse. This is a HUGE peeve of mine. You need 7" of clearance between the bottom of the trailer and the sides of the bed to ensure you aren't whacking something when exiting gas stations (with their little ramp & gutter system), driveways, bumps or uneven ground (gee - like a CAMP GROUND or HORSE SHOW PARKING??) Stupid marketing people that drive design features. The only reason they raised the sides was so that they could say it had a bigger payload... DUH!

You can go with a "bumper pull" (off the hitch of course) maxed out on weight, if you use a weight distribution hitch. The Tow Guide explains this.

 

gabz, Excellent advice! That would have totally passed me over. I plan in towing at the hitch now anyway - however, I was asking about the 5th wheel towing for possible future camper purchase.

Thanks again for the insight.

 

The higher bed side will cause a problem for 5th wheel towing......but......If you were going to tow even CLOSE to to the max rating.......I would strongly suggest you step up to the 250HD. I had a 250 with a 7.3PS.......it towed my 5th wheel without a second thought....lotsa power.....but if you'rer thinking of towing close to max........get a bigger truck.....just my $0.02.

 

bigjack,

You mentioned to me in an earlier reply that this forum would be a good place for information.

Let me tell ya... you nailed it!

I also subscribe to Pickuptruck.com forum and they aren't NEARLY as helpful as this one is. I have learned MORE from Ford-Truck.com in a few weeks than I have learned anywhere else.

Hat's off to ALL YOU MEMBERS for being so forthcoming with help.

 

Medic911,

I totally agree with you, however, I am in a real quandry. I am looking at the F-150 not only for the towing and all the technical advances it's made from the previous model but the styling... let's face it... it's a guy thing.

I really, REALLY like the new style. It's really grown on me.

Currently I tow a 30' camper that, fully loaded (which no one EVER fully loads), weighs 7,200 lbs - with a Dodge Dakota. I have a load distributing hitch and it tow's it just fine - actually VERY well. I know it's max so I figure that it's time to move to a bigger truck before I destroy mine.

Not only do I perfer the F-150 styling, I think a F-250 is WAY too much truck for me. I don't tow that often and this truck would be my daily ride. The 250's are awesome towing machines but too much truck right now.

Thanks for your $0.02. :-) It is well worth it.

 

Just jimmy:

I kinda got out of the camping thing...so I sold my 27" 5th wheel...which is what I bought the 2000 F250 for........
However....i also used the F250 as a daily driver.........about 52 miles to work each way. The truck rode really well.....(although not as comfortable as my new 150)...and got great mileage....it was a extended cab 4X2...full size bed....and averaged 20-21 mpg.
I guess it really depends on how MUCH towing you really do....as opposed to around twon kinda driving.....
I like the style...looks...and ride of the new 150.......but the SD is really quite a tame and comfortable truck!


Mike