Am trying to decide between SCREW 2007 Lariat 4x4 and Nissan Titan Crew 4x4 for new work truck.

The Titan tops the Lariat in towing at 9200 lbs to 8700 for the Lariat with 20" tires. Is the de-rating of the towing because of the 20" tires that Ford uses? Can it be increased back to the 9200 if a different size/style/brand of 20" tire is used? I know, the payload rating on the Titan is less than the F150 as well so there is something hidden in here.

I'm sure there is a world of thoughts out there on this decision that I'm making. Esp between these two vehicles. I see a whole lot of F150 work trucks on the road but not a whole lot of Titans on the road as work trucks. Most titan's are either off-roaders or pavement queens (sorry, calling like I see it) that tow a boat or at most are loaded at the Depot with some lumber on occasion.

Right now I have a 2005 VW Touareg that is leaving my Fleet with the new replacement and will join the 2000 EB Expy. 4x4. The Expy has been fine.

 

I wouldn't think that the wheels that come stock would effect the two rating although i may be wrong, but look at the tow ratings of lariat that doesn't have the 20'' wheels and see what the tow rating is. I really don't think that a Titan would be a good work truck but then again I'm driving an F150 so you make your decisions if you want to listen to my advice.

 

You've seen a Titan off-roader?!?!?!?!?!!!!!

 

In the 2007 brochure (and on-line) the tow ratings for the SCREW with 138.5" WB are 9200 lbs. At the bottom of the matrix there is a note written as follows:

"Reduce GCWR/maximum trailer weight by 500lbs. on models with optional 18" or 20" wheels"

It has to be the load rating of the tires.

 

I've seen a lot of Titans that look like they are off-roaders, you know increased tire sizes with lifts/level kits. Some of them are quite dirty, now just how that mud got there...

 

That would make sense; a smaller, weaker side wall.

 

I would be very surprised if you find anyone in this forum that would tell you to buy the nissan truck. For the 500 pound differance in towing, if you are really going to be towing that much you may want to consider a superduty. I have read many threads of guys that were real happy how the f150 handle 9000lbs.

 

You know whenever I compared them side by side The titan had what seem to be more interior features that I did like, but I wanted a truck to do what trucks do and the titan just didnt seem like it would last. It felt very plastic inside. Another thing if you want it for a work truck think about it. You said you see alot of fords as work trucks and not too many nissans that there should tell you something and the f-150 has been the best selling truck for 30 years that should scream at ya, but I am biased.

 

I don't know that I can give an unbiased answer...I went with the Ford over other trucks. I would say, though that if the couple hundred pounds in towing difference is going to be a big issue, I would probably look at a bigger truck. It would be way easier to constantly tow 9,000 pounds with a truck rated for 15,000 than one rated for 9200.

 

I just bought a new f150 supercrew, and the book does show different tow ratings for the diff size tires. I have the bigger tires and it is a lower tow rating. So yes its in the book tire size can lower tow rating.

 

Matters not any longer. F150 SCREW purchased today, 4x4 Lariat, Dark Stone.





Now to pay for it.....

 

Good choice, now lets see some pics.

 

Pics may take several days, way to many things to do between now and next Friday for work.

I originally was leaning towards 20" tires but opted for 18". More choices in the 18" range and I'm pretty sure some with a higher load rating than the stock units. I'm not sure, and will investigate further, but I think that will get the tow cap. back up there. Not that I tow at that point a lot but it does increase the safety factor between what I am towing and the max rating.

Also, while waiting to sign papers I discussed with service dept. about cost/opportunity to swap rear 3.73 ring/pinion for 4.10 with same limited slip. Indicated that they were pretty sure they could do it since you can get the 4.10 in the heavy service option and the axle dia. is the same size. In theory the housing and fluid fill should be the same.

Cost to do the work? About $400.00.

This sure would help the transmission last longer since it should reduce hunting and heat buildup.

 

If you look at how the trucks are built frame, ring gear, axel bearings, brakes, leaf springs, yata the Ford is built much heavier for the abuse in the long run.