Got the 4.6L V8 SuperCab w/ tow package (3.55LS). Specs say I can tow 6800#, but this seems way too much. My 20' travel trailer is 3600# dry, 4500# wet, with 500# togue & we'll be towing from San Diego to San Fran next week. So far have only towed around town with no real hills, but no problems at all other than sluggishness. Any advice for this combo? So far I've got: empty water tanks (obvious), remove tailgate (saves 60#), use simple Reese 6k# rated hitch (saves 100# over weight dist), remove one of two batts (saves 70#), remove one propane tank (saves 40#). Also was told about adding a simple resistor to the air intake temp sensor to fool the chip into advancing the timing & enriching the mixture for an extra 15hp - is this a real mod? Thanks for any advice.

 

Just take it slow and do not be afraid to downshift the transmission on grades. Let the engine rev to produce power. Are you planning to take I-5 or 101 between LA and SF? The Grapevine tops out at just over 4000 feet, costing you some horsepower. Anyway, by the time you get to San Clemente, you will know if you can make it the rest of the way. At least you dont have summer heat to deal with.

The maximum tow ratings that GM, Ford and Dodge come up with must be based on flat midwestern terrain.

Jim

 

I'd be careful about what hitch you use. Don't compromise safety to loose a little weight! That size trailer needs a weight-distributing hitch on an F150, with its suspension. Be careful too, about removing to much hitch weight (batteries, propane bottles, etc.) The hitch weight needs to be 12% to 15% of the total trailer weight or you'll have sway and stability problems. I had a '98 F150 4.6L and towed a 4700# (loaded) TT with it and wasn't happy with the power either (3000+ RPMs at 65MPH). I went to a 3.73 rear-end, Gibson cat-back exhaust, Roadmaster Active suspension and LT tires to get the towing capabilities better but eventually traded for a used 2001 F250 V10 and am much happier and safer towing.

Jim
:-)

 

Thanks,

I would even say the mfr max tow ratings might be for someone who only tows downhill.

The Grapevine is my concern, we'll be taking the 101 w/stops along the way. It's been awhile, but isn't there a truck route with less grade? My goal is to get the trailer weight down to 4200# w/500# on the hitch. My fwy rpm's @ 65 are 2300, but jump up with the slightest grade.

I'm happy with the simple hitch towing a light tandem trailer & good brakes - drives solid w/zero sway. I'd be surprised if my old wd hitch transfered 100# at max setting. If I was a single axle or close to 5k# I would use it for sure.

Now, if only there was a mod for towing something with the wind resistance of a billboard.

 

>It's been awhile, but isn't there a truck
>route with less grade?

The only separate truck route is just at the 5-14 interchange that was rebuilt after the '94 earthquake. The Cuesta grade just north of SLO is the only real steep climb on 101.

>My fwy rpm's @ 65 are
>2300, but jump up with the slightest grade.

That is normal as the torque converter lockup clutch releases with increased load. Dont be afraid to get the rpms up. Use second gear on the Cuesta and you'll be fine. Good luck!

Jim