Planning to replace my Lincoln Navigator towing vehicle this year with a new F150. I tow a car hauler and a travel trailer, which have gross weights of about 8000 and 6500 lbs respectively. I think the Navi wheelbase is only about 112", so moving to a F150 with the longer wheelbase will definitely make for a more stable tow.

I have been looking at Supercrews with the 6.5' bed because the wheelbase is about 13" longer. But as you all know, it is much easier to find Crews with the 5.5' bed. How much difference (more stability) do you think it would really make with the extra 13" ?.

 

Stability wise, not a whole lot. Probably not even noticeable.

 

The extra bed size is super handy if you plan to carry cargo in the bed of the truck, but it also gives you more room to carry heavy things, so your payload can become an issue.

Suspect with a well set up WD hitch, you won't tell much of a difference. Bigger differences will be in rear springs, max payload package, max tow package etc.

If you do tow all the time with this truck, it's worth finding one with the row mirrors, and the integrated Trailer Brake Controller is better than anything aftermarket.

Good luck!

 

Not sure how it is other places, but here finding Ecoboosts with all the stuff I would like to have for towing are very hard to find. I guess they are not big sellers as it jacks the cost up. Same thing with F250s with 6.2 liter (hard to find I mean).

Steve

 

Agree with this. Other stuff to worry more about than wheel base. That being said at your weight probably wouldn't notice the difference. But technically a longer wheelbase does help. I would still concentrate on the other stuff but if the longer wheelbase falls in your lap then all the better.

 

Just looked up payload capacity on Fords website, it is 2060 for the 4x4 whether it has the 145 or 157" wheelbase. So no difference there.

I think it will definitely expand my choices if I look at the 5.5 bed also. Am also looking for the max tow package. I'm not sure about the tow mirrors. I can always add the aftermarket (slide on) tow mirrors while I am towing. Then take them back off when not towing.

 

I did that with an F150 I had. Used clip on mirrors made by Ciba IIRC. While they were good for what they were, it didn't take long for me to install actual tow mirrors. There is a world of difference between them!
I still have the OEM mirrors in a box in the basement. I might even still have the clip on Ciba mirrors, too...

 

The other issue I have with the Ford tow mirrors is how wide the vehicle is with them on. According to the Ford website, total width with tow mirror is just over 105". Unfortunately, my garage door opening is only 105", so that is too tight a fit. I would have to fold them in every time I parked in the garage, which I always do. I can get the power fold, which would make it easier, but still kind of a pain.

 

Power in/our AND Power fold in/out.


tow mirrors are Great. pulling a wide trailer.

 

I've had F150s through F350s and 6.5 foot bed trucks and 8' bed trucks though never that 5.5 footer and always seem to have things to fill it regardless of size. The current truck with the 8' bed - love it as I can use it for whatever a pickup can be used for. As far as towing, I find longer is smoother riding but to back a trailer, a little harder.

 

Don't forget to measure the garage. My SC 8' box is sitting diagonal in the garage and wife is parking outside.

 

Isn't that the truth. My ~24' long bed CC truck fits in my 24'4" garage - barely. You just don't want to 'need' anything on the far side without opening the overhead door

 

Yea, luckily my garage space is about 26'. So I'm ok there. Have the choice down to a ruby red 157" and a platinum white 143". Hard time deciding.

Wonder if the longer wheelbase will be a little more cumbersome getting in and out of parking spaces, etc. otherwise no real downside I can see.

 

I'm towing 31' with 119" wheel base


I think you'd be fine with either. but longer is better just by the pure physics of it.
I'd probably buy based on the truck's options.... but that's coming from a guy who was dumb enough to buy a 31' camper to tow behind his expedition

 

Do not buy an f150 Ecoboost with the 6.5'bed for towing

Do a search on take off shudder ....I just traded my 14 fx4 4x4 and took a bath
Because Ford told me it is normal and nothing they could do to fix it. Ford claims
all 6.5 bed F150's do it. I must say I am really liking the f250 now that I have one