I have looked at a lot of post's and have not seen anything addressing towing with a 4.2L
I have a 06 F150 XLT 4.2L that came with factory tow package ( hitch, transmission cooler ) but not brake controller.


Door sticker -
GVWR 6500 lbs
Front and rear GAWR 3400Lbs ea
Occupants and cargo max 1659 Lbs


With the engine, wheel base and axle that I have, the owners manual rates it to tow a 5700Lbs trailer.


I am looking at three TT's


19ft @ 4200 Lbs
21ft @ 4400 Lbs
22ft @ 4800 Lbs
I have looked at the door sticker on each trailer and these numbers are just rounded off.


My concern is what can this V6 handle. Will the 4200Lbs trailer be hard on it or can I go up to the 4800Lbs. Most of my traveling will be flat, low rolling hills of eastern Va and NC. WE ( 2 )will not have a lot of cargo, maybe 300 to 400 Lbs max. Would like to make some trips to WV also, but will have to see what this V6 can handle.


Thanks for any input. ( as long as you tell me it can handle the 4800 Lbs one cause I really like that one!! )

 

Welcome aboard!

I would focus on the GVWR for the camper as you will most likely be close to that number once you get everything loaded up in the camper. This should rule out the ones that are out of reach completely. Keep in mind that the empty weights listed by the mfg. Are absurdly low.

You will be asking a lot of the v6 and you will have to pack light to get close to your weight rating.

I'd get a transmission temp gauge and keep an eye on it as you will be working the trans going up hills. Even my 5.4 v8 has to work and downshift to carry speed up the hills.

 

5700 lbs is going to be pretty much the top end for the 4.2. I would be be taking it any higher.


It will do that amount but your mpg's will be in the toilet.

 

my 2004 Dodge 3.7L and Manual transmission.. had a limit of 3,300...

trailer was 21 foot and 3,000 pounds. the truck had Trouble with going up WV hills. second gear and 4,800 rpms for 50mph. Yes on brake controller.

sold both soon after.

Be Careful. Travel Safe.
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