This has been bugging me for a week now. I am looking to upgrade my 2003 f150 for a newer truck with crew cab. I am looking at getting a 2011 ford f150 lariat limited. This truck comes with the 6.2 liter which produces 411 HP and 434 Lb torque this engine is fully capable of towing 10,000+ lbs.

Now all the research I have done says the truck can only two 7,200 lbs. WHY!?!?! I guess I cannot understand what the difference would be. Why is it showing that the 5.0 liter V-8 is capable of towing more weight than the 6.2? Is the limited lariat set up with softer shocks for a smoother ride? Does this not come with a tow package? If somebody has an answer I wold deeply appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

 

the 22" wheels are the limiting factor on the Limited.

they have the lowest weight carrying capacity of all the wheels offered on that truck, that's why the tow rating is lower than others.

that, and it is also has the most "dead weight" with every option under the sun. All of that stuff takes away from the maximum GCWR which limits towing.

it's not a power limitation, it's a payload limitation.

 

So, if I were to go with smaller tire say 18 inch rim and an 8 or ten ply this should increase payload, and also adding air bag shocks would increase as well? So the truck does have the transmission cooler and towing capabilities, its just a heavier truck? BTW thanks for the info!

 

In theory yes, but its not going to change what the sticker on the truck says. In the end, its comes down to liability in the case of any type of accident. This is how ford covers their ***.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

You could, but then why buy the limited?

There's two ways to go about this.

1: buy the truck that can haul your camper
2: buy the camper your truck can haul.

Upgrades can help your truck be more level or more comfortable while towing, but no upgrades will raise your GVWR which is based on the stock 22" wheels. Upgrading usually puts you into"grey area" which you are either comfortable with, or you aren't.

 

I like the limited because it is the only f150 that comes with the 6.2 liter. My wife likes the limited because it has everything else she wants. I don't care about bells and whistles. I care about the engine.

 

Payload will always be the limiting factor for towing regardless of what truck you buy. You will run out of payload long before you get to max trailer weight with any camper. This is especially true with an F-150. The same goes for a 250, and sometimes a 350.
People often fool themselves by trying to add helper springs, air bags etc. These things will change the ride, or level the truck, but will not add one pound to payload. Most of the time the rear axle weight rating, wheels, and tires limit you.
If you severely overload a F-150, you will most likely find out the hard way. I did, it was not fun.

 

This is not correct. The 6.2 was offered as optional equipment in the F-150 in many different models.

2011: Raptor, Limited, Harley, Platinum, Lariat
2012: Raptor, Harley, Platinum, Lariat
2013/2014: XLT, Lariat, Platinum, Raptor

2013/2014 Limiteds in Canada could be had with the 6.2, where as the USA 2013/2013 Limited could only be had with the 3.5 EcoBoost.

All that said, it comes down to the wheels. I've never pulled more then the rated weight with my Limited and boy does she pull good!

 

If the 6.2 is what is attracting you, why not look at a F250 with the 6.2? You'll have plenty of tow/haul capacity. I towed a 8k lbs Travel trailer with my F150 and wouldn't think of going any heavier. That same trailer on my F250, its like its not even there.

 

If you test drive an F-250 SD with the 6.2L motor, you will be bringing it home. I love our 2011 Lariat Crew cab F-250. Truly a beast over an F-150.

Griz

 

Might as well go diesel

 

If it was used as a work or real towing vehicle, diesel would have been a consideration, but since it is just used for towing the TT and sits the rest of the time, gas was the winner here.

Between the 2003 V-8 Mountaineer, my 09 Hemi Charger R/T and the F-250, the hemi gets the best mileage overall and on the highway beats them by a ton.

I also didn't have to learn how to work on something else as these and the three Harleys in the garage keep my time tied up.

Griz