New to this truck stuff, Mustangs and motorcycles have been my past. Just recently purchased a new '03 F-150 supercab XLT 4.6L w/3.55 rear end,w/auto tranny,139"wb, p255/70R-16 tires, and 6050# GVWR package. So as 5.0 MAGAZINE says I am the virgin of the month. I know all about engines,trannies and tires but all this towing stuff is a mystery to me. I told the sales guy I wanted something that would tow a car trailer to the track and at other times a three bike trailer(all crusiers at 750lb each). He said this would do the trick, I knew a 6 banger was out of the question. Would I be better off with a frame mount hitch or would a bumper hitch be sufficient? The car and trailer combo would be the heaviest at close to 4800lb. Also I purchased a locking gas cap for $67.00. Had to take it back..seems as though it can come off when locked if you push in and twist to the left. As long as all you do after it is locked is turn to left, it clicks and ratchets and will not come off, but push in and turn and off it comes. The parts and service manager tried several more out of the stock room and on other trucks on the lot and the same thing happened. Any suggestions on after market gas caps? Thanks for any help ...grey dog in Texas..

 

As for the towing, definately get a frame mount hitch. They are much safer than a bumper hitch. I still put a hitch on the bumper, in case I encounter a trailer that needs that extra height, but I pull with the frame mount when ever possible.

As for gas caps, I haven't seen a locking one in years. We decided in an earlier thread that you couldn't syphon gas from these trucks because of an obstruction in the filler tube.

 

yeah, but someone can pour something in... such as a bottle of soda and really spoil your day.

 

I'm guessing you purchased a 4x2 version. When you talk towing, the GVWR only has a part in determining how much you can tow. It's better to talk GCWR (combined weight of vehicle and what you're towing). The numbers I can find say you have a GCWR of 11,500 pounds. The max trailering weight is 6900 pounds. Subtract how much your vehicle weighs fully loaded (4400 pounds + gas + you + other passengers + equipment not stock to truck + gear/luggage) from that 11500 pounds and you have how much you can really tow without voiding the warranty. I'll bet you're under the safe towing capacity of the truck, so don't worry about it too much. Just keep those figures in your head if you ever try to tow something heavier or put a large load in the bed while towing the car trailer.

The 4.6 on flat ground will be enough, just don't expect too much if you need to tow up many hills. Also remember to lock out overdrive by pushing that button on the end of the shifter, if you do plan on towing through hills or mountains (any grade at all). Towing in OD all the time is an easy way to make your tranny's life shorter. It causes a lot of unnecessary wear.

Frame mounted hitch will be better for your application, and if you don't all ready have it with a towing option, a tranny cooler.

Don't now anything about the locking gas cap, mine's hard enough to figure out, it's like those child proof medicine bottles to me.

-Kerry

 

Thanks to all for the info, I really appreciate the useful hints, the set up does include a tranny cooler, and as for the locking gas cap situation, I am more concerned about someone dumping something in as opposed as to some one taking gas out..you can always get more gas..but as mentioned earlier your day can come to a miserable end if someone dumps in a load of crap. Believe it or not I have seen it happen at the track. by the way, this is a great site and I am checking all the forums and previous postings for more hints and tech stuff..once again , thanks for all the help......grey dog in texas...

 

Be sure and check out the towing forum. A ton of information is available there.

Get the frame mount hitch.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/f...?s=&forumid=68