towing recommendations
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Senior User
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From: md
Towing Recommendations
I'm new here, thanks for your help!
I am looking to upsize my Nissan to a used F-150 or F-250 4x4 for increased towing capacity.
I have ruled out the 6 cyls., but is the std. 5.0L v-8 a decent towing set-up. I don't have specifics on the gears because I am just starting my search for a vehicle.
Any recommendations or warnings are appreciated.
I would like to pull a larger trailer - 25-30'.
I am looking to upsize my Nissan to a used F-150 or F-250 4x4 for increased towing capacity.
I have ruled out the 6 cyls., but is the std. 5.0L v-8 a decent towing set-up. I don't have specifics on the gears because I am just starting my search for a vehicle.
Any recommendations or warnings are appreciated.
I would like to pull a larger trailer - 25-30'.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: md
towing recommendations
I am looking for recommendations/advice.
I want to up-size my Nissan to an F-150 or F-250 (90'96) 4x4 to be able to tow a larger trailer than I currently own.
is the F-150 5.0L automatic sufficient or should I hold out for a larger engine?
Thanks
I want to up-size my Nissan to an F-150 or F-250 (90'96) 4x4 to be able to tow a larger trailer than I currently own.
is the F-150 5.0L automatic sufficient or should I hold out for a larger engine?
Thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
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From: So Cal
Depends what you want to tow.
The Ford truck Bible and Trailer Life magazine recommend a 150 with the big moter etc for towing loads upto 5,000 on an occasional basis. If you want to tow more than 5,000 on a regular basis you should consider a 250 at least and probably a 350.
Tow ratings depend on engine size(Bigger is better, diesel is best), gears(Higher number is better), axle ratings, tires, rims, cooling system, tranny(auto is better) brakes(really important), weight(heavier is better for control), length(longer is better again for control) and lots of other things.
Check the tow ratings in the manual and the rating on the door post sticker for ball park info.
The 5.0 V8 is an OK light tow engine, I would probably go with the 300 I 6 for towing light loads, more torque down low. The late 90s larger V8 was a decent light tow engine according to the magazines.
I tow 8,000# probably 2-3 times per year on a 1,000 mile rt up really nasty hills in the desert with my 94 F250 460 4.10 E4OD super cab longbed 4x4 and it it s very relaxed ride compared to when I used to tow an 8 foot utility trailer with two cycles with a Datsun pickup, tail wagging the dog.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
The Ford truck Bible and Trailer Life magazine recommend a 150 with the big moter etc for towing loads upto 5,000 on an occasional basis. If you want to tow more than 5,000 on a regular basis you should consider a 250 at least and probably a 350.
Tow ratings depend on engine size(Bigger is better, diesel is best), gears(Higher number is better), axle ratings, tires, rims, cooling system, tranny(auto is better) brakes(really important), weight(heavier is better for control), length(longer is better again for control) and lots of other things.
Check the tow ratings in the manual and the rating on the door post sticker for ball park info.
The 5.0 V8 is an OK light tow engine, I would probably go with the 300 I 6 for towing light loads, more torque down low. The late 90s larger V8 was a decent light tow engine according to the magazines.
I tow 8,000# probably 2-3 times per year on a 1,000 mile rt up really nasty hills in the desert with my 94 F250 460 4.10 E4OD super cab longbed 4x4 and it it s very relaxed ride compared to when I used to tow an 8 foot utility trailer with two cycles with a Datsun pickup, tail wagging the dog.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
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From: md
Jim,
Thanks so much for your info. My Nissan Frontier with a 3.3 will tow 5K, albeit it is a dicey ride.
The "new" vehicle is for towing a camping trailer (still a pipe dream) or my pop-up (2700 lbs dry weight) or my boat (current small, but big is another pipe dream). I also would like to pick up a used, semi-functional slide in camper top for hunting trips when the trailer is not necessary.
F-250's are really hard to find, but I have seen some nice F-150's with the 5.0L. How about the 5.8?
Thanks!
Greg
Thanks so much for your info. My Nissan Frontier with a 3.3 will tow 5K, albeit it is a dicey ride.
The "new" vehicle is for towing a camping trailer (still a pipe dream) or my pop-up (2700 lbs dry weight) or my boat (current small, but big is another pipe dream). I also would like to pick up a used, semi-functional slide in camper top for hunting trips when the trailer is not necessary.
F-250's are really hard to find, but I have seen some nice F-150's with the 5.0L. How about the 5.8?
Thanks!
Greg
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: So Cal
The 5.8 is better for towing than the 5.0. The 5.0 is really meant for light cars, Mustangs, and is a HP motor versus torque, ie all the 5.0 power is at high rpm compared to the bigger engines. As I vaguely recal from reading Trailer Life magazine, the 5.8 is a long stroke engine, which means good torque at low rpm. Course it's hard to beat the old 460 and diesels if you really want to tow, but the 5.8 is good for light duty. The 5.0 would probably be one of the last choices to tow.
I have read that the 350 is often easier to find and usually a little cheaper than the 250. You might look into one of those.
Just my opinions,
Jim Henderson
I have read that the 350 is often easier to find and usually a little cheaper than the 250. You might look into one of those.
Just my opinions,
Jim Henderson
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Saint Augustine, FL
The 5.8 is a better towing motor than the 5.0. Longer stroke and more displacement always make more torque and torque is best for towing. However, I will dissagree that the inline 6 is better than the 5.0 V8. I have towed with both extensively and found the 5.0 to be a fine motor to tow with if geared correctly.
I regularly tow a car trailer (5000 lbs) very long distances (1000 miles) with my 5.0 van. If geared correctly, and in a good state of tune, the 5.0 will work surprizingly well. You do have to be willing to turn a little more rpm than with the other motors but the short stroke 5.0 is very happy doing it. The only real downside is the long climbs through the western mountain ranges.
Certainly get the 5.8 if you find a good deal on a nice one but 5.0s are common and easy to come by at good prices. So don't be afraid of getting one.
Steve
I regularly tow a car trailer (5000 lbs) very long distances (1000 miles) with my 5.0 van. If geared correctly, and in a good state of tune, the 5.0 will work surprizingly well. You do have to be willing to turn a little more rpm than with the other motors but the short stroke 5.0 is very happy doing it. The only real downside is the long climbs through the western mountain ranges.
Certainly get the 5.8 if you find a good deal on a nice one but 5.0s are common and easy to come by at good prices. So don't be afraid of getting one.
Steve
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Running Springs CA
Hold out for a 5.8 or plan on a gearing change to 4.10 for towing if you otherwise really like the 5.0 truck. I wish I held out for a 5.8 since a gearing change on a 4x4 is too expensive. Since you are in the east, it is less of an issue with altitudes and pulling grades.
Most slide-in campers are too heavy for an F-150. I have an unusually light (965lb dry) one and it is no problem. Most of them are over 2000lbs, no go with a half ton.
Jim
Most slide-in campers are too heavy for an F-150. I have an unusually light (965lb dry) one and it is no problem. Most of them are over 2000lbs, no go with a half ton.
Jim
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From: San Jose NOR*CAL
I pull a 15 foot travel trailer and my quad along with my camping gear with my 1989 F150 6 cyl (300) 4 spd with no problem. I upgraded to a 1992 F250 4x4 (351) becuse last year I got stuck in the sand at Pismo beach and the wife said she would not come to Pismo with out a 4X4.Like a good Husband I had to make her happy.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: S/C Texas
If you dont want to go diesel(I would,if I could) go big block. My 5.0 doesnt like pulling much more than my lawn mower on the trailer. The 5.0 is fine motor, but it just doesnt have alot of torque for towing.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Another vote for bigger is better. I spent 30 years trying to make one then another too small a rig do what I wanted it to do. Now I have the truck listed below and really like it. I don't tow a lot but when I do it is a breeze. In my opinion, you would be better served to go a few years older if you have to and get a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel. My only regret is I wish I had read more when I bought this truck - I would have gone for a one ton single rear wheel but I didn't.
Dave / Believer45
Dave / Believer45
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From: md
I just found an '86 F-250 4x4 with a 5.8L, 4sp man., and a 4.10 rear. The truck has been well cared for, and is tighter than some of the newer ones I've driven with similar miles (108K).
Is there anything at all I should be aware of with this vehicle.
Greg