Has anyone maxed out the towing capacity of the 04' f-150?

The trailer I'm looking at is a toy hauler of 7000lbs with 1200lbs of tongue weight. I'm planning on air bags to level the truck out for the cool factor.

Thanks, MIke

 

In 1978 I bought a new F150 Ranger, Red nice looking truck, I also bought a 8.5ft in the box camper and a 14ft glass boat. One clutch, one trany mount and 14K later I bought a bigger Ford truck.

Denny

 

if that things has an auto tranny, you better forget it. Use a bigger truck, it will be much easier on you & the truck. Not to say that it would be a lot safer, we don't need anymore accidents on the roads......get a f350 please.....

 

As mentioned above, consider a larger truck if you plan on towing that setup long-term. What gear ratio do you have?

 

You'll do fine. Your going to need a weight distributing hitch to handle the extra tongue weight. 7K isn't enough to justify a 1 ton may be a LD 3/4 ton. The Auto is the better way to go these days unless you get a superduty. The half ton trannies can't handle the abuse and you'll hate going up hills. If your running 3.55 gears you may consider 3.73's. 4.10's may give you more power to the ground but it will eat up your mileage. I went the overkill route and towed my 6500lb trailer with a 1ton dually, big mistake. I now tow the same load with a 04 reg cab. Better mileage with and without load, and I didn't have to spring the extra $15k on the 1ton. Yes I can't pull my rig up Donner pass at 80 mph, but anyone who would is asking for it even if they have a 1ton. Take your time and enjoy the drive thats why we bought these trucks anyway.

 

According to the information on the bumper of my 2004 SCrew, the maximum tongue weight that the receiver can handle with a weight-distributing hitch is 990 lbs. You're a bit over that weight.

 

Yea, I just checked the max tongue weight and saw the 990. I currently have 3.73 gears with 35" tires and was planning on changing them to 4.56.

5.4. Engine w/Automatic

I definatly don't want to be unsafe which is why I'm looking for info before the purchase. I talked to the ford dealer today and asked the manager about the safety factor built into the truck. He said I should be able to handle 9900lbs without a problem for occasions, but would suggest a 3/4 ton deisel for long term. My manual with the 3.73's says 9200lbs.

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks, Mike

 

990 is with the weight distributing hitch. You can upgrade your hitch to a class IV and get a little more, maybe enough to make the 1200 with a WDH. He's right about the 3/4 ton if you going to do this every day/weekend you would be better off with a 3/4 ton(diesel is optional). As for the 35's you may want to reconsider. Changing the tire size to a considerably larger tire will take toll on the bearings in the rearend and your braking. The calculations for your truck were made with stock tires, the 35's may be to much. Big meats add alot of strain on a drivetrain. On tow rigs I'm a firm believer in only making modifications that enhance the towing capability.

 

I already have the 35's with a 6" lift which is why I'm considering the 4.56. I'm definatly going with a WDH. It looks like I should look for a trailer with a tongue weight under 1000lbs to be on the safe side as I don't want to change the hitch. I will probably tow the trailer 1-2 times per month.

Mike