pulling trailer
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New User
Joined: Oct 2004
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pulling trailer
Hello everyone. I am looking to buy an F-150 (reg. cab, 2wd) that I can use to pull a 16' by 8' trailer with. The trailer will also have 4' expanded metal sides with a ramp gate, a typical lawn maintenance trailer. I want to spend about $10,000. My question is, what size engine do I need. All I can find around here are 4.8 liter engines. Is that enough or do I need a 5.4. Also, is there anything else that I should take into account? I can't find anywhere that will tell me the towing capacity for what I'm looking for. Thanks for any responses.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 19
From: South Dakota
Welcome to FTE!
http://www.fordtrucks.com/specs/index.html
Personally I think that a 4.2L V-6 would do the job, a 4.6L better, and a 5.4L prolly a bit on the extreme side, but it is always nice to have more power.
Since you are looking for a 2wd reg cab, I see no reason why a 4.2 V-6 auto wouldnt do the job....but you need to look at the total weight of the trailer.
http://www.fordtrucks.com/specs/index.html
Personally I think that a 4.2L V-6 would do the job, a 4.6L better, and a 5.4L prolly a bit on the extreme side, but it is always nice to have more power.
Since you are looking for a 2wd reg cab, I see no reason why a 4.2 V-6 auto wouldnt do the job....but you need to look at the total weight of the trailer.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
Personally I wouldn't buy a F150 with the V6. I was shocked how gutless the 4.6L V8 was. With the 5.4L your truck can tow just shy of 8000lbs. It isn't much less with the smaller V8. If I was in my truck where I store my manual I could tell you the numbers for the smaller engines. If I were you, I would get the small V8 at the minimum, and if gas wasn't so expensive I would highly recommend the larger engine. I tow 6000#-plus trailers with mine, and I wouldn't want to be without the 5.4L (which is what I have). But you aren't hauling as much, so you would be fine with the small V8. Again, drive the V6 before you buy it, I think you too will find it lacking, especially when you throw in a trailer.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 538
Likes: 2
From: Florida
Keep in mind there's about 1-2 mpg difference between the 3 engines. The V6 might be adequate for cruising or the occassional hunting trip, but not for daily trailer towing. Don't screw yourself with an underpowered work truck. Ask around at the mower shops and see how many guys you can find who will say they have too much power under the hood!
5.4 with auto is my recommendation. Rowing gears gets old real quick, and clutches will not last as long if you pull a trailer daily.
5.4 with auto is my recommendation. Rowing gears gets old real quick, and clutches will not last as long if you pull a trailer daily.
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: MB Canada
Tow capacity charts are here and there on the net. Try this link:
http://www.carsdirect.com/research/n...lsize/rankings
or simply google "towing capacity" and the year and model of your truck. I'm betting you will get all kinds of info. For what its worth, I pull a 3000 lb travel trailer with my 4.6 L , 97 F150. Made it through the Rocky Mountians easily... Grafekie says he pulls twice that with the larger V8....but I don't think you are looking at that kind of a haul. The small V8 will do nicely. Probably a bit too much power for your small trailer, but you will never regret having too much capacity, but always regret having too little.
http://www.carsdirect.com/research/n...lsize/rankings
or simply google "towing capacity" and the year and model of your truck. I'm betting you will get all kinds of info. For what its worth, I pull a 3000 lb travel trailer with my 4.6 L , 97 F150. Made it through the Rocky Mountians easily... Grafekie says he pulls twice that with the larger V8....but I don't think you are looking at that kind of a haul. The small V8 will do nicely. Probably a bit too much power for your small trailer, but you will never regret having too much capacity, but always regret having too little.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
I have friends (who I frown upon for doing this...) who tow a loaded two horse trailer with dressing room with their 4.6L, which weighs around 7000lbs loaded. You can do it, but I wouldn't recommend it. But for your loads you would be perfectly happy, as long as it has enough pep for you w/o the trailer. (It didn't for me) But I would avoid that V6!
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