Trailer towing
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Trailer towing
Again. Am planning on purchasing 1998-1999 F150 with a 4.6L/ auto. I do not have any knowledge of these newer powerplants. Will the 4.6 pull a bumper pull double horse trailer with one horse inside? I am planning to travel from Kingston, Ontario to Colorado Springs this summer. I realize that a tranny cooler is a must and the trailer does have electric brakes with controller in the cab. We used to use a 1986 Ranger (V6) to pull locally but this long trip will require a MUCH better truck. Although, I must say over 2 years that little Ranger did what was asked of it. Being a licenced mechanic, I made sure that the little truck was up to snuff. Presently we live in Bogota, Colombia (I can hear the snickers!) but are returning to the real world this summer. Been out of the trade there for several years, so I need all the advice I can get. Thanks guys.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lafayette, IN
That should be a piece of cake for that truck. What are the tow ratings on a '98-'99 F150 4.6L? Probably around 5-7000lbs., depending on the setup. How much does a 2-horse trailer weigh? I'm guessing no more than 2000lbs. And a horse? Does under 1000lbs. sound good? (You're not carrying a Clydesdale, are you?) So you're looking at towing around 3000lbs. Maybe 4000lbs. total onto your Gross Combined Weight by the time you add in some feed, gear and passengers. A trip or two each year like that won't hurt it a bit. Now if you were driving that setup day-in, day-out, then you would want a heavier, more powerful truck so that it wouldn't wear as quickly. Just keep an eye on your tranny (change fluid/filter every 15k miles or so), don't let it hunt for gears on inclines (drop it out of OD manually if you have to), and your future truck should do just fine.
Jason
Jason
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Trailer towing
Thanks Jason. Quick response. I very much appreciate that. Yeah, trailer is about 2000lb and 'Max' weighs in around 1100lb. It's funny but too many people in Ontario disconnect or never plug in their electric brakes. Talk about an accident waiting to happen! I am planning on a 'Extended cab' so it is more confortable on a long haul with or without trailer.
Jim
Jim
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