Hey, I could use some advice and feedback on towing. I have an '03 Ford F150, 5.4, V-8, 3.55 gear ratio, 4x4, 6.5 ft. bed, super cab, automatic, with the tow package. The paperwork indicates a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. But I live in Colorado and am interested in going up into the mountains. I've been told to subtract 20% for high altitude right away putting it at 5,920 lbs. GVWR. We're looking at a Nash fifth wheel 215R with a dry weight of 4,958 lbs. This would give me about 1,000 lbs. available to carry and load stuff to reach the 5,920 lbs. Is this taxing the Ford F150 too much or can it do the job? Do I need to downsize my towing expectations? I am interested in getting your insights into towing fifthwheels and or camper tow trailers (and their weights), expecially in the mountains of Colorado.

 

Welcome to FTE!

By the time you factor in gear and passengers, you will be right at the limit, or over it.

Would your truck pull it....definately.

Safely....That could be another story.

You may want to think about a slider hitch for your SB truck if you decide to get it.

Here's my reccomendation, either a lighter trailer, or a bigger pickup.

 

I can give you the insight of a fellow Coloradoan. Raised in Conifer, parents still live in Littleton. Dad owns an '02 Supercrew 5.4 FX4 w/ the 3.55. He also plans on getting a trailer of the same weight in the future. He's asked me about this as well.

Keep in mind the truck is computer controlled w/ fuel injection. It'll have no problem adjusting to the high altitude, it can monitor the fuel and air delivery parameters and adjust for the thin air. The truck will tow its rated limit and more, just use the octane that suites it, maybe going with a higher octane for towing purposes only as insurance against predetenation. It may also not be the fastest truck when the trailer is behind it.

Another factor is to ignore the rated towing capacity... ignore it? yep. The real number you should be using is the gross combined weight rating. That is the weight of both the truck and trailer. In your case it's 12,500 lbs (4x4 with 17" tires right?) The truck should weigh 5100lbs empty. As Super said, add all of the gear, passengers (water and LPG get included in this) and see where that puts you.

While you should be able to handle the trailer, the mileage will be lousy and you won't be going anywhere fast. A good upgrade would be deeper gears, 3.73s or even 4.10s. This would make the engine work less and give you a better get up and go.

-Kerry

 

I have a '97 F150 4x4 5.4L E4OD and I routinly tow horses with a gooseneck. My GCVW is 12300# loaded and weighed on a truck scale. Get 4.56 gears you will love it. I get 9-10 mpg now (speedo is corrected) up from 7-8 with 3.55 gears and much easier on the drivetrain. Puts my revs at 3000 in 3rd at 55mph which gets me up all average hills and against heavy winds. On the flat in OD its 2100 at 55 which is pretty weak. Also make sure the trailer brakes are in top shape cause those F150 brakes fade real fast and congrats on the 5th wheel it's the only way to go.

 

Hi,

First time poster! Not yet purchased a truck, but looking at F150, 5.4. Wondering where the spec is to find gear ratio. Is there a tag on diff cover?

Also, I have a 20ft 5th wheel, 5000lb and thinking minimum 6.5 ft bed crew cab 97-2001.
Would this be enough truck?

Thanks for any help!!

Kevin.