5.4 performance?
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 56
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From: Mid Michigan
5.4 performance?
Looking for a little advice, I've got a '96 F150 ext. cab with a 5.8 in it. due to kids getting bigger I need to go to a crew cab. I currently pull a 26' 5th wheel and 16' boat combo no problem with the 5.8L
Question is will a 5.4L pull this package ? I know I should probably go to a diesel but with budget an issue I'm just checking for options. Thanks in advance.
Question is will a 5.4L pull this package ? I know I should probably go to a diesel but with budget an issue I'm just checking for options. Thanks in advance.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 205
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From: Arlington, Texas
suspension usually plays a role in it too. The F-150 (w/ 5.4) squatted a bit when towing our 29 ft. travel trailer...and that was with the weight distribution bars. We stepped up to an excursion 7.3 PSD and the ride pulling was a lot better, not to mention that the Ex pulled the trailer a lot easier too. You could probably also look into the v10...I could be wrong, but I don't think those are quite as expensive as diesels.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 828
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From: Baltimore
I have an 2002 E150 with the 5.4L and 3.55 gears. I pull a 2000 lb boat with it on semi-hilly terrain and engine is a bit lame. When pulling the hills the tranny downshifts from "Drive" to rev up the motor in order to maintain speed. I don't tow with OD enabled because Ford says not to tow in OD. The engine does maintain speed but at times, it needs more revs to do so. My brother's 1995 4x4 Crewcab 7.3 with 4.10 gears doesn't even know the boat is back there.
If you go to the Superduty forum and search, you will find that quite a few people feel the 5.4 is too little motor for such a heavy truck.
If you go to the Superduty forum and search, you will find that quite a few people feel the 5.4 is too little motor for such a heavy truck.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Mid Michigan
thanks for the advice, will probably go to the V10. I think combined I'm pulling about 7,000#. I'd hate to come up short if I decided to go drag the camper to Alabama or somewhere. Thanks again for the help.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 205
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From: Arlington, Texas
Superduty suspension + extra umph of the V10 should give you plenty. This will probably give you a little room to upgrade the camper if you ever decide to do so. It's kinda a big cycle...my parents bought a 29 ft. travel trailer and pulled it with the F-150 I have now, then they bought the Excursion to pull the travel trailer...then they upgraded to a larger trailer with a slide...who knows what's next 
Good luck with what you decide to do.
Good luck with what you decide to do.
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Nightrain
Modular V8 (4.6L, 5.4L)
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Feb 15, 2007 11:09 AM
