Howdy all...

I've been considering the purchase of a V6 + Manual transmission equipped F-150.

It surprises me that every other manufacturer who offers a truck in this size and configuration claim that when properly equipped, it can pull over 6000 lbs, in most cases, 8000+.

I'm towing nowhere near that. I just need to flat-tow my jeep, which currently weighs a hair under 3000 lbs, but will weigh about 3500-3800 when I'm finished with some modifications I'm making to it.

Ford claims ~2400 lbs, regardless of configuration, for the V6/Manual-equipped F-150. I find this hard to beleive. The V6 makes, on average, 88% the power/torque of the 4.6 V8. That should mean the towing capacity, properly equipped, would be about 5500 lbs, since they rate the small V8 at about 6500 lbs.

I will _NOT_ buy a Chevy product, and though I've been very pleased with the Dodge trucks the last several years, I'd prefer not to spend my money there.

I need to replace my aging '82 F-250, cuz 8mpg average is killing me. The only thing I can say in defense of that beast's fuel consumption is that it consumes 8mpg regardless of whether it's loaded or unloaded.

The small V6 in the Ranger is rated at 6000 lbs.

What gives? Why is Ford skimping the numbers for the V6 F-150?

And before people start jumping in and saying "Buy a V8"... Tell Ford to offer a manual transmission in the F-150 with a V8... I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I will _not_ own an automatic.

 

Hi TXDJ I was just looking on the ford website for a answer to your question and couldn't find anything on the v6 about towing everything looked to be for the 4.6,5.4 . I would look for one with the towing package and with that i personally think that towing your Jeep should be no problem.

 

Oops, I meant that edmunds.com says the towing is 2300-2400 lbs... Ford doesn't even mention it. It's like they don't even want to admit you CAN get a v6 on the specs page...

 

ok TXDJI justpulled out my 05 F150 book and for the 4.2 V6 it says that with the 3.55 gear with the 126.0 Wb the towing cap is 3700LBS and with the 144.5 WB the towing cap is 3500 LBSwith the auto trans which I know u don't want the towig cap with 3.55 gears and 126.0 WB is 5100 LBS and 5000 with the 144.5 WB with 3.73 gears it is 5600 with 126.0 WB and 5500 with 144.5 WB. It also states that with the 3.31 gears the gross combined weight rating is 7200 lbs ,3.55 is 8500 and with the auto the gcwr with the 3.55 is 10k and with the 3.73 it is 10500 so your combined weight of trailer and truck is not to exceed that that helps. Its listed on page 29 of the 05 F150 book from the dealership

 

I don't know this for a fact, but I don't think the engine is the weak link. I think the manual tranny is the same one Ford has been putting in the F150 since they started with the 4.2. I think it's a Mazda based tranny that is fairly weak.

If you do some searching on the web, the 4.2 is actually used in a lot of industrial applications to run pumps and other things like that. So it's a strong engine.

 

F150 - SWB - Reg Cab - 4x2 - 4.2L - Manual Trans

2400 lb w/ 3.31 Rear Axle

3700 lb w/ 3.55 Rear Axle

Based on the drastic change with the 3.55 Gear I would say the problem with the ratings is the clutches ability to start the load on Fords 20% Grade Starting Test.

 

Regardless of what is stated in the specs, i pull my racecar(3200 lbs) to and from the track with a bed full of parts and tools. it's only about 20 miles but it does just fine. It won't set any speed records, but it will get the job done. i would personally say that if you plan on pulling frequently, opt for more power but for the weekend warrior not going too far, it's perfect. near 20 mpg during the week and still enough grunt on the weekends to work.

 

Thanks for the input guys. Looks like I'm leaning towards a used F250 now.