I am contemplating buying '04 F250 ext. cab 4x4 w/ 5.4l gas w/ 3.73 axle. This pkg. limits me to 7100 lbs. On about 10 weekends a year, I will tow a tagalong 2 horse trailer fully loaded at about 7,000 lbs. max. Towing will be about 75 miles each way over very flat terrain. Other days, truck will be used driving to and from school, etc. by my 16 yr. old daughter. I will get a weight distributing hitch for the trailer.

Am I pushing the limit too far and do I need the 4.1 axle? These trucks are difficult to find. Thanks for your thoughts.
Jerry in Indy

 

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A 4.10 axle is preferable, IMHO. But a 3.73 should work adequately with the 5.4 engine. It may be a little sluggish in the hills. I would recommend the V10, since it would probably get the same or better fuel milage as the 5.4 while towing. Trailers are a great equalizer when it comes to fuel economy. But since this is to be a daily driver it's understandable the need to compromize and find a happy medium.

7000# gross is heavy for a two horse trailer. I presume it's not your average side by side and must have a large tack room?

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As long as it is a fairly level pull you should be ok with this rig, but, I agree, that is a lot of weight for a horse trailer. I think I would load it up and have it weighed just to make sure.

 

you're fine. I've been towing a 7,700 pound load (john deere tractor) for a while now and it pulls up the hills fine and cruises fine at 65 mph.

 

That amout of weight with a 3.73 will be a slug at times and do poorly on hills plus it is not helping your MPG towing either contray to popular belief. You want 4.10 here and do not belive everything you read in "factory" tow ratings as few are based on any sound science but rather sales need.

 

The snoman: I would change to the 4:10's if i needed to.. but my truck pulls that set-up with no problem up hills and to tell you the truth my MPG wasnt bad either.