What F150 Do I Need?
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What F150 Do I Need?
Hi
I am originally from Ireland now living in the USA and of course we don't have trucks back in Ireland so for me I have no clue as to what type of truck I need or what it a better truck to go for.
I am just started a Farrier business and will be pulling a light enclosed utility type trailer for the most part but would like to have a truck that would have the ability to pull a loaded one horse trailer.
Please could you give me some idea as to what type/model of F150 I would I need, because for me going to a dealers, as I say I have no clue when it comes to trucks in the USA.
I am thinking on purchasing a 2003 or 2004 with maybe 90, to 100K miles
Thank you!
I am originally from Ireland now living in the USA and of course we don't have trucks back in Ireland so for me I have no clue as to what type of truck I need or what it a better truck to go for.
I am just started a Farrier business and will be pulling a light enclosed utility type trailer for the most part but would like to have a truck that would have the ability to pull a loaded one horse trailer.
Please could you give me some idea as to what type/model of F150 I would I need, because for me going to a dealers, as I say I have no clue when it comes to trucks in the USA.
I am thinking on purchasing a 2003 or 2004 with maybe 90, to 100K miles
Thank you!
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,517
Likes: 3
From: SE Wyoming
I'd get one with a 5.4L, now depending on where you live you may or may not need 4wd. As for the packages, XL, XLT, Lariat thats all down to how fancy you want it to be or what you can find. Same goes for what cab, if it is just you and one other person occasionally a regular cab would work great, but will be hard to find with a 5.4L and the color you want. I can't remember if the regular cab or Extended cab have the higher tow rating but one is better than the other. I'd also want a 3.73 gear ratio. As for transmissions you don't have to worry because 5.4L's only come with an automatic in F150's. Also the '03 and '04 are completely different body styles and engines, the '04 will have 40 more HP.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 907
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From: Citrus Heights, CA
I would suggest you plan on a 4WD. It will cost you a bit more, but when I used to have farriers come out, it was sometimes through a muddy pasture or a pretty rough access road. It will cost you a bit more, of course. As you are just starting up, you may not have the higher end clientèle with paved roads and easily accessible paddocks/arenas/stables.
A 5.4 with the factory tow package and an automatic transmission will easily handle a one horse trailer. I've towed two horses with much less horsepower, but it would struggle up the hills. The factory hitch will tow up to 5,000 pounds. If the extended cab has a longer wheelbase, you'll have better control of the trailer if a difficult condition were to arise while on the road.
A 5.4 with the factory tow package and an automatic transmission will easily handle a one horse trailer. I've towed two horses with much less horsepower, but it would struggle up the hills. The factory hitch will tow up to 5,000 pounds. If the extended cab has a longer wheelbase, you'll have better control of the trailer if a difficult condition were to arise while on the road.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,921
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From: central TX
They also made the older 97-03 body style in '04, they called it the "heritage" model. Most '04's will be the newer body style, just wanted to eliminate any confusion.
I'm not sure what you consider "light" for a trailer but, if it will be towing regularly, I would look for a 5.4 engine as well. As stated, the '03 was basically the end of the model run and had most all the kinks worked out, I would opt for it over a new body style '04, for reliability. Don't expect that 40 additional hp to be very evident on the newer trucks, they also weigh more. Different cab and bed choices...that's up to you.
Lots of different trim levels on these trucks. From low to high: XL, Sport, STX, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch. These will get you anywhere from gray bumpers, Vinyl seats, rubber flooring and steel wheels, to body color or chrome bumpers, cloth or leather seats and aluminum wheels. There are also the Lightning and Harley Davidson models, but I doubt you will be interested in those (supercharged, high performance).
Stay away from the 4.2 V6 if you will be towing regularly. The 4.6 V8 can do OK depending on some other factors, and the 5.4 will do great. The manual transmission trucks have a much lower tow weight rating.
I'm not sure what you consider "light" for a trailer but, if it will be towing regularly, I would look for a 5.4 engine as well. As stated, the '03 was basically the end of the model run and had most all the kinks worked out, I would opt for it over a new body style '04, for reliability. Don't expect that 40 additional hp to be very evident on the newer trucks, they also weigh more. Different cab and bed choices...that's up to you.
Lots of different trim levels on these trucks. From low to high: XL, Sport, STX, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch. These will get you anywhere from gray bumpers, Vinyl seats, rubber flooring and steel wheels, to body color or chrome bumpers, cloth or leather seats and aluminum wheels. There are also the Lightning and Harley Davidson models, but I doubt you will be interested in those (supercharged, high performance).
Stay away from the 4.2 V6 if you will be towing regularly. The 4.6 V8 can do OK depending on some other factors, and the 5.4 will do great. The manual transmission trucks have a much lower tow weight rating.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
get a supercab so you can put things inside the back seat, and not have to be outside in the bed.... get a 4 x 4 as the guys said so you can go anywhere and pull the trailer in low lock if needed in the barn yard..... get the 5.4 motor and you have plenty of power and the automatic is great.---- 2002-2003 are nice, 2004-05 are a littel bigger and heavier.
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