towing capacities????
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 342
Likes: 1
From: South central kansas
I had a 2002 F150 FX4 w/ the 5.4 in it and it would tow 5-6k without any serious problems. I towed this weight usually 3-4 times a year 200 miles one way. The obvious issues were there; it only ran 60-65 on flat windless highways, it slowed down to about 50 going up any considerable grade, fuel economy sucked. But as far as safety issues I had no problems. It didn't hurt the truck (just make sure you turn the overdrive off) and I had no problems what-so-ever stopping, I also did not have a controller for the brakes. I figure if you get the light weight campers they make today like the 3800 pounder you will be fine. Also, if it is an option, look into what they call a 1/2 ton fifth wheel. It will tow way better than a bumper pull. Of course you can't haul anything of considerable size in the bed while towing. JMHO
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
I routinely tow 7000lbs with the same setup you have fireman and I only loose speed on severe hills. Normal hills dropped me to third gear but second gear was reserved for only the nasty hills. I've driven 4,000 miles with this setup over the past year (purchased the trailer in Jan 07). It would DEFINATELY appreciate 4.10 gears, but the 3.55's do the job.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 586
Likes: 1
just remember it wasn't designed to hold 50 mph on significant grades, but rather 25-30 without damaging the truck. Safe, comfortable towing has nothing to do with the speed you can maintain. I can get up to 70+ with my camper by just giving it more gas, however i usually cruise at around 60-63. Seems like and odd number, but it's the speed that the trucks rpm's are comfortable out of overdrive, the truck stays nice and cool, and it can maintain that speed without shifting until the grade gets to 6% or better.
Drive with the temp guage and tach, nothing else. Just remember to click on the flashers when you happen to dip below 50 mph on a climb.
Drive with the temp guage and tach, nothing else. Just remember to click on the flashers when you happen to dip below 50 mph on a climb.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
I tow professionally... thanks though 
I'm talking about staying in gear at those speeds, not redlining. I know how bad repeated shifting under load is for a transmission. Thousands of miles at highway speeds towing relatively heavy loads and never had a temp problem or a tranny issue, and I hope to keep it like that.
I'm talking about staying in gear at those speeds, not redlining. I know how bad repeated shifting under load is for a transmission. Thousands of miles at highway speeds towing relatively heavy loads and never had a temp problem or a tranny issue, and I hope to keep it like that.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Republic of TEXAS
Originally Posted by CougarXR02
just remember it wasn't designed to hold 50 mph on significant grades, but rather 25-30 without damaging the truck. Safe, comfortable towing has nothing to do with the speed you can maintain. I can get up to 70+ with my camper by just giving it more gas, however i usually cruise at around 60-63. Seems like and odd number, but it's the speed that the trucks rpm's are comfortable out of overdrive, the truck stays nice and cool, and it can maintain that speed without shifting until the grade gets to 6% or better.
Drive with the temp guage and tach, nothing else. Just remember to click on the flashers when you happen to dip below 50 mph on a climb.
Drive with the temp guage and tach, nothing else. Just remember to click on the flashers when you happen to dip below 50 mph on a climb.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 586
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by grafekie
I tow professionally... thanks though I'm talking about staying in gear at those speeds, not redlining. I know how bad repeated shifting under load is for a transmission. Thousands of miles at highway speeds towing relatively heavy loads and never had a temp problem or a tranny issue, and I hope to keep it like that.
I'm talking about staying in gear at those speeds, not redlining. I know how bad repeated shifting under load is for a transmission. Thousands of miles at highway speeds towing relatively heavy loads and never had a temp problem or a tranny issue, and I hope to keep it like that.
I know when it comes to towing it's better to assume lack of knowledge and state the obvious things to make sure they aren't overlooked.
Definately agree that with 4.10s is would be a much more comfortable task for the truck in question.
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