Towing/Power question
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
The 03-04 models are prob ones to avoid. 05's and up they got the problems under control. If you do NOT plan on power adders, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a checked out 6.0. Have a dealer (or someone that is able) run the VIN thru Ford OASIS to see any dealer noted problems with the truck.
I've had mine since new (AUG 2005) and I love it! No major problems at all.
I've had mine since new (AUG 2005) and I love it! No major problems at all.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Just got rid of my 99 F150 crew cab 7ft bed. Had 6" suspension lift stiff springs air bags in the back and Load range D tires. Brakes were good empty but lacking towing 5000 pounds.
now have 00 PSD Super crew long bed OH Yeah Baby! truck can slow the earths rotation with the brakes, I am convinced it can't be wagged by a trailer. Now use the mirrors to check and make sure trailer is still back there.
now have 00 PSD Super crew long bed OH Yeah Baby! truck can slow the earths rotation with the brakes, I am convinced it can't be wagged by a trailer. Now use the mirrors to check and make sure trailer is still back there.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7,841
Likes: 0
From: Vacaville, Ca
My 95 has no problems pulling 16,000lbs of toyhauler. Not too many mods and wait, its paid for. LOL With the money it would cost to purchase another truck, you could make plenty of power with your 94.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento Ca
One of the key pieces of information that we are missing is how often you are towing the said 5k trailer. Keep in mind some people on this web site will say they can tow 8k with a 4cyl ranger and others will say you need a duelly diesel to tow 2k. Take all the advice with a grain of salt. (yes, I will include my own in that.) If you are only towing several times a month I would go with the half ton, if that is several times a week, the 3/4 ton will serve you better in the long run. As for motors, you probably want to stay with the 3 valve 5.4. It is a huge jump from the 2 valve. Again this will be influenced by how you are using it. If you are towing 2 times a week and have a 5000' climb every time you probably want to step up to the diesel or the v10, otherwise the 3 valve 5.4 will serve you well. On the other hand, if your total pull is 3 miles of flat backroad, any motor will probably work just fine.
Just some thoughts to ponder. At the end of the day it is up to you and what you will be happy with.
Just some thoughts to ponder. At the end of the day it is up to you and what you will be happy with.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 0
From: Culpeper, Virginia
Hey everyone. I've got a question that I've been trying to wrap my brain around for the last week or so. I'm thinking of getting a newer truck. Currently I have 94' turbo diesel 4x4 that I use to pull a horse trailer. I'd have more power available when I pull up long grades in the Blue Ridge Mtns? Thanks.
As for towing, what others have said about the bigger truck's pluses in my mind would outweigh the advantages of the F150 being easier to drive day to day.
It comes down to in my mind how much you pull and how often it gets driven without a trailer.
I'm in the same dilemma. I pull a Jeep CJ lightly modified on a open deck hauler, or a 5000lb TT.
Our old F350 gits er' done, but it's aging, it's a gasser so the mileage and power is less than a diesel, and the ride sucks compared to my F150. But for dedicated towing, I feel much more stable in the big truck, even if it's a bit tired, with it's honking brakes and bigger, longer wheelbase, and stiffer suspension.
That said, PM about your truck. If you think you're on track to fix that issue, and she fits my needs, maybe I can take her off your hands.
Best of luck in your endeavor.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,339
Likes: 0
From: Smithers, BC, Canada
Assuming that the trailer has brakes, the F150 should do just fine and be perfectly safe. The F150 probably has as good or better breaks then your 94 and has more then anough power to pull such a small trailer.
My horse trailer is in the 7000lb area when loaded. I would pull it with a F150, and all my hauling is in the coastal mountains up here in Western Canada where 10% grades aren't considered steep. I bought the F250 for the payload, not the towing; a common load for me would put the F150 overweight.
Well, thats my 2cents,
Jason
My horse trailer is in the 7000lb area when loaded. I would pull it with a F150, and all my hauling is in the coastal mountains up here in Western Canada where 10% grades aren't considered steep. I bought the F250 for the payload, not the towing; a common load for me would put the F150 overweight.
Well, thats my 2cents,
Jason
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
A 150 can pull a 2 horse trailer just fine. If you haul frequently and/or in the mountains I would worry about premature wear on the components.
However, when things go a bit wrong I have really enjoyed the super duty. Whether it is emergency braking, more power (v-10 for me), or better handling of a trailer it all works a bit better for me.
Should I be in those situations? No. Do I somehow manage to find myself there? Yes.
However, when things go a bit wrong I have really enjoyed the super duty. Whether it is emergency braking, more power (v-10 for me), or better handling of a trailer it all works a bit better for me.
Should I be in those situations? No. Do I somehow manage to find myself there? Yes.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
