Hi all,

I am wondering if someone can help me figure out the tow weights? We have the 2004 4X4 F150 STX 4.6L automatic trans. We want to haul a 2 horse stock trailer for our cows. The trailer weighs 3500. The sticker on the truck door says GVWR 6950. (Front GAWR 3600, back GAWR 3800). The manual says it's Maximum Trailer Weight is 5900. The GCWR is 11500. Can someone help me figure out how much I can actually tow? I've never had to haul before & don't want to overload the truck while loaded. Cows are roughly 1200lb ea. Thank you for your help.

Cristin

 

Well, I'm not very experienced with F150's, but I would reccomed a good starting point is to go somewhere and have your truck weighed with everything in it that would normally be in it when you are hauling the cows - including full of fuel. Once we have that number we can do a little math and let you know whether or not you will be within FORD's guidelines. Based on what you have given us so far, I think you will be very close to the maximum that FORD reccomends.

All that being said, I think you'll be fine. You may find that the truck is a little underpowered with the 4.6L on hills pulling that load, but I personally wouldn't consider it unsafe.

Good luck.

 

The first thing you should do is to confirm the tow ratings of your truck by downloading this chart:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...ailer_F150.pdf

Make sure you select your actual body style, engine, transmission, and rear axle ratio. The owners manual that came with your truck is often just an overview, and may not be the complete guide.

Once you know your maximum trailer weight and maximum combined weight, then it just becomes a math problem.

For example, 3,500 (empty trailer) + 1,200 (cow) + 1,200 (cow) = 5,900. Assuming your quoted 5,900 rating is correct, you are right at the limit. Do you add much other weight, like feed, straw, water? That can easily put you over the limit.

Then check your GCVWR, which is combined weight. This has to be the truck, all the people, and all the cargo, plus the trailer. This is likely the value that will give you problems. If you have a trailer that is already at the tow limit, you probably can't put much of anything, including your family, in the truck or you will exceed the GCVWR.

On top of all this, I personally don't like to exceed 80% of the tow ratings on these less well equipped light trucks. The Superduty guys exceed the ratings all the time, but it isn't such a good idea on an F150 with the small engine.

I don't have all of your facts at hand, but this one does not sound good to me.

 

mine was 6500 lbs for towing from the reciever. I had that same motor. I towed 8K with it. Not recommended. I think you otta do an upgrade myself.

 

any chance you have a link like this for the 2011 F250 ??

 

ford had it up on their ford.com website, but can't find it this evening will look tomorrow and see if I can find it again.

 

I don't think I have yet seen the towing guide in PDF format. But it is available on the Ford site.

2011 Ford Super Duty | View Towing Specifications | FordVehicles.com

 

maybe 2 cows is the max you'll be able to pull....but remember that live cargo(and especially cows which might not be use to being shipped around) might move the trailer around a bit...

 

Perhaps a sway control bar is a needed accessory?