Tow Capacity

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Sep 23, 2010 | 12:52 PM

AkanaF150

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Tow Capacity

I have a 2001 F150 5.4L V8 4x4. It didn't come with a tow package and I haven't crawled under it to see what the axle ratio is yet (door sticker is gone and it didn't come with the owners manuel). It's a supercab with a six foot bed and an automatic transmission (four speed). I have gotten various results from web searches saying it's tow capacity is from 6,000 to 8,000. I know it's going to need beefing up since it didn't come with a tow package. I have a 5,000 lbs (dry) travel trailer and would LOVE it if I could use my existing truck to pull it. Since it's only a 1/2 ton I have gotten conflicting views on using it. Can anyone help me with figuring out the tow capacity?

Thanks!

Sep 23, 2010 | 02:27 PM

93 mix 'n match

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Joined: Mar 2009

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From: Montague, NJ

its a 5.4 and a 4wd so its got AT LEAST a 3.55 in the rear. plus its an auto.

slap a hitch on it, buy a plug for it and call it a day. it'll tow it no problem.

Sep 23, 2010 | 02:35 PM

n3up

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jan 2002

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From: Aston Pa USA

The major factors in determining your tow rating are going to be your axle ratio and vehicle weight.

You should be able to find a max GCWR (Gross combination weight rating) for your engine, trans, and axle ratio. The weight you can tow is going to be your GCWR minus the weight of your truck (including passengers and cargo).

If you have 3.55 gears, you should be good for around 5K at least. If you have 3.73, or 4.10 you'll be able to tow more.

The factory tow package adds Super cooling (aux trans cooler, bigger radiator), trailer wiring and possibly a bigger alternator and battery. (97 got 130A alt).

I have a 97 SC 4X4 4.6L with factory trailer package and 3.55LS rear.
I tow a 16 foot enclosed trailer for the HS Marching band that is close to 5K loaded.
The little 4.6 works it's a$$ off but it does it.

At the very least you should add an aux trans cooler (as large as you can physically fit) and you may have to do some wiring.
Most trucks should have at least the basic stop, turn, tail wiring (4 flat connector) already in place, but you may have to run wires for electric brakes and trailer battery charge.

Sep 24, 2010 | 02:41 AM

Bluegrass 7

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Said another way by example, if your truck is speced at a gross combined weight of say 11,600 lbs, that means if your truck weighs in at 6000lbs, then 11,600 minus 6000 lbs = 5600 max loaded trailer weight and truck weight.
The truck fitness to tow is another issue.
You need the proper tow hitch reciever rateing, the 7 pin wire harness, a trailer brake controller and attention to transmission cooling, good tires etc.
This subject is one of the most misunderstood.
Good luck.

Sep 24, 2010 | 05:00 AM

shorebird

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Joined: Feb 2003

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From: Long Beach, Ms.

Go to the top of this page and click on Articles/specs.
Select your year.
Click on Specifications link in the gray box.
Scroll to the bottom of the page for towing specs.
Supercrew is rated to #7700.
Regular cab is rated up to #8400 for the 138" wheelbase.

Sep 24, 2010 | 11:59 AM

AkanaF150

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Thank you for your help everyone. Btw I did find out the axle ratio, it's 3.55. Anyway, I have hauled my horses around with my truck and it powered up even the steepest inclines. But after more research and advice, I think it would be pushing it to try and tow anything heavier. I would hate to kill my truck experimenting! lol I hate how confusing all the information on tow capacity is. We are going up to look at a F250 7.3L diesel.....that should get er done