Towing Question-Truck Related

[Jim Hudson]

Hey guys, I am in the market for a new truck, where I have been crunching the numbers and looking at vehicles. Curious to see the thoughts on overall towing abilities on a 4.6 liter in a F-150. With a tow package of course.

Also, any issues I should be aware about the 04 model F-150's?

Thanks much in advance...

[upnorth]

I have an 05 F150 with the 4.6 and I have absolutley no problems towing my 17' Crestliner. Uphills, except for the reeeeally steep ones, no problems at all, doesn't even downshift. The gas mileage does fall off to about 15 mpg, but I can live with that.

[IFallsRon]

What/how heavy will you be towing, what kind of distance and what kind of terrain?

[Jim Hudson]

For the terrain and distances, most towing will be done in short distances and on fairly level ground. With times that I will be traveling 250 miles one way or a bit more, but this will be limited travel.

Also, as of now I will be towing a 17 foot boat, with the possibility of moving up to a 20 to 21 foot model (glass or alum) here in the near future. Also, towing a two place snowmobile trailer and sleds.

[Valv]

If you can step up to a 3/4 ton even a gasser it will help in the long run, especially if you will tow heavier.

Don't get me wrong, 1/2 ton tow fine, just I would be better a 3/4ton, difference in price shouldn't be much and rideability is almost identical.

[caseymcq]

You might want to look at getting a F-150 with the 5.4. A little more snort so the motor won't have to work as hard to pull the boat. Less stress on the motor and probably less on the tranny if the extra power keeps it from downshifting as much as it might with the 4.6. From talking to people that have had both I have been told there is really no difference in MPG.

You could even look at stepping up to a GMC

[Northlander]

Jim I have the 4.6 and I will be getting rid of it for the 5.4. It is great on gas and can haul small stuff like wheelers and sleds fine but when I hook up the boat its not as much power as I need and milage drops big time. Im better off with the bigger motor.

Dont get the 4.6 especially if you may go to a 20' boat.

[delmuts]

i asked a similer question last winter as i was looking at trading trucks( i pull a 17 ranger boat). with the info between the guys here and a couple of dealers, i went with the 5.4 engine.as said , the milage difference is nil, but the power difference is! with a bigger boat, i think you would be happier with the 5.4. i know i am.

[cold one sd]

I pull an 1800 fisherman with a 5.4 with no problems.

[hanson]

Jim-

More power! More power!

My GMC has the 5.3L Vortec in it and that motor has given me no problems at all while towing. Most of the time, I don't even know I'm towing something unless I get into some hill country. 2 sleds and a trailer are no problem at all. My 16' aluminum boat with a 60hp is effortless as well.

I think I would just look at the bigger motor and you'll be super happy!

[upnorth]

If you are thinking of a 20 to 21 foot glass boat, I would definetely be looking at 5.4 or even a 3/4 ton. Just because you can tow it doesn't mean it would tow it nicely.

[ChuckN]

Yep, the 5.4L is the only way to go IMO, and I love mine.

I've towed a couple cars on flatbed trailers, skidsteers, 28' camper, sleds and 19' glass boat...even with a smaller PU camper. I would love a 3/4, but I can't give up on my current truck just yet.

[Blaze]

My impression of the 4.6 is that it's a dog - that's MY impression from the times I've ridden in them, but I've never owned one personally. The straight-6 300 motor Ford used to make was a much better powerplant IMO.

Here's a simple thing to consider:

Have you ever heard someone say "I really wish my truck had MORE power"?

Now stop and think, have you ever heard someone say "I wish my truck DIDN'T have so much power"?

I rest my case. I've spoken the words in the first line before, but never again. Spend the extra few hundred bucks and get something you'll be satisfied with long term. Mileage is typically within 1-2MPG, so there's no major difference in operating costs either.

Blaze

[Eckie]

Jim--

I'll jump on...I have a 19ft glass Larson FishnSki. It's not light by any means and I travel 200+ miles one way a few times a summer. I have the 5.4 in a 04 F150 Lariat. If I didn't check my mirrors, I wouldn't even know the boat is back there. Gas mileage is 13-14 pulling, and 18-19 otherwise...can't ask for much more out of a pickup. It's the first Ford I've owned, but if they keep building em like this one, it won't be the last.

[dirtking]

My old man has the 4.6 (with the towing package) and I have the 5.4 - what a difference. We get basically the same gas mileage and mine (the 5.4) pulls worlds apart better than his - he has kicked himself for the last 5 years for getting the 4.6

[elevatorguy]

Well I am not much of a ford man but I have a 04 F150 with 5.4 for work and I will say it pulls my 1800 fisherman just fine. Even living in Duluth and goin up the big hill. I have an 03 Chevy 2500 HD with the 6.0 liter for a personal truck. This truck is a pulling machine but if I could go back to a half ton that pulls like this Ford I would for the empty gas mileage. So maybe some day down the road soon I will have to downsize.

[Jim Hudson]

Hey guys, thanks for all the info... I will definately be looking for a truck that has over a 5 liter..

[Fish Head]

I have a 5.4ltr on my F150 and it pulls my 18 1/2 ft boat and tons of gear like a charm.

Good Luck!