"Real" world tow capacity of 5.4L F150 SuperCrew?

[Baketech]

Looking for anyone with a 5.4L F150 4x4 Supercrew to pass along their towing experience. <br /><br />By the book, this truck is rated to pull around 7,100lbs....but I would like to hear some real world experience from folks that have pulled a boat/trailer combo of ~6,000lbs.<br /><br />Thanks in advance....

 

[parnelli]

Re: "Real" world tow capacity of 5.4L F150 SuperCrew?

I pulled a 31' travel trailer that weighed in at about 7000 fully loaded with a 2001 F150 SuperCrew. Occasionally a steep or long hill would make it work a little harder than I wanted it to, but overall, I was very impressed with how it pulled. <br /> I usually pulled between 60 and 70 mph. Could go 80 on flat land, but I always felt that I was up against the limits for the truck if I needed to make a quick maneuver or stop, so I tried to keep the speed down a little. I have since got a fifth wheel so I had to trade trucks, otherwise, I would still have it and would recommend it.<br /> I have pulled with every brand of 1/2 ton over the last 20 years and this was my favorite.

 

[Baketech]

Re: "Real" world tow capacity of 5.4L F150 SuperCrew?

Thanks Parnelli,<br /><br />We have an 18' BR on a single axle with no brakes now, but are looking to buy a Crownline 230CCR. I am hoping that our F150 will be up to the task...your post sounds encouraging!

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: "Real" world tow capacity of 5.4L F150 SuperCrew?

Baketech As long as your f150 is equipped with factory tow package it will be fine, I have towed with fords for the past 20 or so years, Always with a tow package and have yet to have a problem, currently I tow a 5000# boat/trailer combo with a 4.0L sohc v6 with 5 speed auto. Explorer with factory 6000# package, no problems and truck has over 50,000 miles. I suggest you do not use overdrive when towing, I don't use 5th and must say that I still get good mileage and have good power uphill, this truck holds 60mph all day long....but of course trailer brakes are a must...just to add I did tow my 33ft travel trailer with a f150 5.4l which comes in at about 7700 lbs without the weight distributing bars attached...it handled the load well this was for a short distance of course and did not exceed 45mph.

 

[jmeydenbauer]

Re: "Real" world tow capacity of 5.4L F150 SuperCrew?

I've got a 2000 F150 SuperCrew 4X4 that gets used to tow a 24' 6000# travel trailer with a WDH quite a bit. He handles great.<br /><br />One side note, I just bought a 20' Deep V boat that sits on a tandem trailer. I think the boat only weighs @ 3500#. Towing this thing home sucked. I'll need to check if the weight is distributed correctly on the trailer cause this thing was bouncing the crap out of my truck.

 

[CCrew]

Re: "Real" world tow capacity of 5.4L F150 SuperCrew?

Real world? It's a 5000lb capacity truck. More and you can pull it, but you shorten it's life. <br /><br />I've been pulling travel trailers (currently own a 10k lb 32 footer) enclosed car trailers, and now a boat. Killed a brand new half ton Dodge with 5.9 in 16k miles with a 5500lb TT, and 6200lb loaded car trailer. Bought a PSD Superduty and never looked back.

 

[TooTired]

Re: "Real" world tow capacity of 5.4L F150 SuperCrew?

you should have no problems what so ever! I only have the 4.6 in my f150 and dont have any problems towing 6000lbs.

 

[Baketech]

Re: "Real" world tow capacity of 5.4L F150 SuperCrew?

Thanks for the info folks.....

 

[Parrott_head]

Re: "Real" world tow capacity of 5.4L F150 SuperCrew?

Baketech,<br /><br />I regularly tow a 6300 lb trailer with a 4.6 Lt F-150. Does just fine, just have to be aware of traffic conditions and not put yourself is a situation where acceleration becomes critical. On ramps and traffic lights are two areas this applies too. I replace the stock shocks with Monroe load levelers all the way around. Helped quite a bit with the handling. Have your tranny serviced regularly and make sure when the differential is serviced they use the correct oil for a Ford limited slip. It's a synthetic oil with a friction modifier as I recall.<br />By the way, mine is a two wheel drive and does just fine on the ramp.