4wheelguy

Hello all, glad to be a part of this forum.

I am at the point where I need to decide the future of my truck:
i.e., buy used, lease, buy online/local, keep and fix up (options)
The most fitting F-150 model (within last 6 years maybe)
I am not an auto machanic : (
Thanks in advance!

Here are some truck attributes I'd like to have:

-Exceptional torque/towing power for my travel trailer.
My current truck has a tough time pulling the trailer up rolling hills; engine light
flashes during strain; easily burns 3/4 tank of gas in 3 hour trip.

-Safety (most models seem pretty safe but there may be some sub par)

-Technology (at least a backup camera)

-Cost (20K - 25K) Don't want high monthly payments just for some bells and
whistles.


Here are the specs of my truck.

F150
2005
XLT
5.4L V8
Supercrew
4WD
140K miles
Potential work needed (transmission/power steering/frame rusting a bit)

Here are the specs of my travel trailer

Spree Connect K-Z 250 BHS
28 feet
Empty weight 5,120
Max weight 6,800

Gene K

6.2 Max Tow

Steve Osborne

Max tow for sure.....check the payload thread....
Mine xlt/xtr package...payload 1740lbs....5.0l 3.55 gears max tow----10100lbs rated....
My trailer 28ft...somewhere in the 7-8000lbs...and 22ft cargo with built in camper/2atvs in back...
Or 2013 eco 3.73 max tow....rated 11200lbs payload 1680lbs...

acdii

If you know the tongue weight, then shop for payload. For the best towing experience, the Ecoboost is tops, but it drinks gas while towing.

My Coleman weighs in at 6300# loaded, but GVWR is 7200. I pulled it with ease with a 14 Lariat Screw EB with 5.5 bed and 3.15 gearing up the mountains of CO, and it pulled like a raped ape(whatever a raped ape is, have no idea, but like that phrase so I used it). The only downside I had was that using a tune caused it to run too hot, once I removed the tune and towed stock it ran cooler, but not as strong, but still strong enough to walk away from all the rest.

Finding a truck with the Max Tow package is difficult, finding out what a trucks payload is is even more difficult unless you do it yourself. Salesmen are dumbfounded when you ask them to look up the capacity tag. As long as you can find one with the tow package, and a payload that can handle your people, gear and tongue weight, go for it. When in doubt if it has a tow package, we discovered that the hitch ratings determine the package.

10k hitch is non tow package,
11K hitch is Tow Package
12K hitch is Max Tow Package.

The tag is on the drivers side of the hitch, so you have to look underneath to get it, the Capacity tag is either on the drivers side B pillar or on the drivers door. It has the yellow banner on it.

Hope this helps.

tomb1269

I notice you listed Trany under potential work. It is not a matter of if you will replace/rebuild the trany its a matter of when as the 4R75W & 4R70W have a deisgn flaw un the front Drive drum, see the Jasper Engines video on it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrcF...ature=youtu.be
Also the Phasers are a ticking time bomb, and the best you can do is to use the best oil, change out the older version VCTs with the most recent upgrades to improve oil flow and retention for start up. But as you can see in this Jasper Engines video on the 5.4 the oil pump is a problem particularly at mid to high RPM like when towing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUdLPh25c0w
I truly do love the look of my F150 and the feel, but I am sad to say it will be my last Ford product.

atwowheelguy

The tranny on my '01 5.4 went out at 160k miles. Replaced it with a Ford remanufactured unit and it was still fine when I traded it in at 240k. it cost $2k for the transmission installed back in '09. Traded for '13 six speed 3.5 Ecoboost, 3.55. LOVE it. Towing a toy hauler, loaded at 6700# to 7100#. The truck's rear axle is loaded right to the limit (1607# payload), but it tows well and the engine is outstanding. Lots of power at low rpm, quiet and smooth. 25-27 mpg hwy unloaded (indicated by the computer), 10-12 mpg towing. Had a boost sensor and a windshield wiper switch fail at about 95k miles. Replaced front rotors and brake pads. Other than that, just routine maintenance every 5k miles.

Velosprout

Wecome to the forum. Congratulations for doing some calculation before the purchase.
The primary need for safe and comfortable towing is the payload rating on the truck. Exceed this limit and you will either have an uncomfortable and unsafe driver or start seeking modifications like airbags,etc., to relieve some of the symptoms of being overload.
Calculate you need for payload. Your tongue weight of your camper can be weighed with a tongue weight scale (your RV dealership might have one, or available online) when the camper is packed for travel. However, it is probably about 13% of the camper weight, or 890 pounds. Here is an example of how to calculate your needed payload:
890 Pounds tongue weight
80 Pounds weight distributing hitch
190 Pounds driver
400 pounds three passengers and all personal items such as personal electronics, purses, child seats
50 pounds tonneau cover
40 pounds bedliner
10 pounds aftermarket mud shields
10 pounds floor mats
30 pounds contents of glove box and first aid kit/toolsunder back seat
350 punds golf clubs, cooler, luggage in truck bed
Total 2050 Pounds Payload Needed
Do the above numbers for your own situation. Shop for your new truck that has at LEAST the payload figure you come up with using your own example. Inspect the payload on the yellow sticker on the door frame of the truck, not the Ford Specs which are for a truck with no options at all. If your numbers are like the example above, you will either need to find a basic, no-option truck, a very-rare Heavy Duty Payload F150 3.5 EcoBoost or 5.0. V8 (Heavy Duty Payload is not available on the 2.5 EcoBoost; don’t get confused with the2.5 EcoBoost Payload package; that isn’t the same thing), or a F250 with a 6.2 gas engine.
If you are towing alone, with nothing in the truck bed, no aftermarket accessories (lifts, levels, and bigger tires/wheels all reduce payload), you need less payload, but it is ideal to add a cushion for hauling back bushels of apples, gifts, souvenirs, antique finds, or inviting along a guest.
I too, wanted the Nav, and back-up camera. but found a truck that I wanted without it. A Garmin DezlCam provides back-up camera, navigation (with height restriction alerts) and a dash cam in one unit for around $600.