Towing Questions
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Southwest Ohio
Towing Questions
I have a 2004 F150 4.6L, 2WD XLT V-8 Triton, this truck did not come with the towing package, except for a transmission cooler and a 4 way flat wiring harness I added a 6,000 pound rated trailer hitch and ball, I plan on purchasing a 21 foot Cabin Cuddy Boat within about a month or two, dry weight of the boat is about 4,000 pounds, empty with no loaded gear or nothing the trailer has surge brakes (which needs to be repaired), so basically I will be towing it for a while without trailer brakes.. my question is should this truck pull this boat easily, or would it be to much for it?? Thanks for all input.. 
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Blacksburg, VA
I have a 2004 F150 4.6L, 2WD XLT V-8 Triton, this truck did not come with the towing package, except for a transmission cooler and a 4 way flat wiring harness I added a 6,000 pound rated trailer hitch and ball, I plan on purchasing a 21 foot Cabin Cuddy Boat within about a month or two, dry weight of the boat is about 4,000 pounds, empty with no loaded gear or nothing the trailer has surge brakes (which needs to be repaired), so basically I will be towing it for a while without trailer brakes.. my question is should this truck pull this boat easily, or would it be to much for it?? Thanks for all input..
With this said, the big issues for you are going to be which engine and gears do you have? Do you have the 4.6L or the Triton? Also which gears are in the truck, and what transmission and payload package do you have. Once you know these, you can go to Fords site and download the towing guide for your year truck and know the exact limits. Don't take my word, or anyone else's KNOW the limits and be sure to be under them by a safe distance.
A few things to keep in mind are that you probably will want to add a transmission fluid cooler if you have an automatic transmission. Likewise, you might want to check on the boat forums about pulling a boat that size out of the water with a 4X2. Some ramps can be VERY slick and it can be a challenge at times with a 2WD truck so an upgrade of tires might be needed depending on the ramps that you use.
Good luck and let us know what you do and how it works out.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 258
Likes: 5
From: Grants Pass, Oregon
I pulled a 25 ft. trailer with my 97 F150 2wd 4.6L Triton engine just fine. It had no trailer tow package either just a tranny cooler added. Going over high Mt. passes I had to floor the gas & could only maintain 48mph but everywhere else was no problem. Terrible gas mileage pulling! LOL, but I expected that. No overheating problems nothing, & I was a lot heavier than your boat.
It was not the ideal setup but it worked well for me...my '02 4x4 with the 5.4 & tow package does lots better, no strain, better mpg, even with the 3:73 gears
It was not the ideal setup but it worked well for me...my '02 4x4 with the 5.4 & tow package does lots better, no strain, better mpg, even with the 3:73 gears
Notorious Thread Editor
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Sin City
Most boat trailers for boats that size have hydraulic brakes so you should be fine as long as you don't go beyond the tow capacity of your truck. DO NOT tow this much weight without trailer brakes.
With this said, the big issues for you are going to be which engine and gears do you have? Do you have the 4.6L or the Triton? Also which gears are in the truck, and what transmission and payload package do you have. Once you know these, you can go to Fords site and download the towing guide for your year truck and know the exact limits. Don't take my word, or anyone else's KNOW the limits and be sure to be under them by a safe distance.
A few things to keep in mind are that you probably will want to add a transmission fluid cooler if you have an automatic transmission. Likewise, you might want to check on the boat forums about pulling a boat that size out of the water with a 4X2. Some ramps can be VERY slick and it can be a challenge at times with a 2WD truck so an upgrade of tires might be needed depending on the ramps that you use.
Good luck and let us know what you do and how it works out.
With this said, the big issues for you are going to be which engine and gears do you have? Do you have the 4.6L or the Triton? Also which gears are in the truck, and what transmission and payload package do you have. Once you know these, you can go to Fords site and download the towing guide for your year truck and know the exact limits. Don't take my word, or anyone else's KNOW the limits and be sure to be under them by a safe distance.
A few things to keep in mind are that you probably will want to add a transmission fluid cooler if you have an automatic transmission. Likewise, you might want to check on the boat forums about pulling a boat that size out of the water with a 4X2. Some ramps can be VERY slick and it can be a challenge at times with a 2WD truck so an upgrade of tires might be needed depending on the ramps that you use.
Good luck and let us know what you do and how it works out.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/specs/2004/2004_f150_7.html
If you don't trust them here is stuff from ford, but is for an 08.
http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/2...eatures/specs/
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 27
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From: Los Angeles Ca.
as you can see from my foto i have a 2004 f150 lariat 5.4 triton and it pulls my 24'reinell cuddy cabin with no problem.a tranny cooler is a GREAT idea!I wouldn't pull a HEAVY load w/o one!It's NOT a good idea (not only that it's illegal-at least in CA.)to pull a trailer w/o brakes!Do yourself a favor-Fix the brakes!Try bleeding the brakes.Check for leaks!GOOD LUCK!
Redneck engineerin'
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 9
From: North Liberty, Iowa
Agreed, get those brakes fixed. My buddy ruined a rear end of his truck towing without trailer brakes on a trailer that needed it. It cost him over $1400 for a used rear end and a lot of pain and suffering. Take everyone's advice and get the brakes fixed. Like sin said it's not about pulling the trailer it's about stopping the trailer.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
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I have a 2004 F150 4.6L, 2WD XLT V-8 Triton, this truck did not come with the towing package, except for a transmission cooler and a 4 way flat wiring harness I added a 6,000 pound rated trailer hitch and ball, I plan on purchasing a 21 foot Cabin Cuddy Boat within about a month or two, dry weight of the boat is about 4,000 pounds, empty with no loaded gear or nothing the trailer has surge brakes (which needs to be repaired), so basically I will be towing it for a while without trailer brakes.. my question is should this truck pull this boat easily, or would it be to much for it?? Thanks for all input..