Hi! I'm new to the forum here, but I was hoping that someone could help me out with some info. I have a 2006 F150 with a 4.2V6 and a 5 spd. The towing capacity is quoted as 2200 lbs I think. This seems low to me given the fact that it has the "fully boxed frame". Does anyone have any experience towing with this package or any insight as to the low towing capacity. Thanks for the help.

 

I'm not sure about the exact numbers but I'm pretty sure that engine size & rear differential gear ratio has the main bearing on your towing capacity rating. Your 4.2 is going to have quite a lot less tow rating than a 4.6 or 5.4 would. Just my guess. Welcome to the forum.

 

Could be an issue with the transmission - according to this source -
http://www.trailerboats.com/towratin...it=&max_tlimit=

- the automatic with the V6 and same axle ratio has a significantly higher tow rating, at least for the short-bed. I'm thinking the specs for the long-bed version has a typo since it has similar low and high tow ratings, but both for automatics - assuming that the low tow rating should be for the manual also????????

 

Thanks for the responses. The ratings on the Trailerboats.com link for the automatic are more what I expected for this setup. I guess the 5 spd is the limiting factor. Thanks for the help guys!

 

Any other thoughts?

 

I'm sure Ford wouldn't list a spec that they didn't have confidence in, and it would be in their best interest to make the numbers as high as they were comfortable with for marketing and bragging purposes.

Sure, you may get away with towing a heavier load, given the right conditions (flat surfaces, slower speeds, keeping engine RPMs high to lower torque output for a given speed, etc.) - but in the end, you would be exceeding the published manufacturer's spec for that truck, and the probability of failure under such conditions will be much higher but not necessarily an absolute guarantee.

It seems like your truck setup is what used to be marketed as the 'light' 1/2 ton - the F100.

 

all of the exact towing specs are listed on fords website. Your tow rating is low because your truck is spectacularly UNDERpowered, which has a lot to due with hauling and not so much due to the "fully boxed frame".

 

It also depends on your gear ratio. I have an '07 4.2L 5sp, but I opted for the 3.55 limited slip axel. That bumps the towing capacity up from 2300 to 3600lbs. also gives it a little better acceleration. Nothing spectacular, but it might be worth it to check which ratio you have. If you have a short bed you can add 100lbs to those numbers i guess due the truck weighing slightly less. I hope this helps.

 

What is it in general your wanting to tow, like a box trailer, boat, etc.?

 

or just use the Ford chart for thee specific vehicle and get exact payload figures.