Anyone know the max tow rating for a 2004 Fx4 5.4 3v by chance? I'm looking it up, but I keep seeing conflicting numbers from 7500lbs to 9500lbs so just want to know for sure as I'm shopping for a bumper pull camper trailer at the moment and don't want to go over the weight limit.

Also curious if having rear suspension air bags makes any difference in tow-able max weight?

Thanks and happy holidays fellas

 

Have you looked on the doorjamb for the max payload (people, mods to truck, plus tongue weight)?

No, airbags don't change the max towing weight at all.

 

They even take away from payload.

 

Also, Ford does have a towing guide for 2004.

Page 18, if I saw right.

https://www.fleet.ford.ca/content/da...gGuide_Eng.pdf

 

So if I understand correctly 7200 lbs is my max towing weight. Was hoping for closer to 9000, but oh well lol.

Thanks fellas.

 

Your truck would ask for mercy if you towed 9,000. ha
Not quite but that's a lot.

Depending on your exact truck though, 9,000 lb may bust your payload.

A coworker has a 2007 or 2008 XLT and his 1475 payload exceeded my 2016 1409 payload. A 9,000lb RV trailer will be hitting the top end of payload.


I'm not sure if your truck is reliable enough for towing though. Sorry, just wanted to poke the bear for a moment.

 

Just took the truck for a 6000km cross country trip and went through the rocky mountains in Alberta and BC and the old girl did great, but the fuel bill was ugly lol so I'd say she's pretty reliable. I admit to being a bit OCD with the truck as I was thinking there were some hidden issues I hadn't figured out, but as soon as I replaced the alternator she was like brand new again to my surprise.

So door sticker says GVWR is 7200 lbs so that's max towing weight correct?

 

Ok figured it out, max towing weight for my model is 9300 lbs. Axle ratio is 3.73, wheel base is 145 and is a supercab.

 

Even if your truck had a 9000 lb towing cap, you shouldn’t max that out. Especially on an older truck with lots of miles. Try to keep it at 80% max. I’d look for a camper that’s no more than about 7k wet. Also, what is your payload? As that’s hugely important and usually the number that holds people back the most. payload encompasses the trailer tongue weight (the weight will be higher than the dry weight you read online, passengers, gear, etc).

Youre going to need a good weight distribution hitch as you’re limited to 500 lbs tongue / 5000 trailer on the factory hitch without. Something like the Blue Ox Sway Pro, Equalizer, Pro Pride, etc.

Edit also a brake controller. You’ll likely want tow mirrors too.

 

did the rear dIff howl on the trip?