Hey -

I am looking for opinions on this - I have a recently purchased '07 F150 4X4 FX4 truck and am wanting to tow a 20' enclosed trailer containing an older Ford Mustang. The truck is equipped with the towing package and the 5.4 Triton engine. Question 1 - Can this truck safely do that? Question 2 - Do I need a brake controller installed?

As you can see, I am new to towing trailers and such and I want to make sure that I put neither my new truck or old Mustang at risk. Any input will be very much appreciated!

Thanks,

 

I just bought a 06 xlt super crew 5.4 4x4 an it pulled my 5500 lb 24ft boat just fine but the trailor has surge brakes! I cruised along at 75 but I did turn off the cruise control!

 

Question 1 - Can this truck safely do that?

Sure, why not I tow 6.5K with mine with no problem




Question 2 - Do I need a brake controller installed?

It depends on what kind of brakes the trailer has. If it has surge brakes the no. But if it has electric brakes like mine does then yes.

 

The truck can easily do it, I strongly suggest that you do not tow in overdrive. As far as an electric brake. The real question is to think of the terrain you would be driving on.

 

why do not put the car in o/d??

 

Overdrive is OK as long as it can stay in it without it shifting in and out of it while towing the load. I keep it out with my boat because it won't stay in it without down shift because of the hills where I live.

 

Yes it will pull it. I highly recommend sway control though because of the enclosed trailor being blown pretty easy. All new Dbl axle trailers have or should have electric brakes on them so you do need a hookup for them.

The reason you do not pull in ODis not the switching in and out so much as the OD has the smallest set of clutches and will burn up very easy.

 

Thanks very much for all of the information. I feel better now about my purchase and besides, I will only be pulling this trailer on a very limited basis - maybe a couple times a year. I also purchased the Prodigy Brake controller and have posted a seperate question about it.

Thanks again!

 

how much can the 04-07's really tow with the 5.4L engine

 

Depends on the truck. Some are set up to tow 5000 some up to 11,000. Depends on the package you bought.