kozal01

iTrader: (2)

I have the Edge tuner and it displays actual trans and coolant temps. My coolant temps barely move off of the 200 degree mark even when Im pushing it hard. The cooling system on these trucks is definitely up to the task from my experience. For those that tow regularly, a tuner with gauges or a scanguage is really the way to go so you can monitor everything thats going on with the engine and trans.

b727capt

I tow a 37'(tongue to rear bumper) travel trailer 7650 empty weight about 8500 loaded with a 2010 lariat screw 5.4L, 3.55 gears, long wheel base (Max tow 9500#). I have plenty of power for my home area and the small hills around MN, but the mountains may be a different story. On a steeper grade if shift down to 4th, I can accelerate back to 65. When towing the trailer home from MI, I did not know about the 65 mph speed rating on the ST trailer tires, and was pushing 70 for part of the trip. I didn't encounter a grade that I could not hold 70mph. I recently installed an Edge tuner and it increased my MPG to about 10.5 @ 65mph loaded on the interstate. I also use the Edge to monitor temps. Transmission runs about 5-10 degrees warmer towing, but I have not seen the coolant go above 200, except in stop and go construction zones. I am extremely happy with my F150 and it's towing capabilities.

tll

To the OP, I think I know what you mean. I just started towing our camper, 6000 lbs, with our new to us 2009 F150 CC. The only real difference is that I have the 6 speed transmission. Here in WI we have lots of rolling hills. I try to tow at 65 mph on the freeways, and 60 mph on regular highways. The truck preforms just fine, and has plenty of power and can maintain speed on all the hills, but it's all the shifting that has to take place. Running 4200 rpm up every hill just seems to be working the engine harder than I like. I know that it will take it, but I assumed that it would have a little more low end torque to muscle up the smaller inclines with out shifting several times. There are places the transmission isn't in the same gear for more that 30 seconds before it needs to shift again, this can go on for miles and miles. Often I take off the cruise control on the uphills, I try to feel the transmissions shift points and try to crest the hill before the next downshift, even if I loose a tad of speed. Just don't like the downshift into screaming RPM gear on every hill.

kozal01

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, don't try using cruise control while towing through hills, it will always drop gears and hammer on the throttle and try and accelerate up the hill and down the backside. I do just as you do, I feather the throttle to keep the TC locked in the highest gear. (3rd gear out of OD with my 05) through rolling hills I try and gain some momentum before I start ascending so if I do lose speed it's not as frustrating for the cars behind me. Biggest thing for me towing is realizing its not a race, losing a few minutes in the hills will not ruin a weekend, I take it easy and enjoy the just enjoy the ride.

cosway

I use OD/Off and no cruise control on hills.

EcoboostKev

I lockout 6th and set the cruise at 62mph. She cruises up and down 95% of the hills at 2100rpms. Every once and a blue moon i might see it drop to 4th and hit 2600rpms. Just gotta love the low end torque of the Eco!

Countryboy2744

I have a 2008 Lariat Supercrew Lariat with tow package. My door sticker says GVWR is 7200lbs. The current trailer we have now is 5295lb dry its a 30' Starcraft autumnridge. Next spring were looking at upgrading and the trailer we like is 6629lb dry and 150lbs heavier on the tongue. Would i be ok with this? The furthest we tow is 2-3hours away one way and hardly ever fill with water till we get to the lake were going to. Thanks

PS and I have 3.73 rear end.

Voges

I have the same truck and I'm betting you would be over. I haven't ran the numbers but just a feeling.

EcoboostKev

The GVWR on a trailer with 6629lb dry weight is probably in the neighborhood of 9000lbs. You say it has 150lbs more tongue weight than your current trailer but what is your current trailers tongue weight?? Unfortunately either way you will more than likely be over your trucks GVWR and possibly your rear axle rating.
My trailer is 6500lbs dry, 33' long and loaded she weighs 7500-8000lbs depending on the length of our trip. I had my setup weighed at my local Cat scale when i was loaded up for a weekend trip. With the trailer attached, the 4 of us in the truck(myself,wife,4yr old daughter,6yr old son) and just fishing gear and my trusty little Weber Q grill in the bed of the truck it weighed 7,540lbs. I'm only 160lbs from my GVWR of 7700lbs but obviously over your 7200lb GVWR and you are talking about a trailer that is even heavier than mine.. I think a trailer with a GVWR in the neighborhood of 7000lbs would keep you within your trucks ratings..Good luck,

Kevin

Countryboy2744

Thanks for the advice Kevin. My current trailers tongue weight is 760lbs.And dry my current trailer tips the scale at 5295lbs. I think I will keep looking at different and see what there is for 6500-7000lb trailer.