Which is more important when towing a TT payload or gears? Currently looking at Max Tow 5.0 with 3.73 gears but its payload is about 300 less than whats on my current 5.0 3.31 gears. Is it worth the trade just for the max tow and 3.73 gears?

 

Payload is generally the 1st limit you hit. Is your current truck a 6 or 10 speed transmission? 6 speed and that low of ratio could be an issue.

What will you be towing? Length and GVWR would help, don't look at empty weight and advertised TW.

 

My payload is 1,987. 10 speed, 5.0 V8. Not exactly sure on which TT.

 

I would not change the truck until you determine which TT, it could be neither one is adequate for the job. I have wound up changing trailers and trucks 4 times.

 

Would a gear upgrade from the3.31 to 3.73 be worth the money? It would be cheaper than swapping trucks just for the "Max tow" (36 gallon tank and 3.73 gears. Plus I already have the 36 gallon tank.

 

I wouldn't want 3.31 gears for towing, especially with the 5.0. There have been too many people post here about troubles towing with that combo even though they were well within the specs. My truck has 3.55's with a bit over 1600 lbs payload. With a 4500 lb trailer I struggle in mountains. According to the specs I'm supposed to be able to tow 7700. No way.

I'm assuming the new truck you're looking at has around 1700 lbs payload if you're current truck is 1987. You should be able to handle 7000 lbs with around 1700 lbs payload and have enough to carry some passengers and cargo in the cab.

You don't say which model years either. After about 2021 the 5.0 puts out more HP and torque than earlier engines plus the new 10 speed transmission is a big help compared to the old 6 speed.

 

7-8K lbs is what many on here agree to be the limit for towing a TT with an F150 - not max tow territory. 3.73 may help it feel like it's pulling harder and get you up to speed faster, but 3.31 will get you better highway mileage on flat ground. Moutains/big hills, you'd like 3.73 better. I think you'll be fine with what you have unless you're planning on heavier than 8,000 lbs and/or you have mountains in your future. I'd love my truck to have the payload yours has!

EDIT - I have the 3.31 gears and tow a 7,000 lb TT. It tows like a dream, but I also have the 3.5 EB engine, not the 5.0, so I can't speak to that.

 

I think what everyone forgets with a 10 speed trans once you are rolling axle ratio no longer is a concern. Rather than cruise in 7th gear you'll likely be in 6th but RPMs will be the same.

It's called the "final drive ratio" transmission gear ratio plus axle ratio.

 

Good point.

 

I have a 2023 f150 XLT 5.0 4x4 3.31 gears 10 speed super crew 1,987 payload