Refining my selection of a truck for towing
 

Both are F150 3.5L Eco-Boost 4x4 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB, but what's the difference relative to towing? And are vented disc brakes and ventilated brakes the same?
Truck A 2017 XLT 79,783 mi. $30,900: Abs - 4-Wheel; Axle Ratio - 3.73; Front and Rear Brake - Ventilated Disc w/4-Wheel ABS;
Truck B 2018 Lariat 139,005 mi. $28,900: Abs - 4-Wheel; Axle Ratio - 3.55; 4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/4-Wheel ABS, Front And Rear Vented Discs
TIA

Lariat will have lower payload.

Yep, Lariat has too many miles and you'll be limited in the weight of the RV you're trying to haul.

I don't know about the brakes -perhaps aftermarket installed by one of the previous owners. I'd say don't even worry about it because the OEM brakes are fine, anything above is just a bonus. Vented doesn't necessarily mean better. Unless it's just a basic rotor that has the cooling fin, so to speak, design between the outer and inner surface. Not to be confused with slotted rotors.

You should try finding out what XLT model it is, Could be a highly loaded 302a series, or a 300 series with less creature comforts. The highly optioned XLT could carry a similar payload to a 500a Lariat (lightly optioned).

Both have a 10-speed I believe, so in both cases, the gear ratio is comparable..... meaning a 3.55 10 speed would be similar to a 3.73 6-speed. Since both are 10's, the 3.73 would definitely be lower.

The Peeps here can make a more informed answer if you share what you plan to tow. Too many variables to say "just buy this one".

If that 2017 truely has 3.73 gears and a 3.5L Ecoboost then it has the Heavy Duty Payload package. You could not get 3.73's without that package. However, you also say it has a 5.5' bed, and you must have a supercrew 6.5' bed to get HD Payload. So something is not adding up.

If it truly does have HD Payload then I would rather have that truck.

What do you plan to tow? Don't put a lot of credibility into the internet descriptions. Do either have maxtow package? I found a long time ago, don't show up at a dealer taking next salesperson in line. Look at website, look at employees, and interact with a veteran at the facility. The maxtow is nice because for one, includes a 36g gas tank, plus other towing goodies. Easy to tell on either of those trucks, the chain holes on receiver will have a bent look to them.

Having towed with a 2018 5.5’ bed and with a 2021 6.5’ bed (both 3.5 TT’s-‘21 is a Powerboost), there is a huge difference in that extra 12” of frame/bed. At least to me, it tows much better; perhaps something to consider if the OP isn’t fully settled on 1 of the 2 trucks mentioned.

Mass-hole and Spencer brings up good points.

Request a picture of the stickers on the driver door jamb. Look up the axle code yourself.

If possible, get the VIN and see if you can search for a window sticker (Google search has sticker results) to find out what tow package it has. That is a lot of homework for a vehicle you don't own, may not be possible to obtain some of the answers.

You seem to have one shot to get it right so do what you can to make sure you know what you are getting into. Sales people are like internet forum people -they all think that all F150's can tow 11,000lbs no problem when there probably aren't more than 50 on the road that carry what is advertised.

I ordered my truck and it is adequate for my trailer for sure. If I had 1 redo, I would have ordered the longer bed. I hear from others that the extra bed gives a much more stable ride, and allows a slightly longer trailer with less ill effects.

Details, details: 2017 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 XLT 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB
 

Took another test drive today and got a picture of the door pillar mfg sticker: Axle Ratio - 3.73, definitely has an HD Tow Package including Electronic Trailer Brakes. Per the dealer's description, it's a 5.5 ft bed, though I think that may be inaccurate, but I didn't think to measure it. I added an photo of the bed.

Truck GCVR: 12,200 lb (per owner's mnl)
Truck GVWR 7,000 lb
Truck Payload Capacity 1,730 lb
Trailer Payload Capacity 2,218 lb
Trailer ​​​​​Dry Weight 4,282 lb
Trailer GVWR 6,500 lb

With only two of us, we're extremely unlikely to get close to 3200 lb of people + cargo. I'm satisfied it'll handle our trailer. If I'm wrong, please let me know.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...d25a573300.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...0b4b918959.jpg

L9 axle code is 3.55. The 145" wheelbase is a 5.5' bed.

You need a photo of the yellow sticker to determine payload. The 1730 you show seems about right, but no photo of that sticker.


If your trailer is rated at 6500 lbs you're OK. If you fully load the trailer, you'll end up with about 950-1000 lbs on the hitch including the WDH. That would leave you with 700-800 lbs for passengers and cargo in the truck's cab and bed. You couldn't load the truck down with 4 adults and a bunch of camping gear/firewood etc. AND pull a 6500 lb trailer. But 2 adults and a few items in the truck shouldn't be a problem.

Not sure where you're getting the 3200 lbs of people + cargo number.