Well I purchased a 2000 4x2 F150 Harley Edition today (Friday the 13th), It did kinda go wrong. I've been reading 150's can tow up to 8700 lbs. Well I looked at the towing capacity of the Harley Davidson edition in my owners manual and it is only 4000 lbs! The only difference that I can tell from the towing specs of a 150 with a 5.4L is the wheel size of 16" and 20" the gear ratios are 3.73 for both. Do I need to change the gear ratio in the rear end (if I can?) or do I buy a smaller set of rims and tires and change over when I need more towing capacity? Are there any other options besides selling the nice truck I just bought?

Regards,
Bart

 

F-150s that are properly equiped can tow 8,700lbs (providing they have the payload capacity to accomodate travel trailer tongue weight). However, many factors come into play regarding what any truck can tow. The more you load up on options, the less towing (or payload capacity) you have available to pull a trailer. Other things such as having a "Tow Package" will often provide you with an auxiliary transmission cooler, sway bar, rear axle, wheel size and the proper hitch which will affect towing/payload numbers for a given truck.

Edit: You didn't say in your post, but did you get the 4.6L V8?

 

the Harley Edition is a bling truck, not setup for towing. you'll have to do more than just wheels and rear end change.

 

You're not changing payload no matter what you do.

 

Yep, other sources agree with what you found in the Owner's Guide. You bought a pickup that's made for showing off on Saturday night, not for towing a trailer. Other F-150s can tow a trailer grossing over 8,000 pounds without exceeding any of Ford's weight ratings. But not a Y2K Harley Davidson. I don't know what limits the HD - maybe the frame?

 

Looks like from digging into things, its wheel and suspension related changes that limit the HD package tow rating.

 

Things seem to point to that answer. The 275/45 20's are a 4 ply passenger tires. I haven't been able to to find any tire of the same size with a higher load rating and more plies. I was thinking helper springs could be added to stiffen things up a bit. Overall I was hoping to reach the 5 - 6 K towing mark.

The truck does make me look good so I guess it's a keeper for now. I'll just have to make do with an R-Pod or other light weight trailer.

Thanks to all for there feedback.