Brian Van Ness

I am new and I just bought a new Ford F-150 XLT Sport with Tow package and it has a 3.5L V6. My question is if I put a 2 or 3 inch lift kit on and tires 33inches or less how much would I loose in towing capacity? Gears are a 3.15, and I am looking at a camper dry weight 5,400 lbs and would never exceed over 6,600lbs. I bought the truck to tow, and I don’t want to not be able to tow up to 7,000lbs.

13XLTEco

That axle gearing isn't ideal but at least you have a 3.5 eco. What does your truck's payload sticker say and what is the GVWR of the camper ? Hard to believe they say a truck has a 'tow package' with a 3.15 diff ratio.

Brian Van Ness

The tow package came from the factory maybe I am wrong on the gear ratio.
The GVWR is 6,600lbs trailer

TRUCK
REAR GAWR 3,800
FRONT GAWR 3,225
GVWR 6,750
Payload 1,942lbs.

according to the configuration of my truck from Ford they are saying 10,700lb towing capacity.

Ricktwuhk

If you read through this section of the forum, you'll see over and over again where the Ford towing capacity (which is really a PULLING CAPACITY) isn't anywhere near the actual towing capability of the truck - which is often governed by Payload.

Lifting your vehicle and adding bigger tires/wheels will have a big impact on the capability - don't know that there is a formula for that. If you're going to tow, lifting isn't recommended.

Without modifications, take the payload and subtract any weight you add to the truck, plus the weight of all passengers and anything they load in the truck. Then, subtract another 100 pounds for a weight distribution hitch. Then, divide by .13 for 13% hitch weight.

Example:

600 pound family and dog. 100 pounds of added mods to truck. 100 pound wdh.

1,942 - 800 = 1,142. Divide by .13 and the max trailer is 8,785 pounds loaded.

HOWEVER, your hitch may have a lower capacity. Lie down and read the sticker on it. Might be 1,050. Then take 100 pounds off for the wdh, and then divide by .13. 950 / .13 = 7,308.

Spend some time reading through the posts.

https://www.f150forum.com/f82/any-pr...3/#post5671605

Brian Van Ness

I really appreciate your response that makes since!! Yes that’s why I joined to educate my self! I have no towing experience and have a lot to learn!!

thanks

marshallr

It ought to be against the law to sell a truck with gearing higher than 3.55 and still call it a truck. The 3.5's with 3.31's manage OK due to the torque of the engine but I'd not want 3.15's. Especially if you're gonna tow anything, Going to bigger 33" tires would effectively change your gear ratio to 2.80:1 which is pretty weak.

The 10,700 lb number is maximum amount that the truck could pull IF it is properly equipped. If you have 3.15 gears you're not going to be rated anywhere near 10,000 lbs. Many 3/4 ton trucks won't tow that much. While it is theoretically possible to set up a 1/2 ton to tow that much the vast majority of 1/2 tons on the road are in the 7000 lb range. You're truck will be on the lower end of the spectrum.

If left with the stock tire size I think you're in the ball park looking for something in the 5000-6000 lb range. But not with bigger tires.

Brian Van Ness

Pictures was a duplicate so I removed

Brian Van Ness

This is the chart I used when buying Truck. I have the configuration they require from the manufacturer not added on have purchase. From what I see 10,700 even with the 3.15. Am I missing something? I understand from other post in this thread that I will max out my towing capacity before I get to the 10,700 based on Payload etc...

danlexani

you're probably good with the 6600 you said you won't exceed. at the end of the day you will find out how it really feels or where your comfort level is at when you actually pull it. so pull that load before the lift.
if you're steering the rig with one finger while sipping on your drink on cruise control, get that lift and tires and try it out. if it's making you sweat a little or holding on for dear life maybe forget about it...

welcome aboard

Brian Van Ness

Thanks! I’m going to rent a few and start of light and see how it handles. My max would not be over 6K, would prefer to stay around the 5K mark! Lots to learn!!!!