I have an05 F150 STX 4.6 with 105k all fluids changed religiously and have never had any mechanical issues. I also have a programmer, K&N, and true duals (which all 3 should add a little power).

I purchased a 22.5ft (27th from hitch to back) 2285 Lance travel trailer that I pick up on Monday that weighs 4450 full of water and propane, then I have to put in gear which we pack light.

My concern is my truck is starting to get old and I am worried that I might be pushing the ol' girl to much being so close to her golden years. What is everybody's thoughts on this? Is it time to upgrade, or just see how she handles?

 

If you are trying to justify a new truck to your wife go for it if not drive it till it drops.

 

^Lol funny guy, i see your point. But if I wanted a new truck I would go buy one.

 

If you like that old truck, then hang onto it until it proves to be on it's last legs.


The key to durability is maintenance. Change the oil and filter per the Owner's guide "severe duty" schedule. Motor oil, oil filter, ATF, rear diff lube, even the coolant.


I had a similar F-150 with the 4.6L 2V engine and 3.55 gears, and it simply wasn't enough truck for dragging my cargo trailer from west Texas to Phoenix and back. Beautiful blue Lariat SuperCrew, but it acted like it was dragging a mountain when coming back home with an empty trailer and climbing the passes in southeastern Arizona. So I soon traded it for a new F-150 Lariat, but this one has the 3.5L EcoBoost drivetrain - a world of difference. My 4.6L 2V was a dog. My 3.5L EcoBoost is an amazing towing machine.

 

Your truck will tow that trailer but will be slow when going up even slight inclines. Just stay to the right and keep your pedal down. Don't get in a hurry. Overdrive should be locked out to eliminate gear searching.
The most important issue will be the trans temp. Even if you have the tow package your trans may overheat - 225* is bad news and will fry the trans in a short time.
You will need a trans temp gauge (some tuners have them and are an easy install).
If the trans fluid and filter has not been changed recently, it should be done before you tow.

 

If you are worried about pushing the old girl, why do you have a tuner in it?

 

Thanks guys for the input, I pick up the trailer tomorrow and we will see how it goes.
I will post picks and update my experience.

I installed a trans temp gauge(hasn't gone over 170 yet) and brake controller awhile back in preparation. I was planning 'on a little bit lighter TT, but couldn't pass up the deal on this one. Guess I should have bought the horse before the carriage.

The programmer was put on when I went with a slightly larger tire, and it was cheaper to buy a tuner to correct my spedo than to have Ford correct it. So it will now be used for tow/haul mode.

 

The trans temp on my 2004 is 145 - 155 without any tow. I towed a small trailer a couple of times and stayed under 165.
Truck has tow package and the 10 row cooler in front of the radiator.
Enjoy your new toy.

 

Picked her up today and the wife and I are happy as a clam. She towed just fine, trans temp was 185ish on the highway and 200ish in stop and go traffic. I do live in Florida and it was 85 out today when I picked it up. 200 is a little on the high side for me, so I dropped the ol' Ford off at the dealership for a trans flush and will be installing an aux trans cooler from etrailer(70 bucks is cheep trans insurance)

.

 

Good looking pull behind.