Posted 2010-04-07 8:07 AM (#118534) Subject: F-150 5.4L for towing?
Member
Posts: 17
Location: western NC
Well, I'm still looking for a truck to pull my horse trailer. Trailer is a 12 ft stock trailer about 2500 lbs, horse is small, about 750 lbs. We only do day trips (not much gear to take along). However, I DO live in the mountains, and would like to be able to put another horse on (like if somebody's rig broke down.) 4wd is a must. In my area, what I'm seeing in my price range ($16,000 or less) are 3/4 ton trucks with over 100,000 miles. There ARE alot of 1/2 tons, though...so I guess my question is....do I go for the older, more mileage 3/4 tons, or should I consider newer, less mileage 1/2 tons (that have the 5.3 or 5.4L engines and towing packages)? All advice will be much appreciated! Thanks, Lisa
Posted 2010-04-07 8:33 AM (#118539 - in reply to #118534) Subject: RE: F-150 5.4L for towing?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: Ohio
I might be able to offer some help. Before my new-to-me truck (f250 diesel) I pulled with a dodge 1/2 ton w/ a 5.2. Granted, it was just a small steel bumper pull that weighed 2200 lbs empty. I had 2 horses about 1000 lbs each plus all the tack and the 1/2 ton did ok. With ~4500 lbs behind it, it pulled all the hills on the highway no faster than 50-55 mph so it was underpowered, and stopping was a nightmare and I had trailer brakes and a controller! -White knuckles- With that trailer, I never felt "unsafe" but knew quick stops were difficult and had to do my best to adjust for it.
My .02, the F150 would do it just fine, but make sure you get a good brake controller for the trailer brakes, the trailer tow package on the truck, and good tires. If you have the option to step up to a 3/4 ton, you would be more comfortable (larger brakes, frame, components.) It was night and day in stability, stopping, power, basically everything.
Posted 2010-04-07 9:36 AM (#118547 - in reply to #118534) Subject: RE: F-150 5.4L for towing?
Member
Posts: 27 Location: Tennesse
The 5.4 Ford engine has good power but I wouldn't buy one no older than a 2003. The older 5.4's had problems with not enough threads to hold the spark plugs in during heavy use, the repairs were very expensive (trust me I know). The plugs would literally blow out of the head taking the threads with it. They improved the head in 2003. Super Springs in the rear of a half ton makes a world of difference as far as handling also, they run around $500.00 installed. I think a half ton with the big V8, good brake control, and super springs would work just fine for you.
Posted 2010-04-07 10:22 AM (#118549 - in reply to #118534) Subject: RE: F-150 5.4L for towing?
Veteran
Posts: 147 Location: santa clara, ca
Before getting our F350 diesel we towed a 4h BP (22ft long) (although with 2 horses max) with an 05 F150 5.4 4x4: it handle the weight pretty well (6000-6500lbs). If you could i would really try to get a 2010 with the 6spd auto: it would make towing better and more efficientIf you are going 3/4 to 1 ton (the price diff is minimal, but license/insurance might be different in North Carolina vs California), a diesel might be a little of an overkill if you are not towing all the time or heavy loads (we eventually went up to 9-10K towing), but you could always get an F250 6.8 v10
Posted 2010-04-07 10:38 AM (#118550 - in reply to #118534) Subject: RE: F-150 5.4L for towing?
Veteran
Posts: 123 Location: Indiana
I agree. Anything newer than a 2003 and you should have enough truck for what you indicated that you will be pulling. One thing to consider though, if you change trailers or change what you bring along, you may find that you need the 250 after all. It's cheaper to buy a truck once.
F-150 5.4L for towing?
