Hiya all, first off I am new to trucks. Second, I have found out that there is a wealth of info in joining message boards like this where everybody is into the same thing. With that said, here goes.

I am into motorcycles, and need something to pull my 6x12 Haulmark trailer. I tried the cheap method, (don't laugh)and purchased a used 1993 town & country minivan to pull the trailer, usually loaded with two bikes. Had a class 3 hitch installed, heavier springs, and all went well for about 3k miles. Then the tranny slipped, and that was all she road. My ex girlfriend had purchased a F150 SKT about 3 months ago, I liked it.

This morning I rode my motorcycle to the Ford dealer. I am short on money. So, no high end stuff. I told them I would like to get F150 just like my ex girlfriend has, but with a 8ft bed. I wanted black. They found me one, they said it didn't have the tow package but would have one installed when they service the vehicle. Also, my ex girlfriend has a red one, can't get red. My favorite colors are red and black. So, I opted for black.

Okay, all is well, They found me one, and came up with 25k out the door. I filled out the credit app, and started reading the phamplet on the F150..When I saw what the tow packages consist of, I brought that to the attention of the saleslady. Now remember now, I am a 64 year old, that don't know dilly squat about trucks or towing. The little bit I know about towing is what I learned in the last 3 months with that minivan from hell. Anyway, I asked them if the service installed tow package would have all the items listed in the phamplet such as, bigger battery, transmission cooler. They told me no!!

I told them to stop the process right there. I am not a truck person. I just want a truck to tow my trailer back and forth to the racetrack. In other words, towing is the main reason I am getting this F150, and don't want some halfazz tow system. Good thing I read the phamplet too. Now, they are trying to find me a super cab, 8ft bed, black in color with a factory installed tow package. I will wait..

In addition, mainly this truck is for towing, and I will be towing up to 3 race bikes (no harley types) in a 6x12 trailer, and may later go to a 7x14 double axle trailer. Would the "heavy duty trailer package" be better for my needs or will the regular tow package suffice??

Also, don't laugh again, I told you all I am a newbie. Would 22x 9 & 1/2 or 24x 9 & 1/2 inch wheels present a problem when towing?

Thanks in advance..

ceh
F150 Prospect

 

Welcome to the party! You may not know much about trucks but just hang around here awhile and you will know more than you want to! As for your question, you will be better off with the factory tow package mainly because of the transmission cooler. Your trailer with the bikes probably isn't all that heavy, I would guess 3-3500 pounds at most. You will be fine with the standard tow package, I don't even know of any optional "heavy duty" tow package. The truck either has one or it doesn't, just look for the factory receiver hitch as a give away. Good luck with your new truck, you will love it by the way.

 

Battery doesn't really have anything to do with towing. Tranny cooler is handy, but they arn't that hard to put or have put in. A cool tranny is a happy tranny!

Adrianspeeder

 

Welcome to the board! I am a fellow bike enthusiast as well, recently had 2004 Hayabusa LE, GSXR600, and a ZX6R 636. The factory installed tow package should be more than enough as the STX 2wd 6.5ft bed with a 4.6 V8 will tow up to 6400lbs with a 3.55 gear ratio or 6900lbs with a 3.73 gear ratio. Might be able to negotiate more on price as there is an 05 Red STX in Texas for 21,999 before taxes and tags. Would you consider a used one? With low trade in values now on these trucks you might get a killer deal on a used 04 or 05. Good luck!

 

Yeah, that is what my x paid for her 05 STX. Right now, they have to find me a black SC with a 8foot bed. I was going to get the one they had a first, but when I found out about the tow package not having all the items, I backed off. Another poster stated that the battery and other items don't matter too much. I am a layman on this. I figured the bigger battery and tranny cooler would make towing a lot easier.

By the way, what about 24 inch wheels? Would they hamper the F150, in normal driving and towing?

The old man pushes an 03 RC51 and a 01 GSX R1000. The RC51 is my track weapon.

Thanks

ceh
F150 wannabee

 

I hear you.. But, why would they list the battery upgrade as a part of both towing packages? From what I am hearing the factory installed tow package would suit my needs fine. But, I do want all that the tow packages has, and not just the hitch. I would think the tow package would include heavier springs, but they only come with heavier springs on the heavy duty tow package.

ceh
F150 wannabee

 

You mentioned cost was a point to consider for you..
I'm thinking you'll get a plenty good tow rig used and spend half as much. If you just want a new truck I fully understand that but I was thinking if all you're going to do with it is tow a trailer to the track you could do yourself a big favor by buying used and saving alot of money.
just my $0.02

 

Hey CEH, welcome
Bigger, heavier wheels will always create more drag on your vehicle, no matter what you're driving. To be honest, I'm really not fond of this latest fad of installing huge rims with ultra-skinny tires. I was real happy buying premium 235/75-15 tires for my '88 F150 and only paying about $110 each. My latest set of tires for my new ('02 Lariat) pickup cost me over $200 each for the stock sized 275/60-17. Jumping up to a 20" or bigger will result in a much costlier tire with less choices. I can't see the damm tires from the driver's seat, I can only feel how the truck handles and grips the road.

Yes, get a truck with the tow package. And if you want to save yourself about $10K over what you're willing to pay, wander over to the used truck lot at your dealer's and check out the 1-3 year old trucks with less than 30K miles. I picked up a spotless, low mileage 3 year old Lariat SCab for $17K last year when the new ones were still selling for $30K and more. I shopped for 3 months until I found 'my' truck sitting on a lot waiting for me.

Good luck. My personal preference is for the 99-03 models. The new ones seem to have a few teething issues, although I'm sure you will be happy with whatever you find.

 

Good point, but I got hot in the azz and wanted something right away. Looking for a used one, might be the cheaper options, but I am a nitwit on somethings. And finding good used deals is not my main area. So, I was thinking of going the credit way, and get something new and be done with it.

Going used would be the smart play, but I am looking for something rather quickly. I am hitting a trackday on Monday, but I have someone else supplying the truck to pull the trailer. On Nov 19th and 20th, I am heading to Road Atlanta, 700 miles away. I have gotten turned off by my cheapazz decision to buy this used minivan. My x called the minivan "gay".. It seems like she was right.

And cost is a factor. But, I have good credit, and at my age, I don't think I can afford to play the waiting game.

ceh
F150 wannabee

 

 

I am going for bling with the wheels! Just as long as it doesn't hamper the towing or driving. Yeah, the old man likes some bling!!

I might do some looking around this Tuesdays, and see what gives. In the meantime, the dealer is looking for the one I want, at around 25k out the door. Hopefully they can do that, and in the meantime I will browse..

Thanks

ceh
F150 wannabee

 

Welcome!

 

Thanks guy...

Sheesh, I feel like a big kid getting ready to get a new toy..

I don't ever want to grow up!!

ceh
F150 wannabee

 

The most important thing to consider with aftermarket wheels and tires on a truck that you will use to tow a heavy trailer is the ply rating on the tires and the weight rating on the wheels. My wheels are rated at 3300 lbs each and my tires are E-rated, which is a 10-ply equivalent. The heavy-duty package is unnecessary. That adds heavy duty suspension and 8-lug wheels. I would stick with the factory tow package, which includes the electrical upgrades and tranny cooler. It will enable you to charge a battery on the trailer as well.

 

Going to make sure I have the factory installed tow package. Since the main purpose of this proposed F150 will be to tow my 6x12 trailer, I don't want to add anything that would hamper that operation. Going to use those wheels specs if and when I do order some wheels.

Thanks for the feedback,

ceh
F150 wannabee