I'm looking at a Lariat Screw with everything but sunroof and the Sony thing with the wart woofer (I want the flat floor, and I have a tin ear...forget Bass). My plan for towing is nothing more than a light trailer with a couple of snow machines or ATV's. Maybe also a light camp trailer and maybe a light slide-in.

Should I get the 3.73 (that I am leaning towards) or the 3.55's? I'll be driving unladen far more often than towing...what's the difference? 1-2 MPG at best?

Also, I'd like a trailer that can house ATV's and snowmobiles? Recommendations for manufacturers?

I'm new at this.

Also, what's a good light slide in?

Thanks for any input.

 

You'll probably get several opinions. I'd stick with the 3.55 for the bit of fuel savings, but with a light slide (which most are not very light), you'll probably like the 3.73 better. Especially if the light TT morphs into a larger TT over time (which always seems to happen).

If I'm remembering correctly the 3.73 on the Lariat comes with the Max Tow Package, which also has the big honkin' mirrors - some people really don't like them, particularly for everyday driving (although some people do, just fold them in at the bank!). Comes down to personal preference.

BTW - I have a Lariat Screw w/out the Sony, and I kick myself every day. The stock radio is horrible, even for a non-audiophile.

Good luck shopping!

 

I tow about 7000-8000lb with my 09 and i have the 3.55LS and to be honest it tows it perfect. Ok it may be a little quicker of the line with the 3.73's but i can already pull of so fast that my trailer looks like it been turned upside down. I think the main area it would be great would be steep mountain roads. I travel a few about 2000-3000ft and the trucks works fine but i bet at higher elavation when power drops that the 3.73 will be a great help.

 

All I will ever listen to is talk shows, aired direct to my radio or from my Ipod. I'd be all over the Sony if they didn't stick that wart on that wonderfully flat floor.

 

With a 6 speed auto and a lock up converter, there's no real excuse IMO for all F150s to not come with some real gears.

3.73s at least, and Ford oughta offer 4.10s as an option.

 

Yes they should at east offer them but for 99.9% of people what they offr so far is perfect. But like i sadi im sure some 3.73 or 4.10's would be a great for someone on mountain terrain towing close to capacity day in day out but for most people the 3.55/3.73 are great because they offer good MPG and ok towing.

 

The difference in ratios is only 5%, which has no direct correlation to fuel consumption. Even if you use 5% more fuel (which you won't), that's less than 1mpg. Get the 3.73.

Oh, and the Max tow package at $100 is a bargain for the mirrors alone, and it requires 3.73 axle.

What kind of trailer do you want, enclosed cargo, open utility/landscape, toy hauler RV?

 

So do you only gain a 5% increase in towing ability. Dam i thought it would be more than that. Glad i stuck with 3.55's

 

I went to the desert this weekend from San Diego to Anza Borrego area. I towed a 22ft Tahoe trailer and all the camp gear/bikes. The truck has 3.55 gears. I must say that This is the best 1/2 ton truck I have ever towed with. Even the wife said that it was like the trailer was not there. I passed a lot of Chevy's, Toyota's and Dodge trucks. Smiled every time.

 

Gear ratio has no direct affect on anything but torque at the wheel, which is the cheapest way to give yourself 5% more torque. That's my point.

 

You couldn't have...the Ford lacks for power!


j/k...I know...I tow a 5-6k lb travel trailer with my '05 and tow just fine thanks!

PS...I love your sig pic SD!!

 

Thanks.

 

You should get the 3.73 because you'll the same mileage but also some heavy duty upgrades such as the upgraded rear springs, heavy-duty front eye bushing, and 20:1 steering gear.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/f150/

 

I have the 3.73 rear because I specifically wanted the max tow package. I've only had my XLT Screw a few weeks but I seem to be getting as good MPG as anyone else. What I know for sure is, it pulls my 5,000 pound travel trailer and my Boston Whaler (not at the same time ) like a dream.

The travel trailer can be the most challenging. Not because of the weight, but the frontal area and towing at interstate speeds. With the new truck, I really have to be careful to not go too fast cause it'll tow the setup at 75+ without any effort if I wanted. Its easy to forget I'm pulling anything. The rig is rock steady at all speeds and the factory brake controller is the best I've ever used.

 

I wonder if the Sony sub box could be easily removed when you need the entire floor? If you only need the entire floor on occaision, that might be an answer and give you the best of both worlds