Hi guys, I was just wondering if you could point me in the right direction for some specs for a 1997 Ford F-150...particularly towing capacity? Also, what is a good way to boost towing capacity as cheaply as possible? I'm looking to buy a 150 and most of what I find is the 4.6L V8 and I was wondering if that would be good to tow a medium sized boat. Thanks for all your help in advance.

 

Some people rip the 4.6, but I pulled a ProCraft 16 foot fish/ski combo for years about 40 miles one way with mine and never even really it felt it behind me unless I was stopping.

 

Even though "that site" has a really crappy community, they do have a pretty good specification guide.

Engine Specs
http://www.fordf150.net/specs/engines.php

Towing Specs
http://www.fordf150.net/specs/99tow.php

 

With an automatic transmission, I don't think there's an F-150 made that can't safely tow at least 5000# unless it's one of those oddballs with 3.08 or 3.31 gears. The Mazda 5 speed stick should be kept under 3500#.

Official 1999-2008 tow ratings for all brands of trucks:

http://www.trailerlife.com/output.cfm?id=42175

A 97 should be very similar to a 99.

 

Towing cap is not much with the F150's that have only #6250 GVWR.... That's what I've got and with the 5.4, 4x4 and super cab and XLT trim don't leave a whole lot of payload left....

When I tow my #5000 TT, I'm over the trucks GVWR, but it does handle the trailer fine and does well towing it. You know it's back there and it's in 2nd gear going up the grades, but that's what I expect and that's what I get!

For a typical boat in the #3000 - #4000 range, you should do alright with a 4.6 or even a 4.2.. Boats won't have the aero drag that an equal weight box trailer will have, so that'll help..

Mitch

 

owners manual?

 

you will be fine with a 4.6. we had a 5k pound tractor i pull with my 4.6, and cars and all types of other heavy stuff

 

Hey guys, thanks to all of you for your help. Now all I have to do is save up the money and buy one. I have a 16' fishing boat now, but I think I kinda want to upgrade to an 18 or 20' pontoon boat for more fun. Thanks again.

 

Pulled a 20 foot deckboat and an 18 foot pontoon no problem with my 4.6 as well, you won't need anything more! Good luck, and when you buy one, we want pics!

 

a buddy of mine has a 16' boat he pulls with his 4.2

 

Thanks Pickup Man. I will definitely post some pics whenever I buy one, but that probably won't be for a while. I already have about $1300 saved up and every bit of my paycheck is going towards a truck, but I just need to find one that is in good condition for a reasonable price.

 

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=1997+f-150+towing+capacity

 

The 4.6 is fine. I have pulled way more than what most people would. Mine has the crappy 5 speed and i haven't had any problems. I have pictures on my profile with me towing another f150 and I also have another 5.4 engine in my truck bed at the same time. Hauled it perfectly fine. Just in case you were still wondering and looking.

 

Boats are nothing. They are lightweight and aerodynamic. I tow a 18' pop-up brick, i mean camper, regularly

 

yea i know boats are light, hell i pull a Kubota M7040 regularly with my 4.6