I am looking at buying a lightning (my first ford ) My ? is how do they do pulling? Gas milage,do they squat real bad with a load,etc. I know there is a better choice for a tow truck but I really like the truck . I will be pulling our race car (66 chevy II wagon). I would also like to know what kind of gas milage you guys are getting with a mix of hiway and city driving.

TIA, John.

 

Considering a stock 5.4l pulls like a ****, Id think the 5.4l S/C would do a damn good job too

 

LIKE A CHAMP!!!! I towed a u-haul trailer from San Jose, CA to Portland, OR and I didn't even know it was back there. Granted it was a small trailer, but still.



-Kimball

 

My brother towed his 87 GN to the track twice with no problems. Even did a few burnouts. LoL He doesn't pay attention to gas mileage so I can't answer that question. All I would say is the stock towing rating is under-rated. Goodluck with your Lightning if you get it. -Mat-

 

Well I have never towed anything with my L but I can say they are pretty thirsty! I average 12-13 MPG to and from work (not interstate but not stop-and-go either). Some people get a little better, some a little worse, depends on your driving style.

Anyway get one! The fun-factor greatly outweighs the extra expense in gas!

Good luck!

 

Thanks alot , I drive a 2001 GMC 3500 Dually with the 6.0 gas burner so gas milage is not a REAL big issue. I was just concerned with the truck squating bad with a 4-wheeler in the back and with the trailer and car behind it. I have another truck to use around the house for hauling stuff but it is not very dependable for trips to the track.

 

I pulled a 6 X12 trailer full of tools and household crap back from Fla (Don't know the weight) but the Lightning never knew it was back there...starting and stopping

But the front wheels had alot of brake dust on them when I got back to Jersey. It was especially fun pulling out of toll booths, as the car drivers thought they could get around me in traffic...hehe.....I let them about half a fender in front before I hammered it

 

If you have to ask about gas mileage, then you probably don't need one.

Towing, I just hope it doesn't send my bikes out the back of my 8by10 enclosed trailer, when I punch it. I'm like the rest on here, I'm sure the L won't even know the trailer is back there.

 

There is one in every crowd , I was just wondering,I heard they got like 9-10 mpg. as far as asking and not needing one, if you would read all the post, my last one says it is NOT a big issue because I don't drive a gas mizer now. I am only interested in how the suspension holds up to a heavy load. You are looking at maybe 2500 to 3000lbs you are pulling, I am talking 4500 or so, the power was never in question to begin with.

BTW, I like the pictures, I am leaning toward the grey or silver.

 

You will have no problem towing.. As far as gas mileage they kinda suck anyway....

PEaCE....................

 

After having both,A 6.0 crew cab and a lightning,i can assure you the lightning will probally get better mileage.Without a trailer,My lightning gets about 2 mpg better mileage

 

Thanks alot, I really appreciate the help. You all are making me lean more and more toward one.

 

These trucks tow great. I've towed my 3200 lb. Mustang a couple times. Acceleration and stopping are great, and there was no swaying.

I get around 13mpg in my day-to-day driving to work.

 

HEY JOHN GET IT!!!

Oh and like you probably dont already know this but what the heck.
If your Quad is wide enough it has to climb over the wheel wells
be careful!! Goose it over and you will bend and dent the crap out of them!!

Anyway have fun!! Is it a race quad or a kick around anyway??
Matt

 

A lot depends on how your trailer is set up.

I have a big enclosed trailer 24ft It dropped it really bad so I think I will need to do air bags or a equalizer hitch.

Be carefull with a equalizer, if you get the bars to tight with that much torque you will peel the rubber right off those back tires without knowing it! Been there, done that!

I have use air bags before and like them because of the versatility and nicer ride. Plus when not towing I like to get that raked look just a little.

Your trailer should have brakes so that shouldn't be an issue and the lightning is already set up for the trailer towing package and has the 7 wire wide spade plug available with the connector for trailer brake already under the dash and ready to go!

Seems logical having a Ford tow a chevy anyhow Sorry couldn't resist that one. Can't believe someone didn't beat me to it!
Greg