Lightning

Towing

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Old Nov 9, 2001 | 11:39 PM
  #1  
Eticket's Avatar
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Towing

Has anyone had any experience towing with their Lightning (Gen. 2)? I was curious as to how well it handled a 4000 - 5000 lb. trailer. Does the truck handle the tongue weight well? Any feedback would be appreciated.
 
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Old Nov 10, 2001 | 03:30 AM
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While I've never done it myself, I've read a lot of stuff by people on here that say the L tows like a dream. According to some, they almost forgot they were towing a load. Only thing I know for sure is don't tow with a chip installed!

DUCK
 
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Old Nov 10, 2001 | 04:53 AM
  #3  
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From: Walnut Creek
Try a search. A couple of guys tow ALOT of weight with the truck and do fine. I tow a 14 foot enclosed motorcycle trailer and it does fine.
 
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Old Nov 10, 2001 | 10:47 AM
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From: Largo, FL
Well, I towed my boat for the first time yesterday. It's a 19' center console, total trailer weight is in the 3500lb range. Overall it towed just fine, PLENTY of power and excellent braking. The only thing that i wasn't real happy with was it not handling the tongue weight as well as I had hoped. with the trailer fully conencted, I have about 3" between the trailer safety chains and the ground. Luckily, the boat ramp I use is about 1 mile from my house, so I don't normally do extended towing.
Overall, it did OK. I just have to get used to the new suspension. I had a 99 F150 4x4 ORP prior to the L, and that thing towed like a champ, but then again the suspension is totally different. I do like the L's braking MUCH better than the 4x4 for towing.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2001 | 11:50 AM
  #5  
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This may sound odd, but I towed a trailer of furniture (nothing very heavy) for my mother a few weeks ago and my L seems to run better. Not more horses, but the trans seems to be a lot firmer on the 2-3 shift now. Have no idea what could have caused this. May all be in my head.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2001 | 07:52 PM
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From: Largo, FL
I finally realized that I needed to reverse the ball. I had a 2" drop on my F150 4x4, so I just flipped it over and reversed the ball, now it isn't as low as it was. Got the trailer light plug today, so I'll be all set tomorrow.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2001 | 08:26 PM
  #7  
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From: La Habra, CA
Alphadoggy tows a 24' fishing boat. I think you won't have a problem.

I believe that he added some helper springs.
 
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