I've got a stock 2002 XLT SCrew w/ the factory tow package. The GVWR is 6600 lbs. My new 23 ft. Center Console boat that I'll be picking up Sunday weighs in at approx. 5000 lbs. (including trailer weight). Since this puts me at the 75% mark, will I need to "enhance" the truck's rear end to prevent a problem with it later on ? Thanks in advance.

 

With the factory tow package you should be fine. You may need to add leveling springs if the tongue weight is a lot. It will pull 5000 lbs. pretty well. Not like a deisel but ok. I pull my Jeep which weighs in around 4800 lbs on a 1200lb. trailer and It does ok for me and I pull into the mountains over 10,000 ft and at quite a grade at times. I've been avg. around 11 miles to the gallon. Pretty decent considering I've been getting 14 mpg. driving w/o pulling a trailer.

I'm assuming you have the 5.4 and not the 4.6.

 

I have a 2002 5.4 with stock tow package and it tows a 20' Grady around 5500lbs with no problem. Expect around 8-9 mpg when on the road.

 

You should be fine. If it was a Travel Trailer I'd be more concerned (more tongue weight, wind resistance)....

 

Colo., I have the 4.6L. I estimate the tongue weight to be about 300 lb. (6% of the total boat/trailer weight). I was just worried about what consequences, if any, there would be with read end sag.

 

300 lb won't even affect your vehicle. That's actually a bit light for a trailer that heavy.

Grim

 

man that 4.6 will be straining. hope u have a low gear to help it out. if not, then good luck.

 

I recommend a weight distributing hitch, but the suspension will be fine.

 

as i've said in past posts check out signature and it tells it all except 43,00 miles and climbing. bd out.

 

Well, I picked up the boat and there was no rear end sag. It trailered very well except the 4.6 showed it didn't like hills going between 60-65mph. The RPMs would get up to about 3100 going uphill. Other than that it cruised fine. Thank God I live in a nice flat coastal area.