I know this is an old topic but here goes. Those of us with the Class III tow group (option code 535), according to the Ford R.V. and trailer towing guide can tow a trailer with Max loaded weight of 8000lb for the 4x2 and 7700lb for the 4x4. To haul this high a load you must use a weight distributing hitch. With the standard weight carrying hitch you should not exceed 5000lb.

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SCREW LARIAT, TOWING PKG 6 DISK CHANGER, LEATHER BUCKETS, WESTIN CHROME STEPS, CATCH ALL'S (GRAND KIDS), BED LINER, VENT SHADES, EGR BUG DEFLECTOR

 

The truck can pull 7700, but the hitch is only rated to tow 5000 without load distibution. I brought home a 5000 pound trailer the other day with sway control and weight distribution and it pulled great.

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2001 Supercrew XLT 4x4, 5.4, tow pkg, limited slip, skid plates, 6 disk, keyless entry. Deepwedgewood blue ext. Dark graphite int.

Mods: full tint, westin chrome nerf bars, AR chrome sliders 16x8 and BFG AT 285/75, Airaid FIPK, Husky floor mats

 

Don't forget that those ratings are for 16" wheels. It says to take off 500lb for the 17" wheels. I tow 7000lbs with a weight distributing hitch and sway bars.

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2001 Silver XLT 2x4 SuperCrew (Gen II) 5.4L 3.55LS Tow Package & Cab Steps

Mods: K&N Filter, LoRider by Raider Fiberglass Tonneau, Stull Billet Grille in Black

Tow: 31FT. Glendette Deluxe Camper Trailer

recent memory: 1998 F150 XLT SC 4.6l

 

Where does it say take off 500lbs for 17" wheels? The owners manual? I ordered a Lariat which comes with the 17" wheels and this is news to me. I don't think I'll pull more than 6000lbs, but you never know. I hope my SCrew will be delivered mid April so I can break it in by the first week of June when I tow a 12' x 6' Uhaul loaded with household stuff. I'm predicting a 5000lb load, which I'm towing from NC to Cape Cod. I'll be repeating the trip the second week of July.

By the way, this site is great and has really helped me in picking the SCrew. Can't wait!

Ordered 2/17/01: SCrew Lariat, Oxford White, 5.4, LS, Tow, Moon, Slider, CD Changer

 

coastie,
I got the 17" wheel info from the 2001 SuperCrew Brochure. I don't know if they have a new brochure for the Gen III trucks. Mine is a Gen II. There is a chart with the towing cap. Below the chart is a little note that says to deduct 500lbs for the 17" wheel.
This lined up with the ordering material that my salesman had. As a result of this I ordered the 16" wheels as my trailer has a gross weight of 7000lbs.

 

Big Daddy here boys now listen here I got the 17" wheels and I got the 31' Prowler travel trailer and she goes at 6700# and I tow it with no problemos at all. 3500 miles and climbing and she still got the candyass sissy pinstripes on it. Later BD

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2001 Screw Lariat-Plain White, 5.4 Tritonian-Graphite leather captains chairs-3.55 rear-Class III tow pkg.-6-disc CD-Cab steps- Ordered 9/5/00 Serialized 9/21-Build Date-week of 10/9 10/4 Locked in to be built week of 10/9-Vehicle Produced 10/10 ETA DELIVERY WEEK OF 10/30 10/10 Vehicle Shipped via Railcarrier, Est. ETA week of 10/28 10/13 vehicle shipped via railcarrier-Arrived dealer 10/22 Pick up 10/27 Any questions? Big Daddy

 

hmmmm nevermind

 

Orval - I found in the Ford Commercial Vehicles pamphlet a note that says the 17" 4x4 tire, LT265, reduces the max trailer weight 500lbs.

The 4x2 17" tire, P275, had no trailer weight reduction.

Thanks for the help.