Guys, I have a 2000 F150 Supercab 4x4 with a Triton 5.4 V8 with 72000 miles. I have just retired from the Army and will be relocating from Colorado to North Carolina. I will be using the F150 to pull an Acura 3.2 TL on a Car Carrier, with about 500 - 600 lbs in the bed of th truck. My question is has anyone pulled a car of equal weight distance with similar vehicle. I have not done anything to upgrade the suspension. The truck sits up pretty high (don't exactly know the height). I am quite sure it has a factory transmission cooler installed. Went to the local Ford dealer got a 25 point inspection done. They say the truck is in great shape Any suggestions for a safe/trouble free trip.

 

Don't assume about the tranny cooler. I did and I cooked one already. Ford puts power steering coolers on all the trucks and I never bothered to trace the lines so I thought that it was a tranny cooler. If you have a tranny cooler it will be on the passenger side of the truck. The PS cooler is always on the drivers side. Keep in mind that if you happen to have a 5spd you don't need a cooler. Now for actually pulling it you won't have many problems. I pulled my 18' 10k GVWR trailer with my Ranger on it (total weight esitmated at 4-5k) on a 7hr round trip back in March the last time I drove it. It did fairly well, but its not a very good towing setup. I've got 33s with 3.55 gears and a 4.6L. Just not enough power. Your setup would do alot better. Leaving Denver its going to be downhill so that will go easy. The rest of the midwest is pretty flat so you can cruise through that pretty easy. The biggest challenge for you is going to be once you start hitting the mtns again in TN and eastern NC. I came through Knoxville and Ashville on I40 back in March and I don't think I'd even attempt to drive that with my truck/trailer. The one thing I'd reccomend adding to your truck will be a tranny temp gauge. For towing its a MUST. If you keep an eye on the temp and keep it cool you'll make it last alot longer. Also if you don't have a tranny cooler get the biggest one you can find. Mines a 28,000 GVWR stacked plate cooler I got from Summit for $60. Mine dropped my temps by 25* easily. While going down the road my temps don't move off 145*. When I get in town though I can see up to 180* or higher since I'm not moving any air over the cooler.

 

I just climbed under the truck for a better look and you are right it does have a power steering cooler on the drivers side mounted below the radiator. Next to it on the passengers side is the transmission cooler, I traced the line all the way back to the transfer case. And yes I have a frame mounted Class IV trailer hitch. I plan on going south on I-25 and pick up I-40. I have been through Ashville also but not towing anything. Thanks for the advice, it made me do a more thorough inspection. As for the Tranmission temp gage I will have to have one installed. Again thanks for the info.

 

Double check everything , air filter, gas filter and take some extras like drinking water, motor oil, load tie downs, new maps, spare fan belt, basic tools, Gas can, check air in all tires including the spare... A lineup is good to do before a trip like that.... and one last point , a good check on your brake system, shoes, etc, etc...You can pull the load with that motor/truck but make sure you can stop it as well...

Hope you enjoy your retirement and have a safe trip...Good luck...