i am thinking of getting an '03 F150 to tow my car (car + open car hauler weight should be about 5500 lbs). I don't care about hauling passengers or payload capacity. What is the cheapest truck I can get away with and what are the options (related to towing) I should get? will a 2 dr, regular cab, 2WD, SB truck with no options do? thanks for your help.

 

after looking at the chart at the top of this forum, the only two options I would need are the 3.55 axle ratio ($50) and a Class III Trailer Towing Group ($300). It looks like a 4.2L manual 2wd regular XL cab will do with these options. Am I reading this wrong?

 

According to the chart, the manual trans 4.2L will only tow a max of 3600 pounds.

A 4.6L regular cab 2wd automatic with 3.55 gears and the factory tow package is a good combo and there should be enough supply. What I really recommend is a supercab 5.4L 2wd with 3.55 gears, or 3.73 gears. The longer the wheelbase, the better the ride of the tow vehicle and the more stability. Either 8' bed and regular cab or supercab would make a pretty big difference. Also, the 5.4L would make a huge difference in towing power. Not that a 4.6L won't do it, but if you ever had a chance to try the same truck with 5.4L, you'll regret the 4.6L.

 

sorry, i meant the 4.2L auto (not manual) that is rated at 5800lbs with a 3.55 axle ratio. Also, when I look at the options available, I see "3.55 Limited Slip Axle Ratio" (XH9) listed at $285 and "3.55 Axle Ratio" (X19) listed at $50. Does which one you get matter for towing? Which one is being referred to in the chart above? thanks again.

 

You can do it with the V6, but I wouldn't want to be stuck behind you.

Limited slip has notthing to do with the tow ratings. However, I believe all vehicles should be equipped with an LSD. I have explained it a few times. A search for differential by my username should find some good threads.

 

And it may end up costing you more later than if you had just paid for a little more truck than the absolute bare minimum required for the job now.

 

IMO, get the LS option at the minimum if you are only going for a 4x2. It does nothing for tow ratings, but will help if you are towing in a loose gravel/wet grass/muddy situation. And even if that situation does not come up, who's to say that it won't when you aren't towing?

I tow a #4500 travel trailer, and would not want any less then the 5.4. Granted, I have a bit more wind resistance to deal with, but it's nice to be approaching a hill and looking in the mirror at all the cars move to the other lane expecting me to slow up........ Well, they either have to really speed up to pass or they usually just fall back behind me as I don't usually slow up all that much. Most times it'll stay in third gear too.

You are correct in that the V6/auto is rated for #5800, but that's maxed out. Sure, it'll pull it, but it'll also be working pretty hard doing it. You also won't have much reserve left for hills or any other situation where "more power" is required. IMO, reconsider the V8 option as well..........

Good luck!

 

The V8 option is one that deffinently should not be ruled out, but I have a 99' Ford F-150 Reg XL Long Bed which has the 4.2L engine and 3.55 axle, and I have been towing a 3800lb race car and 18' heavy duty trailer for 4 years now every weekend and have never once had a problem with power. I have gone up hills with it but when you drive with overdrive off in 3rd gear, it doesn't have a problem, it's not blowing the doors off anyone but I have never had a car have to go around me for driving too slow.