I'm thinking of buying a 1993 F-150, fuel-injected, 4WD, 5.0L engine. This truck is SWEET, excellent condition, but my concern is this--I need to be able to haul my horse. If this puppy will haul 7500 lbs., I'd be thrilled, but I could get by with 6000 (trailer alone is 3500, horse is about 1000, say about 500 for equipment, hay, etc.--but I would like to be able to haul 2 horses). I need to haul to Louisville once a year (80 miles), Lexington once a year (90 miles), and just local hauling (< 20 miles) maybe once or twice a month through the summer.

Does anyone know what this truck is rated to tow? I need to make a decision today!


Thanks!
Suzy

 

Im pretty sure that will be over your wieght limitations, but it will probaly do it, so long as it doesn't have a to high geared rear end. You wont be going over 55 mph I bet and any hills will kill it, plus it will suck the petro. I love the 302 but they aren't much for pulling very much, unless you have a 4.10 rear end or so. I would probally look for a F-250, with a 351, or 460. I am partial to the 460, will get 1-2 mpg less than the 351 and have twice the power.

 

Thanks anyway...I'd been getting contradictory advice. Half the people I've talked to said it will, half said it won't. I know a 4.6L engine is iffy, but I was really hoping the 5.0 would do it. I used to have an F-150 with a 5.7 that pulled it just fine (9100 lb. capcity).

I do have a 250 as a backup choice, but it's not nearly as nice and is more expensive.


Suzy

 

The 5.0L in like the 4.6L now, the smaller V8. Even if is is rated to tow 6000 or 7000 pounds, doing it will be painfully slow and tough on any 12+ year old engine.

 

My dad had a 1990 Bronco with the FI 5.0, 3.55 gears and automatic trans. He had a miserable time towing a pretty small 19' Aljo travel trailer. I doubt the thing weighed any more then #4500 fully loaded.....

It was the lack of power that got to him the most. The trailer acutally towed fine (no sway), but he was just "killing" the engine....

You would probably be able to get away with it, assuming you have at least the 3.55 gears and an automatic, but you will notice the lack of power and it will work that 5.0 pretty hard to make up for it......

Good luck.

Mitch

 

I really do appreciate your input! I decided to pass on the 150. If anyone lives in the northern KY/Cincy area and is looking, I would highly recommend this truck (as long as you're not doing any heavy hauling, that is!).

My "backup plan" is a 1997 F-250 XL long bed, 4WD, automatic, 100K miles. Not as nice, but this would certainly do the job.


Thanks again!
Suzy

 

I agree with your backup plan. It will tow those horses much better and safer.