Hi guys I was a member here years ago when I owned a 97 2wd F-150 extended cab and then 99 4wd F-150 long box.

In 2001 I traded in my truck for a Jeep and have been a Jeep guy since then however I am now in the market for a daily drive and towing vechile for my jeep as its just not much of a street jeep anymore. My plans are to get a flat bed trailer with duel axles and electric brakes to tow it on the longer trips


Questions: I'm asking this in the towing crowd because they are all towing related answer I'm looking for.

-I am looking at getting a F-150 4wd extended cab with the 5.4L however many people are suggesting I hold out and try to find a F-250 in my budget. The concern is I'll be towing a 5000LB jeep on a 1500LB trailer and while it might just be under the limits of the truck a F-250 would haul much better. Since this is also my daily drive I'm wondering if a F-250 might be over kill for 95% of the time.

-Brakes: I've heard that new F-150s have bigger brakes than the older models. What is a newer model?

-Any Gremlins or tips for looking for a used ford? I know in jeeps there was a few factory options worth gold in the after market like the factory option dana 44.

-If I cann't find a 5.4L are the smaller engines good enough? 4.6L for example?

Thank you all and feel free to check out my jeeping photos

http://www.jeeping.net/photo/

And to see my baby http://www.jeeping.net/photo/albums/...l_IMG_1015.jpg

 

A 5000 lb jeep? Is it one of those old Jeep trucks?

In my opinion, the F-250 would make towing much more enjoyable. There are tons of f-250 4x4 diesels around here. A rig like this SHOULD provide you with plenty of power and a decent tow experience.

If you go with an f-150, DEFINATELY go for a 5.4 (my opinion). There is a big difference between towing with a 5.4 and a 4.6.

I would suggest electric brakes (regardless of the tow vehicle) on one of the trailer axles. This really improves your stopping ability.

My 2000 had four wheel disk brakes, which work surprisingly well when towing. I would recommend them (if you have that option).

I personally would pay attention to the differential. my 98 had a wimpy diff, and the 2000 was better, but the diff on my 02 is a 9.75.

 

Just my 2 cents.... An F-150 will pull your jeep fine. Anything bigger is not necessary. ESPECIALLY if you're only gonna tow it once in a while. IF you were doing a lot of VERY heavy towing (like every day) then a larger truck would probably be worth the money. Other that that, I guess it's just a matter of preference....

 

I would just get the F150. It will tow it fine, just make sure to keep your tongue weight correct and be careful. Daily driving an F250 would suck. Parking is horrible with one, especially compared to your Jeep. Gas mileage, even on the diesel (which gets about 16-20mpg on fuel that's $0.20-0.30 more per gallon), is bad.

Saint: What is the diff code on the 9.75"? What other size diff is available? Any way I can tell just by looking at it? I just did a diff fluid change and want to make sure I put enough in there...

 

The axle code on my 02 is H9.

Just for clarification, I never stated that the 150 would not pull the load, nor did I say that a 250 would be a good daily driver or mileage vehcle. I stated that a 250 would give a better towing experience.

If ColinJ's numbers are correct, we are talking about a 6500+/- lb load. That is close to the max rating on alot of 150's. If there are any hills where he is going, he can plan on crawling up them. Even on the highway with an 80 mph run at the hill (depending on grade and length) you will slow down. A diesel will handle hills significantly better than our 5.4's

I have found that there is no substitute to having the right tool for the job. I love my 150, but I am keeping my eyes open for an inexpensive 250/350. I have seen them going for 4-6k (2x4 version). At that price, I can let it sit until I need it!

Just another .02 cents.