5 speed towing
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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5 speed towing
Hey all!
This is probably a dumb question, but here it is.....
I have towed with automatic transmissions many times in the past. I have an '05 F-150 with a 4.2L 5 speed(bought it new). When towing our pop-up camper, should I avoid 5th gear completely? The curb weight of the camper is 1800 lbs. Will it be safe to use 5th on long stretches like major highways? Any helpful hints would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!
This is probably a dumb question, but here it is.....
I have towed with automatic transmissions many times in the past. I have an '05 F-150 with a 4.2L 5 speed(bought it new). When towing our pop-up camper, should I avoid 5th gear completely? The curb weight of the camper is 1800 lbs. Will it be safe to use 5th on long stretches like major highways? Any helpful hints would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,636
Likes: 264
From: Vernon, NY
You should be fine. Remember, a manual is not like an automatic... since 5th is O/D or vice versa it is just another gear.
Try to use it to save gas. You won't hurt anything. I've towed 6000 lbs with my '99 and never had an issue. Best thing to do is to drop it in 5th at around 55+ mph. Don't be afraid to give it some gas either.
To save the clutch don't do jack-rabbit starts. Just take it easy on the initial start... and don't give it tooo much gas... as you will be doing nothing but wasting the clutch. You've got to find the medium. After that, you can pretty much let loose, lol.
My '07 I've towed about 4000 lbs so far. No issues and it drove better than my '99 did.
Also, there is a lot less drive train loss on the stick compared to the slushbox automatic. So you've got the power.
I plan on getting a Centerforce flywheel, clutch and friction material when I hit 75k or 100k. Why? It's better than stock and will allow me to do crazy things to it with no problem. Knowing me, I could get the V6 to bust the rear end like a v8 would. It's got a lot of power and with little drivetrain loss, there is a lot of power going to the rear wheels.
Try to use it to save gas. You won't hurt anything. I've towed 6000 lbs with my '99 and never had an issue. Best thing to do is to drop it in 5th at around 55+ mph. Don't be afraid to give it some gas either.
To save the clutch don't do jack-rabbit starts. Just take it easy on the initial start... and don't give it tooo much gas... as you will be doing nothing but wasting the clutch. You've got to find the medium. After that, you can pretty much let loose, lol.
My '07 I've towed about 4000 lbs so far. No issues and it drove better than my '99 did.
Also, there is a lot less drive train loss on the stick compared to the slushbox automatic. So you've got the power.
I plan on getting a Centerforce flywheel, clutch and friction material when I hit 75k or 100k. Why? It's better than stock and will allow me to do crazy things to it with no problem. Knowing me, I could get the V6 to bust the rear end like a v8 would. It's got a lot of power and with little drivetrain loss, there is a lot of power going to the rear wheels.