Are you guys towing with the factory hitch or are yall replacing it with a different one? The reason I ask, is that most hitches are spread out along the frame and this factory one just bolts to the end of the frame. From an engineering standpoint I would think the ones that bolt on with 6 bolts and spread the weight down almost 3' of the frame would hold better and be safer. I'm only towing a 24' boat that weights about 6k going down the road and my flatbed will hold 7k and is close with my tractor and brushhog on it. I just moved down from a F-350 to this 06 F-150 and I want to make sure the hitch will hold up.
Also, what can yall tell me about the transmission cooler that I might need to know. Do I need to install an auxillary or will the factory one keep up?

 

I tow the same size boat with mine, no problems yet. I have only had the truck for 2 months though.

A few years ago I stupidly pulled a farm tractor with calcium filled tires on a car hauler behind a 99 ranger with only the factory hitch and never had a problem with the hitch, the only problem i had was that the front tires did not want to stay on the ground......

 

I was told by the Ford salesman that the truck would tow 9k. But when I got home and looked at the bumper is says 9k if weight distribution. Well I don't have that on my flat bed or boat. and 5k without. My boat alone will be pushing the 5k much less my flatbed.

 

Then you better move back up

 

I am assuming the boat is 6K # including the trailer.
You referred to the flatbed as carrying 7K #. What is the GROSS WEIGHT of the trailer and load combined?
I am thinking the F150 is rated to tow a MAX of 8K # if properly equipped, This means 5.4 engine with Auto Trans, Tow Pkg. and 2WD. This is also a regular cab. As you go up through the cab sizes, the tow rating goes down.
My Screw is rated for 6.4K because it only has the 4.6 and the heavier cab.
I think you should at least go to a WD hitch for your loads.
I do not have the factory tow pkg. I added a U-Haul class 3 receiver hitch to mine. It is rated for 6K # and is only mounted with 4 bolts at the end of the frame. If using a WD hitch, it is rated for 10k #. I would trust the load rating from U-Haul. They are liable if it fails. This should keep them honest.
The tranny cooler on my truck looks pretty good. I think the other posters advise that the tow pkg. comes with a bigger cooler. Yours might be better than mine. However, TX and CA (where I live) are both very hot places and you are pulling a heavy load for a 1/2 ton. Might be good to step up to protect the tranny.
Good luck.

 

youll be fine depending on what motor. Don't know what kind of boat you have, but these are pretty damn heavy. Note, these were all pre AAL on the factory tow package. Only upgrade is a brake controller.

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