I am looking for a truck that will perform its duties as a daily driver as well as part time tow rig for my Jeep. The jeep is most likely going to be pulled with a tow dolly for now. I am just wanting to know if an f-150 will fill my needs.

I am looking at an inline 6 with a 5 speed tranny. I know of the long standing debate between manual and automatic and I am not trying to start one. But will the 6 be sufficient to tow with and what about the 5 speed?

Also on a different note. What is the difference between a standard f-150 and the eddie bauer editions? All I can see is the slight cosmetic differences in the body. Any other differences I should know about?

 

A F-150 with any engine can pull a jeep either on a dolly or a trailer. If you are looking for an inline 6, you are looking for a 1996 or older. The 5 speed in the F-150 is a light duty tranny, and should not be used to tow over 3500 pounds. The old inline 6 will pull it fine, but you need an automatic.

 

You must be looking at 1996 and older trucks then? The EB editions are just trim and paint enhancements... Nothing different drivetrain wise.

As far as the old inline 6 goes, they run forever and for a straight six have pretty good torque numbers down low, which makes them good for stump pulling and lugging stuff around a yard.....

My BIL has a 1990 F150 with the six and 5 speed... Does everything he needs it to do and then some.. He does not tow anything with it, but he's not had any engine or trans issues... Everything around it is falling off or breaking, but he's not had to do any serious work on strickly the drive train..

Way back when, the construction company I worked for had this mid 70's F350 with the stright six and only a 4 speed, but it had the granny low... We used it to haul around a ton of stuff in the back because it had been converted to a flat bed... It just kept running and running, no matter how we abused it..

Anyway, for towing a jeep, you would probably be okay with one.. You'll want to make sure you have at least the 3.55 gears in the rear end.. I don't think those 5 speeds are geared to low, even in 1st??

As long as it's mechanically sound, you'll probably be okay...

Mitch

 

Well, I am not specifically looking at 96 and under, just something within my price range with reasonable miles. My biggest concern now is the transmission. I would much prefer a 5 speed for daily driving as that is what I am used to and I find them more "fun" to drive. After doing research most of the consensus is that Ford downgraded the 5 speed tow rating to keep people from burning up the clutch within the warranty period by riding the clutch with heavy loads. I understand that no matter what, with a tow load the clutch is going to be used and worn more but I will not be towing very often. (at most once a month, if that) Is the overall strength of the transmission sufficient?

 

I haven't towed with my F150 yet, but I towed with my Ranger with a 5 spd. and 4.0 V6. Never had a problem with it, although it ran out of motor when pulling a heavy load. 65mph, pedal to the floor, and slowing down in 4th gear when going anywhere but flat and straight! LOL

For some reason, unfortunately, the transmission in that Ranger seems better than the one in my F150.

 

The issue with the 5 speed is a weak input shaft.

 

I highly recommend a trailer for the Jeep. Tow dolly means your truck brakes are stopping an extra 4000-4500 pounds. Yes, a trailer weighs more than a dolly, but they have brakes!

Anything wrong with the automatic?

 

Well I actually went and looked on today. F-150 eddie bauer edition with the 4.9 and 5 speed. Going to pick it up tomorrow. After mixed reviews on the 5 speed, I have decided to give it a try. Most of my research shows that the 5 speed will tow its just harder on the clutch and the tow rating was down graded for warranty purposes for Ford.

Nothing wrong with an automatic but for daily driving I much prefer a stick. With an auto I just don't feel like I am doing enough. IDK, personal preference, what I am used to.

And in reply about the tow dolly braking. I plan on finding a tow dolly with electric brakes. There are a few companies out there that make them and I have seen some good deals on some slightly used trailers. THat should remedy the braking issue. I would love a full flatbed trailer but storage of the jeep, truck, and dolly is pushing my limits. I just won't have room for a full trailer.