Inherited my 02 f150 xl 4.2l when my dad past. Looked on line for what I could tow, camper wise and everything I saw said 8,000 lbs was my limit. Towing 6100 lb travel trailer, truck temperature gauge red lined while going over 60 mph on highway. Going 55 or under highway and in the city, stayed in mid range of temp gauge. Any suggestions?

 

Get a larger radiator. When I bought my 2000 F150 5.4L with tow package Ford advertised it to have addtional cooling which it did not. Enough customers complained that they offered a refund of $100, $500 credit on tradin, or the 7700 series rediator. I chose the 7700 series radiator which I think is a drop in. So, there are larger radiators available. I recommend a larger trans cooler too.

 

NO WAY can you tow 6100# with a 4.2 or a 4.6! That 8000# limit is for a 5.4! No idea where you found that online, but it's wrong wrong wrong.

Standard cab or extended cab? 2wd or 4wd? Automatic or manual transmission? AXLE code on the door jamb sticker? Answer those 4 questions and I can tell you the REAL limit. (AXLE code will be 2 digits such as 19 or H9)

 

Standard cab or extended cab? Extended Cab

2wd or 4wd? 2wd

Automatic or manual transmission? Automatic

AXLE code on the door jamb sticker? haven’t had a chance to get axle code

 

This is for a m/y 2002 F150:
(Courtesy of: https://www.fordf150.net/specs/02f150.php )