Got a great deal on a 2000 F150 XLT Super Cab, 4.6, K&N, Gibson catback, Harley grille, Jason cab-high cap, Tornadoe, Hidden Hitch, Air Lift system with an on-board compresser, a 3.08 non-limited slip. New condition with only 25,000 miles. I'm planning my annual trip to Sturgis, SD from Orlando, Florida. (Total of about 5,000 miles). I'll be pulling a Pace single axel trailer(1500 #) with my 800# Road King...total of 2300# plus my wife and me (105# + 230#, she's a big woman but I love her). It's geared kind of high, but the only significant grade I'll experience will be the Smokies in Tennessee. Should I attempt it, (Don't want to damage this truck), OR should I leave the wife at home and get rid of the extra weight? Really, does anybody out there think that this is too much for this truck? I'd appreciate some advice.

 

I've towed that much with my Windstar.

This might have been a legitimate question if you had the V6, manual.

All you got to do is get the right drop for your ball and have a smooth tow.

 

You don't have the Tow Package listed, so you probably don't have a transmission cooler. That 3.08 is a bit high to be pulling a trailer, in addition to the weight in the truck. There's a possibility of overheating the transmission. When you're heading West you will no doubt be running into a headwind, which will make matters worse. Don't let the engine struggle in O/D ..... run it in 3rd gear. ............. Have fun in Sturgis

 

No problems that I can see. However, I'd add a transmission cooler to extend its life.

 

If you already have a frame hitch, then you may already have a tranny cooler.

Take a quick look in the grill. If you see a small cooler on the passenger side, that's your tranny cooler. The one on the drivers side is the power steering cooler.

 

I don't see a problem with it the mountains in TN ain't that bad now if you were going through the Rockies in Colrado it would be a different story have fun on your trip.

 

I bought this truck in DEC '01 and have bought and installed myself everything that I have listed beyond the bare truck, including the Hidden Hitch. I'm fairly sure that this truck did not come from the factory with a towing package. Does that mean that it wouldn't have a transmission cooler? By the way, I just checked my gas milage for the first time since I added the Gibson cat-back and the K&N (and the fuel line magnet...do they really work?), and with city driving I got 16.2 mi/gallon. My truck is an automatic...Is this a good figure? I really appreciate the feedback that you guys have given me! Hope I can return it sometime!

 

Alright, alright! 5,000 mile trip, you have my permission to buy a tranny cooler, if you must but, don't ask me if you should have it installed or do it yourself because I haven't made up my mind yet.

 

LOL thats a good one Raoul

 

Raoul the 4.2 V6 with the manual is no slouch, I had one for 3 years and pulled a 19' 5'ver with a GVW of 4200#. I also pulled a 26' 5'ver with it a couple times and it was 6000# dry. Most times you could run on the level in 5th and shift to 4th to get up the hills. Wish my new truck was available in manual, I prefer them to autos any day. Have a good one.