Hi Matt

Your getting some good feed back. You just have to decide whats right for you/yours and your situation.

Mistake i made...4.6L (long story-short version) Yes, it will tow my GCWR 11,500#. In 3rd gear most of time cause the least little rise in hi-way it shifts out of OD. Now...try going up a 6-7% grade with same load...you'll find out real quick how slow a go it is...not forgetting how hard that drive train is working. Flat level its OK.

Even if my load were lighter + towing, i wouldnt be satisfied with the 4.6L, but thats just me. Solo its OK. (after mods.)

Point being...5.4L would be a good choice.

Good luck...OT

 

I owned a 4.2, 5.4, and 7.3 Powerstroke. I never pulled anything over 8000#. If I had to recommend a vehicle get the F-150 5.4.

 

I just got my 97 a month ago. I've taken it on 2 600+ mile towing jaunts so far.
It's only a 4x2. I"ve never owned a 4x4, and never will. No need. And if you don't need it, why bother with it?

It gets about 11+ mpg towing the trailer/racecar package.
Doesn't matter if I"m going 70 or 80, mileage stays the same.
I don't even bother monitoring gas mileage when it's not pulling something, (all local jaunts then).
I highly recommend the 5.4 for power tho. I can't imagine having a 4.6 of 4.2 and trying to go up hills, or get started from a stop.
To make a long story shorter, I love the 97, love the 5.4 power.

 

Hello TX,
I just purchased a 2001 F150 XLT 4X4 with the 5.4 and 3.55 w/ Limited Slip rear and pull my Jeep CJ around doing the same thing. The trailer is a 18' Big Tex diamond plated car hauler and the CJ is somewhat stripped for off-road use. I have to say that I am extremely pleased at how well the truck pulls the load. Just remember to balance the load as well as you can on the trailer for the most efficient / comfortable ride. I was thinking I would be happy with the 4.6, however, I decided that I would rather have too much power than not enough. Don't want to make a major purchase and later say, "I wish I hadda ...". Fortunately, my fiance told me to get what I wanted, however, a diesel was a little more than I wanted to spend. Good Luck in you quest for a tow rig.
Shayne

 

I'd have to agree with everyone who says to get the 5.4. I've pulled plenty with my 4.6, but I have the 5 speed so don't lose as much power through the tranny. I would not want to pull with a 4.6 auto.

 

I have an '99 F350 Crew for workin' and towin' ... an '02 H-D S-Crew for playin' and showin' ... I'd recommend turnin' in the wife-to-be that's crowin' !!

 

I have towed my race car on a single axel trailer, total weight approx. 4,000 - 4,500lbs no problem at all. I have the 4.2 5-speed 3.55 L/S. I have towed with other trucks and towing my race car with my truck don't really know its there. So a 4.6 should be no problem at all, but like others have said if you can afford the 5.4 heck why not go with that then you'll have all the power you need. For me I don't plan on towing more then what I mentioned so the 4.2 is perfect for me, since it is a daily driver.

As someone mention weight distribution is EVERYTHING.

Tell the wife you need a truck so if you need to get a washer and/or dryer or other big things it will save on deliever charges

 

Well I am going to step up to the plate and tell you to go up to a Super Duty. Crew Cab if you like and need that supercrew lay out. Your close to your max GCVWR now with the wieght of that truck and that other vehichle on a trailer back there. I always say go with at least 20% extra capacity if your towing in anything but the situations they based those ratings on. You do know those ratings are pretty much and empty truck at 70 degree's on level ground right? I mean your not saying thats your situation at all. You want to go the back roads and I suspect some hills and all. That Supercrew in 4X4 with either engine and a tank full of gas and all your gear in the back bed and people is gonna weigh in at like very close to if not over 6000 pounds! Now add your estimated towed stuff. close to 5K more! Your at 11,000 pounds already! So now whats the GCVWR of that truck again? remember in the guide to reduce by 500 pounds for 4X4 and reduce if your rear end ratio is 3.55 or less.

I am just saying that your close to what its rated for and you should not be. If you realy want to tow this thing you need more GCVWR and a F250 will do that for you. If not a F350... Even with the smallest engine they put in them which is the 5.4L. It also guarantees you the 4R100 tranny too. And 3.73 rear end is standard too with a 4.10 option. Do not forget that stuff. Towing package is standard on a SD and they will run you no more money than that Supercrew will. Plus you'll get four full doors AND a full bed. You don't get that on a Supercrew. Things to consider.

I went up from towing a 5600 pound camper that I COULD tow with my F150. But I was near my limit. But I towed much more securely and confidently with the F250 with a 5.4L in it. I now tow that same Camper with a F350 CC Dually PSD. Now I have too much truck for the Camper. Time to get a bigger camper!!!

Anyway that is something to consider for your needs.