Will the 4.2L V6 have enough power?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 171
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From: Great Falls, MT
Originally Posted by XSleeper
Hi. I'm considering buying a 2002 F-150 XT 4dr Supercab w/ manual transmission that has the 4.2L V6. I also own a small 14' camper that we take camping a few times a year, driving up and down some pretty hilly highways on the 2 hour trip to our favorite campground. Is the V6 going to have the ***** to pull the camper up those hills or am I going to have lots of irate people tailgating me the whole way?
Additionally, I was wondering what kind of MPG to expect.
The sale price for this pickup is $7980 (it has 104,000 miles, but otherwise is in fine shape. Rubber floor mats, cloth seats, but nothing fancy- a plain jane.) Does this sound like a good deal?
Additionally, I was wondering what kind of MPG to expect.
The sale price for this pickup is $7980 (it has 104,000 miles, but otherwise is in fine shape. Rubber floor mats, cloth seats, but nothing fancy- a plain jane.) Does this sound like a good deal?
Another point that I would like to make is that my truck with a 4.6L and only 89,000 miles, cost me only $7700 with the trade. I think that you would have some bargaining room and I would not go for the almost $8000 price tag.
Good luck and God Bless!
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
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i have a 2001 f-150 with a 4.2 5 speed, and has been there for me on every turn. anywhere from hauling my dirt bikes, moving, towing and hitting the trails, it has been reliable through and through. I've towed one of my friends home twice through the hills and mountains without a hassle. my friend drives a 1996 1/2 ton chevy p/u...both times he was the unfortunate victim of treading into deep water. anyways, it would have been cool to get this truck with a 4X4 and a v8, but I am content with what I have.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 171
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From: Great Falls, MT
Originally Posted by f150motocross
i have a 2001 f-150 with a 4.2 5 speed, and has been there for me on every turn. anywhere from hauling my dirt bikes, moving, towing and hitting the trails, it has been reliable through and through. I've towed one of my friends home twice through the hills and mountains without a hassle. my friend drives a 1996 1/2 ton chevy p/u...both times he was the unfortunate victim of treading into deep water. anyways, it would have been cool to get this truck with a 4X4 and a v8, but I am content with what I have.
Yeah, it is really cool. I am telling you, the V8 and 4x4 make all the difference. Mine has a slight lift on it too.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 198
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From: Arizona
I had a 99 E150 with the 4.2. I towed a big boat behind it with no problems and of course a van is pretty un-aeordynamic. I'm of the opinion it's a great motor, I never had a problem with it (which is good, because have you ever looked in an e150 engine bay?)
Unless you want to routinely pull 4000 punds uphill in a headwind, you'll be fine.
Unless you want to routinely pull 4000 punds uphill in a headwind, you'll be fine.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,008
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From: Dover AFB DE / Harrisburg PA
My buddy got a 97 with a 4.2 slushbox, and he tows his boat with it. Although when goin on a long trip with said boat and a bed full of gear, he asks to borrow one my V8s.
Adrianspeeder
Adrianspeeder
Last edited by adrianspeeder; Nov 10, 2005 at 10:51 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,194
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From: Florida
I got an 05 XL with a v6 and a 3.55 rear end and auto tranny. Its accelleration sucks, but it gets good gas mileage and I have never had any issues with its hauling or towing ability.
I do not regret the decision. I considered getting a 5 speed, but I do alot of in-town driving and my last stick (87 F150 with a 300 6 cyl) sucked during rush hour bumper to bumper traffic. Accelleration seemed better with the stick, I test drove both before deciding on the auto.
Im sure you will be fine unless you are pulling 5000 pound trailers or boats consistently.
You may want to try to find one with a 3.73 rear to test drive before you make your choice
I do not regret the decision. I considered getting a 5 speed, but I do alot of in-town driving and my last stick (87 F150 with a 300 6 cyl) sucked during rush hour bumper to bumper traffic. Accelleration seemed better with the stick, I test drove both before deciding on the auto.
Im sure you will be fine unless you are pulling 5000 pound trailers or boats consistently.
You may want to try to find one with a 3.73 rear to test drive before you make your choice
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 300
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From: Lincoln, NE
I occasionally tow a 1,500 lb trailer plus around 2,000-2,500 lb scissor lift. I have a 97 4.2 5 spd and it moves it around without a problem. Backing and having to ride the clutch to position is the only downside for me though. (hate that smell) But you should have 0 problems hauling around a 14' camper.