I am looking at a leftover 2006 F150 XL Regular Cab, Long Bed with 4.2L V-6 Auto. This truck has 3.55 rear axle ratio. I have a 1998 Champion 203 20' bass boat on tandem trailer with brakes. The boat, trailer, and motor weigh about 3000lb. Will this truck be ok towing my boat? I have towed this boat with my wife's 2002 Chevy Trailblazer for the past two years with no problems. I also plan to install Leer 180 Cap and Bed Rug kit for hauling gear and camping. I have owned three Chevy's in the past (Two were the 4.3 V-6's). I towed with both the 4.3s without problems. This will be my first Ford.

 

I don't think you'll have any problems pulling 3000 lbs. I don't know what the exact tow rating is for the 2006 4.2 but my 4.2L S-cab with the 3:55LS ratio is rated to tow 5600 lbs. I've towed more then that but it wasn't for long distances and on moderately flat land. You may try askind down in the towing\hauling section; there are some very knowledgeable members there. Welcome to the site!

 

i tow 6k lbs regularly during the summer (older 2 horse trailer with horses and tack) and she definitely feels it, but towing the trailer itself (2500 or so lbs) is pleasant so i wouldn't think that 3k lbs would be a problem at all. somethings i would look into if you're going to tow frequently or lots of hills would be making sure you have a good tranny cooler, good hitch (not using the bumper ball), and keep the brakes up to date.

 

owners manuals for fords

https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp

 

When I had the 4.2 V6 in my 99 scab, I towed my father in law's 6000lb bobcat on a 16ft trailer(2000lbs?) Keep in mind, this was with helper springs, a rebuilt heavy duty transmission, 4.88 gears(and a locker) and a Troyer custom 93 tow tune. People underestimate the 4.2, just cause it's a V6. It pulls better than any 4.3 I've ever owned(4 of them). I just like showing what this little engine can do. You should be fine with just a bass boat. Might just want to install a tranny temp gauge just to keep a eye on things. I think all new trucks should come with one of these.

 

it should do fine, I have a '05 reg cab XL with the 4.2L/auto/3.55's and I pull my 18 1/2' Skeeter 3 or 4 times a week. I've put 44k on this truck already and havent had a single problem. Just be sure and turn the O/D off and it will do good, you wont win any races with the boat back there but it will get you where you are going just fine. You will see your gas mileage drop from about 17-18mpg down to about 12-14mpg with the boat hooked up and the O/D off but thats to be expected with about any half ton truck with a gas engine.