sure just take it slow Ive pulled some pretty large trailers with my 4.2

 

I pull a small travel trailer (not a popup!) that I used to think was maybe 3000#, but now know is more like 4300 with everything in it. My 99 4.2 auto with 256k miles on the original engine and 3.55 rear pulls it just fine, with absolutely no mods to the engine. Went on a 1500+ mile trip with it recently, got maybe 11mpg, no overheat, no sign of anything else. Your trailer shouldn't be a problem.

 

My 2001 4.2 5 Speed has pulled a 10,000LB hydraulic scissor lift... it did it... barely though. This is the 3rd clutch in the truck and its at 106,000 miles, and it shouldnt see any more heavy hauling in its lifetime... hopefully!

 

You are lucky all it's doing is smoking clutches - I can hear the tranny input shaft screaming!

 

 

I shouldve taken a picture, but there was a OBS with the 4.2 pulling a Brimar double axle dump cart with a Bobcat in the trailer. But it was an automatic. It did pull away quick though!

 

hahaha yeah... i think it may have shed a tear while pulling it

 

Well I dunno about that.. but there has been a lot, and I mean a lot of businesses using the v6 F150 to pull some pretty large trailers.

Not sure if it is a coincidence or what...

 

I notice that as well around my area. However, I'm betting the only reason is due to them being affordable, bottom of the line, F150's that are bought for work trucks. I will say that I am impressed with how my 4.2 has performed in towing over all these years.

I haven't posted this pic in a while.... around 7k lbs give or take. Truck pulls it quite well, but it's mostly flat around my area. I wouldn't want to pull that in any elevation\mountain areas. I also have the automatic transmission. But I pulled some decent loads with my 97' 4.2 with the 5spd.