May need to tow a 20 foot pontoon boat soon and was looking at the info for my truck to make sure it will handle it.

I have a 1997 Ford F-150 super cab 4.2L V6 (and YES! Had to replace the engine at 75K), Auto,with a Rear Axle ratio of 3.08.
The oowners manual said it will handle 4,600 pounds trailer weight (If I don't exceed max weight for truck) The sales brochure I still have says not recommended to exceed 20,000 lbs trailer weight with 3.08 axle ratio. Assuming the 20,000 lb is a typo in the sale brochure and should be 2,000 lbs.
In your experience, what would seem to be correct. 2,000 lb or 4,600 lbs.?

I'm guessing the boat and everything would not be over 2K-3K pounds. I would not be pulling but an hour or less at a time.

Looking for anyone who may have pulled a boat with this setup and can give advice on how the truck did.

 

With a 3.08, you are in fact limited to 2000 pounds. The 4600 figure is for 3.55's with an automatic.

 

Thanks,

The reason for my question was because the owners manual clearly shows 4,600 lbs. Did not know what to believe.
Here is a link to the owners manual if anyone needs it and came across this thread. Tow info on page 118.

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pub.../97f12og1e.pdf

Thanks again.

 

I stand corrected.

 

If you drive it right and with respect you should be fine i had an 02 V6 5speed f150 and i towed tractors boats backhoes etc with mine and it did fine, Just dont try to hot rod it and it outta be just fine.

 

also my grandfather towed 17ft lowboy with a geo metro on it with his nissan d21 it may not have been safe the truck may have hated it but it got the job done

 

What does the pontoon in question weigh? Pontoon boats are relatively light in weight, I'd think your truck will do fine. The only real issue with towing them is they catch a lot of wind, much like an empty box trailer, travel trailer, etc. If you're going to be towing the boat often, and keeping your truck for a while, then I would maybe upgrade your gears to 4.10.