i have a 1997 ford f-150 4x4 xl with a 4.6 automatic engine/tranny.

does anyone out there do any towing with theirs?
are you satisfied? if so, what mods have you done to increase your horsepower and torque?

mine also pings alot- you may have seen my other thread.....

 

You may want to check out my post "01 Screw over heating". Having said this I don't think the problem I have had is normal. My previous truck was a 99 S-cab w/4.6 & 3.55 gears. Pulled my 21 ft Starlite trailer (max weight 4500 lbs) through the Rocky Mountains no problem - with no mods. In fact pulled it better than my 88 S-cab with 302. I personally wouldn't hesitate to pull 5000 lbs at least. If you don't have the towing package I would definitely consider a Class III hitch and a GOOD transmission cooler. Hope this helps some.

PS Never had a problem with pinging.

 

I pull 2 different boats, a 1500lb almost every weekend and a 3000lb a couple times a year. Neither is a sever test for the engine. I have had real good service from it. except I have to replace the serpentine about every 15000mi.

Unrelated to the power but I do tend to get my tail wagged around a little when pulling the bigger boat. Probably should lower the tongue and get a trailer with brakes.

 

I tow a 2001 ,25ft. cherokee lite TT, with a loaded weight of about 4800lbs.I keep the O/D off, to keep shifting to a minimum.I have a 2002 supercab 2wd with the 4.6,3.55 gears.My truck didn't have the factory towing package. So I installed a class 3 hitch, and the biggest trans. cooler I could find. We just returned home, from a 2000 mile round trip, from W.V. to Panama City Fl.,and back. The truck performed flawlessly.

 

I have a 97 F-150 Lariat with the 4.6L and towing package, and hesitate to pull my boat with it. My boat is a 21ft Javelin, F/S with a 175 outboard. Along with this setup, it sits on a steel, tandem wheeled trailer. If I have to use it, i usually don't to too much passing of other vehicles. Takes too much time to pass em.
It is more enjoyable to pull it with my Expy, as it has the 5.4L. It makes a big difference when you try and pass, as well as other maneuvering.

 

I know this is extreme but I tow a 27ft Proline that weighs close to 8k when full of fuel (170 gallons). I only tow to the launch and back which is about 10miles.
I have been doing it for close to three years without a single problem. It does ping some when going up hill but I can remain at 50-55mph at all times. The handleing is great.

I used to tow it with a 89' Bronco with a not stock 5.0. There is no comparison. my F-150 could probly tow the Bronco and boat better.

 

I have a 01' Scab 4.6l. I tow only once or twice a year so I got a vehicle that would meet my needs as a daily driver and then set it up for the occasional tow. Flipchip, large tranny cooler, tranny temp gauge, 3.73 rear end, rear sway bars, class 4 hitch. Tows the 24' trailer excellently, just got back from eastern WA over the cascades in high temps slowed to about 4omph on the steepest grades. I had no problem keeping up with anyone else on the road. The size of your rear gears will make a large difference in the pulling ability of your truck. The pinging could be cheap gas, or needing a tune up, I burn nothing but Cheveron, cost a little more but I think it's worth it to keep things clean.

 

thanks suvdvr i live in the seattle area and towing over the cascades is where i run into my troubles

 

I pull a 6500 lb, 24 foot 5th wheel with my 97 4.6. No problems at all. I added a transmission cooler and installed some air bag load levelers.

 

I have 99 supercab 4.6, 8 foot bed, auto OD. I pull on a regular basis:

1. Small boat (3500 lb total)

2. 2-horse trailer with 1 horse (4000 lb total)

3. 5200 lb small dump trailer (occasionally overloaded)

As long as overdrive is off, I move right along.

I have tow package.

I worry about stopping more than moving.

 

i think i found the problem.
i cleaned the MAF sensor with brake cleaner and it doesnt ping at all anymore and it has alot more power......havent towed with it yet though.

i sure am glad i found this website, very helpful!!!!!