I currently own a 2001 F150 XLT Supercab with the 4.2 litre V-6. I installed the appropriate diablo chip, and converted to dual exhaust. The truck seems to have adequate power, however, I want to buy a boat (3500 lbs), and wonder if the truck can handle the weight of the boat and trailer. One more problem is that it does not have the limited slip differential. Do I have to start thinking about looking for another truck to do the job?

 

Vin114 Welcome aboard !

You will have better luck in a response if you post this same question in the Towing and Hauling section.

Jeff

 

Two questions.

1. Auto or Manual Trans?

2. (3500 lbs) Is that the boat alone or is 3500 everything hooked to the ball
(boat, trailer, fuel, beer, fish hooks, first aid kit)?

If it is (1.Auto and 2.3500 is everything hooked to the ball)
then you have no issues.

 

1. Truck has Auto Trans. 2. The 3500 is the manufacturers specs. for boat, maximum optional hp engine (mine probably will be mid range) , batteries and fuel. Weight doesn't include trailer, or optional 1/2 keg of beer.

 

Since when is Beer an option?

 

Raoul is correct in that you will be able to tow that weight. Keep in mind, it's not going to be a rocket ship and I'd baby both the gas and brake pedals when you tow. If you're still struggling, try replacing the 1/2 keg with a quarter.

 

Sorry I didn't clarify my priorities...If its a full 1/2 keg, the old lady has to stay home. If she has to tag along (someone has to clean the fish), I guess i'll take 2stroked's advise and opt. for a 1/4 keg (or a few cases of cans) to conserve weight.

 

Have the keg delivered. The manual states that the Gross Combined Weight Rating for your vehicle configuration is 10,000 lbs. The max trailer weight is 5500 lbs. You will be close to the max trailer weight if you load the boat. Go load up your truck with the wife and kegs ect.. and weigh it. Add the weight of the trailer and boat and one of Raoul's goats, they make excellent life guards, and see how close to the 10,000 limit you are.

JMC

PS. Don't let the goat drink any beer.

 

That little V6 will be working its nuts off, no matter how you look at it!
If your cashflow permits, go get a 5.4 V8 rig.

Just my opinion...

 

Should be fine. The boat I bought (3500 pounds) was towed all over by a guy with a 97 F150 2wd supercab with the V6....