Still trying to get a definitive answer. Got a 2001 F150 Harley S-crew orderd. vehilce will be used for occasional towing (NO, not the scoots', a boat) app weight total 5500 lbs. Tow package 535 is not offered, but trucks come with beefed up suspension, electricals, transmission cooler, and wiring harness. Will an oil cooler be necessary, and if so, any part numbers/recommendations? Dealer states they can't install one, but an outfit in town will put on the class III receiver and oil cooler....any warranty problems?
Thanks for the inputs across the board, have learned many things to look out for. This is my first new 'cage' in 25 years....I usually buy a $100 cheapie and drive it until it dies...saves money for toys, like boats, 'scoots, and such....Rube

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"There is no hunting like the hunting of a man and
those that have hunted armed men long enough and
liked it, never care for anything else thereafter."
E. Hemingway

 

I have an extended warranty and i have added both to my truck and there wasnt any problems when it was taken into my dealership.

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98' F-150STX Ext.Cb
K&N FIPK
99' "L" Rims
Pntd Hard tonneau
Many more......

 

I tow a boat that weighs about the same. I have the tow package and have been very comfortable towing my boat. The most I usually tow is 15 miles, but if you're going to tow much further I would get a cooler for the oil. I am planning on putting in a couple sensors to see what exactly my oil temp and tranny fluid temp are. Hoping I can find a switchable gauge that will allow me to check either sensor and only use one gauge. Having that info is the only way I'll truelly feel comfortable making further cooling modifications.

Steve

 

That "beefed up" suspension is probably a sport-tuned one. Sport driving and towing/hauling aren't the same. Just be sure you don't exceed either the GCWR or the rear GAWR for your truck.

 

The sport suspension is not tuned to bear a lot of weight. The Lightning is in the same position. Still, you should be able to support 500-600lb of trailer tongue weight I would think.

The oil cooler is probably a good idea considering 5w-30 is the recommended oil (and I wouldn't put thicker stuff in). The factory tow package has one, so Ford must think you need it to reach maximum tow capacity. You might be able to get away without one with synthetic oil. Higher rev's will keep the air moving through the engine to cool it - don't lug it in overdrive.

 

Philly

You may want to re think the HD 150. Last time I saw a spec sheet, it's only rated to tow 4500 lbs. Check it out before you buy. I have a Screw with a 4.6, chip, catback, 3.55ls and K&N. I tow a 6400 lb. boat and I need everything it has to give. The HD is SWEET, but it's NOT a towing machine.

Greg

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[This message has been edited by GregS.2001 (edited 01-13-2001).]

 

I only have one thing to add...

HD has 20" rims. I think that is Most of the reason why towing weight would be reduced.

If the Harley has the suspension set up like the Lightning, then that would be the rest of the reason, becuase other than that, they are still F150's, right?

I would have bought the HD, but didnt want
a black truck. The rims and tires alone are worth the extra $$$ you pay anyway.


There's my .02

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White 2000 XLT Flareside 4X2 Supercab, 5.4L Triton V-8, Automatic-3.55 LS, Class III Tow Package, Duraliner, White gauge faceplate, Alpine 60w x 4 CDA-7863.
Superchip
FUTURE MODS:
-K&N FIPK
-2001 Lightning wheels?
-Lightning front bumper cover, & foglights
-MTX Thunderforms for S/C
-Upgraded speakers in doors
-amplifier
-2" drop, front & rear
(I think that is a good start)