Hi all - I'm new to this board, but have been reading some earlier posts.

I'm looking at newer ('97+) Ford Trucks and I wonder whether the 5.4L will be enough for towing or if I should skip over it and only look at the V10 or the Diesel.

Gas mileage is the big reason as it will most likely become a daily driver. But, I race just about every week 8 months/year and I'm planning on hitting 3-4 races over 400 miles away - so it HAS to be able to tow decent. Car, trailer, and "stuff" is around 5,000 lbs. and I do have electric brakes on the trailer.

I've been looking at F150s, but I HAVE to have Extended Cab and would prefer a 4 door or Crew Cab type. Should I only look into F250 or F350? Am I fooling myself with the 5.4L?

New Truck is cost prohibitive, but I LOVE the concept of the F150 SuperCrew or a Crew Cab F250.

Thoughts? Also, just for comparison, how are the mid 90's (94-96 or so) 351 powered trucks?
Thanks


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Jay "JAY95gt" Schwarzmann - Go to SCHWARZMANN.COM
Kenne Bell Supercharged 95 GT Coupe - Keith Craft 306 and Edelbrock 6037 Heads
1.62/4.91/7.65@90.25/10.00/11.99@113.39
~3325 lbs w/ me (no pass. seat/jack/spare/front sway bar)
NMRA O/C #9003

LOOKING FOR A FORD TRUCK

 

5000lb would be no problem with a 5.4. In fact, you could probably get away with the 4.6 with that size trailer. A PSD or 6.8L SuperDuty would be overkill if that is all the weight you will be towing.

I have experience towing that much weight behind a '87 F-150 with an EFI 5.0, a '90 Bronco with the 5.8, a '95 F-250 with the 7.5, and a '99 Expy and a '01 SuperCrew both with 5.4L engines. The 460-powered truck towed that load like it wasn't even there, but returned 10mpg on a good day, downhill, with a tailwind. It was clearly overkill for that weight. The 5.0L truck pulled that weight fine but you'd have to have it floored going up any mountain pass. But even doing that, the temp gauge never passed mid-scale. FWIW, the 4.6 is a more powerful engine than the EFI 5.0 that preceded it. The 5.8L Bronco pulled a 5Klb trailer fine and the '96 F-150 did it slightly better because the newer mass-air version of the 5.8 that it had more torque than the older speed-density version. The 5.4L vehicles towed that weight significantly better though since the newer 5.4 had more HP and torque (then again, both of them have the newer 260hp version of the engine).

I think you'd only need to go with the SD for your application if your trailer grew to over 7500 lb or so give or take a few hundred pounds.

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2001 SuperCrew Lariat 4x4
Deep Wedgewood Blue/Graphite Captains chairs
5.4L, trailer tow, sunroof, bed extender

And a list of mods that will have me busy (and broke!) for months!

'92 Stealth RT/TT
Feelin' the need for more boost!

 

I hate to disagree with you, RPFB, but considering the weight and the amount of towing and hauling he has to do, I'd opt for the F-250 with either the V10 or the Powerstroke. It will make towing a breeze.

The F-150, especially the 7700 lb package (or the older F-250 LD) will definitely tow that load with competence. It won't be a problem, but the larger F-250 SuperDuty will make it just so much more pleasant a tow.

On the other hand, Jay, you will have to decide if you could live with an F-250 as a daily driver. That's a fairly large truck to be making quick hops to the market for a carton of milk.

The F-150 (or F-250 LD) with the proper setup will do well for you and will be an excellent daily driver. The F-250, on the other hand will be a much better tow vehicle. The F-350 will be overkill for your requirements.

Watch the tow ratings very carefully. F-series trucks can be ordered in all kinds of ways that affects the tow rating.

 

Jay,
I have a 1999 F250 Super Duty with the 5.4 Engine. I tow a race car trailer, small utility trailers and sometimes I tow a twenty foot Bayliner. The 5.4 is a slug!! My foot always gets cramps from holding the gas pedal down to make it up small hills. If you do some serious towing then I would go with the V10 or the diesel. But used diesel trucks can be hard to find and new ones are very expensive (4,700.00 just for the diesel). Bugman.

 

Jay95gt,
Welcome to the boards!

I have alot of experience with towing a trailer with tools and equipment, roughly 4000lbs. I towed the trailer every work day, rain or shine, for 2 and 1/2 years. I have towed with an F250 Diesel, GMC, Dodge ram, and, my 2000 F150 Supercab flareside, with the 5.4 V-8.

I agree with RPFB that the F150 Screw or Supercab would be more than adequate, but the F250 with the Powerstroke is awesome when it comes to towing, period. Going up hills, in most weather conditions, and altitudes, and braking under heavy loads, the F250 PSD is going to be very reliable.

When I have towed with the F250 Diesel, the extra weight from the trailer, when you are accelerating or braking is barely noticeable. The breaks are bigger on the 250, thus, if you ever have a break failure with the trailer breaks, you will still have a little bit better stopping power. Also gas mileage with the diesel was usually better than when I towed with the F150.

I have no experience with the V-10, only what I have read on this board. And most of it hasnt been nearly as good as the PSD.

I know we are only talking 5000lbs but if you can afford it, the PSD F250 is great. Overkill? NAH!!!

I have towed a 6500lb travel trailer, with my F150, and it performed very well, in all situations.

It all comes down to what look you like best, because both F150 and F250 will tow your trailer just fine.

Good luck, and be careful of used car salesmen!

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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)

 

Hey jay, hows it going?, as a side business I service an Irrigation companys fleet, they have them all 4.6, 5.4 the PSD. you can't beat the diesel, especailly when it comes to mileage. The 2 F350's(dualies) will get 20-22 mpg with or without towing a Vermeer trencher( about 6000lbs not including the 2 axle trailer)these both have utitily bodys stocked with tools and supplies.
bottom line, you can tow 5000lbs with the 4.6, but if you have the means, the TD is really hard to beat.If I towed anything more than a snowmobile trailer(loaded) I would have gotten a F-250 with the TD instead of my F-150

 

I have a 2000 5.4 and pull a 4500lb travel trailer. Truck pulls pretty good but you know the trailer is back there on a slight hill or heading into the wind. I pulled the same trailer with my dad's Power Stroke. Wow what a difference. If you have the cash go with the diesel. Since there are alot of problems with the 5.4, I would stay away from it. The v-10....I hear the fuel pump at the station running now.

 

I have the 5.4L and tow a 4500lb boat/trailer. No sweat. Power to spare. The f250 is a much heavier truck, so it would feel less powerful.

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'99 f150 S/C 5.4L
Tow package, L/S, 3.55

 

I have a f150, have towed a dual axle trailer w/ a 2600LB car so my combined weight was probably close to what you want.
I had to keep in in 3rd in order to keep if from hunting for OD when I came to hills. It did do fine i suppose ( tow very little) and held 70 with an occasion 2nd shift on the long hills.

I have drove a PSD and a V10, all the componenets are bigger and stronger. For what it's worth, if the financing hadn't been the factor, I would have a 250SD PSD in my driveway. Heck you can order a SD v10 cheaper than most 150's with my setup. If fact my PSD order was almost 1g less than what I have now. 5% interest VS 10% will make a 460 payment go to over 700. go figure why I went the f150 way.
Anyhow, if you're going to do any towing and you plan to put a lot of miles on your truck the reliablity/longevity and power and fuel savings would be the way, IMHO.

BTW, I've talked to guys w/ the PSD and they are getting 13-18 around town. I get 13-15.
I've bested 18.5 one on trip w/ a trip ave of 16.5-17. I don't have any towing mpg to compare but...

http://ford-diesel.com/
look around you can get info there

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http://a1060.g.akamai.net/f/1060/597...b/ff6165cd.gif Dr.(wife says i'm spoiled) Jones.
2000 F-150 5.4L
AUTO,SC-sb 4x4-XLT, 3.55LS, 8.8 front- 9.75 rear, sidesteps, sprayed in liner, 17"wheels ORP, trailer-tow pkg, CD, Cpt chairs, 4whl ABS, Keyless Entry, Airbox silencer removed/K&N, Amsoil(transfercase, motor, rearend), 3" custom dynomax ultra flow catback, as an anniversary gift. With a best of 18.5 MPG.
kjones02@elp.rr.com waiting for the 275hp PSD

 

Jay95GT, I just sold my Powerstroke CC 4x4 F250. Awesome truck. I had it chiped and beefed everywhere. Great Tow vehicle but even it was working at 8000ft and about when towing 5000lbs. Depending on the steep mountain road in Colorado or New Mexico or Utah it's be punched to the floor. It had 410 gears too. These days with the price of diesel being that of Premium gas, and the huge cost of diesel maintenance I went gas engine 5.4. It is gutless going into the wind towing and up the mountains but it does it, only slower than the Diesel. Other than those two conditions it tows excellent, doesn't pound the **** out of you like my F250 did, although it had a lift kit on it which made the ride worse. Also had Velvet rides on it too. Those Powerstroked take $30 bucks per oil change if you do it your self, 3 gallons of Shell Rotella T a $11 filter was the lowest cost at Navistar. If you did get a F150 5.4 and didn't like the power just put some 4.10's in it and you'd be fine. I never got beter than 18 solo on the highway with my deisel. And only got 18 a couple of times with no wind, no hills and good weather. Get mid 17's with my F150.

You may want to install some air bags on the rear of the F150, use a weight distriburing hitch but I think you'd be fine with it, as long as it was a 5.4. You get a 9.75inch rear axle with the 5.4 4x4, 8.8 inch front axle. Not sure about the two wheel drive gets in the rear. You will love the ride of this truck solo, they are cushy as hell. Compared to the same round trip for vacation (3200 mile) I made with the F250 I arrive feeling a lot more rested driving the F150. At least comparing a 96F350 to a 2001 SuperCrew.

One more thing, filling that 96 Powerstroke wa a major pain in the ***. It spit up 99% of the time, especially in the cold with the large nozzles. Forget about filling up at a truck stop in the cold with the large nozzle unless you have time on your hands and you don't mind wearing deisel fuel as colgne.

Another thing is adding anti gel to the diesel in winter, I never had it freeze. But it's something to keep in mind.
Jerry

 

I know I only have a 4.6 but I tow a 3500 lbs boat with my truck, and barely know it is there unless I look in the mirrors. So I would bet a 5.4 would handle 5000 lbs pritty well.The deasel would be awsome.
Opps I forgot that was dry weight, forgot to figure in 60 gallons of fuel, so prop closer to 4000 lbs.

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1999 F150 4x4 4.6V8 regcab/shortbed
Oxford White with Wedgewood Blue two tone, with Blue Captains chairs
Bullet Cat Back, Superchip, K&N FIPK Intake.
Centerline Saber rims 17x8" with Firestone GTA 275/60hr-17 tires.
Alpine CDA-7845, ADS P640 Amp, Focal Poly Kevlar seperates.
SILVER 2001 LIGHTNING on order
http://members.tripod.com/donf150/Welcome/id7.html


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

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

 

I have a 97 F150 SC 4.6L, 99 F250 HD SC 5.4L and a 2001 F150 SuperCrew 5.4L.I tow a 21.6 Ft. malibu vlx v drive three times a week or more all year long (4500lb.). And I can tell you the 4.6L can do it but will drive you crazy it is always reving 4000 + rpm up the littlest grade. The 250 HD is heavier so takes up the extra power but It does rev lower. My new SuperCrew with the 5.4L is lighter than the 250 it rides like a car and tow great the low end of the 5.4L makes for a great power to weight ratio. And I get the same mpg's as my 4.6L. Hope this helps

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2001 SUPER CREW 4x4 Lariat White

• Graphite Leather captain's chairs
• 5.4L
• Moonroof
• 6CD
• limited slip
• Tow and Off Road package
• Bed Extender

Mods

• Infinty speakers
• JBL powered sub
• Bug Guard
• Ford molded mud flaps (rear)
• K&N
• Magnaflow 3"
• Bed mat
• Snug Lid
• CRL Powerlite rear window

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

 

Powerlifter,

I wonder if there's a way for you to break up the url in your signature into two lines? It appears that your long url causes the thread to go wide.

 

Thanks everyone some great information here. I have a similar post in the Lounge at the Corral (www.corral.net) - my 2nd home LOL!!

What I have read here seems pretty consistent with over there. The PS would obviously be great, but maybe overkill. Also have to decide if diesel smell and sound are okay and the higher regular maintenance. Also look at fuel costs and see where the break even point is considering the better mileage.

Most with the V10 seem to say to go w/ the 5.4L and some gears or with the PS - interesting...

And if I go with the 5.4L, be aware of the pistons slap type problems and look to the newer 260 hp (99 and up???) models. Also, get 3.73-4.30 gears if possible and stick with teh light duty so the truck weight isn't as much of a factor.

Other than that, it's all personal preference right? Did I sum it up correctly?

Mostly it's going to come down to funds (my car is paid for, but wife has a new 2000 Mustang GT 'vert) and availability.

I have a '79 Jeep Wagoneer w/ 4WDand a 360 V8 and it tows fine around town and to the local track, but I don't how well it will do on the highway with hills - so I'm starting to look around.

thanks everyone...

------------------
Jay "JAY95gt" Schwarzmann - Go to SCHWARZMANN.COM
Kenne Bell Supercharged 95 GT Coupe - Keith Craft 306 and Edelbrock 6037 Heads
1.62/4.91/7.65@90.25/10.00/11.99@113.39
~3325 lbs w/ me (no pass. seat/jack/spare/front sway bar)
NMRA O/C #9003

LOOKING FOR A FORD TRUCK

 

4,700 $$$ for the diesel?
or about $100.00 a month over 5 years
you possibly could save that much in fuel cost if you drive enough