I'm looking at buying a 99 XLT Supercab 4X4 with the 4.6 engine. The tranny is a 3.55.
I will be occasionally pulling a 21 foot travel trailer that weighs aroung 3500#, all gear loaded. I will mainly be towing in flat areas, but occasionally in the hills of northeast iowa. I realize that the truck will pull this but how well? and i may someday buy a larger camper. Any suggesions or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

You will be fine with the 3500 pound camper. You will obviously be towing with O/D off so the 4.6 will beable to handle it. If you are planning to get a bigger camper, the 5.4 may be a better option. I have the 4.6 in my 98 F-150 and it pulls our 3000lb boat with ease. Gas mileage with the 4.6 unloaded is right around 17-18 on the highway. I get about 14-15 pulling a trailer. These figures are for the summer. In the winter, it usually drops to around 14 overall. The 5.4 is usually only 1 mpg lower than the 4.6.

 

That set up should pull it with no problem but if your thinking of getting a bigger camper then get the 5.4 to ease your mind.

------------------
2000 F150 XLT Reg. cab
4.6 Triton Engine
4x2 3.55 rear end gear
sliding rear window
automatic keyless entry
white styleside short box

 

TJ
I have a 98 F150 4x4 with the 4.6 and
the 3.55. I have towed alot of weight
and had no problems...One thing I suggest.
Depending on the mileage. Have the tranny
fluid changed...I think it's the best
100.00 dollars you could invest.
Also, always tow without the O/D on...
Good Luck

[This message has been edited by 98silverf150 (edited 03-19-2001).]

 

Ok for trailing but negative on a camper check out your GVW for this truck and you'll find your restricted. Better look at a heavy duty 250 or super duty 350 for a camper.

 

I pull a 4000lbs snowmobile trailer (4 place enclosed) without a problem and through the Canadian Rockies....I am really amazed at how my 4.6L performs under pressure...so are my buddies that own Chev's!

The truck is taken out of overdrive of course!

2001 Supercrew 4x4 (4.6L) 17" x 10 spoke tires.

 

In reply to 98silverf150 comment. Tow with the O/D On? Then the truck is constantly shifting between 4 and 3 gears. I never tow a trailer with a weight of 2000 or more with the overdrive. The truck works way to much. Putting it in drive or 3 gear, it just sails along.

 

He said always tow without the o/d on.

------------------
1997 XLT Teal 4.6L Flareside 4x4 ORP. Automatic, Reg. cab, 3.55LS, tinted windows, bug deflector, Dual exhaust, K&N Generation 2 air filter, BullDog keyless entry/remote start(installed myself), Modern 16" wheels, bedliner, Covercraft tonneau cover, White faced gauges, electronic shift on the fly, Clarion ADX5655z Double Din Cassette & CD, 4 Pioneer TS-A6865 speakers and superchip. Going to add headers.

 

I think that 98silverf150 said to tow without the O/D on.....yeah that's a little confusing.

------------------
 90’ F150
 K&N Generation II
 PowerAid throttle body spacer
 Flowmaster Dual cat back exhaust
 Rhino Bed Lining
To Come:
 Thorley Tri-Y Headers
 4 inch Rancho Suspension Lift
 35 inch TSL Thornbirds

 

It would have been even more confusing if he said to tow with the OD light on!