We are considering a new F150 for towing a horse trailer. First of all will the F150 do the job. Second, do we need a 4x4? Third is there a recommended engine/suspension/transmission for the job? And last, what does the least expensive setup cost-just bare bones to do the job-could be 2001 or 2002 as long as it is new and covered by a good warranty. Thanks , Burt

 

How big is the trailer and how much does it weigh fully loaded with horses? A 5.4L engine will tow about 8000 lbs. A 4.6 is like 6500 ( i think...), and i don't know what the V6 is. The 5.4L comes with a very strong and durable 9.75" axle. A 4x4 is only necessary if you think you'll need it...if you dont have to go off gravel much, then I wouldn't worry about it. 4x4's come in handy, I have one and wouldn't trade for it. But if you plan on towing on the road and gravel only, it definetaly isnt necessary. Anything above about 8000 lbs however and you'll want a superduty...they can tow up to 14,000 lbs with the diesel i think. Hope this helps...


Ps- if the trailer is huge, you might also consider the superduty...not that the F150 couldn't do the job, just the superduty could do it a lot easier if its an enormous, wind resistance type of trailer...

 

sorry about the pun, I think what you might be looking for is a fleet vehicle, they are what the utility companys purchase out here. You might want to try to get 3.73 gear ratio rather than the more comon 3.55 , I have a 5.4 w 3.55 gear ratio , and I have on occasion pulled a 29' holiday rambler alumalite it is 5400 lbs dry but more like 6300lbs when I tow it , my truck does ok but I wish I hade the 3.73 's , I would recommend some of the better shocks when pulling a heave load ,not mandatory , but a big improvement.

hope this helps I know those horses are darn heavy! you didn't mention total wieght estimate or number of pony's ?


good luck , you will like the f-150 if the weight is not to much over 7000 lbs remember take it easy when towing , Skully

 

F-250 SD Diesel (or V10) w/auto tranny -- anything else is merely adequate.