Hello,

I am trying to do some research before I buy an F-150 to tow a boat. I don't want to be in the situation that dthills got himself into. The advice I have read on this website has been great. So, I just wanted some real - world opinions.

I was looking at buying a Sea Ray 20ft power boat with a dry weight of 2930lbs.

I have also been looking at buying a 2001 F-150 Lariat w/the 4.6 V8 4x4, 80+K. No, I don't know the gear ratio.

Is this combination going to be OK?

Ford rates this vehicle tol tow at least 6000lb. Then I read in these forums to not trust these numbers. With what happened w/dthills, I just want to be carefull before I proceed.

I drove it, and it didnt really seem to have great pickup. Now we do have to allow for the misfire on cylinder #7. From what I have read here, alot of people who washed their engines had this problem. This being a used vehicle at a dealership, of course they washed their engine.

Thanks,

-J

 

Unfortunately the gear ratio and the transmission type are going to determine this so we don't have enough information. I think with the Lariat you probably have the auto, but I can't believe it came with the 4.6. I'm not sure which years but somewhere in there there is a 4.9 option too.

3000# is a load, also don't forget boat accessories like a cooler, ice, food, safety equipment, fishing supplies etc. These all add weight too.

You will probably be alright with the load you listed, but I would look for a 5.4, you'll be happier with the extra power.

Good luck....happy boating..........

 

I doubt a 4.6 could tow 6000 pounds, but it will handel boat/trailer with out a problem. If your really worried, hook up the boat/trailer for a test drive before you buy the truck.

 

Colorado Osprey,

>Unfortunately the gear ratio and the transmission type
Oh how did I know you were going to ask that?

Well, it does have the auto xmit, and the 4.6.

What I don't understand is why this is a big difference. The ford web site only lists two different transmissions for the F-150, and the tow rating only changes by a few hundred lbs depending on the gear ratio. What am I missing?



>3000# is a load, also don't forget boat accessories like a cooler,
Yup, got that.

>Good luck....happy boating..........
Thank you for your help.

-J

 

That truck should be able to tow that boat no problem.

 

You should be able to tow that with no problem I towed a uhaul 6x12 enclosed loaded with stuff with no problem in my truck it has the 4.6 auto tranny and 3.55 gears. So the truck your looking at should do it with no problems.

 

3000 lbs is nothing. A 4.2l V6 with 3.55 gears can tow 5500 lbs.

I say go for it.

 

I towed with my 4.6 a few times it has 3.55 gears and has now problem towing I say go for it.

 

I know with my 4x4 4.6 3.55 gears and a 5 speed I towed a 79 Dodge warlock pickup, which weighs aproximatly 4800 lbs., on about a 1500 to 2000 lb trailer and had no problems out of it at all, I was actually surprised how well she did.

 

Unless you are going to tow across the rockies... I doubt you will have a problem with that weight,.. ( trailer brakes of course) .

 

Dry boat weight + 15% wet and gas. Plus, a 1000# Trailer. Since you are still looking to purchase, I'd wait for a 5.4L. The price difference shoudn't be more than $500 if you can find similar equipment and you'll be much happier towing.

 

I have a 97 f150 2wd and pull a landscape trailer thats 6.5'x16 tandem axle. Its the 4.6L with 3.55 gears. I think you would be ok as long as the axle is at least a 3.55 or higher and there are not lots of hills in the area. I pull a single jetski and trailer too and can't feel it at all behind me. The landscape trailer I feel but it does ok. With the mowers its about 3,000-3,500lbs including the trailer weight and it does okay. I have had it up to 7,000lbs with top soil and I wouldn't do that again. I had to stay in 1st and 2nd the whole way home. I would def. go 4x4 or you might spin the tires at the launch. I've done that before with just the jetski if the ramp gets slippery. If you can get the 5.4 I'd do it but if not the 4.6 should do fine.

 

I came to this thread late, But I'll still throw in my .02.

I have a '99 F-150 Lariat supercab, 2wd w/ls, 4.6l, auto, 3.55 gears. I use it to pull my restored 19' Glastron w/ Ford 302 power. 30 years ago, the boat was listed at 2400lbs very dry. I'm guessing mine is more like ~2800. It also sits on a solid steel tandem axle trailer (overkill, but I wanted safety) that I restored for it. Trailer weight guess ~1000-1200lbs. By the time I fuel up the boat w/36 gals and fill the cooler up, I'm over 4000lbs.

The truck handles the load just fine and pulls it out of the water with ease. I'ce carried it an a couple 2+ hour interstate drives and it pulls well. I wish it had a bit more power, but it isn't necessary. on the flats, i can kick od on and it holds fine, though I usually run with OD off.

You should be fine with teh SeaRay.

Here's a pic of the rig:

 

Hello all,

Thanks for everyone's input!

Here is one vehicle I have been looking at.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

Still looking around for a vehicle.

The Wall St. Journal had a small article about how resale prices have dropped about $3K, and some dealers will no longer accept SUVs as trade-ins.

So, this seems like a good time to look.



-Jim

 

i have a 96 f150 with a 302 it has a 3.55 and the p4od trans a good work horse. if i were u a 4.6 is not a bad plan but if u ever think about getting something bigger u will be in trouble. the 5.4 is not a bad truck but personally i would go for a f250 with the deseil engine, ecpecially with the way gas keeps going up. and if you ever decided to tow anything bigger u already have what you need. also dont forget a trans cooler and brake controller. the trans cooler will be overkill on that load but the brake controller i rather be safe then sorry.