I own a 97 F150 4.2 5 speed. I just bought a boat and trailer that weigh 5200 LBS on a dual axke trailer. I have been towing the boat with my friends 2004 Chevy 1500 with a 4.8 L engine. The Chevy can pull it, but it really struggles and uses a ton of gas. I have looked at the towing chart on this site that says a F150 4.6L will tow 7200 LBS. I can't see a Ford 4.6 pulling easier than a Chevy 4.8. I need to replace my 4.2 L truck. In the real world I only see the 5.4 L engine or a diesel adequately pulling my boat. What do you guys think?

 

The F150 is designed for towing. The 4.6l engine will tow 5200 lbs with no problems. If you plan to tow 7200 lbs, the 5.4 is your best bet. If you plan on racing the 4.8 without a tuner, I think you will lose the race You just gotta make sure to get the tow package option, if you decide to go with the 4.6.

 

If you really want to do it right, get a F-250 with a V10. I hesitate to recommend the 6.4 diesel yet.

Yes, you CAN pull it safely and effectively with a 150 with a 4.6 and you can ALMOST do it with a 4.2 automatic, but a 5.4 will be a LOT easier tow and there will be very little gas mileage difference. Either way, order the lowest rear axle ratio that's available - at least 3.73 but 4.10 is even better.

 

If you have the 4.2L automatic with 3.55 axle, Ford says you can pull that boat with your current truck. It would be slow, but within specs.

Regarding a new(er) truck, the 4.6L is a great motor, but I can think of zero reasons to recommend it. The 5.4L gets the same fuel economy and does every job better for only $600 more up front cost.

 

Those specs assume he has the auto. He has the manual which limits it to 2-3k.
Either the 4.6 or 5.4 will work, but I think you would be happier with the 5.4.

 

I have the 4.6 with the standard mods (exhaust,intake,tuner) and have towed a car on a transport with no problem what so ever. 70 mph was easy. The 5.4 would be my recommendation if the truck is going to have 4wd. Even though mine pulls very well for a small motor I wish I had gotten the 5.4. By the way the car and trailer weighed just over 5400, also dual axle trailer so very similar to your boat. Whatever you do get at least the 3.55 gears.

 

Why? Is it because the tow package has the receiver and non towing package trucks would tow from the bumper? I don't have tow package in my 4.6 and I want to do some towing soon so I'm trying to set up what I need.

 

I wouldn't tow more than 2000# or any trailer with brakes with the bumper, regardless of rating. It's fine for little utility trailers, that's about it.

 

You're going to want to make sure you have a tranny cooler as well.
I agree with glc as far as towing off the bumper. With a receiver you can get the correct level ride height of trailer.

 

Doh, I missed the 5-speed part. Yeah, unless you are very good with the clutch, I wouldn't tow that combo with your truck.

Recevier allows more weight to be towed, but also proper adjustment of ball height. Every F-150 requires a drop for almost every trailer I have seen. All 5.4L's come with a tranny cooler that is upgrade if you ge the OEM tow package. 4.2L and 4.6L only get the tranny cooler with tow package.

 

Mine actually needs a 3/4" rise. That's still a few inches lower than a bumper ball would be.

Not only does the clutch limit yours (and mine), so does the light duty Mazda tranny.

 

APT, I read somewhere on this forum that all the 04+ (4.6 and 5.4) get a tranny cooler stock. But the ones with the tow package get a bigger one. But I didin't read anything about previous years having one or not without the tow package.

 

The 4.2l with the 5 speed should pull it fine, depending on the rear end gearing. If you've got 3.55's, you should be fine... anything lower, then no.

I've towed a 6,000# boat with my '99 and it pulled it great (to the point where it makes me laugh at the specs on the M5OD-R2's capabilities) with a 3.55 rear end. My '07 I just spent the money to put in 4.10's and it's got some serious power with that 4.2l and that 5 speed.

 

97-03 5.4L auto - all get small trans cooler, which is upgraded to a larger one with tow package
97-03 4.6L auto - no trans cooler unless get tow package with larger cooler
97-03 4.2L auto - no trans cooler unless get tow package with larger cooler

I though the 04+ followed the same, but I do not know them as well nor have the similar documents I have for -03.

While I believe some people could pull over Ford's manual ratings, I don't condone it to anyone on the internet, especially if they are planning to replace their truck anyway.

 

Can't vouch for other than the 5.4 on the 04 up. Small trannie cooler no tow package, larger one with.