First off I want to say thanks for all the good info I have recieved from this place alone, as being a new user to the ford truck line it's helped. But I have a problem that I was hoping you folks could help with if you have the time.

I picked up a 25f travel trailer today. It was great because I got the same price that I would of on a 19f (a little newer thats all) and I totally forgot about if I could tow it with out killing my truck! The owners manual for the trailer states that off the line its around 5000lbs, and loaded (depending on options) around 7600 Lbs. I was a fool and didn't give thought on weight because I was still basing the numbers on the smaller trailer! I have looked up my trailer weight on the Ford user guide, and there is a difference of trailer weight due to axle ratio. I have tried to look it up using my VIN number with out any luck. Here is my spec's:

2002 F-150 FX4 package
5.4L V8
Auto/ with OD

as far as weight selections goes heres what they say out of the book:

Engine Rear Axle ratio Maximum trailer weight (Lbs)

5.4l 3.31/40.6 7,200 lbs <-if this is it, would 400lbs make much difference?

3.55/40.6 8,200 lbs
3.55/43.2 7,700 lbs
3.73/40.6 8,400 lbs
The only other info I was able to get was the axle type (H9) and that was on the inside door sticker. I'm totally lost as far has trying to get the final word on if my truck can tow this thing. Thanks for any help you folks can give me!

Update: From what Ive seen on the net- the H9 is a 3.55 gear ratio so that helps, but I still not 100 percent sure....
Also wanted to add this link: http://www.fordf150.net/specs/02f150.php

 

You are right at the limit, and probably over your GCWR, the combined weight of truck, trailer, passengers, and everything else you are hauling. I hope you have a weight distribution hitch, trailer brakes, and a transmission cooler.

 

Well I know for a fact that I have trailer breaks. Just a regular hitch that came with the truck (I got it used). I looked up what a WD hitch does, and I might look into getting one. Also, the trailer rides on two axels so I'm not sure if that helps with the weight or not.

 

The good news is that your truck is an FX4 which means it came with at least the 355 axle as part of the FX4 package. Your H9 code will verify it's 255 limited slip. The bad news is the FX4 also came with larger 265/70 tires on 17" rims which would reduce your max a five hundred lbs from 8200 to 7700. That is easy enough to change with a set of used 16" rims and some new 255/70/16 tires you'll raise your max up to the 8200.

Do you know if it has the trailer tow package? Look for 7 pin and 4 pin wiring. Also look for two small coolers in front of the radiator.

 

Does have the trailer pkg,and Ill check out the cooling system. And thanks for the tip about the rims!

 

The WD hitch is not an option. Without it your hitch is rated at 500lb tongue weight, 5000lb tow capacity. To handle the 7700lbs trailer, you have to have the WD hitch.

 

You can tow it but she sure is going to work at it.

 

Well I'm going to give it a try, it pulled fine on the highway when we were bringing it home, but the true test will be on steep hills. Worse comes to worse, I'll have to upgrade to a 250.

 

What brake controller are you using? What make/model trailer did you get?

The limits of towing any trailer is never about power of the tow vehicle. You may want more, but I have never heard or seen a vehicle not make it up a hill. It might be 30mph in 1st gear, but they always make it.

 

You'll be in second gear on any good size hill, so figure around 3500 rpms to hold around 55 mph. That's just the nature of the beast and what's going to happen to you.... Figure on being in 3rd (1:1) even while on the flats for the most part too.... That'll mean about 2300 rpms for 60 mph... Don't try to keep it in OD if all you have to do is give it more gas and it shifts/downshifts anyway.. That's harder on the engine/trans then just leaving it in 3rd the whole time...

Again, all of this does not mean your truck can't tow.... It's just how it DOES tow.. Most any other gas engine vehicle, even an F250, will do the same thing..

APT is right, you may find yourself in 1st gear with your foot to the floor and your'e only going 25-30 mph and the engine will be screaming at 4500 rpms.... Just stay in the right lane and wave as the diesel trucks pass you! ha, ha! I personally don't care if they pass me.... I usually catch them on the down hill side anyway!

Good luck!

Mitch

 

Well thanks again everyone for the info, to answer a few questions the trailer I bought was a 2001 Wildwood RKS Light (Base weight of 5030lbs). The breaking system is nothing fancy, Ill have to retrive the paperwork on it and post later. (to Mitch) HAHA I'll be sure to smile big and pump my arms (to get them to honk their horn) while I watch 'em pass me by!

 

Where are you towing to? I know a lot of people burn up transmissions heading out to El Centro with max, or close to max loads. I urge you to reconsider it if you are...

 

Well just in the blackhills, yes there are one or two places that are a decent climb, but they have two lanes one of 'em is for the slower drivers. None of them are too bad. I figured if I keep it in 3rd on the climbs, and watch my temps, and RPM's on my first run.