I'm looking to purchase a used F150 within the next few months. 90% of the usage will be towing a 1700 lb race car with a 1200-1800 trailer plus about 300 lbs of tools/tires (so < 4000 lbs total).

Fortunately the market is saturated with F150's ... my budget is about $12,000 (give or take) cash. My focus is 2Dr, 2WD (with tow package) and short bed but that could change based on any info I can gather.

I've found many in my price range covering the years 2007 - 2009 with mileage ranges from 28K mi to 60K mi.

I'm a little confused as to what options to get, my first thought was V6 manual 5 speed, but it seems to have a much lower tow capacity than V6 automatic.

So I'm here asking you folks for opinions on the best F150 for my needs.

Thanks, Rob.

 

Look for a 5.4l. It will be the best towing available in an f150. Also the automatics in the f150 are more robust than the manuals.

 

Yeah, I'm hearing that same sentiment from various sources, seems like the 5.4 is the better option.

Also heard Chevy Silverado 1500 is a good option. Not trying to start any war here, I just need a truck to get the job done reliabily ... Ford was my first choice because I've had success with Ford before, but I'm keeping an open mind.

Thanks for the input.

Rob

 

Im a ford man for sure. But there is not an all magical power that makes it better than the rest.

My gripe with the chevys is the lower ground clearance and the 5.3l doesnt have as much torque as the 5.4l But the 5.3l is a faster truck for sure.

I also like the looks of fords better, but thats probably my biased talking again.

 

Not looking for a "fast" truck, just a solid reliable one that will get me 100,000+ miles or more without major maintenance work. What's the realistic tow mileage like in the 5.4l? How well do the transmissions and differentials hold up?

Also, can the 5.4l be found without all the extra options added? Most of the 5.4l I've seen for sale come with the kitchen sink -- I'd be happy with NO radio, NO power door locks or windows, 2WD, no electric anything, basic cloth interior. I've rented a few F150's from U-Haul and they were equiped exactly how I would want one equipped, bare essentials -- A/C is about the only "luxury" item I would want and of course tow package.

 

Either a 4.2 V6 or 4.6 V8 with an automatic will handle a 4k tow just fine and both are very reliable. The 5.4 3 valve is unnecessarily complicated, it has cam phaser and spark plug issues. None of the 3 possible engines get very good gas mileage, especially when towing. Realistic tow mileage would probably be in the 12 mpg range.

 

I suspect your weight estimates are lower than you think. Most people underestimate weights.

Anyway, I highly recommend a 2009+ with a 6-spd transmission and 3.55 or 3.73 axle ratio. That means the 3V 4.6L or 5.4L, both of which are similar in performance and fuel economy. But the 6-spd will optimize fuel economy and performance much better than a 4-spd. You can find the axle code on a driver's door sticker that can decode it. Look for the second character being 9 or 6. Don't think they sell 4.10's in the last several years.

* 19 - 3.55 non-limited slip
* H9 - 3.55 limited slip
* 26 - 3.73 non-limited slip
* B6 - 3.73 limited slip
* 25 - 4.10 non-limited slip
* B5 - 4.10 limited slip


As for the GM, I would look for a 2007 or 2008+ 5.3L which also has a 6-spd. I think the best axle ratio is 3.42, but that is fine for what you are towing.

 

I would stick with a V-8 (either 4.6 or 5.4) and an automatic. Yes the factory tow package that has the tranny cooler and prewired brake controller harness is a must. A long bed with the longer wheelbase will be more stable on the highway.

 

definately stick with the V8. a 4.6L is more reliable and should hold it over very well but if you want all force, get the 5.4L with the 4R100W trannie

 

You aren't going to find a 4R100 in anything 04 or newer.