logsam
Florida Big Bend
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I think you'll be okay. I have a 22' ECO that is 3800 lbs. dry and empty. Under 6000 loaded up, w/out water. I had a 2004 F-150 w/ 5.4, 3.55, auto, swb scab, and tow package.(By the way never figured out why a 3.55 in a tow vehicle, but it was nice on the hwy. not towing.)I found it adequate for towing in N.Florida and had no problem w/ handling.
I now have a 2006 Dodge w/ 5.9 CTD, stock. Biggest reason was the Ford's fuel tank was the size of a butter bean (26 gals. I think?) I got simply tired of fueling every 200 or so miles.
We are planning a trip out west next spring and I wanted to do more than plan the next fuel stop. Plus I wanted the power and the extra mpg are nice. Like someone said in an earlier post I am certainly not wealthy, but I looked for a year and found a deal I was happy with and made the trade.
I miss my F-150 for the quiet and smooth ride it offered. But, so far the diesel is more economical fuel wise. I was wanting a new F-150 for the 6 speed AND the larger fuel tank, but the Dodge came along. I couldn't have swung a deal on a new Ford anyway, so I guess it was a good thing.
I guess I didn't help much, but I've been there.
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go6car
New Jersey
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Liberty -
We have that same 08 FX4 you mentioned initially, and we pull an 09 Outback Sydney 29RLS (34 feet nose to tail), which is about 7000 dry. We're in Southern NJ (not a lot of hills) but go to the Poconos, and to MD, and generally stay within about a 4 hour radius for our trips. About 3 times a year we hit the tracks (with full water tanks, generators in the truck bed, etc.) at our "heaviest" towing set up.
We're at the upper end of our weights in general, but let let me just tell you that we were really impressed with how well this truck does. A good hitch and weight distribution set up (plus some added stiff super springs that ended up raising the back end ~2/3 inches) makes this a really great experience if your objective is like ours -- relatively local towing.
If you're planning on going far (real mountains; cross country with altitude, etc.), you might want a bit more power. We didn't, and our truck also is really a daily driver, so this set up for our truck is really pretty darn good. We get the most out of the truck everyday, and it also is really good moonlighting as our tow vehicle in the Spring, Summer and early Fall.
Like any towing experience, you will notice you're pulling something and the truck's RPMs will go up when doing up hill - as it's DESIGNED to do. Any trailer will also move a bit if a big rig passes you, or if the wind is really strong. We've been in all these scenarios and it's not an issue.
Of course, like anything, the lighter the trailer, the easier the truck does. My point is simply, we choose to pull ours at the upper end of the limits and were really pleased with how it did and wanted to give you that two cents since the setup you described is our real world experience now.
As another poster mentioned -- the newer 150s are far superior with their tow setups (our last 150 was an '00 FX4). The two trucks are night and day with capability and overall tow experience.
Good luck with whatever decision you make!
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schwartzworld
Cleveland, OH
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shum02 wrote:cardrb wrote:
I would recommend anyone using an F150 to get an intake system and programmer for their truck.
I got a warranty so that won't happen. My dealer warned me in no uncertain terms that if I put on a programmer and break something in my motor\drivetrain I'll be on the hook to prove that the programmer didn't do it as they will void the entire engine and powertrain warranty.
Don't have a warranty? Go for it as I've heard the 5.4L responds fantastic to it due to Fords very conservative factory programming! If on the other hand you have a 4.6L in yours don't bother wasting the cash as she's pretty much at the wall unless your going to go old school with hardware and not software upgrades.
It's the other way around. The dealer has to prove that the mods caused the whatever went wrong with the drive train. If you have a programmer, just put the truck back to stock and take it off before taking it in for service.
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shum02
Burlington ON CDA
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schwartzworld wrote:shum02 wrote:cardrb wrote:
I would recommend anyone using an F150 to get an intake system and programmer for their truck.
I got a warranty so that won't happen. My dealer warned me in no uncertain terms that if I put on a programmer and break something in my motor\drivetrain I'll be on the hook to prove that the programmer didn't do it as they will void the entire engine and powertrain warranty.
Don't have a warranty? Go for it as I've heard the 5.4L responds fantastic to it due to Fords very conservative factory programming! If on the other hand you have a 4.6L in yours don't bother wasting the cash as she's pretty much at the wall unless your going to go old school with hardware and not software upgrades.
It's the other way around. The dealer has to prove that the mods caused the whatever went wrong with the drive train. If you have a programmer, just put the truck back to stock and take it off before taking it in for service.
Not up here it ain't, besides I don't have enough spare cash sitting around to hire a lawyer to justify a $500 programmer didn't dust my engine and I don't know many that do not to mention the time. But then again that's another topic  I don't need more ponies under the hood really anyway, I just NEED a bigger truck 
2007 F150 XLT CC 4x4 5.4L 3.73LS
2007 KZ2505QSS-F Outdoorsman
Camping Pic's and Mods
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Pyrate Dave
CT
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Joined: 01/31/2009
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The newer F-150's can definitely handle heavier loads.
Last season I towed our 2008 Jayflight 26BH with a a 2002 F-150 Supercab 4X4. The truck had the 5.4 V8, and factory tow package, but came equipped with 3.31 in the differentials. This set-up gave the rig a 7000lbs max tow rating. I added a K&N CAI, Flowmaster cat-back exhaust, and a Hypertech Power Programmer III (I tuned the engine to the 93 octane program). The truck pulled ok, but I could definitely feel the TT was back there, especially when starting off from a light, merging onto the highway and keeping up with the 65mph speed limit.
On a couple of trips, we (wife, son and I) followed my friend and his wife. They have a 2010 Jayflight 22FB and tow it with an 06 F-150 supercab 4X4 with the 5.4 V8, and 3.55's in the diff's. My friend's rig is bone stock and pulled their TT effortlessly. Dry weight on the 22FB is 4120 vs. 4585 on my 26bh. The newer 3 valve 5.4 engine produces more hp and torque than the 02, and the gears made a difference.
I just recently traded in the 02 on a 2010 F-150 Supercrew with the 5.4 engine, 3.55's in the diffs, 6-speed tranny and tow package. This rig is rated to tow 9600 lbs; can't wait to hook up to the TT and see how much easier it is to tow.
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Sir Buffalo
Long Island, NY
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Joined: 03/23/2007
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Pyrate Dave wrote:The newer F-150's can definitely handle heavier loads.
Last season I towed our 2008 Jayflight 26BH with a a 2002 F-150 Supercab 4X4. The truck had the 5.4 V8, and factory tow package, but came equipped with 3.31 in the differentials. This set-up gave the rig a 7000lbs max tow rating. I added a K&N CAI, Flowmaster cat-back exhaust, and a Hypertech Power Programmer III (I tuned the engine to the 93 octane program). The truck pulled ok, but I could definitely feel the TT was back there, especially when starting off from a light, merging onto the highway and keeping up with the 65mph speed limit.
On a couple of trips, we (wife, son and I) followed my friend and his wife. They have a 2010 Jayflight 22FB and tow it with an 06 F-150 supercab 4X4 with the 5.4 V8, and 3.55's in the diff's. My friend's rig is bone stock and pulled their TT effortlessly. Dry weight on the 22FB is 4120 vs. 4585 on my 26bh. The newer 3 valve 5.4 engine produces more hp and torque than the 02, and the gears made a difference.
I just recently traded in the 02 on a 2010 F-150 Supercrew with the 5.4 engine, 3.55's in the diffs, 6-speed tranny and tow package. This rig is rated to tow 9600 lbs; can't wait to hook up to the TT and see how much easier it is to tow.
well said......pretty much explains what many of us have been saying...and I agree. Todays f150 is simply just bigger and better.
The same goes for the dodge, chevy and yes even the Toy and Nissan. Add a few goodys and your even a bit better.
Sir Buffalo!
2006 Zinger by Crossroads 27BHS
2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 5.7
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Kampfirekid
usa
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Heck, I'll bite.
I had a 2008 F-150 Supercrew with the 5.4L, 3.73 L/S, 6-1/2 foot box, 4X4, tweaked, custom tunes, MBRP dual exhaust, and AF1 intake (3-1/2"). It towed my late, late Jayco 26L with no issues, but it was a shock after being a diesel F-250 driver for 10 years. I learned what to expect, and actually didn't mind the tow. Then, we upgraded to our late 7,000# Heartland, and although the wide track axle setup was a towing dream, the advertised tongue weight over doubled when loaded. Our payload was maxed out by several hundred pounds by the time we left for the campground. The truck towed fine, but it took blocks over blocks to get on the on-ramp compared to the feet with the diesel I was used to. Still, very doable on the interstate in the Midwest, and I never dropped below 60mph with cruise on AND in overdrive. Ocassionally, I would lock out O/D before I hit a hill, but the payload sunk my ship... bad. I upgraded to an F-350 when I couldn't find an F-250... again, a smoker (6.4L). No contest there.
Now, we dumped the Heartland, and are in a small K-Z that fits our bill just fine. All of our long travels to campgrounds across the states are gone for several reasons, so we typically stay within 500 miles of home. A few 1,000 mile trips (one way) are probably in order, but we probably take 10-12 trips each summer within a 400 mile radius of home. I am now thinking or moving to a new 2010 F-150 Screw... again. I drive 50,000 miles a year, and certainly don't need the Super Duty. The diesel is great, but the turbo lag, ride, and fuel economy stink. I have weight and researched the payloads of the new 2010 Max Tow equipped F-150's to death. I may be within 100 pounds of the payload with a new F-150, but for the average of 45,000 miles of me driving empty with no load, I can't see the need for an F-350. Money really isn't the issue as I drive a company vehicle, but any place I can shave money off for my boss for the kind gestures he provides me, is some place I'll take a jump to. I am close to ordering a new F-150 shortly to consider while I think it over some more. The new Lariat Screws loaded push about 1570 in payload, where my 2008 only had 1280. ALready, I should be fine.
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rjjones
virginia
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I have an F150 and tow a 29' camper and agree with LAdams. I'm in the market for an F250.
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pacificnw
Great Northwest
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librty02 wrote:Curious how many people tow a 30' trailer with a F150. Mine is a 08 fx4 supercab with the 5.4L and 3.73 rear end. I am looking to purchase a new keystone outback or passport in the upcoming spring both would have about the same max dry weight of 6500 lbs. The tow rating of the truck is 8900lbs with the 80% rule on that being 7120 lbs. Im just wondering how well my truck will pull this size trailer your imput will be greatly appreciated thanks
Your tow vehicle is a great all-around puller. So in my estimation you have a really good place to start from. Go Ford!
I do not know what the GVWR is for those two trailers that you mentioned but I am guessing around 8000 based on your statement about dry weight rating. Based on these assumptions, and if you have a good load on a trailer that size, you will be at the extreme limit of your truck's towing capability.
Will your truck pull it? Yes.
Will you like it very much? No.
But if your trips are usually short distances over flat ground you might get by OK.
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