F150 V6 for towing short distance

[propbuster]

I am considering buying a new F150 with the 4.2L V-6 engine (200 hp, 250 ft-lbs torque). The towing capacity, with a 3.55 rear end and manual transmission, is rated at 3,500 lbs. Boat and trailer together are less than 3,000 lbs. loaded. I realize this is probably not the best set-up, but I only tow the boat about 15 miles in a fairly flat area. But, I blew all my cash on the boat! Plus, I do most of my driving without the trailer, and gas mileage is always a concern. The boat ramp would be the biggest challenge, I think.<br /><br />Currently I tow the boat with a '93 F-150 inline 6 (145 hp, 265 ft-lbs. torque) with a 5-speed, and have not had any problems on the ramp pulling out (other than the emergency brake is broken). I can get up to about 70 on the interstate, but it takes awhile to build momentum.<br /><br />Was curious if anyone has trailered a boat with the new V-6 with a manual. Although the automatic has a higher towing capacity, I prefer a manual.

 

[DJ]

Re: F150 V6 for towing short distance

Propbuster,<br /><br />The engine will handle the load fine. Your weak link is the clutch. You will be slipping it a lot. The 300 (in line) six had more torque at the low end. The V-6 relies more on RPM to develop torque.

 

[RJS]

Re: F150 V6 for towing short distance

Clutches are not cheap. Go with the automatic with a trainy cooler. You won't be sorry.

 

[bryanredfish]

Re: F150 V6 for towing short distance

My 1998 Ford Explorer, Auto, with 4.0 V6 pulls my 2800 lb. rig with no problems whatsoever. I would, as someone else suggested, consider auto transmission WITH a transmission cooler. I would think you would be fine -- with the auto transmission. Good luck.

 

[carolesueII]

Re: F150 V6 for towing short distance

I have towed a Sea Ray SRV 210 with a similar truck that you are considering buying. Mine was a 1989 F150 shortbed. I towed the boat for 12 years with that truck and never had a problem. It was a little tricky feathering the clutch when hauling the boat up the ramp but other than that it was super. I just sold that truck and boat within the last week. Good luck and I think you will be pleased with the operation of the truck if you decide to purchase.

 

[DJ]

Re: F150 V6 for towing short distance

Propbuster,<br /><br />Stan's truck also had an in line (300-4.9L six) like your old one. A BIG difference between the two, even more so if yours or Stan's had the "ultra low" or "granny gear".<br /><br />Take this from a guy who pays the warranty claims.

 

[propbuster]

Re: F150 V6 for towing short distance

I appreciate everyone's comments! I think the next step is to ask the dealer if I can hook up the boat and make a trial run to see how it performs on the boat ramp. Also, I checked on the internet yesterday, and it seems that dealers don't normally stock a V-6 with an auto transmision that has a cooler on it. But, that set-up seems to make more sense. I see where the new Dodge pickups now have a 7-yr or 100k powertrain warranty- I may check into that option also.

 

[RJS]

Re: F150 V6 for towing short distance

Propbuster,<br /><br />I have driven clutches all my life, but have switched to an auto. It is really alot easier (I hate to admit this) to align the truck with the trailer. One problem a V-6 is normally not considered a towing engine, you may not get all the towing bells and whistles that are offered with a v-8. Is upgrading out of your budget?

 

[Rodhog]

Re: F150 V6 for towing short distance

It might hurt now but I think I would go with at least the 4.6 Lt V8 with the auto trans and the cooler. work the dealer for your best deal. Shop around. You may find what you need.

 

[Rodhog]

Re: F150 V6 for towing short distance

It might hurt now but I think I would go with at least the 4.6 Lt V8 with the auto trans and the cooler. work the dealer for your best deal. Shop around. You may find what you need.

 

[prplhze65]

Re: F150 V6 for towing short distance

If you get the truck you want and it doesnt have a tranny cooler, dont sweat it.Tranny coolers are super easy to install. They only cost 50$ to 70$and comes with everything except fluid.DO NOT overfill trans. DO make sure you get the right fluid. Good luck. P

 

[DJ]

Re: F150 V6 for towing short distance

Propbuster,<br /><br />I really would move up to the 4.6L SOHC V-8 with the 4R70W auto. trans. The upcharge is minimal.<br /><br />The fuel economy on the V-8 will rival that of the V-6 (maybe better, especially highway)) and the resale value will be MUCH higher.

 

[jasonnb]

Re: F150 V6 for towing short distance

I fought this same decision 6 months ago. I prefer driving a 5spd, but towing a boat witha manual can be frustrating at times in a light duty truck. I ended up buying a 2 year old F-150 SC Lariat, 4.6, auto, ltd slip for about 3/5 the cost of a new one. Shop around and you will fing some good deals on an auto v8. I drove the v6 5spd and wasn't excited about the performance. Great for a commuter or piling stuff in the bed, but had reservations about towing with it.

 

[Arnold96]

Re: F150 V6 for towing short distance

I have had the old 300 I-6 and would buy another one today if they still made them. If you don't have a real problem with the truck, why change? If pulling torque at high end is an issue, can you just pull in 4th? It almost sound like the real issue is the rear end gear you are using, which would be cheaper to change out than a new truck.

 

[my new fishmaster]

Re: F150 V6 for towing short distance

Heck my 98 4.0L wrangler could pull that no problem its the stopping thats real tough. Should have no problems with the 6cyl. I rememmber the Cherokee was tow vehicle of the year with the six bro.

 

[soce009]

Re: F150 V6 for towing short distance

I pull my 2200lb boat and trailer with dodge caravan 3.3 v6....only go short distances, it's auto. looking into a new or used truck now for next season....would go with the more powerful automatic...