Posted 2011-03-08 6:10 PM (#131367) Subject: 2009 Ford F150 Towing
Regular
Posts: 88
2009 Ford F150, 4X4, Max Towing Package (11,200), 5.4 V-8, and 3.73 Rear.
What issues might I have towing a two horse bp? Trailer should be no more than 6,500 loaded 250lb tongue weight.
We have not purchased the truck yet but in comparing the F150 and F250 not much difference in towing capacities. The major difference is the F250 has a V-10 and cost 8,000 dollars more. Which ever truck we buy it will need to be used as a daily driver also. Will be towing at the most 15 times a year 1 to 3 hours round trip.
Posted 2011-03-08 7:18 PM (#131368 - in reply to #131367) Subject: RE: 2009 Ford F150 Towing
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069 Location: MI.
The 150 should be fine. If money wasn't a concern I'd get the 250 with the V10. Bigger brakes, rear end is a little stronger and of course the V10 is more powerful. I'm surprised the 250 is $8,000 more than the 150.
Posted 2011-03-08 7:57 PM (#131370 - in reply to #131367) Subject: RE: 2009 Ford F150 Towing
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by docgj on 2011-03-08 7:10 PM
2009 Ford F150, 4X4, Max Towing Package (11,200), 5.4 V-8, and 3.73 Rear.
What issues might I have towing a two horse bp? Trailer should be no more than 6,500 loaded 250lb tongue weight.
We have not purchased the truck yet but in comparing the F150 and F250 not much difference in towing capacities. The major difference is the F250 has a V-10 and cost 8,000 dollars more. Which ever truck we buy it will need to be used as a daily driver also. Will be towing at the most 15 times a year 1 to 3 hours round trip.
Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.
docgj
You can increase your tongue weight with a weight distribution hitch
Posted 2011-03-09 4:24 AM (#131377 - in reply to #131367) Subject: RE: 2009 Ford F150 Towing
Regular
Posts: 88
We already have the trailer.(Adam 2 horse straight with tack room) Just trying to find the most economical and safe way of towing. I had decided on the F150 at first but, now having people tell me it will not have the power to pull it. I think their experience is with the older F150/F250's. Don't want to buy a truck for 30,000.00 and find out it won't do the job.
Posted 2011-03-09 7:34 AM (#131380 - in reply to #131367) Subject: RE: 2009 Ford F150 Towing
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: Ohio
You would hate the fuel mileage of the V10 as a daily driver, but love the towing capability. I think with your current set up, you would be well served with the F150. The 5.4 is a strong engine and even better with the 3.73 gears for the 150. In the 250 and up, I would recommend the V10 or diesel.
I probably wouldn't want to go to a much bigger trailer, though. If you have that little thought in the back of your head that you might one day upgrade your trailer, I'd get the bigger truck.
Of course you know, with whatever you choose make sure that you have a good brake controller. If you find a truck that has the integrated brake controller, those are pretty sweet!
Posted 2011-03-09 8:25 AM (#131387 - in reply to #131367) Subject: RE: 2009 Ford F150 Towing
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Posts: 88
Thanks GRNMCHNEDAZE.
The trailer is a brand new Adam steel frame aluminum box. Weighs 3400 approx. empty. Can't imagine weighing more than 5500 to 6000 loaded. We purchased this trailer with the thought of towing it with a 2009 or newer F150. But then my wifes coworkers told her that we would not be able to pull that trailer with it. We would not be upgrading untill the truck has been used up.
Posted 2011-03-09 8:42 AM (#131390 - in reply to #131367) Subject: RE: 2009 Ford F150 Towing
Veteran
Posts: 274 Location: Memphis, TN
That F150 will be just fine with your bumper pull. I had a F250 with that 5.4 an it was fine. But I traded for a diesel when I got a larger trailer. I have a friend who has a 2010 F150 and she pulls her gooseneck 2 horse just fine. I was susprised at how well it handles the trailer.
If you plan to upgrade to larger trailer with LQ later the F250 is better.
Posted 2011-03-09 10:03 AM (#131397 - in reply to #131367) Subject: RE: 2009 Ford F150 Towing
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Posts: 69
We have a 2008 f-150 with the 5.4 engine with Automatic trans/ trailer package and we pull a 3 horse classic bumper pull just fine. The deal here is only 2 horses in the trailer or we bump up to my Dodge 2500 diesel. Your best bet to be safe is to run with a weight distribution system as well as a brake controller. In our case I have a Prodigy brake controller installed. By the way we did this same system on a 2001 F-150 and ran the truck over 150,000 miles before getting the 2008.
BOL
Posted 2011-03-09 11:56 AM (#131409 - in reply to #131367) Subject: RE: 2009 Ford F150 Towing
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Posts: 88
THANKS TO ALL!
I appreciate all your comments and suggestions. As it turns out the people that were telling me that it would not work are trying to tow with an F150 with the 4.6.
Posted 2011-03-09 6:10 PM (#131435 - in reply to #131367) Subject: RE: 2009 Ford F150 Towing
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 368 Location: Georgia
I know you have already had enough replies but I will add one more. I towed a 2H steel BP for a while and a 2H (with a small dressing room) gooseneck steel stock trailer with a 97 150 with the 5.4 and 3.73 rear end for several years. Never had any problems with not having enough power.
Posted 2011-03-09 7:17 PM (#131440 - in reply to #131367) Subject: RE: 2009 Ford F150 Towing
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
Have the same pickup in question as my work truck. No idea on the tow capabilities, but the power is very good compared previous years. The only thing I am concerned about is that the pickup really sags under anything with more 400 lbs or so in the box. You mentioned 250 pds bumper weight, which might be good!
Posted 2011-03-10 8:12 AM (#131461 - in reply to #131367) Subject: RE: 2009 Ford F150 Towing
Regular
Posts: 69
Your correct it will sag with enough weight in the bed. That is why we use the weight distribution system. This allows the weight to be transfered through the frame and eliminates the rear sag. Our trailer plus tack and horses would be put somewhere around 4,500 -5,000lbs and with the distribution system we see no sag and it's much safer.
2009 Ford F150 Towing
