Ford F150 4.6 super Crew as a tow vehicle

[larrym]

Have a 1800 Fisherman that I tow with a GMC Z71 with a 5.3 motor. Handles the boat well but I want to go to a super crew cab and not interested in laying out the change for a new truck. Ran across a clean 2003 Ford F150 but it only has the 4.6 motor. Worried that won't be enough horses. Any of you running this motor or had experience with it? Will it get the job done pulling this boat or should I keep looking?

[scott teusink]

I have a 98 f150 supercab with the 4.6 in. I pull an alumnacraft tp175 (18') that I pull. It is ok but will be going with 5.4 next time. If I leave the overdrive off it will pull just fine, sucks the gas.

[mdsranger]

i used to have a '97 f150 ext.cab w/4.6v8, pulled a 19' stratos w/175hp. definitely it won't tow in overdrive, but i never had a problem, even in summer with the air on. i did have the factory towing package on it. you will want a trany cooler if not equiped, at least. i agree about the mileage when towing, it seems to me i lost almost half when towing. but it did have enough guts to do the job fine. hope this helps in your decision,mike

[larrym]

ttt

[Hang On]

I have the 5.4 crew and tow a Tp185. The 5.4 needs more bottom end to get out of steep ramps & taking off from stop sing. Other than that its pretty good. I but a camper shell last fall and now you have three time as much blind spots. You can never win. Let me tell you about gas milage . It sucks :}

[eye4aneye]

I'd advise you to look for a 5.4 unless you live where there are no hills and no wind. I have both a 4.6 in a 2wd extended cab and a 5.4 in a supercrew. The 5.4 is a much, much better choice even for daily driving. They get comparable gas mileage empty and the 4.6 is downright helpless when towing. The 5.4 will tow my boat (18' Cliner with kicker, 150 and three batteries) with ease.

[Classic2]

I have a 2001 F150 Super Crew with 5.4. I towed a 19' Crestliner with 150 hp with a towing package I towed it in Drive (not over drive) as per the manual. My mileage is between 11-12 when towing. I did manage to go from 10-11 when I switched to Amsoil. You are not going to win a drag races with it. If you're wanting to do that then you need the F250 with a diesel. These babies will haul some serious stuff.

[Dutchman]

I tow my Skeeter with a 2001 F150 5.4 auto. I would not purchase any smaller motor than the 5.4 if you're considering towing.

"Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope"

[Ericp 45694]

Do not buy that truck with the 4.6. I had an f150 with the 4.6 and not enough power to tow unless very short and flat trips. Would recommend the 5.3 chevy or the ford powerstroke diesel for a tow engine. I have had both and they do fine. Eric

[Eatmore]

I have a 2002 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab with the 4.6 Triton V/8 and automatic transmission with overdrive. I don't do alot of towing around anymore (boat sits at the cottage) except for the occasional tournament or fish another lake in the area and I would suggest going for the 5.4 engine. The boat is a Alumacraft TP175 with 90 Mariner tiller. The truck tows it okay but once you get into any hilly terrain that motor is a workin'.

[larrym]

Thanks guys...that is what I needed to hear. I'll pass on this one and keep looking.

[Troyz]

I have towed with a 97 F150 4.6, it has towed my Alumicraft TP-175 around with no problems, I only tow with O/D on when running long flats stretches, otherwise it will be kicking in and out of O/D. Also need to check the rear gearing, this will have a big effect on your towing. Going with a 5.4 is not a bad Idea, if you are going to put alot miles on towing, and are in hilly areas. Currently have 145K, no issues yet on the 4.6.

Troyz

[Pond scum]

I have the 4.6 and would not recommend it for towing. That motor is a dog without anything behind it, and when towing it is worse yet. I made a mistake in purchasing a Ford with that motor.

[Jigging 5]

Larry,
What gears does the truck have. If it has 355 gears you wouldn't be happy with it. If it has the 410 or 373 gears it will do a pretty good job. I pull a 21' Tundra with my 4.6. It is a standard and I do have to gear down on steep hills. The gearing has a lot to do with the towing capacity.

[larrym]

Thanks Jigging. I did not check the gearing but could. I tow an 18' 2500# package about 5-6000 miles a year with most of that taking trips to Canada. That's enough mileage that I think I shouldn't take a chance with to small of a motor. Will probably keep looking for one with the 5.4. Thanks for the help, it kept me from making a mistake I think.

[Steve B]

I have a '97 Ford F150 Xtra cab with the 4.6 in it. It has 110,000 miles on it. My rig weighs about 3800-4000 pounds. I tow it to Lake Erie three times a week during the summer. No complaints from me, or the truck. I'm not going to win any drag races off the line, but it does great on the breezeway.