Forum Discussion

Ahowell's avatar
Ahowell
Explorer
Apr 25, 2014

F150 or F250

My husband and I have been looking for the perfect travel trailer for about 6 months. We found one two weeks ago and were so excited for our first family camping trip in a TT and not a tent. Before we purchased we checked with our dealership, our owners manual, and I "googled" A LOT about whether our 2011 F150 Platinum edition with Tow package could tow a 6,500 lb. TT. Needless to say our first camping trip Easter weekend in Boone, NC left us stranded on the side of the road. According to the dealership we need to install an exterior coolant because our transmission overheated and blew all the fluid out. They have yet to actually look at the transmission , but I'm feeling pretty positive we did more to it than blow out some fluid. We feel just plane stressed out! Something we've been looking forward to didn't quite work out as planned, oh well such is life. We don't know what to do. The truck is still under warranty only 32,000 miles. We can either keep it, install coolant and extend warranty, or move up to an F250 or different truck all together. My thing is...if I needed that extra coolant to tow why isn't it written somewhere or suggested somewhere...like the owners manual. Anyone had this problem before. Any suggestion would be appreciated!
Tow Vehicles
  • Ahowell's avatar
    Ahowell
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2014
    Wow! You guys are fast!! It's a 5.0 with 3.55 axle ratio the owners manual claims it can tow 8000 lbs. the TT weighs 6,500 dry. We don't plan on mountain towing all the time but dang our first trip, and first time towing it's having issues! So disappointed:( looking forward to posting positive posts after this issued is resolved!
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2014
    Usually the tow package option would include an upgraded cooling system...sometimes a larger radiator but definitely an auxillary transmission cooler would be added as part of the tow package.

    If your trailer is at or near the maximum capacity of the F150 you should think about upgrading to an F250. Mostly for safety and relaibility. A truck towing at near capacity will show signs of strain and in case of panic stop or aggressive manuevers may not be as controllable as a truck with much higher capacity.
  • nohurry's avatar
    nohurry
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2014
    An f150 will tow 6500 just fine, but you need one with the towing pkg. Doesn't sound like yours does. If your able, I would buy a new truck and if you're going to do that you might as well get the f250. That way you're covered even if you get a heavier trailer later. Not if it's your daily driver though, in that case an ecoboost will serv you well. Good luck.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2014
    Welcome to the Forum...you have found a great site to help you get started.

    First question: Is the 6500 lb. trailer you are talking about the "Dry" weight, or is it the trip ready loaded weight with all options accounted for? Also, what motor is in your truck?

    After that is established and after you deal with the 'cooked transmission' folks here on the Forum can give you more advice about your 150 - 250 question.
  • MitchF150's avatar
    MitchF150
    Explorer III
    Apr 25, 2014
    2011 F150 Platinum edition with Tow package could tow a 6,500 lb. TT


    So, what size trailer did you end up with?

    That's really not that great of a 'tow rating' for today's trucks.. ;)

    Your Platnum is optioned to the gills and I looked at one on a dealers lot and noticed it only had #800 of payload, per the yellow sticker... It even had the 'tow package' on it..

    You do get an aux trans cooler from the factory, so not sure what other 'external' cooler they are talking about??

    More info on your trailer and actual specs on your truck will help too.. ;)

    Mitch

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