2004 Ford F150 4x4 auto can I tow

This is one of those things that, if it were possible that any F-150 4x4 manufactured prior to 2012, were ADAPTABLE to four down flat towing, WITHOUT DISCONNNECTING ANY DRIVE SHAFT, it for sure, would have been posted on here or, any other RV forum, that either does or does not have a Dinghy towing section. The question of towing a truck, ANY F-150 FULL SIZED TRUCK that is, has been brought up several times, on many forums and I have yet to read, ever, that someone DOES tow a pre-2012 F-150 4x4, with an ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED TRANSFER CASE.

Now, does that mean that it's never done, or hasn't been done, nope, not at all. It simply means I've never read of anyone doing it, on any RV forum. But, I figure if someone's got a plan to make a pre-2012 F-150 4x4 flat towable, and that includes either a dealership or, even the manufacturer, that, that plan would get out and it would, sooner or later, be posted on here or, any other RV forum.

Now, at present the only towing guides I have as a reference, are the Trailer life and or, Motor home magazine ones. And of course, other RVers I've spoken with, a zillion times while at RV parks or, campgrounds that tow, the 2012 or later F-150s.
Scott

Well I also have looked at all the manuals and kits etc. I am pretty sure I cannot flat tow. I will speak to a friend of mine that is a Ford mechanic and see if drive shafts can be removed if that would make a difference.
Thank all of you who have contributed. I will post his answer when he comes back from camping.
Chuck

Golden_HVAC wrote:
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/ Look up the 2004.

I think you can tow it four wheels down.

Also check RoadmasterINC.com They sell a hitch kit for the front, as well as something called a "Tow Shield" that can protect the front of the vehicle from rocks coming up from the RV. They also sell a kit that has a shield that further protects the bumper up on the towed vehicle.


Fred.

Maybe, maybe not. It would appear that the "neutral kit" only applies to the Explorer in 2004.
Here is what it says about the F150:
(e) Manual transfer case only (not Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly 4x4). (f) Requires that the center disconnect be locked out by capping off one of the front axle vacuum motor lines. See your Ford Dealer for assistance.

http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/ Look up the 2004.

I think you can tow it four wheels down.

Also check RoadmasterINC.com They sell a hitch kit for the front, as well as something called a "Tow Shield" that can protect the front of the vehicle from rocks coming up from the RV. They also sell a kit that has a shield that further protects the bumper up on the towed vehicle.


Fred.

iguana07 wrote:
I have heard I can tow my pick-up. What is it I have to do to it to be able to tow long distances? 5.4 Triton auto trans 4x4
thanks.
Chuck

Chuck,
In all reality, NO, you cannot tow your year/model F-150. Ford, in all of it's wisdom and "better ideas", did not allow for a "Neutral" in electronic shift transfer cases, in 4x4 F-150 versions. Now, if for any reason, you happen to have, a "MANUAL SHIFT" transfer case, and it can be in fact, shifted into Neutral, then YES, you can tow it. I'm not a real expert on Ford series trucks but, in the research we've done, Ford did not allow ANY of its F-150 4x4s, to be flat towed, prior to 2012.

At that point, they finally figured out that, one, they were loosing money in sales because many folks who wanted a pickup as a toad, had to move over to Chevrolet, Dodge and GMC. And two, that it wasn't all that hard to make their pickups, flat towable.

Now, if you can find something, in your owners manual that specifically states that you CAN, FLAT TOW your particular model truck and, has all the procedures lined out for you then go for it.

And as for the "kit", well, that only applies to Ford Rangers. And, only certain model years at that. Not all Rangers are created equal. Good luck.
Scott

You can see a copy of the 2004 F150 owners manual here

But, to make it simple, here is the contents of it in regards to your Q

Good luck!

Mitch

RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motorhome. Follow these guidelines if you have the need for
recreational towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged.
2WD vehicles:
• Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km)
• Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km)
If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or a speed of 35 mph (56 km) must be
exceeded, the drive shaft will have to be removed before the vehicle is
towed.
Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
4WD vehicles electronic shift transfer case:
4x4 vehicles with electronic shift on the fly cannot be towed with any
wheels on the ground.

Some Fords require a special kit to put the transfer case in NEUTRAL.
Actually, from what I have heard and read, the kit consists of an indicator light and a computer reflash. For that, a Ford dealer wants over $300, so I hear.
You might try a google search for Ford F150 4X4 recreational towing and see what comes up.
I have no personal experience with Fords, other than my motorhome, so this is just what I have heard and read.
Good luck.