Ford F-150 5.0 V8 Towing

[georgefarl1945]

I have a 30 ft TT at #7100 wet. I am looking at a 2013 F150 XLT 4x4 Supercrew with the 5.0 v8. How is this truck for towing

Thanks
George

[APT]

Terry, I disagree. GM's tow rating differences are due the HD trailing equipment. The tow rating between GM half tons with 3.08 and 3.42 is about 500 pounds, but the HD trailering package (read trans cooler) equipment adds another 2500-3000 pounds.

GM's 6-spd with 3.08 is better than GM's prior 4-spd with 4.10 axle:



Ford's 6-spd with 3.31 is better than its prior 4-spd with 4.56:



I would still recommend the shortest axle ratio offered even with today's 6/8 speed transmissions, but even the economy gears provide adequate performance for towing 7000ish pounds.

My SIL has a 5.3 Burb. With the 3.73, It can tow 9000lbs. With the 3.08 it came with. It can only tow 5000lbs.

Something's not right with that. 2009+ GM half ton SUVs came with 3.08 or 3.42 axles. 3.73 is not offered with the half ton/5.3L, only 3/4 ton with 6.0L. That's also the only way to get 9000+ tow rating, 3/4 ton 6.0L/3.73. Even prior to 2009, the 5.3L available axle ratios were 3.08, 3.42, 3.73 and 4.10. I don't think the 5.3L in SUVs has ever had 9000 pound tow rating. It's low-mid 8000 pound since 2000.

Anyway, an F-150 with 5.0L is mated to 6-spd trans and 3.31, 3.55, or 3.73 gears. All will accelerate better than 3/4 tons from 10 years ago.

[Terryallan]

APT wrote:
The 5.0L has plenty of power with any axle ratio Ford offered due to the 6-spd. Of course, numerically higher is generally better under load.

You'll want the upgraded transmission cooler if it doesn't have the OEM HD towing package. And you should make sure it has enough payload for 900 pounds of TW plus your family in the cab and 200 pounds of camping stuff in the bed.

In truth. The gear means as much now as it ever did. Accordint to Ford any way, and BTW according to GM as well

My SIL has a 5.3 Burb. With the 3.73, It can tow 9000lbs. With the 3.08 it came with. It can only tow 5000lbs. When it comes to towing. the 6 speed means little. You can't us those higher gears anyway, and you still have to get it going, and that is what the lower rear gear is for.

[Samsonsworld]

Turbo failures are rare. Ecoboost engine failures are rare. It's on it's 5th year and has been as reliable as any V8, so much so it bumped the 6.2l out of the F150. The humidity studder and plug gap problems just about disappeared after 2013. There are no other major issues with the ecoboost other than bald rear tires. Haters are just going to hate.

And a 'bit more power' would be a vast understatement. The eco will run 1-2 gears higher while towing that much weight. It will forever change your view of how a gas engine should tow.

[APT]

The 5.0L has plenty of power with any axle ratio Ford offered due to the 6-spd. Of course, numerically higher is generally better under load.

You'll want the upgraded transmission cooler if it doesn't have the OEM HD towing package. And you should make sure it has enough payload for 900 pounds of TW plus your family in the cab and 200 pounds of camping stuff in the bed.

[SouthpawHD]

Here's a thread in the Tow Vehicle section that may be of some interest to you.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28478584.cfm

[Shogun]

I believe that it was the 2011 or 2013 model year that Ford brought in the Max Payload package for the crew cabs with long box. I really wanted one but could not get a dealer to get me a good price locally. It gave a payload of approximately 2200 lbs or maybe a little more on the older F150's

Fast forward to this year and I have a 5.0 with just a standard F150 short box. The payload on one of those is 2000 lbs due to the aluminum body.

Agreed with the above in that you will need the 3.73 rear end and if you can find one with the higher GVWR (I think it was 7600lbs with the max payload package).

When I looked at a truck I stuck with just the 5.0 due to the simplicity of a standard V8 vs a turbo V6. I plan on keeping this vehicle for 7-10 years with likely close to 200k on a motor before thinking about a new vehicle. I just don't have confidence on the ecoboost beyond the warranty period. Yes it has a bit more power but gas mileage is just about the same as the 5.0 plus if you cook a turbo...

Just my thoughts.

[Samsonsworld]

Agreed. Depends how many rpms you are comfortable towing at. If you don't mind turning over 3k to hold 65mph or with frequent downshifts, then it's an OK tow engine. Personally, I wouldn't be happy with that combination. The ecoboost or 6.2l Ford (which was available in the F150 in 2013) would be a better match for that trailer, imo.

[MitchF150]

As long as pulling higher rpms up the grades does not bother you, and depending on how your payload figures work out, the 5.0 should be fine.. 😉

There is a reason the 5.0 was not the "top line engine" for the F150 in 2013.. 🙂

Mitch

[Terryallan]

georgefarl1945 wrote:
I have a 30 ft TT at #7100 wet. I am looking at a 2013 F150 XLT 4x4 Supercrew with the 5.0 v8. How is this truck for towing

Thanks
George

Depends on which F150 you have. 7100 GVWR? Forget it. 7350 GVWR. Maybe. IF you have the 3.73, or 3.55, and I seriously doubt it does.

Max towing cap for a 5.0 4x2 Scab with 3.31 rears. 8000lbs 4x4 not listed.

Max towing for 5.0, 4x4 with the 3.55 rears 7,700lbs.

Max towing 5.0, 4x4, 3.73. 9,300lb

Hope this helps

[MFL]

If you have the 3.73 gearing, it should work well. It has nearly the power of the Ecoboost, just has to run higher RPM to produce the power. Does it have the IBC, and trailer plug under bumper?

With the 6-speed tranny, you can lock out 6th, even 5th, if needed.

If you have the cab full of people, and the bed full of wood/gear/stuff, you may run into a payload problem. Check the # on the door pillar yellow tire loading sticker. Keep in mind, near 1,000 lbs. hitch weight, including the WDH.

Jerry

[jayco302fk]

What gearing do you have, my buddy has the 3.55 and its kinda weak with a 20' enclosed trailer.

[Desert_Captain]

Payload, or the lack thereof will be the issue. Check this trucks payload and you will have the answer. That trailer will have about 1,000# of tongue weight (including the WDH). Subtract that from your payload (and 4 X 4 crew cabs are notoriously short on payload to begin with), and see if you can live with what remains for passengers and gear. If you pack very light and don't bring the Duggar family you may be fine.

:C