New to me F-150

[MNGeeks61]

I recently dropped the 2008 Trailblazer LS that we've had for a year. Wife wanted a truck again, and frankly when I tow the pontoon and 4 people plus gear, the thing just "felt" strange. Not horribly overloaded although it's possible, just didn't tow like I wanted it to.

So I bought a 2009 F-150, with the 4.6 (yeah, I wanted the 5.4 but couldn't find one in my price range). I'm not finding a good source for towing capacities at all.

Folks, my google-fu for today is non-existent.

I have no idea what the rear axle ratio is. I'm guessing this will probably be around 6500-7000 lbs at the most. It does have a tow package and both the 4 pin and I think 7 pin outlets, but I don't see a brake controller. I found something yesterday that made reference to the 53M and 535 packages and what's included in each. But I can't find anything on the vehicle to tell me what it's got.

something semi-helpful

It looks like a transmission cooler is installed and the dealer says it is, but given that they weren't all that knowledgeable about what was on the vehicle (they told me yes, it had Bluetooth and Sync and it does not - there is no Sync logo anywhere).

Anyone have any ideas on how much this will tow given the limited information I've got? Or where can I look to determine the towing capacity? I'm not too worried about the occasional tow of a 3000 lb pontoon/trailer combo but I would like to know my limits.

edit: There is a hitch on the back, but it's not a Ford hitch, looks like a class III.

2nd edit: this is the 4.6 3v I know it makes a difference as well, one of the reasons I bought it. And it has the 6 speed tranny. and the 5 1/2 foot box.

[MNGeeks61]

Finally found a decent site for Ford VIN's that looks like it's more precise, although it's apparent the first owner did add some things for towing.

ETIS

[MNGeeks61]

Found the axle code, it is 19, so non-limited slip, 3.55 gears.

According to this site

2009 towing

max tow is 7800 lbs - now that would be with certain equipment that I haven't confirmed I have yet (namely, the towing package) so I'm going to guesstimate probably 6000 lbs. I checked the hitch and it's aftermarket - Drawtite. It does NOT have the factory 7 pin, so minimal towing of a pontoon is what I plan on, until I can upgrade it.

edit: adding the 535 package, which includes the radiator upgrade, hitch, and controller plus bigger battery - that must be the max of 7800 lbs. So I'll just tow under 5k and should be ok.

[jerem0621]

Congrats on the truck!

My 4.6 has nearly 172k miles on it an is going strong. I would not hesitate to own one in a F150.

As to the axle ratio check the drivers door for the Axle code and report back to us. We can help ya find it.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[301TBS]

My 2009 with 4.6 is rated at 9400lbs with the 3.73 gears. It tows my 6800lb loaded 30' trailer fine. I don't think I would be comfortable towing near the exaggerated factory ratings.

[AlmostAnOldGuy]

Enjoy the new truck. I had the 4.6L in a 2001 F150 and it served me well. My son just clocked over 225,000 on his 4.6 and it is running great.

Good luck,
Stu

[kw_00]

Enjoy your new truck, regardless of the 4.6 or 5.4 u can pull a small camper within your weight ratings.

[lawnspecialties]

I forgot to add. My former F450 (2011) had a small 4.30 stamped on the differential. Its the only truck I ever checked so that may be an F450 thing or it may be on all trucks.

[coolmom42]

It would just be TOO EASY for vehicle manufacturers to spell all this out in plain English, on a plate attached to the vehicle.

I mean if they can put a code letter, why can't they use a slightly bigger plate (or even a sticker) and put "limited slip differential" on it.

Or at the very least put a printout in the glove compartment that the first owner would for sure be able to see.

[MNGeeks61]

APT wrote:
There should be a sticker on driver's door with axle code. You can decode this on page 3. Should be the same for 2009. They are the same back to my 1999 F-150.

You have the 3V 4.6L/6-spd and likely 3.55 or 3.73 axle. That's fine for power and certainly better than the prior generation 4-spd 5.4L. I expect you should be good for 5000-ish pounds dry RV. Ford offered an integrated brake controller, or there are decent aftermarket proportional controllers for $100-150 (Tekonsha Prodigy P2/P3).

I believe all F-150s have transmissions coolers. The HD towing package got an upgraded one. You may want to check with a local transmission shop to access your cooling needs. This is important when towing any high walled trailer.

Thanks very much, will check 🙂

[lawnspecialties]

If you absolutely can't find the rear axle ratio, here's a fun way to try.

Make a mark on the side of your drive shaft and one on a rear tire. Then (keep back) have someone slowly drive the truck forward. Once the rear tire makes a full rotation exactly, how many times did the shaft turn? 3.55 and 3.73 are pretty close. But if its very close to 3.5 times, its most like a 3.55. If its 3.75 times, you're a 3.73. Obviously, this is a last minute desperate attempt but if all else has failed, it can be done. Just don't get run over.

I had one F150 with the 4.6L and 3.55. I only used it for towing landscape equipment. As long as I turned off the top gear, it did fine. But with any kind of real load behind it, forget O/D.

[APT]

There should be a sticker on driver's door with axle code. You can decode this on page 3. Should be the same for 2009. They are the same back to my 1999 F-150.

You have the 3V 4.6L/6-spd and likely 3.55 or 3.73 axle. That's fine for power and certainly better than the prior generation 4-spd 5.4L. I expect you should be good for 5000-ish pounds dry RV. Ford offered an integrated brake controller, or there are decent aftermarket proportional controllers for $100-150 (Tekonsha Prodigy P2/P3).

I believe all F-150s have transmissions coolers. The HD towing package got an upgraded one. You may want to check with a local transmission shop to access your cooling needs. This is important when towing any high walled trailer.

[MNGeeks61]

Yep, I did find this

ford vin decoder

But it doesn't seem to reference the axle ratio.

I finally found this site and will check when I get home from work:
axle ratio


So if I find out this is correct, I hope this helps someone else.

"The plate layouts vary depending on the model year, but in every case the axle code section is clearly marked as either "axle" or "ax". Ford axles codes contain one or two character. Any code beginning with a letter (an alpha code) indicates the vehicle is
equipped with a limited slip differential, except as shown below."

edit: corrected URL's, see what happens when I post from work when I'm busy

[Craig_A]

You can take the VIN to local Ford dealer and get details, or there may be a website out there that will translate your vin into specifics of your truck.