Anyone here own a F150 with the 5.4L

[Wellcraft_Dave]

Just curious... if anyone here has a F150 Crew Cab with the 5.4L motor.

Any idea how much they will tow (I mean really tow without breakin?) and if ya have one, how do ya like it???

I've got an 01 Dodge Ram with the 5.9L and she's at 100,000 miles,,, I'm thinkin of gettin a Ford.

Experiences and comments or suggestions and tips welcome.

[Skools Out]

not your boat my uncle has one with the 5.4 and it won't pull nor stop my 250 Sea Ray. Buy Diesel you won't be sorry the fuel mileage will pay for it's self plus less maintance on a diesel, oil changes every 6K to 8K miles. They last for at least 4 to 5 hundred thousand miles. I have a older 1994 6.5 Turbo Diesel Chevy Tahoe with over 200,000 miles and it gets 20 mpg still towing either my V20 or my SR250 and that's at 70 mph.

[reelapeelin]

Dave, I gotta '01 F150 Crew w/a 5.4...tows my V20 GREAT, but Skool's got a good point...maybe not your boat and rotors on mine stay warped from towing...trailer even has discs...Ford did a skimpy job on the rotors...

That said, tows mine like a locomotive...to Fla. and back(11 hrs ea way) nary a whimper... ;D...

What's your trailer's gross weight...my V20's only 4600 lbs...imagine your's considerably more... ;)...my bro-in-law tows his 22' Grady w/a V10 F250 Crew...does a NICE job... ;)...

[chumbucket]

MJ has a '99 (I think) F150 with the 5.4L Not lacking for power at all. As stated above, he's had many problems with brakes. I know it has a common exhaust manifold problem, something's going on in the rear end too. Possibly axle seals? Oh, ball joints bad too. He's been thinking of unloading it and going back to GM.
My last truck was a Dodge Ram with the 5.9L. I'll never buy another one. It was a very good truck for the first 6-7 years, then the troubles began. Brakes, transmission (don't get me started on Dodge transmissions), front end probs. Then after it passed 100K, the mileage dropped considerably. When I got rid of it last year, I was getting 10-12 MPG!!!!!!!!! Not with my commute and the price of gas thank you. >:(

[Wellcraft_Dave]

I currently have the Dodge with the 5.9L 1500 SLT Laramie with the tow package (Class IV) Quad Cab, it's a 2001.

I've towed the last 3 boats with it to include my Wellcraft. I did tow the Wellcraft from NC to SW Fla to the panhandle and then back.

The Dodge did it, but she's just gettin old.
Agreed on the tranny... Dodge tranny's aint worth a spit.

I have 98,000 miles on her,,, I mean, she did get'r dun....

Now, what I'm lookin at, is the crew (4 full door) Ford F150 with the 5.4L. Thing is... you can get the truck set up to tow a 9,000 lb load if you have the "right" equipment installed. I.e. the 3.73 rearend, class IV hitch, and I'm gonna assume suspension/brakes/tranny cooler and larger radiator with the tow package.

See that's what get's my curiosity.

My current rig is:

boat dry 4,100 lbs
Yama 250 560 lbs
Fuel 150 gallons - 1,200 lbs
8 gallons water - 60 lbs -/+
4 batteries - 200 lbs
then factor in the trailer at probably 1,200 lbs estimate
as it's an aluminum dual axle.

That puts me at 7,320 lbs GVWR for the whole kit and caboodle.

Ford's standard Class III is rated at 7,030 for the F150 rig'd that way in the class III set up. I realize that I'd be over the limit without that 15% safety margin.

But.... if I got'r set up with all the proper equipment for that class IV tow rating (i.e. load level to meet that 9,800 lb GVWR)... ya think it'd do it???

I've heard mixed things, but usually when it gets down to nuts and bolts, I hear the 3.73 gearin in the class IV set up can do it over the standard 3.55 gear. I already know a 4.10 would be a dog

Sad to say..... Yes I have looked at diesel.... sorry to say,, just do not have the funds to stretch that far for a $40,000 truck (I have to buy new to stay on my gameplan). Indeed, I've drooled all over the F250 with the 6.0L :P

Opinions on my thinkin??

I know the Ford is stronger than the Dodge mechanically. So I managed to get the Dodge to 100K miles, then I guess I did good or just got lucky.
I know the Dodge 5.9L is a strong motor at 345 hp
Just wonderin if that Ford 5.4L with the 3 valves per is actually an advantage....

I'll admit, when I'm pullin the boat,,, I'm in no hurry to get anywhere if'n ya know what I mean,, so I dont stop/jerk/clink my way at high speed to get to the pond. We take her slow and easy and usually get it up 5 mph past the posted limit and keep it there.

I'm just curious on that 9,000 lb properly rig'd thing for that F150.... ya know a dealer will pitch the sales advertisin stuff... It's hard to get "facts" from them as I'm willin to bet they dont tow like the boat/RV crowd does on a monthly basis......

All thoughts welcome....

Oh, my trailer does have disk brakes, and that F150 has 4 wheel disk ABS. I'm thinkin if anything, it will stop the load better than the Dodge as it's got front disk with rear drum ABS on the rear drum only and it hasnt pushed me thru an intersection yet......

[Wellcraft_Dave]

one last thing... I'm looking at 2005 trucks.

I've ruled out the chevy
I've heard the Hemi is a killer on fuel
Dont like the Jap stuff (nor trust it as a full size truck)
And I'm out of the diesel market $$ wise
And have to buy new

he he... I think I painted myself into a corner...... :)

[chumbucket]

Sounds like you have indeed painted yourself into a corner. Wouldn't you be better off going for the F250? Not necessarily with diesel (though that is very nice), but even with the gas option you're not only going to get greater towing capacity, but also upgraded suspension, BRAKES, everything. I would think that by the time you spec out the F150 to do what you want it to, it's going to be a lot more $$$.

[Wellcraft_Dave]

Spec'd out (went down there yesterday lookin)
I can get it set up with 9K tow, plain jane (which is what I want), XLT pwr group and a radio and a/c

MSPR $32,200
Ford Family price of $27,000
Rebate of $3,000
$1,120 off with the TOW and GO
and putting my trade with it (the Dodge)
They'll give me $7,800 for the Dodge and I dont owe but $6,000 for it

my bottom line came out to $23,503 with tax, tags, etc.. out the door price with my trade on a new 05 Crew.

It's a max'd out F150 tow wise, still has the XLT interior, just not the fancy leather, heaters, moon roof... etc.. you get the idea. All cloth inside and plain jane outside as well.

I told them I wasnt goin to trade and go with Ford financin... then I sprung my trade on them and I have my own financin (sister's a loan manager in Fla....) after they put down that price on paper!!! Guy was pissed

[reelapeelin]

Yeah, I USED to be in the car business and you sound like our WORST nightmare...for a dealer who's really tryin' to work w/you and make the deal go down(they DO exist), they'll figure the lowest margin they can stand based on the ENTIRE deal...don't be shocked when the numbers change...

[Wellcraft_Dave]

Well,, he wrote it in and that's my bottom line.
What do you think?

I’m thinking the truck if advertised properly and if the tow ratings “are” what they are….
Then this might be a good deal.

Like I said, they weren’t happy I sprung my own financing and trade after they quoted me
Their lowest cash price… but they’ll work it and the #’s will stay the same.
Trucks on the lot right now too, so it’s avail and I would walk away if anything changed either truck/option wise
Or #’s wise…

I just got this feelin that the Ford will out do the Dodge.

Thought I'd get yer all's opinion.... did some research on RV and the F150 owners sites, seem's like as long as I dont top off fuel and stay under 7K lbs.. should be a good hauler.

By the way,, it's a 2 wheel drive and the tow capacity is a little higher than a 4x4.. that's how their gettin the rating for it.

Man, I'm thinkin I can pull the trigger on it and be in a bit better shape than where I'm at right now with the soon to be worn out Dodge....

Dont know,,,, I'm hearin that truck with those options can do it, I got them on the price where I like it.... hard to decide whether or not to pull the trigger on it......

[Wellcraft_Dave]

ha ha ha ah... thanx for the "worst" nightmare comment!!!

I've been "coached".... good friend of mine works at Grubb's Marine in Winston-Salem and gave me a few pointers on what "not" to say or do at the dealership (cars or boats... it's all the same)... and I have to admit,,, he was spot on.... I did get them, they realized it quick too, but they cant go back on this deal. Thing is, just want to make sure them Ford's are as good as they say cause I will put it to the test....

[Blue_Runner]

Well done Dave. Would've done the same if I were buying a new car. Turn tha tables on those dirty dealers! Arg!

[Franco]

THATS ALL WELL AND GOOD TO SAY..... BUT...................
NOT ALL DEALERS ARE DIRTY DOGS!!!!!!!!!!!
THEY HAVE TO CARRY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF INVENTORY TO MEET THE CUSTOMERS NEEDS.
WHEN NOBODY ELSE CAN FIX IT IT GOES TO THE DEALER.
WHEN THE MANUFACTURER MAKES A BLUNDER (I.E. RECALLS) THE DEALERS TAKE THE HEAT FROM THE CONSUMER.
MOST DEALERS MAKE VERY LITTLE PROFIT ON THE SALE OF THE CARS OR TRUCKS THEMSELVES. THEY MAKE THIER MONEY ON FINANCING AND AFTERMARKET SALES LIKE RUST PROTECTION AND EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACTS.
IF YOU WANT A GOOD DEAL WHEN BUYING A NEW CAR, USE THE INTERNET TO PRICE THE CAR AND HAGGLE FROM THAT POINT. EDUCATE YOURSELF ON WHAT ADDITIONAL THINGS YOU WANT TO PURCHASE.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING, BUT IF YOU RETAILED A PRODUCT AND A CUSTOMER PULLED A BAIT AND SWITCH ON YOU, YOU'D BE PISSED TOO!
THATS NOT TOO DIFFERENT FROM THE DEALER DOING A BAIT AND SWITCH ON YOU, AND IF THEY GET BURNED A FEW TIMES BY CUSTOMERS, THEY BECOME A LITTLE GUN SHY, THE WILL SHOOT FOR THE SKY AND KEEP YOU "IN THE BOX" FOR HOURS.
THE BEST ADVICE I HAVE IS KNOW WHAT THE PRICE SHOULD BE, HAVE YOUR MONEY IN PLACE IF YOU WANNA GET YOUR OWN FINANCING OR AT LEAST KNOW WHAT RATE YOU QUALIFY FOR. IF THEY DON'T WANT TO HAGGLE, TELL THEM SEEYA LATER!!!! THEY ARE THERE TO SELL CARS, IF YOU WANT TO DRIVE AWAY TODAY AND THEY CAN MAKE A LITTLE PROFIT, IT'S GONNA BE YOURS. THEY JUST PLAY HARDBALL WITH CUSTOMERS THAT THEY PERCEIVE AS GAME PLAYERS.
BUT..................... I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT THERE ARE DEALERS, MORE OFTEN SALESMEN, THAT ARE REAL ASSHOLES - BUY A CAR AT THE END OF THE MONTH, LOOK FOR THE GUY THATS SALESMAN OF THE MONTH/YEAR/DECADE - HE IS PROBABLY THE STRAIGHTEST SHOOTING GUY , AND THE END OF THE MODEL YEAR IS COMING - JUST MY TWO CENTS WORTH.
BUY THE WAY, I DO WORK AT A DEALERSHIP - AS A SERVICE DIRECTOR - I DON'T SELL THEM

[Wellcraft_Dave]

I understand Franco completely
I know what they're worth
got my financin (4.75% was the final)
and wasnt here to teach folks to beat the dealer, so I dont want to give that perception. :-/

I will tell ya, in this neck of the woods around Fayetteville NC, they will flat stick it to ya if ya let'm. :-*

Anyhow guys... appreciate the comments, I pulled the trigger today on it... Too good of a deal to pass up.
Final was $23, 503 out the door tax, tags, trade and all... so I got the feelin they made money otherwise they'd a walk'd, balk'd or pulled out. ;)

Anywhoo, I got sticker right here, Truck after options and some rebates MSRP was $32K and some change. That helped bump my interest rate down a quarter!! GO FIGURE!! :o

They swore up and down the truck I got with the class IV will pull my load. They even let me take one home to hook up to the boat and tow the boat around just to make sure before I pulled the trigger on it.... I must say, that 5.4L is pretty nice!!! The truck didnt squat like my Dodge did and stop'd pretty good. I got it up to 70 mph with the over drive in the off position and we got a few low rollin hills and it didnt kick down a gear like the Dodge would've and it ran 200 rpms lower than what I'd seen with my old truck.....

We're towin to the lake this weekend and I think she'll be just fine. I must admit, Ford did give some thought to the hitch set up, but man if someone ever rearends one of these trucks it'd be a mess.. The hitch is 6 point welded to the frame and bolted as well, very stout for a half ton.

I will keep an eye on the brakes, They appear to be up t the job, but I can always get larger rotors and run pads designed just for heavy towin... we'll see down the road here....

Anyway... bought me a truck... will post some pix here later on.

Thanx again guys, and Franco,,, I didnt mean to ruffle any feathers.... It's just buisness brother.... :)

[Wellcraft_Dave]

eeee... there she is fella's... if she dont work,, guess I'll sell the little truck and go diesel shopin on a regular cab.... Little trucks paid for,, so I'd sell it and get a used diesel older model...

Oh well,, we'll give Ford a shot and see just how "tough" they claim to be.

http://www.ncangler.com/photopost/data/500/new_truck_2.JPG

http://www.ncangler.com/photopost/data/500/new_truck.JPG

http://www.ncangler.com/photopost/data/500/new_truck_3.JPG

http://www.ncangler.com/photopost/data/500/new_truck_4.JPG

[Franco]

No offense taken Dave, I just have to rant once in awhile and I bought a case of soap boxes at the wharehouse club!!! I was trying to educate people on how not to get ripped off!!! As you know a few bad apples spoil it for the good people trying to do a good job. Those are the guys that give car dealers a bad name. In my case, I work in the service department. Everyday we have people that come in after having thier cars worked on at the local garage, the tire stores, or what ever. They come to us as a last resort after spending hundreds of bucks elsewhere, and expect us to fix it in 15 minutes fo 10 bucks. Then the check with the tire changer at walmart or the parts clerk at advance auto parts to see if we know whats wrong with the car. When that guy says that his 70,000 mile car should be fixed under warranty they want to get in my face. My guys at my shop average over 120 working hours a year ( 3 weeks) in training to learn how to work on one brand of vehicle! These cars change every six months, they have more computer power than nasa used to launch the apollo moon mission, and thousands of components that could fail. I just don't know how some guy, no matter how talented a technician he is, can out gun an educated dealership technician.
Okay enough of that stuff. You can beat dealers at their own game. You just have to educate yourself and you played the game pretty well. I can see that your not the average dolt that is impressed by the chrome plated whatcha callit that buys by impulse. You used your brain, knew what you wanted and I'm sure you will be happy with the new truck. It's the uneducated guy that is led around by his nose and buys a vehicle that won't do what he needs it to that is unhappy and bitter when he finally wakes up.
If anyone failed to notice, I do voice my opinions loudly sometimes, I hope I didn't give you a bad impression of me. I have put in over 30 years of my life trying to be a good technician, and now manager in dealership service.

[Franco]

By the way, Nice truck and cute co-pilot!!!

[Wellcraft_Dave]

Nope, no bad impression at all Franco... ;)

Good rant by the way!! :o
Too bad all shops dont work as hard as y'all. But I think that havin to deal with sales folks is like goin to the dentist for alot of folks... and it's really hard to tell when someones genuine or not and usually it's after they'd already slip'd it to ya is when ya find out in most cases... :-/

I hate it when it's time to vehicle shop.... too bad they (manufact.'s) cant just put up the price...here it is, no more no less, pre factor in that profit... but like you mentioned,, some consumers dont take the gloves off... ::)

Like in my job, Tech's are the backbone and keep things goin like clock work and are 99.9% of the time under-acknowledged. I can share/respect that.... :)

Yup, that's my littl Capt in trainin.. he wanted to go to the lake today, but dadda had to put the brakes on him.... promised him we'll be on the lake saturday. ;D

[Wellcraft_Dave]

Welp, pretty impressed with the truck so far.
Definately needed that Class IV package
doesnt squat like the Dodge did.

Will be gettin a weight distribution hitch, thing is for anyone considering to get the max performance out of their trucks, to consider how them weight dist. hitches work. *MOST will not work with surge brake type trailers.
There are some that do, they allow the tension arms to not lock onto the trailer, but ride in a bracket that allows the full function of the trailers surge brake system. *Cost really isnt that much and still keeps ya within manufacturers ratings for trailer, truck and all that.

equalizer hitch will be the one I'm goin with, since we dont tow everyday and use the vehicle as a daily driver. *When towing, keeps everything safe and in spec limits.

My trailer manufacturer was very helpfull as well and responded to my questions, rather quickly. *Road King trailer folks are very knowledgeable and helpfull, highly recommend them.

Just wanted to post FYI on how I made out by not goin diesel. *

The one thing I do not like about the truck is it's too quiet.. hard to get that road feel with this thing, get I'll figure that out down the road...

here's the link for weight distribution for boat trailers
http://www.equalizerhitch.com/productinfo/compatibility.php