4.6l ford truck

[Dvigna]

I am looking to purchase a used truck that is used to pull our rockwood roo 21ss (approximately 6000lbs loaded). The truck has a 4.6l v8. We normally only pull the trailer around Kansas that is fairly flat, but sometime take it to southern Missouri in the hills. Can anyone advise me as to whether the engine would have enough to pull it without hitting high rpms?


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[jgourlie]

High RPms no pull it yes

[davel1971]

it will pull it, but stay in the steeper the hills, the higher the RPMs will stay. Great engine, but no power house.

[bikendan]

I suggest a better engine. That way if you decide to go to more mountainous areas, it will be more capable.
The Ford 5.4 v8 would be a much better choice for towing yor Roo.

My Chevy 5.3 v8 pulls my Roo 23SS (similar weight) like a champ and I've driven thru the Sierras, Cascades, Siskiyous and Rockies.

[Mars]

The 4.6L will do it but make sure you don't get one with the 3.55 rear end. That combo is for those hauling a few 2X4 and some mulch.

[mlangdn]

I had a '97 F150 with the 4.6 engine. I also have a 243RBS Coachmen 50th Anniversary Edition TT. It is about 5700# dry, and a reasonable 7200# loaded, no water. I never had an issue pulling it in my state of Kentucky. One has to turn off the overdrive when towing, or the tranny will be constantly seeking the proper gear. Even then, pulling a long grade will mean rpms in the 4000 range. At 4000 rpms, this engine is just getting to its power band. That can get a little noisy, but it is not damaging the truck.

That said, I replaced the 4.6 with a reman from jasper engines the year before I bought the TT. Had been pulling a pup for 5 years before that at ~2500#.

I never traveled more than 3 hours from home when I had the truck.

[WEMig]

Originally Posted by Dvigna

I am looking to purchase a used truck that is used to pull our rockwood roo 21ss (approximately 6000lbs loaded). The truck has a 4.6l v8. We normally only pull the trailer around Kansas that is fairly flat, but sometime take it to southern Missouri in the hills. Can anyone advise me as to whether the engine would have enough to pull it without hitting high rpms?


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I've pulled a 24' 5th wheel with that engine. You will have to manage your RPMs. I was equipped with the towing package to include a transmission cooler. I didn't have any issues. Just expect that it will hit RPMs in the hills if you are running on cruise.

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by Mars

The 4.6L will do it but make sure you don't get one with the 3.55 rear end. That combo is for those hauling a few 2X4 and some mulch.

Agreed. My Mounty has a 4.6L V8 with 3.55 axles, but it's also the newer 3V V8 and a close-ratio 6speed auto (very low 1st gear), rated for 7000 lbs towing.

I suspect that F150 4.6 is the older 2V version (less power and torque), and either 4sp or 5sp auto. I would want 3.73 axles. Can you get a VIN, and have a dealer check the axles and tow rating?

In general, it should tow 6000 lbs in flat lands, but I would want to know how close I am to it's limits.

[klrobert]

Originally Posted by bikendan

I suggest a better engine. That way if you decide to go to more mountainous areas, it will be more capable.
The Ford 5.4 v8 would be a much better choice for towing yor Roo.

My Chevy 5.3 v8 pulls my Roo 23SS (similar weight) like a champ and I've driven thru the Sierras, Cascades, Siskiyous and Rockies.

I agree with Dan, the 5.4 is a strong engine and will be much better for towing. I had one several years ago and it was great for towing. Not so great on fuel economy, but it will pull.

[wahoonc]

Depending on the year of that truck, cab configuration and rear end ratio you may be over the tow capacity. We have a 2003 Supercab Lariat with that engine with the 3:55 rear and it does fine with a trailer up to about 5,000#. You know it is back there. FWIW ours currently has over 240,000 miles on it and is still running strong.

Aaron