Will an F150 do it?
 

Hi guys, I'm looking for your opinions on towing a Z240 Talari with an F150 pick up? I'm looking for something around 1999-2000, 4X4 with the 5.4L V-8.
The TrailerLife chart shows 7700lbs. which I think is ok. Just wondering if anyone out there tows a beast like this with one.
Thanks for all thoughts.

Re: Will an F150 do it?
 

I believe that should tow it fine, I tow a Z245 STC with a 2001 Z71 Chevy and it does just fine.

Re: Will an F150 do it?
 

If the load doesn't exceed about 80% of the tow vehicle's rated towing capacity you should be fine.

The only thing about pickup trucks is they're light in the rear. But you're choosing a 4WD truck, so it shouldn't be as much an issue.

Jim

Re: Will an F150 do it?
 

I've always heard the "switch point" is 24ft. People on a few other boating forums swear once you go above 24ft with a trailer, you need to upgrade to a 3/4 ton truck because of the heavier duty suspension and brake setups. I towed mine with a 1/2 ton Escalade with the 5.3L once, and it struggled through the PA mountains. Towed with a 4.7L Jeep Grand Cherokee, which wasn't up to the job, towed with a 6.0L Escalade, which was pretty good, and then I bought my 3/4 Ton V10 Excursion, which I've towed with ever since.... It's completely overkill for the weight of the boat, I know. However I wanted something that if I upgraded boats, I could still tow with.

However, I think The 5.4L V8 in the F150 should be adequate for towing your Z240 Talari. Just make sure it's a factory towing package, as it has a transmission cooler, and beefed up 1/2 ton suspension. If you can get a long bed, that's what I'd go for. Try and stay away from the short beds, as a longer wheelbase equals more stability. One thing I would recommend is installing an aftermarket Transmission Temp Gauge. It's a great way to keep an eye on your temps before you get into a potential overheat situation.

Keep us updated with what you decide to do!

Re: Will an F150 do it?
 

Thanks guys, all good points.
SemiJim, 80% will put me right on the edge, so I better think about this a bit. An F250 might be a much better way to go.
And, Chris, long bed supercab F150's are getting as rare as original Mariah parts! I sold my old one to a contractor in one day for almost as much as I paid for it and it had 315K miles on iit!
Glad I'm not in a big hurry for this. The season is almost over here, so I'll have time to look around. I'll carry your thoughts with me as I search.

Re: Will an F150 do it?
 

I pull my Z240 with a 2001 F150 5.4 Liter Supercab 4x4 and it pulls just fine. Definitely have to bump it out of O/D on hills though. The next truck I buy will be a F250 Powerstroke for sure though.

Re: Will an F150 do it?
 

I had an F150 for 9 years and towing still depends on the terrain. I live in flat lands so an F150 would easily tow it. But if you pull in mountians, F250 would do better.