Does anybody tow a 10,000lb trailer with a F150?

[Rebeldad1]

I have a low mile 4 door long bed 1999 F350 dually. It's a Powerstroke 7.3ltr with a 6 speed manual transmission, 4 wheel drive and a Dana70 limited slip rear axle.
It works great for towing a 20' trailer and mini excavator (10,000lbs ).
As i'm getting older my needs are changing. I would like to downsize the truck from a 4 door to a super cab or smaller 4door ( no more kids family to haul around ) and because of upcoming knee problems a automatic transmission would be nice. A diesel would be nice but not a priority anymore since I don't need to tow much anymore.
I see the newer F150s are as big as the F250s and some the tow ratings are over 10,000lbs. I also see the used F150s show up with traction control more than the F250s do. This is a must but could be easily added if need be.
I have a steep and challenging driveway the F350 has always towed the excavator up but am skeptical of a smaller truck

Any input from you experienced guys would be helpful... so would be a smaller truck to handle.

 

[CADplans]

At least you asked,,
But,, SINCE you asked,,,,
YOU KNOW the answer,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, NO!!

 

[ning]

I think you'd be crazy to downsize. Then again, I've got a '97 crew cab long bed 4x4 7.3....
I personally think that the utility of having the truck just for occasional use offsets its relatively little residual $ value.
I'd be more likely to buy a second vehicle that meets the rest of your needs and still use the big truck for the occasional mini-ex towing.

 

[Midniteoyl]

While I have towed over 10500lbs in a dump trailer (so, 14+k lbs?) behind a 2019 F150 with a 10400 lb rating, I don't recommend it. I am currently thinking up upgrading to a F250 for my 14k trailer.

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[notaz3]

I've towed 8,970 pounds (Cat scaled trailer weight, unhooked) with my 2014 F150, without a problem.
Anything over that and I switch to the 250 and fifth wheel or gooseneck.

 

[newbury]

I'm in a similar situation.
2002 7.3L, F350 dually w~155K pulling either a 12K equipment trailer or a 10K cargo trailer. But was wanting to "upgrade" to a newer ride.
BUT I'm not thinking of getting rid of the 7.3, I'd keep that as long as possible.
And I see the 2025 3.5L ecoboost rated at UP TO 13,500lbs.

I'd suggest you find a F150 equipped similar to what you want and either rent or test drive to see how it handles the trailer and the hill.

Then let your wallet decide.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

And I see the 2025 3.5L ecoboost rated at UP TO 13,500lbs.

Then let your wallet decide.

Unfortunately the contents of the wallet can't overcome simple physics.

Towing is best done with a heavy vehicle with a long wheelbase. That rules out any 1/2-ton. Unless actually believing the skewed J2807 test results.

That the 3.5 liter will be wheezing and use more gas than a 460 would (and those could really drink) is almost irrelevant. That'll just make the trip take longer, but isn't dangerous per se.

 

[newbury]

You left out part.

I'd suggest you find a F150 equipped similar to what you want and either rent or test drive to see how it handles the trailer and the hill.

When you leave out parts of a quote it can really change the meaning. For example:

Towing is best done with the 3.5 liter.

I don't know how much he wants a new truck, needs a new truck, how often he tows, etc.
But if he could rent one to test it for "the hill" he might appreciate the 7.3.

 

[deserteagle71]

I have had both, for several years now. A 2016 F150 Supercab with the 3.5 Ecoboost. And a 2004 Dodge/Cummins dually. I have towed 12,000 lbs with the F150 when the Dodge had a camper mounted on it and I was too lazy to take it off. The F150 pulled it easily...that 3.5 Ecoboost puts out amazing torque at low rpms. But I'd describe the experience as "the tail wagging the dog". Despite the tow rating the suspension on an F150 is designed more for a comfortable ride and not for stable towing. That same 12,000 lbs behind the Dodge/Cummins is a much better towing experience - very stable despite cross winds and passing 18 wheelers.

I would recommend holding on to the 7.3 Powerstroke. Use it only when you need to, and get another vehicle for the light duties.

 

[In.the.Piñons]

I had to complete a house move under the WORST circumstance imaginable a few years back. December in the Rockies at 9.5Kft with 100mph wind gusts. I had to go over several winding death drop passes, including Vail pass heading west. I rented a 25ft enclosed trailer, bought some E rated Nokian studded snow tires and a weight distribution hitch. 250 miles each way and had to do the trip five times to complete the move.

Oh and I'd never towed with this truck before (2018 4x4 f-150 with tow package and locking rear diff)

I own a lot of heavy crap and I estimated the trailer and contents at about 10-11,000lbs on a couple of the runs. The truck was rated to tow 12,000lbs IIRC.

I kept an eye on that wind forecast. You can see from the attached pics what the wind does to the unsuspecting.

Pretty sure I have PTSD from the experience. That wind will blow over a semi.

Anyway, the 3.5 EB had more than enough power. It controlled the speed on vail pass decent OK (2nd gear). But the suspension just wasn't up for it. Just the vacuum from passing RV's or box trucks would cause the rig to wander in lane. It was a harrowing experience that I don't want to have to repeat, but we did make it.