2009 Ford 150

[a.moore]

Hello: I just purchased a 2004 25 Airstream (SS). I have read that the new Ford 150s (2009) have a towing capacity of 11,300 pounds, but I'm not sure about other features such as the brakes, transmission, etc. Also I was told you don't need sway bars on these new 150's.

I am partial to Ford 150's. Would the 2009 F 150 (5.4 liter engine) V8 be appropriate for this trailer, and is it true that sway bars are not necessary on this model?

Thanks

[moosetags]

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

The new 150 is supposed to have some kind of antisway built in. I don't know if it is up to a 7000# trailer. Your will still need weight distribution equipment.

Brian

[Wags]

I'm also interested in the 2009s which look like they have many improvements over the prior year model. If you check out Ford's website, you will see that they have some kind of new anti-sway technology derived from an alternate braking system. I don't know how this would affect an anti-sway hitch but I would be interested, too, in hearing from anyone that has done a little more research.

Thanks,

Wags

[TouringDan]

I bought a new 1/2 ton tv in 2008 and looked at all of the possibilities. The best tv in my judgement was the Toyata Tundra 5.7L Double cab. It has the most power, 6 sp trans, best gearing, best back seat and a 6.5 ft bed. It has real rear doors with windows that go all the way down and adequate space for adults. After owning for a year I am completely happy with the vehicle. It has great power and torque with very reasonable fuel economy. We just returned from a trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway and I got 14.1 mpg. Understand that my trailer is fairly light as it is a 66 Tradewind (24 ft). The 6 speed trans is great. It actually downshifts by itself when you use the brakes when going downhill. My truck has all the good stuff that comes with the SR-5 package and only cost 32k retail (2wd). The only things I don't like is that it is HUGE, and rear visibility with the dark glass and a Leer cap is terrible. I bought a rear camera for hitching up the trailer and it was well worth the $800. The February 2008 issue of Motor Trend has a very good comparison test of numerous 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks.

[Alwhisman]

I agree with Moosetags, it doesnt replace a weight distributing hitch. My understanding the feat is accomplished through microbraking, which will help but only to a small degree. Other than that it's a great TV. My 5.4 has plenty of power, but wish I had the six speed transmission.

It certainly doesnt hurt having it for sure.

Al

[BogieGolf]

Our current TV is a 2002 6L (gas) Chevy 1500HD 4x4. We bought it new and it’s been a good truck with some minor repairs along the way. The repairs now are becoming a little more frequent, though.
I’m particularly interested in the Ford F-150 with a 5.4L 3-valve V8 (gas) 6-speed auto with Tow/Haul. The 4x4 crewcab version has a max trailer rating of 11,200, according to Ford’s website. I wonder how this truck would do pulling my (heavy) 1984 Sovereign. Does anyone have experience with this combo?
Cheers,
Chris

[Mackhopp]

Originally Posted by 84Sovereign

I’m particularly interested in the Ford F-150 with a 5.4L 3-valve V8 (gas) 6-speed auto with Tow/Haul. The 4x4 crewcab version has a max trailer rating of 11,200, according to Ford’s website. I wonder how this truck would do pulling my (heavy) 1984 Sovereign. Does anyone have experience with this combo?
Cheers,
Chris

Hi Chris,

We recently purchased a 2010 F-150 Platinum Edition with the specs you mention. We previously had an F-150 XL with extended box - 4.6L 2-valve V8.

Aside from the obvious differences in the trim packages, we're very pleased with the new truck. It seems to haul the A/S much more efficiently.

We currently pull an '05 CCD (25'), GVWR is 6500.

Cheers