F-150 vs Yukon

[funkill]

I'm apologizing in advance.... as I would usually do a little research on my own, then ask open questions here. BUT - I am really, really limited on time. AND, I think some of you can probably answer these questions *off the top of your head*.

I am likely moving to Nevada (just NE of Reno) and will need a 4x4 by winter. I am working with almost ZERO budget and was planning to purchase a El'Chepo 4x4 in NV via Craigslist, et.al. when the time comes.

However, I passed my neighbor's dealership last night and saw a beauty on the lot ... 2001 Ford F-150 4x4. Based on previous conversations with my neighbor, I think I could negotiate a good deal - and trade in my 2000 1/2 ton GMC Yukon XL. I'm not towing my Airstream to NV until 2012, but I won't pursue a trade unless the F-150 could tow her as well as the Yukon. Scales showed my TT gross weight of 5860.

Oh, and the trailer connector on the F-150 is just a simple 4-pin style --- so I wonder if this means, right off the bat, that it isn't equipped to carry something the size of my TT.

Can anyone offer *quick and easy* advice on this?

F-150 1/2 ton Lariat 4x4
V8, 5.4L (330 CID); SOHC 16V; EFI
2001 FORD F-150 LARIAT For Sale in Titusville Florida | Ron Norris


thanks for your help --- Laura

[Jim Clark]

Originally Posted by funkill

I'm apologizing in advance.... as I would usually do a little research on my own, then ask open questions here. BUT - I am really, really limited on time. AND, I think some of you can probably answer these questions *off the top of your head*.

I am likely moving to Nevada (just NE of Reno) and will need a 4x4 by winter. I am working with almost ZERO budget and was planning to purchase a El'Chepo 4x4 in NV via Craigslist, et.al. when the time comes.

However, I passed my neighbor's dealership last night and saw a beauty on the lot ... 2001 Ford F-150 4x4. Based on previous conversations with my neighbor, I think I could negotiate a good deal - and trade in my 2000 1/2 ton GMC Yukon XL. I'm not towing my Airstream to NV until 2012, but I won't pursue a trade unless the F-150 could tow her as well as the Yukon. Scales showed my TT gross weight of 5860.

Oh, and the trailer connector on the F-150 is just a simple 4-pin style --- so I wonder if this means, right off the bat, that it isn't equipped to carry something the size of my TT.

Can anyone offer *quick and easy* advice on this?

F-150 1/2 ton Lariat 4x4
V8, 5.4L (330 CID); SOHC 16V; EFI
2001 FORD F-150 LARIAT For Sale in Titusville Florida | Ron Norris


thanks for your help --- Laura

I just traded of a 4 X 2 2001 5.4L Lariat, pulling a 2005 25' Safari. Ok for level ground and small hills, I don't think it would of handled anything larger than hills. I had the towing package and it had the 7 way connector, I would have to assume the 4 wire unit means the truck dose not have the tow package. Check to see if has the transmission cooler is installed. This is all I know others may know more or had a better experience towing. Ask your neighbor if you can do a test tow.

I purchased a 2011 Lariat with the Ecoboost 6, seems to to have more than adequate power.

Jim

[Lumatic]

Depends on the engine size and the rear end gearing. I have an F250 with a 5.4 Triton gasser. You want a rear end geared more towards cruising than a torquey work horse rear end. I use it out west on some long steep grades. Yeah there are some rigs that pass me but I am not in any hurry.

[jm2]

hi, Laura,

we've driven five new 4wd Supercab F150s since 1996.

I'd be checking the VIN and the door post sticker to see what type of axles & gearing the truck has, and that vehicle's factory rated GVWR.

if it didn't come from the factory with the "towing package" that included, iirc, a larger radiator + transmission cooler, a larger battery, and a Class IV hitch & 7 pin connector, this might not be the vehicle for you.

good luck on your move! travel safely!

[ROBERT CROSS]

Laura,

Does the XL have a limited slip axle? If so it may be much better in 4wd situations than you think. Is 4wd the only reason you don't want to tow with it to NV?
If the XL has been a reliable TV, and doesn't need a lot of preparation, it may be less stress-full to travel with a known quantity.
Google Reno and check what they have available there.


ps...the 150 does have great tires. No mention of towing equipment though. The 4pin in Fla may indicate a boat was in tow. Most smaller boat trlr's do not have brakes. No controller?


Bob

[funkill]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Laura,

Does the XL have a limited slip axle? ....

Bob

Now I'm embarassed to say that I've never checked - guess it's easy enough to do though. I have a sneaky suspicion that it is not...

The ranch owner in NV said I'll need 4x4 to get through the winter snow and the spring mud. The reason I'm leaving my beloved Silver Olive in FL is because I need to tow a trailer full of my crap (funiture, etc) with me instead!


Thanks for the quick replies guys! Muchas gracias.
Laura

[ROBERT CROSS]

Laura,

G80 should be the option code, on a label in the glove box.

Bob

[funkill]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Laura,

G80 should be the option code, on a label in the glove box.

Bob

I never even noticed this decal... I found G80 in the list so I guess it is limited slip! That's a lot of code numbers... does it tell what sex my first child will be too?

Thanks,
Laura

[Silver Goose]

Originally Posted by funkill

...Oh, and the trailer connector on the F-150 is just a simple 4-pin style --- so I wonder if this means, right off the bat, that it isn't equipped to carry something the size of my TT...

http://www.cascaderv.com/Towing/01towingguide.pdf

It appears from this guide that an '01 F150 4WD regular cab with 5.4l engine and auto tranny is rated for 7,200# with minimal equipment. I would get the VIN and the other info from the stickers on the door and see if the local Ford dealer can confirm this info.

If you follow the cable back from the 4-pin connector a couple of feet, you may find a connector near the spare tire where the 4-pin harness connects to a 7-wire harness, probably along the left frame member. My '01 came from the factory with both the 4-pin and 7-pin connector. The dealer put the 7-pin on for me and left the 4-pin in a sack in the back. If the dealer can confirm this truck is equipped to tow your AS, they can sell you the 7-pin connector with the plug 'n play harness assuming your harness is equipped for it. And of course a brake controller.

[dkottum]

Considering your budget, I would keep the Yukon you already have until you get there and see if you really need 4 wheel drive, and for what purpose. We have done fine without it here in Minnesota for years and these winters are not for the faint-hearted. A set of snow tires can make a big difference on 2 wheel drive.

doug k

[funkill]

Thanks YankeeDoodle - never would have thought to look. If I see my neighbor outside this evening, I'll approach him about the truck.

Snow tires? Hummmmm. Question - do you usually mount them each on/off your wheels each winter or just have them ready on a spare set of wheels? I have a lot to learn about real winters!

Laura

[ROBERT CROSS]

Snow tires.....yep in Buffalo.

Have always mounted them on a set of steel wheels. Saves on the mount/balance every Fall and cuts down on the chance of damage during the process. Easy DIY also.

One of my first "trucks" was a full size 2wd Blazer with limited slip differential,
never got into a situation I couldn't get out of. As mentioned, try the XL you may be OK.

Bob

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by funkill

I never even noticed this decal... I found G80 in the list so I guess it is limited slip! That's a lot of code numbers... does it tell what sex my first child will be too?

Thanks,
Laura

G80 is an Eaton LOCKING differential, not limited slip. A locker is better than LS in a truck application, IMHO. Limited slip is great for performance cars, but trucks need a locker for true low speed, high torque traction needs.

[funkill]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

G80 is an Eaton LOCKING differential, not limited slip. A locker is better than LS in a truck application, IMHO. Limited slip is great for performance cars, but trucks need a locker for true low speed, high torque traction needs.

Dang it ... so, locking is better than LS in snow/mud applications for a truck?

Laura

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by funkill

Dang it ... so, locking is better than LS in snow/mud applications for a truck?

Laura

YEP....sorry for the cornfussion, my bad. Too old school I guess.

The option on your truck should do just fine. Give it a try at least.

Bob

[pappy19]

Believe me if the ranch owner says you need 4 wheel drive, you better have it......and learn how to use it as well.

Pap