F150 or somethingelse

[augier]

Hi folks I'm back with another question...So I can't get a answer even from the dealer about my 2001,Chevy S-10, 4cylinder, 2.2 liter engine 5 speed manual transmission, if it can pull my 22' 1960 Airstream. So I went to the dealer my dad got the truck from and they have a 2000,Ford ,F150,automic trans. and since I have two payments left on the Chevy I figured maybe trading in ? Do you guys think this is a good idea?
Thanks for taking time to read this hope to hear from You folks.......

[crispyboy]

Definitely a step in the right direction.
Do you have specifications on the Ford? Engine size, axle ratio, towing package?

[Road Ruler]

F150 or somethingelse..

If you want or need a pick up then just about any one with enough power will tow your small, lightweight Airstream.

You also have an opportunity now to be selective and get a vehicle/tow vehicle that you really want or desire.

That choice could include a wide variety of vehicles like selected SUV's, Mini vans, older or modern sedans, etc.

Take your time and get what you like. Think about long term use, fuel economy, and reliability.

[Tom Nugler]

Just make sure the truck has a tow package. Ford rear ends can go as low as 3.31. The package will keep you above that. Look for the factory hitch and a 7 pin plug. The heavier package will have 2 auxillary coolers in front of the radiator.
I've had very good results with the 5.4 in the Expedition pulling the GT. The 4.6 might be a bit enemic on the grades.
I know you've got some time constraints, but don't jump on the first truck you see. Take the time to fully check out any new vehicle.

Good Luck.
Tom.

[overlander64]

Greetings Augier!

Originally Posted by augier

Hi folks I'm back with another question...So I can't get a answer even from the dealer about my 2001,Chevy S-10, 4cylinder, 2.2 liter engine 5 speed manual transmission, if it can pull my 22' 1960 Airstream. So I went to the dealer my dad got the truck from and they have a 2000,Ford ,F150,automic trans. and since I have two payments left on the Chevy I figured maybe trading in ? Do you guys think this is a good idea?
Thanks for taking time to read this hope to hear from You folks.......

With the 4-cylinder, I am afraid that you would find the performance in the mountains or even hilly areas to be less than desirable. In 2001, Trailer Life listed the following regarding the trailer tow capacities of your truck:

• Regular Cab -- 3,200 lbs or Club Cab -- 3,000 lbs
  • Automatic Transmission Required
  • 4.10 Differential Ratio Required
• Manual Transmission reduced the ratings to:
  • 2,200 lbs -- Regular Cab
  • 2,200 lbs -- Club Cab
    • 4.10 Differential Ratio Required

I suspect that selecting a more capable tow vehicle will result in a much higher level of satisfaction over time.

Good luck with your research!

Kevin

[augier]

Hi there thanks for the help.I called the dealer and they said it's a 4.6, 6 cylinder,automatic that's all I could get out of them over the phone. I will check on the ratio & tow package(for the hitch i'll just look under but what about the ratio where is that info? Now if it does not have a tow hitch on it would it be worth getting one ?

[dreadydreame]

I don't know if this info will help but, we have a 99 F150 4.6L v8 reg cab 2 wheel drive and we just bought a 65 overlander(26'). We used the truck in getting it home. On the hills it was really killing the truck. We would not pull the airstream with this truck again on any hills. We plan on getting a bigger truck. perhaps if it already had the tow package it would have been better, but we had to get the hitch installed. If you only plan on pulling short local distances it can probably do it. I don't know what the weight difference is in your camper and ours but I would have to encourage you to look for atleast one with a tow package if not a bigger truck.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by augier

Hi there thanks for the help.I called the dealer and they said it's a 4.6, 6 cylinder,automatic that's all I could get out of them over the phone. I will check on the ratio & tow package(for the hitch i'll just look under but what about the ratio where is that info? Now if it does not have a tow hitch on it would it be worth getting one ?

There is an axle code on the door tag. The odds of that truck having a tow package are slim. I had a 1997 4.2 that did and was told by more than one dealer that it was obviously a special order because there were only a handful listed in the computer. I played hell getting radiators for it, they were an oversized and did not exist in the aftermarket. Ford OEM only $$$

Here is a link on how to decode the door tag.

At bare minimum for towing I would go with the small V-8 and a factory tow package, it makes a huge difference. FWIW I can tow my 1975 on relatively level ground with my wife's F150 4.6 V-8 it has the factory tow package and the trailer is right at the upper end of the towing capacity.

I would double check that engine to the best of my knowledge Ford did not make a 4.6l V-6.

Aaron

[safari 28]

Well, if I were you, slow down and really put some time into what will meet every day use and go in that direction. The 5.4 has an incredible reputation for reliability, and in this market, you are the " decider" as our great leader once said. In all reality it will cost you very little to have a truck with that engine, a 3.73 rear end and the ability to take the little trailer anywhere you want and even move up in the future to a larger streamer. Do not get trapped by any one dealer or truck. Sell your vehicle if possible and offer 500 over edmunds true value trade price on the newer unit. Good luck.

[brunoffrance]

here is my heavy rig...
A/S '71 27', Harley-Davidson Héritage softail anf F150, '97, 4,6l, 4X4...
No problem at all exept the consumption if I drive with the Cruise controm...
I don't know the 5,4l but I don't need more to tow all my toys...

Bruno.

[Action]

2000 F150 4x2 (non-Lighting model) with 4.6 V-6 and automatic is rated at:

5800 #'s with 3.55 axle ratio and requires WD hitch
7200 #'s with 3.73 axle ratio and requires WD hitch

Trailer tow package would include things like- HD flasher, higher amp alternator, (however this would be the same alt if it has A/C) bigger radiator (again this may be the same as if it had A/C) and cooling fan set up that moves more air, and wiring to the rear for trailer hook up.

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[Action]

The Airstream website does not list any 1959 or 1960 model units built. For 1961 the 22' foot model* has a dry weight of 2900 #'s and a hitch weight of 390 #'s. For 1958 the 22' foot model lists a dry weight of 2730. It does not list a GVWR because that standard was not developed back then. That means the total towed weight with liquids and gear might be closer to 3500 #'s or more.

* in an unmodified condition - many trailers have been modified given the age and exposure to previous owners.

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