2016 F150 Tow Rig

hagel

Member
Jun 11, 2009
68
Atlanta, GA
Boat Info
2017 SDX OB
Engines
Mercery 300 Verado
Hi everyone! I've been a long time member of the forums, but been pretty quite the past few years. I'm in the process of purchasing a new vehicle to tow my boat, and am looking for some feedback (as I've never trailered a boat before.)

I currently have 2011 Sea Ray 250 SLX (dry weight 5,600lbs), and a trailer that weights a little less than around 2,000lbs. I'm looking at towing it with a 2016 F150 3.6 EcoBoost with the Max Tow Package (rated at 11,700lbs). While the overall wight doesn't seem to be a problem, I'm concerned with the tounge weight as its only weighted at 5000lbs. I plan to tow from the Atlanta area to nearby lakes in NC, SC, AL, and down to the Gulf. Do you guys think the truck can handle it, or do I need to look at a bigger truck? The truck will also be my daily driver, so would prefer to stick with an F150 is possible... Just don't want to cause too much excess wear and tear.

Thanks in advance!
 
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I use my F150 to tow all different kinds of trailers. Some heavy some light. I have the 5.4 engine. I like the way it handles. I will say this, they like the gas when towing. It is a 2001 W/ 280000 miles on it.
 
Thanks Mike! I looked at the v8, it's just not rated to tow as much as the new EcoBoost. My concern is that the EcoBoost won't last near as long... here's hoping I can get over 250k on her!
 
Hi everyone! I've been a long time member of the forums, but been pretty quite the past few years. I'm in the process of purchasing a new vehicle to tow my boat, and am looking for some feedback (as I've never trailered a boat before.)

I currently have 2011 Sea Ray 250 SLX (dry weight 5,600lbs), and a trailer that weights a little less than around 2,000lbs. I'm looking at towing it with a 2016 F150 3.6 EcoBoost with the Max Tow Package (rated at 11,700lbs). While the overall wight doesn't seem to be a problem, I'm concerned with the tounge weight as its only weighted at 5000lbs. I plan to tow from the Atlanta area to nearby lakes in NC, SC, AL, and down to the Gulf. Do you guys think the truck can handle it, or do I need to look at a bigger truck? The truck will also be my daily driver, so would prefer to stick with an F150 is possible... Just don't want to cause too much excess wear and tear.

Thanks in advance!

Absolutly. I drive a 2015 Ecoboost with a 2015 250 all the time, in fact it towed it better then my V8 F150. You will have no problems with it. You will only get about 9-11MPG. Its a perfect vehicle to pull your boat.
 
Thanks, Kiloil! I figured it would be drinking up some gas, but I guess that's the price you pay to play :)
 
don't let the published towing capacity numbers mislead you...a lot will depend on the type terrain you will tow over.....flat land will present the least amount of challenge where hilly terrain can present a significant challenge for that tow vehicle....I have a friend that has a F150 Ecoboost 6 cylinder engine and towing package......he recently bought a new camper that weighs very close to what your boat and trailer weigh.....his family likes to camp in the NC, TN, and VA mountains....

after a few trips pulling his new camper in the mountains he is trading up to a F250 or F350......

cliff
 
A weight distributing hitch is an option but setup is critical with surge brakes. Also, you could beef up the rear suspension. Short hauls should be no problem though, just take it easy.

I max out my F-150 pulling my travel trailer and without the WDH I only move it around the yard. Makes the steering a little sloppy.
 
I have a '13 F150 4X4 with 5.0 litre, 3.55 rear ratio & max-tow package. As it sits rated for 7800 lbs. with a Weight Distributing hitch set-up.
Ford rates it at 5000 lbs without it, as it does with almost all their F150/F250 models.
I researched & bought the Reese 66153 & 58393 adapter for mine.
I'm at about 6500 lbs. or a little more all in boat & trailer.
The 66153 allows the surge brakes to operate effectively & the 58393 allows the trunion bars to mount similar to an A-frame on a travel trailer.
 
don't let the published towing capacity numbers mislead you...a lot will depend on the type terrain you will tow over.....flat land will present the least amount of challenge where hilly terrain can present a significant challenge for that tow vehicle....I have a friend that has a F150 Ecoboost 6 cylinder engine and towing package......he recently bought a new camper that weighs very close to what your boat and trailer weigh.....his family likes to camp in the NC, TN, and VA mountains....

after a few trips pulling his new camper in the mountains he is trading up to a F250 or F350......

cliff

Most of my trips will be pretty flat, or gentle inclines on major highways. Not planning on doing much towing in higher elevations, or up in the mountains.
 
I have a '13 F150 4X4 with 5.0 litre, 3.55 rear ratio & max-tow package. As it sits rated for 7800 lbs. with a Weight Distributing hitch set-up.
Ford rates it at 5000 lbs without it, as it does with almost all their F150/F250 models.
I researched & bought the Reese 66153 & 58393 adapter for mine.
I'm at about 6500 lbs. or a little more all in boat & trailer.
The 66153 allows the surge brakes to operate effectively & the 58393 allows the trunion bars to mount similar to an A-frame on a travel trailer.

Thanks, I'll look into the Reese.
 
proper car washing method....

Just weighed my 2005 240 SD the other day....see pic. My 2011 Ecoboost pulls it just fine.
637a27643555a7e7552272a369b73ec7.jpg


Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
Just pulled the trigger, hopefully picking it up tomorrow. 2016 F150 Platinum, 3.5 EcoBoost, 4x4, FX4, Max Tow Package (3.55 rear). Looking forward to taking the boat to a few new lakes this summer!
 
Here she is, picked her up on Saturday.

2016 F150 Platinum 4x4
701A Package
Max Tow Package (3.55 rear)
FX4 Package
Extended Fuel Tank

IMG_5108.jpg
 
nice looking truck

the four wheel drive is a good option to have for slick or steep ramps
 

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