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RE: f-150 09
My 2004 was the newer body style Supercrew so unless they changed something mid production I am pretty sure I have some experience with a truck very similar to an '09. I did not try towing 30k miles with mine because honestly it was marginal as a tow vehicle for my trailer. I could tell the brakes and maybe tranny were not going to last with that trailer back there. In fact after the two times I towed my trailer I could see a significant reduction in braking capability in the empty truck. I was amazed at the difference in load handling and braking with a 3/4 ton vs 1/2 ton. I was hoping Ford had improved the F150 enough in '09 that it would be okay as a tow vehicle for my 8500lb trailer because it would make a much better daily driver than a 3/4 ton. However I have since decided that I would not buy another 1/2 ton unless I could test drive with my trailer hooked up. I doubt that will ever happen though.
The reason I think Dodge is sandbagging on the GVW is because I have had mine at and beyond that number and the truck did not squat much. I would guess if I had a 3500 SRW I would have just touched the overload springs at 9k.
Honestly, It sounds like you did not own the truck you thought you had. By that I mean it sounds like you did not have an F150 optioned for max towing for it's model. Ford offers tons of options. You cannot take max towing and payload and apply it to all F150's. You can get a tow package with a 3.55 rear or a 3.73 rear in the 2009. Both have different ratings. Payloads work the same way. Crew cabs and options bite into payload and tow ratings.Well put Keith. My F-150 tows my 8500# trailer without issue. It stops fine, starts fine, and handles the load fine. Specs are in my sig. I would love the 6 speed option and would love a nice little 300HP diesel on this platform. Windellmc.... it sounds like maybe you had a 3.55 gear and didn't have your trailer brakes adjusted correctly. My combo stops better together than just the truck by itself. I can stop the whole rig with just the trailer brakes.
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01/06/09 06:09pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: First time towing TT
Jimmy,
This is EXACTLY how I tow and I noticed the same results. I increased to between 11-13 MPG depending on head winds. For everyone else reading this....... DO IT! It does work. I will add to this nice write up..... try to keep your torque converter locked also. This will increase your MPG. Also, try to stay in 3rd gear as much as possible. Anticipate your hills and plan accordingly. A 2nd gear downshift will suck up a bunch of fuel. I also tried keeping my foot in it to keep up with traffic..... yield 8-9 MPG.
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01/05/09 03:31pm |
Towing
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RE: f-150 09
Having said all that I would like to see what happens when you drop a big load on a new F150 Crew Cab with the max towing suspension. Rumor has it that it gets an extra leaf spring compared to the standard truck. That plus the 6 speed tranny, integrated trailer brake, and stability control might make it tow those 7-9k trailers a lot better than the current model.I don't think you have taken a close look at the 04-08 150. Spring packs are the same. The 09 just has longer ones. The tongue weight on my trailer is 1100#. The truck sits level when hooked up. If I disengage the WD bars, the truck doesn't hit the bumpstops. Now, if you are comparing the 97-03 to the new body, then your talking about a totally different truck. My friend and I both have 150's. His is the old body 03 mine is the newer body 04. I can drop his 29' Jayco on my truck and it barely squats. His truck sits on the ground. He had to install helpers to get him level even with an Equal-i-zer hitch. The 09 is essentially the same platform as the 04-08's. They lightened the frame up a bit and made it stronger and stretched the rear leaf springs a bit. They made some improvements to the engine. The biggest improvement is in the interior and the transmissions. 6 speed with T/H is awesome! Add a diesel and it'll be hard to beat, providing it gets better MPG than the gasser. I have had 2000# of concrete in the bed of my truck and it sat level. What do you consider a heavy load?
If the springs are the same but longer than it should squat more with the same load. I had an '04 F150 and with the WD bars there was significant squat at the rear and some in the front too. They were set to the right tension but the vehicle just was not as stable as a 3/4 ton truck (Same wheelbase) with the same trailer. I could tell the '04 F150 bottomed out on big bumps on the highway also. Given that the GVW did not increase I do not see an F150 in my future unless this is a case where Ford is sandbagging on the GVW like Dodge does on their 3/4 GVWs.Once again.... you cannot compare a 3/4 ton truck to a 1/2 ton truck. This is the same problem in many other threads. Apples to apples not oranges. 150 and 250 are completely different animals although through the years, the 150 is rated for more weight than the 250 of old. Then again, the 250 and 350 capacities have greatly grown also. Just because the springs are longer doesn't mean it will squat more. It just means that the truck will ride a bit better. Did you have a new body F-150 or the old body? They were built as a Heritage Edition. They were essentially leftover parts from the previous body style. Once again..... completely different truck. I have yet to bottom out on ANY bump with my trailer hooked up. The roads here in NC and SC are not the best in the country. Just ask people that visit here. I tow a 7-9000# trailer and have towed it for 30,000 miles without issue with this truck.
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01/05/09 03:21pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Tow mirrors for 08 Super Crew
The link above for Tasca is the cheapest anywhere.
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01/04/09 10:43am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: getting internet in the TT
I am further away than that also and my internet works great! I am using a Net Gear router.
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01/02/09 04:49pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Towing Concerns - 2008 Ford 150 XLT V8 5.4L
can't say I have experience with either vehicle, but I would expect that if you were satisfied with the performance of your Pathfinder with a 29 ft long trailer, you will be peeing your pants from excitement when you tow with your new F-150...Well put..... LMAO!
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01/02/09 04:44pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Blue Tooth phone to laptop?
Yes it can be done. It is slow though. If you tether it with a cable it will be faster. I use my Motorola Q9C with my laptop all the time when camping. I also can transfer files from the computer to the phone and vice versa with Bluetooth.
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01/01/09 07:29pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Towing Concerns - 2008 Ford 150 XLT V8 5.4L
Have to ask you guyes. Which flowmaster do you have, and is it very loud inside the truck? I am looking at the 50 series delta flow. I want a purr, but not too loud inside. I've been told the 50 series is quieter inside than the 40 series.I have a cat back 50 series with dual pipes running out the rear corners behind the wheels. It is nice and quiet in the cab at cruising speed. You can hear the pipes when you jump on the throttle. I get none of the loud reverberating drone that most people with the 40 series have. I had 40 series on the Expedition and 2200RPMs would drive you nuts!
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01/01/09 07:25pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Towing Concerns - 2008 Ford 150 XLT V8 5.4L
I would also like to know about the negative comments you have seen. My F-150 does a fantastic job. Equal-i-zer and Prodigy make it a nice setup.
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01/01/09 10:44am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: f-150 09
Having said all that I would like to see what happens when you drop a big load on a new F150 Crew Cab with the max towing suspension. Rumor has it that it gets an extra leaf spring compared to the standard truck. That plus the 6 speed tranny, integrated trailer brake, and stability control might make it tow those 7-9k trailers a lot better than the current model.I don't think you have taken a close look at the 04-08 150. Spring packs are the same. The 09 just has longer ones. The tongue weight on my trailer is 1100#. The truck sits level when hooked up. If I disengage the WD bars, the truck doesn't hit the bumpstops. Now, if you are comparing the 97-03 to the new body, then your talking about a totally different truck. My friend and I both have 150's. His is the old body 03 mine is the newer body 04. I can drop his 29' Jayco on my truck and it barely squats. His truck sits on the ground. He had to install helpers to get him level even with an Equal-i-zer hitch. The 09 is essentially the same platform as the 04-08's. They lightened the frame up a bit and made it stronger and stretched the rear leaf springs a bit. They made some improvements to the engine. The biggest improvement is in the interior and the transmissions. 6 speed with T/H is awesome! Add a diesel and it'll be hard to beat, providing it gets better MPG than the gasser. I have had 2000# of concrete in the bed of my truck and it sat level. What do you consider a heavy load?
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12/30/08 07:00pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Need new truck as current has been written off. Suggestions?
Thanks for the replies folks. I am not stuck on Ford as I also like the GM product. I don't for some reason like the Dodge product as it just doesn't do it for me. I will take a look at all of the "big 3" products.
I really appreciate the comments as I am not up to speed on the diesels or newer trucks as I wasn't planning on getting anything so soon.
Terryallan, did you upgrade from an older F150 to your 04? I was wondering how much better are the newer F150's vs the 2001 F150 with the 5.4L?
Keep the coming
Spiff
The older F-150 and the new F-150 are totally different trucks. They were redesigned in 04 and then they were completely redesigned again in 09. If it were me, I would go look at the 09's with the 6 speed trans and tow haul. They also have the integrated brake controller. The truck is a much more solid platform then the older 97-03 platform. You will be pleasantly surprised how nice it drives, rides, and tows. 5000# and the new F-150 is a match made in heaven. You will be a "Happy Camper" sorry..... I couldn't resist. In 2010, Ford is supposed to be offering a small diesel option, but I am sure you will not be able to wait until then. I was very impressed with the 09's but the 04-08 gen F-150 will also do a fine job for you. You will not get the 6 speed or the tow haul but you will be fine with the OD locked out. You will also get decent MPG for a 5500-6000# truck.
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12/27/08 07:37am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Question about carts at Myrtle Beach Campgrounds?
Huntington Beach SP lets you bring them also. Murrels inlet
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12/27/08 07:21am |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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RE: Jayco DVD/Home Stereo Replacement
Is the unit 12v or is it 120v? If 120v is ok, you can check Circuit city and Best Buy for open box displays. They are usually brand new items and they are deeply discounted. You can modify the cabinet to fit whatever you want. If you want to stick with 12V if it is 12v, you will have to go with the automotive type stereos. Or go to campers world and pony up the big bucks for a replacement.
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12/27/08 07:07am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Again new at this
THe problem with the Tundra and a lot of the other 1/2 tons is as follows....... Yes it is able to tow 11,000 #. What they do not tell you is that you need a truck with the lowest curb weight and highest cargo capacity. Now, with that in mind, what do you think adds weight to a truck? 4WD, crew cab, options like leather, sidesteps, bed covers, some wheel and tire combos, ect. I have a Ford, My tow capacity is nothing even close to what it is rated for on paper. If you add it all up, I am right at the top of all my limits and I am still way under the tow rating. I am maxed out on CC, Maxed out on combined GVWR. The truck tows great. I am aware, depending on what I pack, I WILL go over. It will be by a couple of hundred pounds. Look at the GVWR on the door sticker of all the trucks, then look at the actual weight of the truck. Subtract these 2 numbers and this is your available cargo capacity. Now subtract the weight of passengers and driver, then subtract the weight of anything your gonna put in the bed, Then subtract the weight of your hitch. This number is what is left of your cargo capacity. Don't be surprised if it is below 1000# depending on make and model of the truck you are looking at.
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12/24/08 05:53am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: f-150 09
Hey Brad.....
Good news, The Expedition already has the 6 speed trans. It was in there way before they used it in the F-150. As far as brake controllers..... I wold assume that they can put it right in the dash of the Ex. The Ex still uses coils for suspension, so the leaf springs wont change that. I am however very interested to see the new diesel that Ford is planning to put under the hood in 2010. I will be waiting anxiously for power ratings. As for payload capacity...... the more you have on or in the truck, the more is chews into your CC. If you get a 2 WD Ex cab with a nice trim package, You would have almost 2000# payload capacity without going to a HD package. If you do go to a HD, you will get 3000 payload capacity. The F-150 is more than capable of towing a light weight 5er. Watch your pin weight, and make sure your CC is available. 6 1/2' bed and a slider hitch and go camping. I have seen many F-150's towing some good sized 5er's. Flagstaff, Rockwood, Sundance, and a few others can be towed if your numbers are in line.
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12/24/08 05:40am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: f-150 09
No, and it also says GVWR is 8200lb. From their footnote they are assuming a pin weight of 1320-1650 for that 11000lb trailer weight. I couldn't find a dry weight for it but payloads were over 2000lb.
charlieThis rating is the HD version. They don't say that. The 3 trucks I looked at on the dealer lot all had 7200 GVWR. Hey Skip, If they did only change it by 1/2"...... they really moved something around in the truck. There is a ton of room in the new F-150. I was extremely impressed. They also changed the 5.4. It is further forward in the engine bay and it is easier to access plugs. They also changed the air intake on the truck. They went back to a round air filter and did away with the air filter sitting on top of the TB. I also didn't see the 2 cams on the front of the heads..... I wonder if they got the cam phaser noises fixed at the same time. The FX4 was super quiet while running. The integrated brake controller was in the perfect location, the T/H switch was on the console shifter right where you would put your thumb. Perfect layout if I had to design a truck. The rear springs are also longer. I didn't dare drive it...... then I would want one!
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12/23/08 07:34pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: f-150 09
b_...
If you look at the specs for the heavy duty version the GVWR is 8200lb.Yes you are correct, but you still cannot order the HD version in a crew cab configuration with the Lariat package or the FX4 package and 4WD. Even though the XLT is nice, it is not decked out like the others. The packages I Mentioned still have no possible way to tow the amount of weight that they are rated for without going over GVWR. THat makes me a little disappointed.
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12/23/08 06:06pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: f-150 09
I looked at the 09 F-150 last week. They really did their homework on this truck! Integrated BC, tow command with 6 speed, all kinds of options available......plenty of leg room! It has much more than my 04 has both front and back. The only thing that has me a little irked about it is the truck still only has a 7200#GVWR! How in the heck can they expect anyone to tow a trailer in the 9-10000 range with a 1200# payload capacity? You will be at or over GVWR with a TT, firewood, mans best friend, and your significant other in the truck. I wouldn't even contemplate a 5er with the F-150. My TT puts me right at the limits of my 04. Does it tow it..... sure..... could it be better.... absolutely. My trailer weighs 8500 +/- ready to camp. These trucks weigh almost 60000# empty by themselves! My CC 4x4 tips the scales at a whopping 5890# with a full tank of gas and me NOT in the truck!
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12/23/08 04:01pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: cell phone and your browser
No need for a smart phone to tether... I tether my Moto Razr all the time for $20/month w/AT&T and Moto Tools.
DaveI never said you needed a smart phone..... If you have a smart phone, you already have the service. You don't need to pay extra for it. I also used to tether my Motorola RAZR to my lap top. It worked just as well and I used a free program from the internet. No extra charge.
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12/21/08 02:19pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: cell phone and your browser
I have a Q9C and use it to it's full potential. I do not like the mobile version of IE so I use Skyfire. I also tether the phone to my lap top and use it at CG's. It is not as fast as my Road Runner at home but it does work well. The Skyfire download is free and turns your phones browser into a full featured browser just like your computer at home. I have Alltel service. Once you figure out all that the Q9C does, you will be impressed!
how do you teather it i thought the cell companys basicly put a end to this ???Not with the smart phone. Hook it to your lap top with the cable supplied. Set up your network connection on your laptop. Go to Start on your phome, hit more, select internet Sharing, select connect. Done. Like I said...... it is not as fast as my RR at home but it will do to use at the CG's to check E-mail and come here if you have a problem. Remember..... your smart Phone has full internet access..... yo are essentially just moving that access to your laptop.
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12/21/08 01:53pm |
Technology Corner
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