bravocharlie

I pull a 22 foot enclosed Trailex with my V8 Touareg (about 5,500 lbs. fully loaded). The Touareg is a phenominal tow vehicle. The TDI would be, in my opinion, an even more phenominal tow vehicle. The suspension on both models is the same. I just towed to Road America, Wisconsin from New Hampshire. Contrary to other people's concerns, there is no sway issue with the Treg. At 80+ mph, you don't even know the trailer is behind you. Plenty of pull on the hills, no trailer jerkiness, and a first class ride.

The V8 gets around 12mpg driving 80+ mph. The V10 should get 16 or so. When the 2008 TDIs come out, that will be my next tow vehicle.

KOAN

I pull my enclosed Trailex with an F150, and it is effortless. I have 8 tires/wheels and 25 gallons of gas in the back, and a 993 with tools, generator, compressor, etc. I am about to get another F150 lease, and wouldn't consider a diesel unless I had a heavier trailer. The Toureg TDI may take its place if they ever become available again, but having the bed for tires and gas sure is nice. The F150 drives like a car, and the only down side is the poor mileage when towing. It is rock solid, though, and I think it is very comfortable.

bravocharlie

2006s are at dealers in all 50 states in limited numbers.

2007s are also at dealers in 45 states

2008s due in the US in April 2007...according to the latest scuttlebutt.

Greg Fishman

Can a "normal" mechanic do this? What does it accomplish? I have a 03 Yukon Denali.

Kevin

Greg, do you have the 6.0 ltr? I'm sitting at 400HP and similar torque.. You know how you get a lazy 2nd and 3rd?? The valve-body needs a re-program kit, I installed a Trans-go kit.. It saves the bands from glazing from being slipped into the next gear. You can go to a real firm shift.. I went middle of the road with my spring and shim selection.. I wish I went stiffer.. Since new I average 13.8 miles to the gallon..

I wouldn't take your shift kit into a regular wrench.. You can do it yourself if you are technical.. It's a job! If you can't do it, take it to a "good" tranny shop.. The ECU is sent out and re-programmed to your driving needs..

kgorman

The 03 and 04 and some 05 models had problems with turbo's, electronics, and injectors. Many lemons from this bunch. That said, I have an 06 and sold my trusty 7.3 to get it. I could not be happier. Don't believe the hype! I would *NOT* wait for the 07.5 or 08 6.4's because they, again, will be a new engine, and this one will be much different because of ULSD. My suggestion if one is looking at Ford Diesels, get a 7.3 or a 06/07 6.0. Ford has a $5000 rebate on the 06 models right now, so you can get into one for < 40k if you shop hard.

kgorman

Here is a link showing towing capacities. Just a note is to watch your GVWR. Because generally a 20ft trailer is, what 3k, plus 3k for the car, plus tools, wheels, etc. That adds up. I personally would not go > 90% of GVWR. Engine power is just 1 element to towing. GVWR and braking are very important as well. Being safe towing is better for everyone out on the hwy not just the person towing..

http://www.fordf150.net/2007/2007-fo...ifications.php

I am not sure how heavy you plan to load the trailer, but a F250 is the safe bet. I DD mine, and get just above 20mpg (see sig). Can't beat that. Hope this helps.

pole position

IMO a half ton like a F150 is a poor choice for serious towing , a 3/4 would be much better . I tow with a Duramax 1 ton Dooley Crewcab (sometimes with a fifth wheel) and believe it is the best choice plus you simply cannot beat the TQ of the diesel coupled with the 6speed Alison.

Even when I max out or even exceed (sometimes substantially) the recommended tow weight I hardly feel it is there.

Geoffrey

I agree that towing with a diesel is the best route. I have towed with a Duramax and the Allison 5spd and an 05 Ford 6.0 diesel with 5spd auto and both were great, much better than the older 4spd auto boxes. I now have a 98 Dodge with a 5spd manual and can't be happier. I get 18mpg towing an open trailer.

Greg Fishman

Thanks Kevin, yes it is the 6.0 ltr. I will look into it but I have not been towing much anymore

Veloce Raptor

I just ordered a 3/4 ton Yukon XL (Suburban). For my needs, and for use as a daily driver as well, a diesel crew cab pickup was too "trucky". I loved the Duramax/Allison combination the most--it drove like a 6,000 pound muscle car & could burn rubber in its first 3 gears from a stop--but I needed a bit more comfort & a bit nicer interior for daily/business use. In addition, around here, diesel is still 30-40 cents per gallon more expensive that 87 octane. Since I am not hauling a 10,000 pound trailer, a gasser 3/4 ton with all the HD towing stuff was the best compromise.

Astro0boy

Anyone using a Toyota Tundra or Nissan Titan? The Titan has a high towing capacity, i think 10,000 pounds.

Gary R.

I would think that the Suburban, with towing options, a good brake controller (I used the Prodigy) and a Reese Dual Cam Sway Control setup would do just fine as long as you keep the max. weights at 70% of capacity or lower.

Larry Herman

Dave, I have been struggling with the same problem. I love my Denali, but could use more towing power (and better mileage) and the diesel trucks, even with the mega cabs are still not as convenient. Of course I could always just screw the mileage and get the 500 hp upgrade from Lingenfelter. It includes a full engine rebuild, supercharger, and trans rebuild for $18K.

Veloce Raptor

Larry...sweet. That thing have a Hemi?

Gary, I plan to put a Prodigy in it when it arrives. With the 4.10 rear, it is rated at 9,200 pounds for towing. My current payload is a ~3100 pound car + a trailer yet to be purchased, but which will not exceed 2,500 pounds.