towing capacity of a F150 w/5.4L Triton V8

[bearhunter59]

I'm looking at getting out of the POS SUV that I somehow got myself into a few years back and have regretted every since.  I am partial to Fords and was thinking of getting a used F150 with the Triton V8.  Main reason for wanting to get a pickup, is to pull a 22'-24' boat for fishing in the sound.  Figured before I plunk the money down and get a truck and then find out it's too small, I'd better ask and see if anybody has one, and/or knows the towing capacity.  Any info would be helpful.  I really don't want to go as big as the F250 if I don't need to.

[FC]

I would get a 3/4 ton for a boat that big, you will break/wear out less stuff on the truck and it will have an easier time pulling and stopping that much load.

[predatorpro]

I would get a 3/4 ton for a boat that big, you will break/wear out less stuff on the truck and it will have an easier time pulling and stopping that much load.

i agree look into a 3/4 ton diesel, i think you would be pretty happy with it

[jburkett]

 the half ton will have enough power but the suspension wont be stong enough for it. and with desiel prices the way they are right now, 3/4 tons are getting to be more affordable buy, and will definatly last longer.

[gotshot]

F150 will easily handle the boat.

[jburkett]

my mother in law has a 2011 f-150 and hers is rated at 9500 lbs withe 5.4  but i believe that is a small increased over the past few years ratings

[kkirkma3]

My old man has this truck and he hauls a very heavy 22' trophy with it. Its not ideal, but it'll be able to handle it.

[CAMPMEAT]

I've got a 2010 F150 4x4 Supercrew 4.6. It will tow a 22-24 boat. My trailer is 26 feet. I've got over load springs on it also. I think mine is rated for 8500 lbs towing capacity.

[jeepasaurusrex]

Remember, it's not how much it will pull, but how much the truck will safely stop.  You don't want to be passed by your boat if you have to make a sudden stop.

[Hyde]

I traded in my Super Duty 3/4 ton Powerstroke for a Super Crew F150/5.4.  I have a simple 24 foot travel trailer and I really miss the Powerstroke when towing.  The F150 will get the job done, but it really struggles compared to the 3/4 ton with diesel.  If you tow a lot, my advice would be to look at the 3/4 ton and the diesel.  If it's an occasional thing, you'll probably be fine with the F150, especially if your boat trailer has brakes. 

[jeepasaurusrex]

Does the boat trailer have surge brakes

 or electric brakes?

[longknife]

Pulling a 21' Trophy with a Expadition/Triton 8, surge brake/single axle set up, and do just fine.
But you should have dual axles with that big of boat, and go with the 3/4 ton truck. The ZF 5 speeds are GREAT transmitions if you go Ford.

[xd2005]

my mother in law has a 2011 f-150 and hers is rated at 9500 lbs withe 5.4  but i believe that is a small increased over the past few years ratings

Not to be "that guy," but Ford switched to a 5.0 in 2011, so it's either pre-2011 or the engine is a 5.0.

[Skillet]

Main reason for wanting to get a pickup, is to pull a 22'-24' boat for fishing in the sound. 

Sounds like you don't have the boat yet... There is a lot of variables in that range of boat and trailer combo's to be cutting towing capacity close to what you think it's going to be, then really wishing you'd gone with a heavier vehicle.  That said, if you don't plan on towing it often and took the back roads, you could probably do it with a Ranger...

Full disclosure - I have a 2006 F250 Supercab 4X4 with the 6.0, and absolutely love the SuperDuty line of trucks (pre-2008, anyway) - I believe they are the best light truck out there, hands down.  I love to do the basic maintenance on it, since nothing ever seems to wear out.  Still on the original set of brake pads at 75K, and I do tow a fair amount (they are getting close, however).  I've never felt that it was "too big" to drive anywhere - even to the fuel station, thanks to the diesel.  My bro has a 2009 F150 with the 5.4, and I'd say it would get the job you need done - but I'll bet dimes to dollars if you got a heavy fiberglass inboard 24'er you'll be wishing you'd gone with a F250.

[bearhunter59]

the truck would mainly be used for commuting back and forth to work, between covington and renton, and then on the weekends to pull the boat to/from covington and point D.  don't plan on pulling it all over the place.
And I must be missing something on the diesel issue, cuz I don't understand the recommendation to go with diesel.  Isn't diesel fuel like @.30/gal more expensive than regular gas?  What?  Is the gas mileage on a diesel that much better than a regular gas engine?  I used to have a F250, with the 460 in it, and that thing would pull like a mother, but it couldn't pass a gas station.  It only got between 5-8mpg depending on if I was pulling the 35' fifthwheel trailer I used to pull.  I can't imagine what a big turbo diesel would be like; specially using it for commuting mainly.
And yes, I do not have the boat yet.  can't get the boat till I have something to pull it with.  don't think my saturn vue with the 3.5L 6-banger would pull much of anything.  In any case, the boat will probably be more in the 20'-22' range.  thanks for the input so far guys.