Hello! I’m a novice at this, so any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have a 2017 EcoBoost 3.5 XLT without a towing package. It’s a 4x4 crew cab with a 5.5ft bed, and it has either a Class 3 or 4 hitch along with a flat 4 connector. The trailer I’m using has surge brakes, but my truck doesn’t have trailer brakes. I’m planning to tow between 5,000 to 6,000 pounds for around 1,000 miles, and I’m wondering if there’s anything I should modify or add to my current setup. I really appreciate any help you can provide.
Ensure your brakes are functioning properly.
Adjust your hitch height to the correct level.
Verify the tongue weight and make adjustments if necessary.
Check your tires and make sure you have a spare for the trailer.
I towed a similar load with my '17 using the 2.7 engine and 8.8 axle. It tows well, but you can definitely feel the load.
If the trailer isn’t very long or high-profile, and the roads are in good condition, you might not even notice it.
A weight distribution hitch is recommended for towing trailers heavier than 5,000 pounds with 500 pounds of tongue weight.
Assuming your 2017 is rated similarly to the 2019 model, the 2019 owner’s manual indicates that F150s without the factory tow package, equipped with the 5.0 or 3.5EB engines, can tow up to 7,000 lbs with a receiver hitch. The bumper, however, is only rated for 5,000 lbs.
Since your whip doesn’t have a factory towing setup, here are a few recommendations:
- Verify your car’s towing capacity in the owner’s manual to ensure it matches your planned load.
- Check that the hitch’s weight rating is sufficient for your load.
- Consider installing an aftermarket brake controller for added safety, especially on longer trips, since you don’t have a factory brake controller.
- Inspect your tires to ensure they’re in good condition and properly inflated, as towing can put extra strain on them.
The axle ratio and payload capacity are crucial factors in determining towing capacity, which you haven’t mentioned. Additionally, some 2017 models might not have a transmission cooler, which is essential for towing heavy loads.
While the truck’s advertised towing capacity is high, it’s often unrealistic. A range of 6,000 to 8,000 pounds is more practical, and even then, careful consideration is needed.
If you have a transmission cooler installed, it might be possible to make this setup work, but more details about your truck’s specifications are necessary to confirm.