I have a 2007 Lincoln Navigator. It has a 5.4, 6sp sohc v-8 engine. I have/need/want to replace it. While doing so, I want a better tow/camping vehicle.
I am looking at 2008-2010 Sivlerado 1500's and F-150's crew cabs. Our trailer empty is a 3,600 lb Lex-Lite.
Without igniting a Chevy vs. Ford war, (I have had one of each and they each have + and -; no experience with Dodge) in the used truck world, what are the key things I should be looking for so I have confidence when towing. (My 12 year old son's option is to "rent a man with an F-250"!! Not an option!)
Confidence is the key. I am supposed to be able to easily tow with the Nav's standard tow package but I do not feel it.
Why would an F150 be any different if it is a 5.4 also? Why would a Chevy 5.3 be any better? Is it really all about the axle rating?
A "Texas Edition" Chevy is supposed to have a heavy-duty towing package. Does Ford have a similar type package?
I am just finding too much information on the internet that it is confusing me. I thought I would turn to the pros - you - that have more experience with towing. THANKS in advance for your help!
Just about anything 1500 and up will tow a 3,500lb empty, which I presume to be 5,000lb GVWR trailer.
Take the manufacturers tow rating, derate by 30% and you have a very safe, comfortable tow.
That is, if it is rated for 8,000lbs, max out at about 5,000lbs.
Assuming you are doing all the right things like tongue weight 10-15%, trailer brakes are good, you got a proper controller and it is properly adjusted, trailer is properly balanced, and vehicle is not overloaded / unbalanced.
You can go to a 250 but that is overkill for say, 5000lbs loaded trailer.
If you are having problems towing with your current vehicle, it is time to see what you are not doing right.
Check everything from trailer wheel alignment, brakes, balance etc. with a pro.
With an approximately 5,000 lb. trailer either of those trucks would handle it with no problems at all. I am sure it's also true of the Chevy but the weight would be about half of what the Fords are rated to tow.
Good luck / Skip
FWIW: Forget about the dry weight of your trailer. NOBODY ever tows around a completely empty trailer. Far better to consider the trailers GVWR.
Good luck / Skip
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR - 2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles) 2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
I think your time is better spent evaluating your setup.... Otherwise, you may very well be in the exact same boat after dropping a boatload on a new truck.
Bryan
2000 Ford E350 DRW Wagon (14-pass all captains chairs)
V10 w/ Banks PowerPack, Diablo Predator, 4.56 LS, ~350,000 miles
New Desert Fox in the works!
I highly recommend a 2009+ F-150 or Silverado crew cab. They both got 6-spd transmissions that tremendously (IMHO) improve RV towing experience. Find a GM with 3.42 axle or Ford with 3.55 or 3.73. Both offer stand alone towing packages. For RV towing I recommend a transmission cooler, the class 3/4 receiver, and 7-pin wiring harness. Around here, I would have to search hard to find a truck without those.
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009 2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS 2012 VW Passat TDI
If you are going to upgrade your TV, I would get a f250 or Chev 2500. If you ever upgrade your trailer you will have a vehicle that will handle the bigger unit.JMHO. I towed with a Expedition 5.4. They have or had, coil springs in the rear. Nice soft ride for a big vehicle,not as laterally stable as a PU with rear leaf springs. If you stick with the NAV, get a good sway control hitch, Reece dualcam, Equalizer. Good luck
it would help knowing more about your tow setup.
what WDH do you have, what brake controller do you have, have you done anything to stiffen the ride, since SUVs have very soft suspension?
the Nav should be having no problems towing a trailer with that weight, unless something in your setup is wrong.
Dan- Firefighter, Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur, Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever, 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LS, 2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS w/Equalizer and Prodigy, and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes
I have read on some of the posts, that vehicles that have the auto levelling on the rear have issues with the WD hitch. Mabey someone else can provide some more info on this. Just an idea that might be looked at.
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, Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur
, Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever
, 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LS, 2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS w/Equalizer and Prodigy, and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes
