V6 and 4-cylinder trucks

[lowendrider]

Wow...I think 4-5000 is alot for a small truck. Maybe a big cube six (4.0 or larger would be ok) could handle it but when you get to that size 6 you're not going to get much better economy that a V8. I can tell you this, I had a 2003 ford ranger with the 3.0 V6 and 5spd. The truck had good power not pulling anything but when I loaded up my yamaha rhino, dry weight 1049lb on a 5x8 trailer it was really labored. Inclines on the interstate required a downshift or 2...just my 2cents

[jkilov]

Well thanks for the replies, 5000 lbs would be maximum but I mostly get around with 3500 lbs and it just feels like there's an unneeded reserve in the truck.

My biggest concern going the small truck route was that it would need new trannys every few years, so I guess I'll just keep it at that.

[lawnboy dan]

12.5 mpg pulling 3500 lbs with ac on from my v6 tundra

[PROPERTYLAWNSERVICELLC]

I have a Dodge Dakota V6 auto cc 4x2 it weighs in around 4500.
I get, if I am gentle 25+mpg heavy towing 16ft trailer 10+mpg .
I have hauled in the bed 2500+ pounds.
I have had the gvw@ 12,ooo pounds do think I need a bigger truck?

[360ci]

Originally Posted by jkilov

I'm thinking of downsizing my truck again to lower operating costs. I have went from a 7.3 powerstroke to a 5.4 gasser and thinking of going even further as there are rarely times when I need all that power.

Do any of you guys use 4 or 6 cylinder trucks to pull 4,000-5,000lbs and if so tell me you experience.

The diesel was overkill. I'd stick with the 5.4L. You have it, it works, and should you need extra capacity for anything, it's there. Another thing to consider is hitch weight, The F series can handle 800lbs or so on the hitch, making it versatile for lighter trailers like yours.

Going with a mid-size V6 truck for instance will limit hitch weight to about 400-500lbs, and then you'll have to pack your trailers more carefully to stay within the proper weight range of the axle. 4cyl are for retired folks who like to do weekly home depot runs and want good mileage for carting their light lumber and paint cans around - stay away from those if you plan to tow regularly.

I have a 5.9L Dodge Durango R/T that I had bought years ago for an old travel trailer. I sold it off and my utility trailer with full weight of whatever is in the 3500lb range. However, I don't have brakes on it (single axle), so the larger brakes that the Durango has comes in handy when going through hills and traffic. A smaller truck would specify trailer brakes over 2K weight, or less due to the less powerful brakes. I hold onto it and it's 14mpg (average city/highway driving with some towing), because it seats 7, I can take it on the trails, it's a great winter vehicle when I visit family in northern Ontario and it still runs fantastic even considering that it has been abused! Besides, resale isn't that great so I'll lose more than I'd ever get back for the sake of a few mpg.