Equipment required for towing?

[pjc123]

First time towing, other than at work. Ordering a 2024 supercrew with a 2.7 engine, 4x4, tonight. Am I correct from reading various places that the 2.7 is more than sufficient towing an enclosed aluminum trailer that weighs 1200 lbs, dual wheels, and a load of max two Harleys, another 1200 lbs would be fine with that engine without a tow package, other than a brake controller I am adding? It will be a commuter truck 95% of the time. Anything special aftermarket towing items I should get?

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[Aron]

Probably? It's hard to say definitively without all of the specs, but pretty likely yes. 2400lbs (with a ~400lb tongue weight) should be well within any F150's towing capabilities, especially if you aren't loading up the bed full as well.

Does the 1200lb trailer even have brakes to control? (Many trailers that light do not.)

 

[fatBatman]

First time towing, other than at work. Ordering a 2024 supercrew with a 2.7 engine, 4x4, tonight. Am I correct from reading various places that the 2.7 is more than sufficient towing an enclosed aluminum trailer that weighs 1200 lbs, dual wheels, and a load of max two Harleys, another 1200 lbs would be fine with that engine without a tow package, other than a brake controller I am adding? It will be a commuter truck 95% of the time. Anything special aftermarket towing items I should get?

You will be fine. The 2.7 is plenty capable of throwing around any 1200 lb. trailer without you even noticing.
My brother has an insulation company and for the last 10 years has towed a small enclosed trailer without any problems at all. I don't think he has a towing package either since his trucks are typically super basic. I think he is on his 3rd 2.7 EcoBoost and all towed the same trailer nearly daily without ever spending a day in the shop for anything. I'd say they 2.7 is nearly perfect for light hauling/towing (boat, motorcycle, small equipment, and etc.) and meets almost everyone's needs for the occasional Home Depot run.

Note: This pic was taken from the 2024 F150 Towing Guide and none of the numbers listed for the 2.7 EcoBoost require the Tow/Haul Package (53T).

 

[pjc123]

Thanks for the help. I am going to start the remainder of the ordering process with Granger tonight.

@Aron
"Does the 1200lb trailer even have brakes to control? (Many trailers that light do not.)"

It is an option for the one I am looking at.
I eventually will have to move, so there will be more weight in the trailer so I probably will get them. Also handy if the trailer starts swaying.

@fatBatman
"Note: This pic was taken from the 2024 F150 Towing Guide."

Didn't know that existed. I looked up the entire guide, and yes, I am well within the limits with the engine, rear end, and truck type.

 

[amschind]

Tow mirrors are awesome, but they will cost you in mileage. For a travel trailer, the trailer camera and TPMS are awesome BUT require that you replace your whole rear harness to get an extra two wires in the million wire trailer plug. An anti-sway bar is also nice, though the Steeda is half the price and easier to install (I paid Hellwig an extra $500 for the privilege of using a bench grinder to make their bushing narrow enough to fit).

 

[Mtnman1]

First time towing, other than at work. Ordering a 2024 supercrew with a 2.7 engine, 4x4, tonight. Am I correct from reading various places that the 2.7 is more than sufficient towing an enclosed aluminum trailer that weighs 1200 lbs, dual wheels, and a load of max two Harleys, another 1200 lbs would be fine with that engine without a tow package, other than a brake controller I am adding? It will be a commuter truck 95% of the time. Anything special aftermarket towing items I should get?

Why not just check the box for the brake controller if your ordering? And I would go 5.0 v8.

 

[B17drvr]

if your tongue weight exceeds 500 pounds you will need a weight distribution hitch. Right now it looks like you should be under that. Get the factory trailer brake controller and the tow mirrors. Even if you don’t tow the tow mirrors are great.

 

[Aron]

For a travel trailer, the trailer camera and TPMS are awesome BUT require that you replace your whole rear harness to get an extra two wires in the million wire trailer plug.

As I recall, some 2021 models have reported that, but it's not universal. I added the Ford camera/TPMS and did not have to replace any wiring harnesses.

 

[amschind]

As I recall, some 2021 models have reported that, but it's not universal. I added the Ford camera/TPMS and did not have to replace any wiring harnesses.

I won't try to hide my envy. Yanking and replacing an $80 harness for two extra wires made me pretty upset.

 

[Dakar09]

Having towed previously with a 1st gen 3.5L Ecoboost (I know you are looking at a 2.7L ), I can say you will have sufficient power to tow that setup, but you're going to be in boost all the time and gas mileage will suffer tremendously. As long as you're prepared for that, it should make up the mpg as a regular daily commuter when you're not towing.

Question: do you plan on putting the Harley's in the bed while towing the trailer? While the payloads for these is pretty good, you may find the rear drooping a bit with Harleys in the bed AND the trailer hooked up, but that's a pretty light trailer and may not drop the rear too much more than just the Harleys alone.

 

[ReverendQ]

It appears you are a bit similar to my toy towing, see attached. I enhanced my lights a bit and I use a Weigh Safe Hitch (love it) but not really anything needed IMO.

 

[Chris GTO TT]

If you're ordering then I'd spec the tow package. I know Ford only offers one now, but it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Not having the trailer tow package on previous years limited towing capacity to like 7000lbs regardless of anything else.

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