How to Determine Gross Trailer Weight Rating for 1999 Ford F-150 with 5.4L V8 Engine

Published 07/29/2015

Question:

Have a ford f 150 1999 5.4 small 8. Just cant figures hat the tow max is thinking of buying Dutch light 24 ft door jam says 6050 ??

asked by: Rick

Expert Reply:

Thank you for providing a photo of your 1999 F-150's door jamb sticker. Usually the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of the truck and a hitched trailer is also shown here, along with the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) - 6050-lbs in your case. Determining maximum towable trailer weight is usually then a simple matter of subtracting the GVWR from the GCWR. The difference in these two weights is the maximum trailer weight the truck can tow.

I checked a few Ford F-150 owner's forums and found that various trucks with your same 6050-lb GVWR carry a standard towing capacity of 2300-lbs. This definitely seems to be on the low side. I suggest you check with a local dealership using your VIN since this will reflect all of the OEM equipment included in your truck, such as your specific transmission, all of which can affect towing capacity.

If you have the owner's manual on page 137 you can check for your particular truck to find its GCWR and from that its Gross Trailer Weight.

expert reply by: Adam R