Been gettin more serious on my boat shopping. Was wondering I have an 02 Ford F-250 extended cab short box 4X4 with the 5.4L. How big will that tow safely been looking in the 29-33 foot range. I know engine wise will be slugish on hills and what not. But was just wondering thanks for the input.

Up to 35 no problem

Should get interesting.

Thanks for the info, I thought a 33 would really be pushing it especially being gas and not a diesel

The 5.4 is seriously underpowered for towing. It's a good fleet truck.
HOWEVER, the truck's frame and braking system are fairly adequate.

I've got a friend towing a 12,000+ lbs. locally with one just as you describe. I don't recommend it, but it's handling it for now.

IMHO, I would not tow anything more than a single engine 28-30 foot boat with said truck.

Depending on who you ask on here you could be overloaded with a 13 Whaler or you could have enough pounds per square inch on the back tires to haul that 55' MTI Mega Cat that was recently for sale.

I'd just find out what you truck is rated for and stay within the legal limits of the truck.

Your truck is rated to tow 7100 with 3.73 gears 8600 with 4.10 gears

from what I can see the 02 f250 5.4l has around 8800lb towing capacity with big gears. Which would relegate you to something definitely under 30ft and probably closer to the 25-27ft mark. If you want something bigger it might be time to upgrade. Really the 5.4 in a 3/4 ton was ford putting a 1/2 ton motor in a bigger truck, you got the upgraded breaks and suspension but a dog engine. Actually most modern 1/2 tons have a better capability then that set up. Up to 35 ft I think would be an overstatement

I had a 02' Silverado 2500HD with 6.0 and 4.10 gears and I was maxing it out with my 31' Formula, but those are heavy boats too. Would it pull it yes, was I comfortable no. I upgrade to a Duramax and I have the option to go bigger boat wise

Depending on where your towing and how far your towing is going to be key, plus the type of boat, some are heavier then others, but I'd say 31-33 will be your safe limit on even terrain. Hills your safe bet would be below that. That's just me though.

Good luck, what are you looking at btw?

I do have the 4.10 gear so that helps. I've been mostly looking at 29 outlaws or the 28 donzi and powerquest. But I'm thinking I like the outlaws a little better. 90% of my towing would be St.Joe S.Haven area I live about 20 min to the St.Joe launch and maybe 30 min to S.Haven launch pretty much all flat. Would like to take a trip once a year to maybe LSC or PIB or even maybe LOTO. I think I'd I got into a 29ish with twins I wouldn't want to up grade for a few years vs a 25 single or something like that. Would like to have a 33 but think that would push the ole girl a little too much. I have trailer brakes and air bags on the truck, so I was hoping a 29 would be ok to tow