Ford F-150

My question and first thought would be the tow limits and tongue weight. It’s easy to increase the weight that you are towing as lots of little things add up quick. 

My truck is rated to tow 7,800 lbs.  I have only towed to twice due to the pandemic.  In both cases, I didn’t have anything inside the trailer or truck bed (water, dishes, etc.).  The estimated tongue weight under those towing conditions was approximately 320 lbs.

I don't know much about Ford's, but 7800 pounds for a V6 seems like a bit much.  My Xterra is rated for 5,000 pounds with 500 tongue weight, and I say poo-bah to that.  I'm towing 2,000 pounds and have to shift down a bit in the mountains.  You don't say how much weight in your Ford.

@wildcat Thanks for the reply!  I’ve only towed once, but only had me and 7 gallons of water in the truck.  I think my tow capacity is way overrated.  Looking to downsize my trailer, but of course, that will cost me!  Thanks for your input!

Some say to cut the rating to two-thirds or half or whatever.  I think you're right, overrated.  I once towed a bigger trailer, not huge, but the tongue weight couldn't have been too much.  Well, it was scary because it was hard to steer because the front end went up so far.  I got rid of that trailer, but it wasnt worth much.  The Xterra is a V6 also.

When I went to the 1500 teardrop from the 900 pound trailer (dry), it surprised me that I could feel the difference immediately.  I expect I could tow a Minimax well enough, but no bigger because I live in the Northwest.  I have a Five Wide Rough Rider, and part of what I like about it, is that it doesnt cause any more gas usage.

I've also heard an automatic transmission is better for towing.  Mine is a six-speed, and I haven't driven an automatic in 50+ years, so no experience with that..

I tow my LGMax with a Ford 150 Ecoboost.  Accept for the turbos, similar engine.  It's rated for 13,500lbs.  Not sure I would ever venture to that weight, but in a pinch, sure.  My LGMax weighs about 5000lbs loaded up.  The V6 in the ford handles it just fine on most flat roads.  It tends to lose mph on hills and certainly on anything bigger.  What I have experienced is that the trans stays in 8th gear most of the time.  Seems to be the best tow ratio but also causes mpg to decrease.  I had a V8 Tundra and it towed better due to the V8 I think.  But since I'm not towing everyday of the week, I can deal with it.  If we get a bigger trailer, or start to tow more often, I would certainly consider a different engine configuration.  As for the automatic, well I like a stick, but there's nothing better than not having to worry about what gear you're in.  Simply ease of use not to mention the newer transmissions are pretty durable, especially for towing.