Towing a G23 with a Ford Raptor

[robertdodson]

I own a G23 and have been towing it with a diesel Excursion that has plenty of power. Kids are grown and thinking of getting a Raptor. Comes with the V6 but rumblings are a V8 is coming. Is the V6 adequate towing power? Tow it regularly 8-10 hour trips over the Grapevine etc. Should I wait or is the V6 fine?

[Bevostein]

The Ecoboost V6 in the Raptor is plenty of power but the Raptor suspension is not adequate. The tow ratings for the Raptor are substantially lower due to the soft suspension. I researched this heavily before buying my F150 this summer.

[Bevostein]

Also, I only tow if boat has to go to dealer which if I’m lucky is never. If I was towing as regularly as you describe I would opt for a F250

[RDT-G23]

Also, I only tow if boat has to go to dealer which if I’m lucky is never. If I was towing as regularly as you describe I would opt for a F250

i couldn’t agree more, and have commented multiple times on this topic. Quite simply, pulling a G23 with a 1/2 ton is not wise, particularly with your described towing.

[Nautiquehunter]

If it doesn't have 8 lugs its a car with a bed not a truck. Towing heavy with a V6 is never a good idea .

[Wayward]

As others mentioned, the suspension is the weak point. The Raptor powertrain is easily up to the job, and then some. However, the rear springs and tire setup are not.

There are some improvements you can make to help..... but if something happens on the road (your fault or not), the Raptor isn’t going to be legally rated to tow the G, and that’s a risk you’d be taking.

[PapaBear]

To echo the above, the engine is in no way the weak link in this setup...The 3.5 L Ecoboost V6 in that application is 450 hp and 510 lbs-ft of torque. It’s a beast. The rumblings you’ve heard about a V8 in the raptor are likely regarding putting the supercharged 5.2L V8 from the Shelby GT 500 into the raptor for a limited production run. Rumors are over 700 hp in this application. Again, not a change that will improve towing. Just making a fast truck faster.


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

[trmat79]

OP if you have serious questions about this setup let me know. I have owned a 2017 and 2019 Raptor (both extended and crew cabs) and towed my 2017 Malibu 23 LSV and 2018 Nautique G21. Just PM me and we can chat.

[bturner]

Sounds like you have plenty of good advise here but I'll pile on. I have a friend that pulls a MasterCraft X2 with his. He added a set of air bags that only come into play when towing or when heavy loads are in the bed. For his set up the truck is fine and works well however coming from a F250 diesel he said the experience is a night and day negative experience. He said even his father's F150 with the Eco Boost V6 does a better job. Now add what, another 2000 lbs to that for the G23? Not a good match IMO.

Can you make it do it? sure. Is it a good idea? Probably not.

[shag]

Although the raptor probably has better/larger brakes, I believe your boat still will be too much to safely tow distances.. If your just going around town, maybe fine, but as others have said, soft suspension (air bags or timbrens don't increase legal towing capacities) doesn't really bode well for long distance. My .02

[JRW160]

It will pull it fine, but the suspension really sags in the back. I have a pic I'll have to find after work. Raptor supercrew is rated for 8000lbs, so you'rd likely be a little over the limit with a g23. I'd definitely opt for a 3/4 ton truck for 8-10 hours trips.

[jedpeters]

Seems fine to us.

[JRW160]

jedpeters setup looks pretty reasonable.

Hitch is probably set too low in this pic. Probably just need to set it higher to get it more level after the suspension sags

[Cpan13]

Neither of those setups look good.

[ScooterMcgavin]

jedpeters setup looks pretty reasonable.

Hitch is probably set too low in this pic. Probably just need to set it higher to get it more level after the suspension sags

I agree this set up looks very unsafe.