F-150 5.4L to EcoBoost

[jas0420]

Hi all... Was wondering if anyone has made the change to the EcoBoost engine in an F-150 from the 5.4L Triton V8 and, if so, was it a perceivable difference?

We recently purchased a Roo 21SS (GVWR 5743lbs) and I would say that it tows “pretty good” behind my 2006 F-150 with the 5.4L. Just wondering if the extra 55 hp and 65 ft-lbs of torque would help take the hills a little better. Before I dug into the specs on the EB, I was eyeballing the 6.2L V8 option also… Gets about the same mileage as my 5.4L, but has an extra 69 hp and 111 ft-lbs of torque (in the F-150 body, anyway…)

I think I’m probably just looking for an excuse to get a new truck, and just window shopping at the moment. Getting into the Super Duty line comes with a lot of sticker shock for the “creature comfort” options that I “need” so I guess my open ended question here is: would I see much of a towing performance benefit if I stayed in the F-150 line but took advantage of 6 years of engine/transmission technology advances.

Opinions?

[acadianbob]

I went from an '05 5.4 4-speed w 3.73s to a '12 3.5 Eco 6 speed with 3.73s. There is a very big difference; and it's not just the drivetrain. Lots of new and great technology; anti-sway for trailer, integrated brake controller, Sync system, etc. IMO, and others may disagree, the Eco will out-pull the 6.2 because the torque is available at lower RPM; and it's much more fuel efficient. You can't just look at the overall torque number. It's just as important, if not more important, WHERE the torque is delivered. Look at the RPM where the peak torque is delivered.

You will also find the 6-speed to be just as big an improvement over the 4-speed as the Eco is over the 5.4. Less RPM change between gears, does a better job of staying in torque converter lock; tow haul mode; much better ability to control the gears you are using.

We are finding our Eco to be a good 10% more fuel efficient than the 5.4; both empty and when towing. 18 to 20 empty and about 11.5 towing our 5,500 lb RV trailer at 60 mph.

If you had a 5.4 with the 6-speed, you might want to stay put. The 5.4 really is a great towing motor; nice flat torque curve. But I think you'd be real happy with the change. Our '05 looked and operated just as well as the day we bought it; but technology moves on; and you would appreciate it.

Good luck!

[Twisty]

IMO, the trailer is not heavy enough to justify a new truck purchase.
My only concern about the Eco is the long term effects of the heat from the turbos on the electronics and other components.

[jas0420]

Many thanks! The EB certainly does have a lot of fans from what I'm seeing, and rightfully so according to the numbers. It seems sooooo counterintuitive to consider a smaller engine when wanting to do "more" though.

My current F-150 is a 4 speed auto with a 3.55 rear end. Like yours, it was kept in pristine shape and I've loved having it... Trading it in wouldn't even be crossing my mind if we hadn't bought the camper. I would just like for a littttttle more spare "oomph" on reserve when needed. (The extra mileage and neater gadgets are certainly a plus too.)

Anyway, thank you for taking the time to share your personal experience... Much appreciated!

Jason

[Twisty]

From what I've read, the extra MPG goes away very quickly if you can't keep your foot out of the throttle...

[jas0420]

Originally Posted by Twisty

IMO, the trailer is not heavy enough to justify a new truck purchase.
My only concern about the Eco is the long term effects of the heat from the turbos on the electronics and other components.

Very fair thoughts too... Historically I haven't been one to be very close to the "bleeding edge" of auto technology. Somehow or other, the current F-150 was actually the first vehicle I've owned that I purchased brand new and there wasn't anything incredibly revolutionary on that model year. It sounds like the 2013's aren't undergoing any big changes, so I think that is at least a little comforting.

As for the justification...... That's ultimately why I was fishing for opinions here. I'd like a new truck (who wouldn't!) but having some solid reasons for doing so wouldn't hurt.

[jas0420]

Originally Posted by Twisty

From what I've read, the extra MPG goes away very quickly if you can't keep your foot out of the throttle...

That one hit a little close to home... You been talking to my wife?

[Twisty]

Fast and quick don't come cheap!

[BradinOhio]

I made the switch from an '07 F150 XLT 4x4 CC 5.4L with 3.73's to an '12 F150 XLT 4x4 CrewCab Ecoboost with MaxTow (3.73's) a couple of months ago. All I can say is wow! There is absolutely a huge difference in power between the two. All it took was one test drive, and I brought the Ecoboost home with me. I haven't hit the 1,000 mile break-in for towing yet, but all indications are that it should be a noticeable improvement versus the 5.4L. My fuel mileage, mostly non-highway driving, is better than it was with the 5.4L, but as others have said, it depends on how heavy of a right foot you have. I will tell you that this truck will definitely move when you "give it the beans"...a move that still produces an instant smile on my face.

[jas0420]

Thank you! Definitely give an update after you break it out of the 1000 mile jail!

[teamgl]

Originally Posted by BradinOhio

I made the switch from an '07 F150 XLT 4x4 CC 5.4L with 3.73's to an '12 F150 XLT 4x4 CrewCab Ecoboost with MaxTow (3.73's) a couple of months ago. All I can say is wow! There is absolutely a huge difference in power between the two.

Hay Brad

Post up your towing impressions when you have some experience!

We moved from an '04 Titan (w/ 5.6 V8) to the '11 F150 ECOscrew. It was a great move and more than power was the trade up in 'platform.' The 150 is has superior towing characteristics. The Titan was a great truck but the F150 has superior abilities.

GL

[ddemme]

Originally Posted by Twisty

From what I've read, the extra MPG goes away very quickly if you can't keep your foot out of the throttle...

I've averaged just about 10 mpg towing our Roo 23SS with my Eco supercrew with 3.55. It's more dependent on wind direction than throttle position for me, though.

That said, I recently upgraded to an Android phone so I got a bluetooth OBDII adapter and the torque app. We just got back from a weekend trip to Key Largo and I experimented on the way down and back. The results were a little surprising. My best cruising mileage came with 6th gear locked out and with tow/haul turned on. I got 11.5 going down and 11.1 coming back. It runs at about 2100 rpm in 5th and only 1800 in 6th at 60 mph, but 6th requires 8-10 lbs of boost where 5th only pulls a pound or two.

Our next trip isn't until August, but I'm definitely going to keep using Torque to try to find that sweet spot.

[BradinOhio]

I will definitely let ya know how she hauls the mail.

[Len & Cheri]

Originally Posted by ddemme

That said, I recently upgraded to an Android phone so I got a bluetooth OBDII adapter and the torque app. .

Haven't heard of this yet. You have more info?

[BlakeB]

I have a 2010 F150 w/the 5.4L 3v 3.55gears and it has all of those things you mentioned...ie trailer sway control, built in brake controller, sync, 6 speed, etc.... I love my 5.4L.

[John22077]

Originally Posted by BlakeB

I have a 2010 F150 w/the 5.4L 3v 3.55gears and it has all of those things you mentioned...ie trailer sway control, built in brake controller, sync, 6 speed, etc.... I love my 5.4L.

I am also very happy with my 2010 5.4L Lariat with the Max Tow package.. When I bought mine it was just as the EB was coming out.. Figured I would stick with the 5.4L as it is a very good engine and the EB was new Tech...

[Gquist]

I have the EB 3.55 and love it, I came from a 06 5.4 3.73 and the EB does much better at towing but mostly due to the 6spd transmission, I would think you would be fine with any of those trucks as long as it had the 6spd and a 3.55 or 3.73 ratio, both of mine were screw's with 4x4. I tow in 5th also, it seems to tow so much better then 6th with my 25rr.

[ddemme]

Originally Posted by Len & Cheri

Haven't heard of this yet. You have more info?

Search for Torque in the Android App Store (Play Store). There is a free version to see if you like it. The full version is well worth it. I wanted it for that missing boost gauge, but there are all kinds of other goodies in there, as well.

There are all kinds of OBDII adapters that will work with it. I went with a generic bluetooth one that I got from eBay for $0.99+shipping.

[Len & Cheri]

Thanks. I have the IPhone and was hoping the APP would be available it. I'll keep it in mind because I may go Android soon. Thanks.

[transamz9]

Originally Posted by ddemme

Search for Torque in the Android App Store (Play Store). There is a free version to see if you like it. The full version is well worth it. I wanted it for that missing boost gauge, but there are all kinds of other goodies in there, as well.

There are all kinds of OBDII adapters that will work with it. I went with a generic bluetooth one that I got from eBay for $0.99+shipping.

I was curious, how much boost have you seen on the Eco-Boost?