F150 ecoboost ?

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by Charles Firth

Still looking at a newer TV for my 3065 Windjammer. Currently have a F250 w/5.4 (155000 miles ) getting a little tired. Don't wish to start the diesel debate, just looking for info from 150 owners on how their ecoboost handles the job, especially mountains. I tow less than 3000 miles a year . The rest would be used as a daily driver. Lots of info on line mostly from ford sites, want the straight scoop from people who own them and use them . Thanks in advance
By the way gas in my area is $2.95per gallon, diesel 0.47 higher

Chuck in Va

Chuck,

I've pulled various trailers ranging from 25' @5000lbs to my current 34.5' @ 9400ish lbs with various TVs including a 7.3L F250, an '11 F250 w/6.7L PSD, and my current '13 F150 EB. I have no regrets going with the EB. You should seriously consider getting the F150 with the MaxTow. I don't have the MaxTow as I was purchasing at the end of the year and was going to have to go to a newer year model and pay several thousand more for the MaxTow option. You won't be disappointed. If you buy it and don't like it, I'll give you a full refund on this advice!!!

[fx2]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

Your numbers don't make sense. You balk at the idea of the EB putting out 420 ft.lbs but you'd never question a 6.7L putting out 800+???? Do the math and you'll see that the diesel has a higher torque to liter ratio, meaning it should have TONS of problems per your deductive logic.

Not apples to apples there. Comparing an aluminum block to an iron block.

This seems to be getting off to a gas vs diesel thread.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[davel1971]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

Your numbers don't make sense. You balk at the idea of the EB putting out 420 ft.lbs but you'd never question a 6.7L putting out 800+???? Do the math and you'll see that the diesel has a higher torque to liter ratio, meaning it should have TONS of problems per your deductive logic.

Calm down. I didn't quote any numbers or try to show any logic. Just stating the facts. Diesels are made for torque and have the mass to displace the heat it creates. Since you mention a 6.7 liter, the tractors I dyno test at work that have a 6.7 Iveco put out over 1200ft.lbs of torque, yet just 180hp. So with your logic, can a Ford Focus pull a plow through a field since it has more HP?

[Charles Firth]

Diesel, without a doubt if I towed things for a living or owned a big 5th wheel. My towing would be probably around 1000 miles per year, unless I am able to make that cross country trip. Towing would be 5-10% if that ,and the rest would be daily driver. I do like big trucks, my f250 has treated me well since 2001. But I also know its time to update, just weighing my options. I could almost by a new f150 for the price of a used diesel. Once again, I don't want to start a diesel debate. I am looking for feedback from ecoboost owners with real numbers and feelings. So far no owners have bad mouthed their ecoboost
so it would appear that they are up to the job. Gas mileage is a variable depending on how one drives and conditions not a big deal to me, I am looking to see if it will pull safely a 7000TT. Thanks for the reply's.


Chuck "still in Va "

[davel1971]

if that's all the towing you will do each year, I see no reason why it wouldn't be capable, as long as you get one with all the towing and payload options.

[Blaster 84]

I have a 2013 Ecoboost pulling a 8,750 lb. 5th wheel. GCW 14,825 lbs. Last year I traveled 6,000 miles from FL to PA to IA and back to FL through MO averaging 12 MPG. This year I traveled 3,000 miles including WV, VA, and NC and averaged 11 MPG. At no time did the truck balk at pulling the weight. At times I have wondered if a different engine would give me more back pressure to help me keep the speed down while going down hill. That was never a big problem, but it was in the back of my mind. The only reason I would trade to a larger TV is if I bought a larger RV.

[campingwilliamsons]

Towed out Current Fiver with my EcoBoost (Heavy Duty Payload Package), it did a great job. I was under payload, but wanted 4x4. Going to 4x4 would put me over the payload rating, so I went to F350.

Anyway, your issue will be the tongue weight. The F150 is rated at 1150lbs max tongue weight (assuming MaxTow package). MOST modern travel trailers in excess of 27' are going to exceed that tongue weight. I know there are people doing it with an F150, but know going in that you are likely going to exceed the tongue weight, and unless you find one with the Heavy Duty Payload package, you will likely be over payload rating as well.

[rotorhead1250]

I tow a 26 foot TT with a 7.3 ltr F350. Couldn't be happier and that truck is gona last a looong time hauling that light load. Its also my daily driver. Its a no frills drive each time I hook up and I like that.

[B and B]

Charles..

Back to F 150 EB S Crew here.
I towed a 8000 lb 32 FT TT with it, walked up 10 degree hills passing everything in site.
Towing a 10,000 lb Fiver walked up the same hill no issue whatever. Put 10,000 KM towing miles this summer all over Ontario to Goshen and Back.
It turned over 40,000 km tonight actually
Very Happy with my truck, no repairs other than stitching on the seat cover.
Stock Truck except LT Tires 285 20 inch tires. Daily Driver. Will the truck last 10 years, likely not. I will look at F350 when its time, for now the F 150 meets my needs.

Brian

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by davel1971

So with your logic, can a Ford Focus pull a plow through a field since it has more HP?

Wow. This is WAY out in left field. We went from comparing heat output from torque production to a claim that I think a Focus can pull more because of it's HP rating??? I'm not even sure how to respond to this it's so far off base from ANYTHING I said or even remotely implied.

But, back on topic. Chuck, you'll notice that only one person here has complained about their EB. It is possible to have a bad experience with anything. fx2 had a bad EB experience. The bulk of owners love them.

[Windjammin]

I have a 1500 Silverado with a 5.3 gas engine and just finished a 16000 mile trip to Alaska from Florida. The truck did just fine and I was impressed with the mileage (10-11 mpg). My only concern was not to overload the truck payload capacity (1780 pounds). I limited the bed to carrying two bicycles, camp chairs and two jerry cans of extra gas. With me, the wife, a full tank of gas, a cap on the back of the truck, and the trailer tongue weight, I did not have very much payload capacity left. A 2500 would have given me a lot more capacity to the point where I would not need to be concerned about weight in the truck bed.

My advise would be to look at what you normally carry in the truck when you go on trips and make sure you do not exceed the truck payload capacity. Other than that the Eco Boost should pull the trailer just fine. Like me you won't win any races with the dissel boys to the top of the hill but I don't care as I am not in any hurry to get there anyway.

[Teamfour]

Originally Posted by campingwilliamsons

The F150 is rated at 1150lbs max tongue weight (assuming MaxTow package). MOST modern travel trailers in excess of 27' are going to exceed that tongue weight.

This is a misleading generalization. Tongue weight is associated with the loaded weight of the TT. Assuming an ideal TW of 12% of TT total weight, the TT would have to weigh about 9600 lbs before The hitch limit was exceeded. Today's modern TTs are lighter. My 35' TT weighs 7500 loaded. My point is, do the math for every TT; don't generalize based on length.

[campingwilliamsons]

It is a generalization based on what we saw when I was trailer hunting this time last year. Not every trailer greater than 27' exceeded the tongue rating, but most did once you considered what they would be loaded. 12% on a modern TV is pretty light, most are closer to 15% in my experience.

All that said, the point really is know your trailer and your limitations. If is has a published TW of 900 lbs, you can expect the carried hitch weight is going to exceed 1000 once it has the real options, batteries, propane and the WDH setup (I would bet closer to 1100).

[Mobilemikey]

We tow a Windjammer 3029W, equalizer hitch on a 13 eco boost FX4. Our first short hall (around B'more beltway) we averaged 11.5 mpg. On our first long distance tow, we went for 138 miles each direction. Tow from home to site 9.5 mpg, drove speed limit all the way (never more than 65), on the way back less traffic and less stop and go, 12.5 mpg. This was towing Annapolis to DE shore. At road speed, the truck responded like a truck with a tow behind. I had power, but still a little extra time to get back into the power/torque band even with tow/haul mode on. But!... despite the delay which I expected, couldn't really tell I had something behind me. The truck tows great. I have the 145 wheelbase, could probably benefit from a long wheelbase, but would be a marginal gain. I use the truck as a DD as well. Traveling we get around 20 mpg. City, well closer to 13.

[2ags81]

I currently have an F150 Ecoboost (2-WD, 157" WB) with Maxtow and 3.73 rear-end and pull a 2618W (Windjammer) (6,430 lbs. dry weight). I used to have a regular F150 5.4l and pulled a slightly heavier and longer TT (6,740 lbs. dry weight). The difference is night and day. The Ecoboost does not strain at all going up hills and steep bridges (like the I-10 bridge in Lake Charles or the Mississippi River bridge in Baton Rouge). Can cruise at 60 mph at about 1,800 RPM when towing. The turbos don't even kick-in that much. My previous 5.4l would definitely strain in certain situations and I decided pretty quickly that I would never pull the TT into any serious hills / mountains. Now I would not hesitate to do so. DW and I were just camping this weekend and the couple in the camp site across from us were towing a huge 5th wheel with a 4x4 Ecoboost short bed. I figure he had to be near the limit for the truck and I personally would never do that, but to each his own. DW and I travel pretty light and we are about 4k lbs. below the GCWR of the truck + TT loaded, so very comfortable and safe towing. If you want to buy a TV that will tow any trailer that you may want to buy in the future or take really long distance trips into mountains, etc., definitely go diesel. For me, the Ecoboost was the best choice because of lower purchase price (than diesel), relatively short trips (mostly flat land), medium weight TT, better fuel economy than a 3/4 ton truck when not towing (most of my driving) and no extremely heavy trailers / 5-ers in our foreseeable future.

[phrogpilot73]

Originally Posted by Teamfour

I tow 7500 with my EB. 5k miles towing this year, mostly in the hills of the northeast. No issues, comfy ride. 9 mpg.

We were shopping for an EB for our tow vehicle, but couldn't justify the cost of new. Couldn't find a EB with the right rear axle ratio for the 11,300 of towing capacity (we were eyeing a trailer that was close to 9K for max gross). Ended up with a '99 F-250 SD with the 7.3L Powerstroke. Got 14 MPG this last trip towing.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by phrogpilot73

We were shopping for an EB for our tow vehicle, but couldn't justify the cost of new. Couldn't find a EB with the right rear axle ratio for the 11,300 of towing capacity (we were eyeing a trailer that was close to 9K for max gross). Ended up with a '99 F-250 SD with the 7.3L Powerstroke. Got 14 MPG this last trip towing.

Too late now, but you could have gone with the 3.55 gears and had no problems with a trailer that weight. I had a 97 F250 with the 7.3 and feel that the EB with 3.55's does just as good a job. My 7.3 was a 5 speed manual, also. I think I'd much prefer the EB with the six speed tranny to a 7.3 with an old 4 speed auto.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by campingwilliamsons

Towed out Current Fiver with my EcoBoost (Heavy Duty Payload Package), it did a great job. I was under payload, but wanted 4x4. Going to 4x4 would put me over the payload rating, so I went to F350.

Anyway, your issue will be the tongue weight. The F150 is rated at 1150lbs max tongue weight (assuming MaxTow package). MOST modern travel trailers in excess of 27' are going to exceed that tongue weight. I know there are people doing it with an F150, but know going in that you are likely going to exceed the tongue weight, and unless you find one with the Heavy Duty Payload package, you will likely be over payload rating as well.

TW would be the least of my concerns. Pretty much ALL hitches on trucks from 20 years ago(maybe newer than that- not sure when the 250/350's went to the 2.5" receiver) were rated at 500/5000 and 1000/10000 with WD, even the ones on 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. Most aftermarket hitches today are rated the same. Pretty much every loaded flatbed or cattle trailer you've ever seen being towed would go well over that 500TW without WD rating. I've never seen one fail, and doubt you have either. I've seen a Tundra that was involved in a wreck that was towing a cattle trailer. Wrapped the frame under like a taco. You could have pulled the hitch off and installed on a different truck.

[campingwilliamsons]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

TW would be the least of my concerns. Pretty much ALL hitches on trucks from 20 years ago(maybe newer than that- not sure when the 250/350's went to the 2.5" receiver) were rated at 500/5000 and 1000/10000 with WD, even the ones on 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. Most aftermarket hitches today are rated the same. Pretty much every loaded flatbed or cattle trailer you've ever seen being towed would go well over that 500TW without WD rating. I've never seen one fail, and doubt you have either. I've seen a Tundra that was involved in a wreck that was towing a cattle trailer. Wrapped the frame under like a taco. You could have pulled the hitch off and installed on a different truck.

I have seen a few fail in my time, generally at the weld seams, and almost always overloaded. Heck, the 2001-2006 Chevy/GMC hitches were notorius for failing. That said, the F150 hitch is very stout. I suspect the limited TW rating has more to do with the frame attachment points. What a person ultimately decides to do with their vehicle is up to them. I was just making sure the OP understood where the limitations are going to be. I loved my F150 Ecoboost, great truck, in many ways better than the F350 I am driving now. But it is important to know what the manufacturer ratings are and make your decision from there.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by campingwilliamsons

I have seen a few fail in my time, generally at the weld seams, and almost always overloaded. Heck, the 2001-2006 Chevy/GMC hitches were notorius for failing. That said, the F150 hitch is very stout. I suspect the limited TW rating has more to do with the frame attachment points. What a person ultimately decides to do with their vehicle is up to them. I was just making sure the OP understood where the limitations are going to be. I loved my F150 Ecoboost, great truck, in many ways better than the F350 I am driving now. But it is important to know what the manufacturer ratings are and make your decision from there.

Wow. Wonder how much overloaded they were? I've been around agriculture my entire life and I've yet to see one fail- and I've seen loads that were substantially over. Of course, I've never been around any 01-06 GM trucks.