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04-23-2017, 07:40 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Greensboro NC
Posts: 1,140
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f150 ecoboost to 2500 hemi 6.4 first tow results..
Just got back from my first tow with the new 2500 ram 6.4 cc LB.
Wow, what a completely different experience.. Not that my camper is that heavy, but it really was a pretty drastic difference. The Ram is the Long Bed Crew Cab,where the F150 was a 5.5 foot bed crew cab, and the extra length and weight of the 3/4 ton Ram over the f150 was Very noticeable in terms of stability and the almost complete lack of movement with passing semis or strong wind gusts.
Coming home from camp we were in a steady downpour with gusty winds on interstate 77 in VA and I was comfy driving with one hand and eating a cheeseburger which was a semi white knuckle experience with the f150.
Ill post some camp pics tomorrow when Im downloaded and get them up on the web..
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04-23-2017, 07:46 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 2,024
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Ron..
I always say there is no replacement for displacement...and weight. You could probably fit that eco boost in your bed with the tailgate down.....
Been eying F550 Fords lately.
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04-23-2017, 09:31 PM
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#3
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Tom
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 386
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ronheater70
Just got back from my first tow with the new 2500 ram 6.4 cc LB.
Wow, what a completely different experience.. Not that my camper is that heavy, but it really was a pretty drastic difference. The Ram is the Long Bed Crew Cab,where the F150 was a 5.5 foot bed crew cab, and the extra length and weight of the 3/4 ton Ram over the f150 was Very noticeable in terms of stability and the almost complete lack of movement with passing semis or strong wind gusts.
Coming home from camp we were in a steady downpour with gusty winds on interstate 77 in VA and I was comfy driving with one hand and eating a cheeseburger which was a semi white knuckle experience with the f150.
Ill post some camp pics tomorrow when Im downloaded and get them up on the web..
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That is very admirable of you to start your own thread on this. Half ton trucks are and will continue to be towed with in great numbers and more too often someone has to chime in about their bigger 3/4 or 1 ton truck on a 1/2 ton thread. Everybody knows or should know the 3/4 or 1 ton trucks are more capable but the OP asks the question about a 1/2 ton because not everyone is in the market for a bigger truck. Glad you are happy and stay safe.
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04-23-2017, 09:39 PM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 369
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I've been really happy with my RAM 3500 SRW 6.4 L Hemi. Sadly, mine is only the 6-foot bed crew cab. I use it to pull a 35' Windjammer, loaded weight around 9000 lbs. If I'm pulling locally I use a standard hitch bar. If cross country I use the Reece weight distribution with sway-control cams.
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04-24-2017, 09:31 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Greensboro NC
Posts: 1,140
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Seachaser186
That is very admirable of you to start your own thread on this. Half ton trucks are and will continue to be towed with in great numbers and more too often someone has to chime in about their bigger 3/4 or 1 ton truck on a 1/2 ton thread. Everybody knows or should know the 3/4 or 1 ton trucks are more capable but the OP asks the question about a 1/2 ton because not everyone is in the market for a bigger truck. Glad you are happy and stay safe.
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I have zero issues with 1/2 ton trucks, I loved mine. That Ecoboost motor is a dream and it was one of the very few vehicles that I have owned in my lifetime that I was truly sad to see go. However MY personal f150, was a super crew 4x4 with a 5.5 bed and some options.. I only had 1486 pounds of payload, and it just wasn't enough of a safety factor. Had I thought ahead when I got the truck I would have bought one with a higher payload, and still would have it.
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04-24-2017, 12:47 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 239
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I don't negate your experience in anyway. That said $600 invested in a quality no sway wait distribution hitch and an hour invested once at the CAT scale likely would have netted you a very similar result.
Glad you like your and best of luck with your new truck!
__________________
The answer to what can my 1/2 ton tow; Generically whatever TT has a GVWR less than TV’s max tow rating. Specifically is found on CAT scale via weight distribution with TV TT & WDH. Best motor & gearing all 5 Mfgs within specs IE safe & stable normally to 8k but passengers & bedload reduce this. RAM 1500 ED max tow 9,200, max axle ratings 3,900, max 09-18 CVWR 15,950, axle weights me & gear 3,240 steer 2,560 drive
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04-24-2017, 01:40 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Greensboro NC
Posts: 1,140
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VernDiesel
I don't negate your experience in anyway. That said $600 invested in a quality no sway wait distribution hitch and an hour invested once at the CAT scale likely would have netted you a very similar result.
Glad you like your and best of luck with your new truck!
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I have a Reese WDH and Anti-sway bar setup. The biggest problem I had with the truck was that it had zero spare cargo capacity. Once I loaded the camper, the bed was useless,as I was over my limits with just adding bicycles in it.
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04-24-2017, 03:10 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 239
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Well you never said you did your scale work so I'm assuming that's a guess. But I'm happy that that you like your new truck. I saw the pictures you posted on the other forum and liked it. And like you I could not make do with a 5.5 trunk er bed.
__________________
The answer to what can my 1/2 ton tow; Generically whatever TT has a GVWR less than TV’s max tow rating. Specifically is found on CAT scale via weight distribution with TV TT & WDH. Best motor & gearing all 5 Mfgs within specs IE safe & stable normally to 8k but passengers & bedload reduce this. RAM 1500 ED max tow 9,200, max axle ratings 3,900, max 09-18 CVWR 15,950, axle weights me & gear 3,240 steer 2,560 drive
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04-24-2017, 03:17 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 103
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SidecarFlip
Ron..
I always say there is no replacement for displacement...and weight. You could probably fit that eco boost in your bed with the tailgate down.....
Been eying F550 Fords lately.
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I bet my little 3.5 would pull a hill better than his big bad hemi!
__________________
2016 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2015 F150 Sport 4x4 3.5 Eco Boost
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04-24-2017, 03:51 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,022
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4B11T
I bet my little 3.5 would pull a hill better than his big bad hemi!
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Uh oh. This sounds like a challenge.
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04-24-2017, 04:51 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 126
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4B11T
I bet my little 3.5 would pull a hill better than his big bad hemi!
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I'm glad you said "a" hill because, although I'm sure the 3.5 is a great engine I don't think long term it would be as capable as the Hemi. Just my opinion though....I'm really not brand loyal, I like em all !
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04-24-2017, 04:54 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 103
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Quote:
Originally Posted by danc
I'm glad you said "a" hill because, although I'm sure the 3.5 is a great engine I don't think long term it would be as capable as the Hemi. Just my opinion though....I'm really not brand loyal, I like em all !
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You are probably right.
__________________
2016 Coachmen Apex 288BHS
2015 F150 Sport 4x4 3.5 Eco Boost
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04-24-2017, 05:17 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,363
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The ecoboost engines are impressive for sure. However, they are working hard at their rated output. What I mean by this is, what is their longevity at a say 75% duty cycle at their rated output. They compete with my 6.2, however I bet I can run my 6.2 at its rated output all day long every day.
I'm sure the expected duty cycle of the ecoboost isn't the same as the 6.2.
The 6.2 (or any of the modern 3/4 ton gassers) isn't being stressed at its rated output. The ecoboost is.
Just my opinion of course. The problem is finding people that work their F150 the same as the 3/4 ton (and 1 ton) trucks. Weekend hauling of the family camper isn't the same as hauling a big gooseneck every day.
They may be just as good... I don't know, but that is my thinking.
They need a 6.2 ecoboost for the Super Duty trucks!
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04-24-2017, 05:27 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 303
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I'm no expert on longevity either. But I will say that EVERY comment I've heard about it is just speculation. In the meantime, I'm reading reports of them used to tow as a fleet truck with over 100k on them. I search auto trader and see many examples of them with over 150k and several over 200k miles. I also have towed with mine on over 20k miles of cross country rv trips and haven't had one problem.
So...who knows? The only concrete evidence I have is positive.
I have none of the trouble the OP stated. Rock solid and power to spare in every situation I've been in. My bed is the 6.5' and I have 1800 pounds of payload which gets me by.
But congratulations to the OP! You have a really nice truck and I'm sure you will enjoy it. As much as I love mine, I'll go 3/4 ton next time. The older I get, the more margin I'm looking for!
__________________
2013 F150, EBoost,4x4,CC, MaxTow
2015 Surveyor 245BHS
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04-24-2017, 05:34 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,363
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tragusa3
I'm no expert on longevity either. But I will say that EVERY comment I've heard about it is just speculation. In the meantime, I'm reading reports of them used to tow as a fleet truck with over 100k on them. I search auto trader and see many examples of them with over 150k and several over 200k miles. I also have towed with mine on over 20k miles of cross country rv trips and haven't had one problem.
So...who knows? The only concrete evidence I have is positive.
I have none of the trouble the OP stated. Rock solid and power to spare in every situation I've been in. My bed is the 6.5' and I have 1800 pounds of payload which gets me by.
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I agree, it is all speculation.
In a previous life however, I used to hot-rod engines (motorcycles, cars, whatever). You can push an engine to a point, then things break. I kind of view the ecoboost in that manner (of course I could be way off base). I view the modern V8s as overbuilt, underutilized engines... which, in my view, means they can run hard for a long time.
Time will tell... again, it is hard to judge without having an ecoboost in a Super Duty being worked the same way.
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04-24-2017, 05:38 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Greensboro NC
Posts: 1,140
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VernDiesel
Well you never said you did your scale work so I'm assuming that's a guess. But I'm happy that that you like your new truck. I saw the pictures you posted on the other forum and liked it. And like you I could not make do with a 5.5 trunk er bed.
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well I kinda weighed and did a little guess work also.. I had 3 knowns..
1. i DID know my tongue weight, I measured that
2. I did know the weight of my occupants
3. I did know my available cargo limit.
At that point I was within about 350 pounds I think of my Cargo limit and I hadn't factored in the WDH setup..So I guesstimated the basics like firewood, other odds and ends etc.. so yea it was a combination.. But the 5.5 bed, I like your terminology, Trunk is a much better word for it!
Again I know some 1/2 tons have zero issue pulling the weight I am pulling, however for MY truck, with the limits it had, it was an issue. Upgrading made sense, and then the idea that I learn my lesson and actually buy more truck than I currently need in case the future I may want a camper thats a few pounds heavier, or longer, etc..
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04-24-2017, 05:39 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 832
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I know this might be strange but sometimes a 1/2 ton truck is enough. Right now it is enough for what I need. I would not be able to tow what I tow and daily drive the way I do without the EB. By the way, my truck has 156,000 plus miles on it.
Marty
__________________
2016 Rockwood 2703WS Sapphire
2016 F250 SD 6.2L
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04-24-2017, 05:45 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Greensboro NC
Posts: 1,140
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tragusa3
I'm no expert on longevity either. But I will say that EVERY comment I've heard about it is just speculation. In the meantime, I'm reading reports of them used to tow as a fleet truck with over 100k on them. I search auto trader and see many examples of them with over 150k and several over 200k miles. I also have towed with mine on over 20k miles of cross country rv trips and haven't had one problem.
So...who knows? The only concrete evidence I have is positive.
I have none of the trouble the OP stated. Rock solid and power to spare in every situation I've been in. My bed is the 6.5' and I have 1800 pounds of payload which gets me by.
But congratulations to the OP! You have a really nice truck and I'm sure you will enjoy it. As much as I love mine, I'll go 3/4 ton next time. The older I get, the more margin I'm looking for!
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The ecoboost is a Marvelous engine.. I can find nothing bad to say about that engine after nearly 60K miles behind the wheel of a truck with it. Had my truck had 1800-1900 pounds of payload, I may have been swayed to keep it.However with only 1480 lbs, a family of four and all that comes with it, just was a little much.. I REALLY loved that truck..
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04-24-2017, 05:47 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Greensboro NC
Posts: 1,140
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Martsing
I know this might be strange but sometimes a 1/2 ton truck is enough. Right now it is enough for what I need. I would not be able to tow what I tow and daily drive the way I do without the EB. By the way, my truck has 156,000 plus miles on it.
Marty
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Well said.. Sometimes, it just works out.. well obviously it works out well for many folks!
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04-24-2017, 06:23 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 239
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Ron the information I was trying to impart is that safety, wreck avoidence handling ability stability in wind etc is often more about proper set up ie truck & trailer level with good weight distribution between truck axles & truck & trailer axles & sway elimination at the hitch than about the size of the truck & or especially payload stickers.
More bad information is spread around about this than what the things we should be focused on. A well set up at the scales with no sway WDH half ton is generally more safe than the average bub with no WDH "flying blind" with the same TT & a 3/4 ton.
__________________
The answer to what can my 1/2 ton tow; Generically whatever TT has a GVWR less than TV’s max tow rating. Specifically is found on CAT scale via weight distribution with TV TT & WDH. Best motor & gearing all 5 Mfgs within specs IE safe & stable normally to 8k but passengers & bedload reduce this. RAM 1500 ED max tow 9,200, max axle ratings 3,900, max 09-18 CVWR 15,950, axle weights me & gear 3,240 steer 2,560 drive
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