F150 Review; 3,300 Mile Towing Trip; Long

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by hockey11

bob, your info was wonderful. We are in the market, not sure what to purchase. I was wondering what the max tow what is? Our max wgt on our trailer is about 7100#, so we were thinking a truck that would tow max 10000# would be plenty. Our E150 struggles, it's max is 7000#. Go to see a fellow Minnesotain!!!! We are also going into the Arkansas hills in 2 weeks. We hope the Van will pull the trailer, or maybe we should make a purchase sooner than planned.

Max tow includes a variety of things; bigger extendable mirrors, heavier rear axle, suspension upgrades (extra 500 pound GVW), a heavier duty radiator, a heavier duty towing receiver, integrated brake controller covers most of it. 11,300 trailer weight. 1,150 tongue weight with WD hitch.

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by schrederman

One advantage that the EB guys will have is towing power at altitude. Turbocharging will be better for this... as discovered by the engineers of WWII fighters. The altitude gains and power up high were much better. For that reason, I might should have gone that route. But for me, I won't be doing that much towing at altitude, so it probably won't make much difference... again for my circumstances. Anyone reading this and making the choice between the EB and the 5.0 probably should keep the altitude towing thingy in mind... if you're going to be towing at 6,000' and above...

See you out on the road... Enjoy!

Yes, very true. We go to the Rockies a lot so the EB seemed like the best choice for us. Turbo's ROCK for altitude and low RPM torque.

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by FreedomTracker

Thanks for your thorough reveiw of the F-150 Ecoboost. I just purchased a similarly equiped F-150 with the 5.0L.... decided not to spend the extra $1095, but I have heard nothing but great things about the EB. Now I'm trying to learn about all the electronic functions (sync, voice GPS, phone, etc.)...

Best wishes for many happy years of service!

You will love your truck. Have fun!!

[rvenneman]

Great review. I hope it pulls a 318BH with the same success.

[BradinOhio]

Very nice and informative post! I am looking forward to my first tow with the EB. Seems like it is taking forever to get thru the 1,000 mile break-in before towing requirement.

[FreedomTracker]

Brad,

I understand your excitement... I didn't make it thru the 1000 mile break-in period before towing with my new F150 5.0L... in fact, changed TV's with TT right in the dealer parking lot. Salesman said OK to tow... it was only later that I had the chance to read the manual recommendation.


I drove easy and only 55mph during this period with a couple of short weekend trips that had already been booked... everything "seems" OK. I would be interested in any comments on the breakin period from those with more experience.... also recommendations for maintenance that may differ with the Ford manual based on towing use...?

[DonG]

One thing I would do is find the very best engine oil available, and use that.
The EcoBoost is a very hard-working engine, and good lubrication is vital.
And I wouldn't stretch the oil change intervals, and in fact would change more often than recommended. I already do that on all of my vehicles, pulling or not. Oil is cheap.

[Triathletedave]

Great report Bob, and lots of good feedback from several other sources as well. I just completed a weekend trip from Calgary to the BC Interior and back (about 900 km or 550 miles) with my '12 F150 Lariat Screw Ecoboost. Similar setup with the Max Tow, 3.73 locking diff, Etc. I'm towing a 6,500 lb Surveyor SV 294 with this unit. I managed 20.3 L/100km or 11.6 MPG in wet windy conditions going over the Sinclair Pass twice. Never had any issues with power, torque, or shudder on our drive. The cruise works great, especially if you are travelling just a wee bit under the limit. Makes the drive easy and relaxing!

I'm happy with those numbers, and expect them to improve as the truck 'wears-in' a bit more. I only have 5,000 km on it so far, but we are planning several more trips over the summer and fall, so many more chances to enjoy the new TV.

[dretired]

Originally Posted by FreedomTracker

Brad,

I understand your excitement... I didn't make it thru the 1000 mile break-in period before towing with my new F150 5.0L... in fact, changed TV's with TT right in the dealer parking lot. Salesman said OK to tow... it was only later that I had the chance to read the manual recommendation.


I drove easy and only 55mph during this period with a couple of short weekend trips that had already been booked... everything "seems" OK. I would be interested in any comments on the breakin period from those with more experience.... also recommendations for maintenance that may differ with the Ford manual based on towing use...?

I delayed taking delevery on my first TT ..so i could put 1,000 miles on my 2010 F150..before towing anything..Ford recommends 1,000 miles first..then tow...