To Ecoboost or Not Ecoboost? That's the Question.

[FreddyCamper]

Originally Posted by dmac1951

Have you considered the Ram 1500 with the diesel?

Actually have done the research and comparison with the RAM and the EB still comes ahead in towing torque and fuel efficiency.
The Tundra was out on the first comparison LOL (brother hated that comparison, he is a Tundra fan)
And Chevy could not match neither....
Thanks

[RSchleder]

How about a Ram 1500 Laramie, Hemi with 4 corner air suspension. Towing
9-12 mpg ( 7500 lb trailer) depending on head wind and 17-19 w/o trailer. The Hemi will not be intimidated by any hill and the ride is unbelievable.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by Mars

A stock F-150 is closer to 4100 lbs, I buy a lot of them for work.
A dully to an F150 can not be compared. They are built for different purposes. I towed a 11,000 FW with my 7,900 F-250 without issue. The F-250 was spected with max towing in mind.

According to Ford.com, the min. base curb weight is 4051. That would be a stripped regular cab 2x4 with no options. The typical tow setup would be a SCrew, at least XLT and most likely 4x4. GVWR would be around 7000 for this setup. With a typical payload of around 1700, that would make for an approximately 5300 pound truck(almost best case scenario, too- many probably push 5500+ depending upon options). When loaded for camping, the vast majority of people are very near GVWR, but I deducted hitch weight to come up with ~6K that the trailer would have to exert force upon to move the truck. And I'm not comparing a dually to an F150 per se. If a 15K camper cannot exert enough force to adversely affect the 12K it is attached to, then a 7.3K trailer will not be able to exert enough force on the 6K it is attached to adversely. And I was being extremely conservative in my comparison. Many duallies are rated to tow almost 3X their own weight. To make a long story short, the F150 won't have any problem with that trailer.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by RSchleder

How about a Ram 1500 Laramie, Hemi with 4 corner air suspension. Towing
9-12 mpg ( 7500 lb trailer) depending on head wind and 17-19 w/o trailer. The Hemi will not be intimidated by any hill and the ride is unbelievable.

If you're getting up to 12mpg towing 7.5K with a gasser you must be really taking it easy!!! I bet I'd be lucky to get 8 with it- of course I run 65 and don't slow down for hills. Seems I always get lucky and have a 20mph head wind every time I hook up to the trailer, too!

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by rattleNsmoke

How about Nissan with the baby Cummins?

Introducing the 2016 Titan XD | Nissan USA

I had high hopes for this truck when I first read about it, but I'm just not seeing it. The payload and towing capacity just isn't there. If I'm going to go with the cost and complexity of today's diesels, I expect MAJOR performance gains OR MAJOR MPG gains. That leaves this truck out. For the same price I can get a 3/4 ton from any of the big 3 and stomp it performance wise, or I can go with a half ton Ecoboost and be back to a gasser and still compete performance wise, or I can go with a Ram Ecodiesel and stomp it MPG wise.

[Semperfi24]

I am always intrigued by the differences in fuel mileage between the EBs. I have a 2015 and I have seen as good as 24mpg on the highway (one a 350 mile trip). I generally see about 22 in the summer and 18 in the winter for regular driving to and from work. I work with a guy that has the same truck (only difference between the 2 is he has the 3.73 and I have the 3.55 gears) and he is lucky to see 18 on the highway. Perhaps its a function of driving style, I tend to be more mpg conscious.


I also seem to find Dustman's headwind when I hook up the trailer.


As far as towing, I am relatively new to towing/rv ownership, and had a 2013 EB when we purchased our first (and currently owned) trailer. So I don't have any basis for comparison between the V-8 and the EB, but the EB has never had any issues pulling our trailer. I'm not pro ford for the sake of being pro ford, I have had 2 Tundras in the early 2000s and a Tacoma. Then I went with the F150 and haven't looked back. It was just the right fit for me at that time. If you have a brand preference, my suggestion is go with what you are comfortable with. If you are a chevy guy and buy a ford, anytime anything happens you are gonna regret buying the ford, and vice versa. If you don't care, you just want the best vehicle for your needs, and the best fit for you with regard to function and price, absorb all the info you can, and make a determination. I have no reason to not recommend the EB, and that's as strong as I will go for endorsement, because we all know about opinions, everyone has one, lol

[Justice12t]

Originally Posted by FreddyCamper

Actually have done the research and comparison with the RAM and the EB still comes ahead in towing torque and fuel efficiency.
The Tundra was out on the first comparison LOL (brother hated that comparison, he is a Tundra fan)
And Chevy could not match neither....
Thanks

Let me start off by saying I am not saying either is better than the other. It was a close race for me between the GMC and the Ford. I see some people have thrown out the GM 5.3L but have you thought about the 6.2L? Matched the the 8 speed it is a pretty nice setup...IMO ...and I get great mileage unloaded down the highway...

The 3.5EB as per ford says 365HP and 420LB torque...which is pretty dang good for a 6 banger
The 6.2L as per GM says 420hp and 460LB torque...
The ford wins out in payload but they are neck and neck for towing...again just my 2 cents...

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by Justice12t

Let me start off by saying I am not saying either is better than the other. It was a close race for me between the GMC and the Ford. I see some people have thrown out the GM 5.3L but have you thought about the 6.2L? Matched the the 8 speed it is a pretty nice setup...IMO ...and I get great mileage unloaded down the highway...

The 3.5EB as per ford says 365HP and 420LB torque...which is pretty dang good for a 6 banger
The 6.2L as per GM says 420hp and 460LB torque...
The ford wins out in payload but they are neck and neck for towing...again just my 2 cents...

The 6.2 / 8 speed is good. Sometimes it is what is behind the numbers that matters too. People always look at the max but it can be more important as to what the numbers read at the RPMs where we want to tow. The story can be very different. I know people that are very happy with their 6.2's.

[Justice12t]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

The 6.2 / 8 speed is good. Sometimes it is what is behind the numbers that matters too. People always look at the max but it can be more important as to what the numbers read at the RPMs where we want to tow. The story can be very different. I know people that are very happy with their 6.2's.

x2...I have a buddy that has one that hates it...I can same the same for the EB...

Someone above stated that if brand loyal go with it and you'll be happy...if not brand loyal than go with what works for you...great advice

With my driving style between 60-65mph while towing it will kick into V4 mode on flats while I am getting around 10-11mpgs...there are people that can say the complete opposite and they are not wrong, it is just what they have experienced.

I like the EB and personally am waiting for them to make the 5.0 an EB or something similar for the 250s or HD 150s...

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by Semperfi24

I am always intrigued by the differences in fuel mileage between the EBs. I have a 2015 and I have seen as good as 24mpg on the highway (one a 350 mile trip). I generally see about 22 in the summer and 18 in the winter for regular driving to and from work. I work with a guy that has the same truck (only difference between the 2 is he has the 3.73 and I have the 3.55 gears) and he is lucky to see 18 on the highway. Perhaps its a function of driving style, I tend to be more mpg conscious.


I also seem to find Dustman's headwind when I hook up the trailer.


As far as towing, I am relatively new to towing/rv ownership, and had a 2013 EB when we purchased our first (and currently owned) trailer. So I don't have any basis for comparison between the V-8 and the EB, but the EB has never had any issues pulling our trailer. I'm not pro ford for the sake of being pro ford, I have had 2 Tundras in the early 2000s and a Tacoma. Then I went with the F150 and haven't looked back. It was just the right fit for me at that time. If you have a brand preference, my suggestion is go with what you are comfortable with. If you are a chevy guy and buy a ford, anytime anything happens you are gonna regret buying the ford, and vice versa. If you don't care, you just want the best vehicle for your needs, and the best fit for you with regard to function and price, absorb all the info you can, and make a determination. I have no reason to not recommend the EB, and that's as strong as I will go for endorsement, because we all know about opinions, everyone has one, lol

Very good post. Your point about the fuel mileage is very important. The Ecoboost throws many people off because they don't understand how a turbocharged vehicle works. The natural inclination for many is that, if I'm not dropping a gear and revving, I shouldn't be using more fuel. But in an EB, they may be spooling boost which is using more fuel without even realizing it. In addition to driving habits, changes in wheels/tires seems to have more impact on EB trucks. My mom and I had pretty much identical trucks, hers a 2011 and mine a 2013. Only difference was mine had 20's and hers 18's. I took hers on an ~400 mile road trip and averaged like 21.2. My truck with the 20's and LT all terrains averaged 19.0 on a 1000 mile trip to Ohio.

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

Very good post. Your point about the fuel mileage is very important. The Ecoboost throws many people off because they don't understand how a turbocharged vehicle works. The natural inclination for many is that, if I'm not dropping a gear and revving, I shouldn't be using more fuel. But in an EB, they may be spooling boost which is using more fuel without even realizing it. In addition to driving habits, changes in wheels/tires seems to have more impact on EB trucks. My mom and I had pretty much identical trucks, hers a 2011 and mine a 2013. Only difference was mine had 20's and hers 18's. I took hers on an ~400 mile road trip and averaged like 21.2. My truck with the 20's and LT all terrains averaged 19.0 on a 1000 mile trip to Ohio.

Yes, the heavier the wheel, the lower the fuel mileage. My experience is that it can make quite a difference when all else is equal.

I suppose this is a little off topic . . . . sorry.

[B and B]

Originally Posted by RSchleder

How about a Ram 1500 Laramie, Hemi with 4 corner air suspension. Towing
9-12 mpg ( 7500 lb trailer) depending on head wind and 17-19 w/o trailer. The Hemi will not be intimidated by any hill and the ride is unbelievable.

Co-Worker has the Hemi and says it gutless towing on Ontario flat lands. Just a 24 ft Trail-Light behind it. Waiting on new truck prior to getting his Coachman.

[ksmith954]

I have a 2015 ECO SC - I've had a GMC V8,a F150 V8 all did the job BUT that ECO is a Beast- will keep up the pace at a much lower RPM- IMHO the best 1/2 ton out there.

[rlocicero]

F150/supercrew/3.5 ecoboost/max tow is a great package. We are towing a 28fkss flagstaff with ours with absolutely no issues. I would recommend upgrading to load range E tires for the trailer and truck when replacement is needed.

[FreddyCamper]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

Very good post. Your point about the fuel mileage is very important. The Ecoboost throws many people off because they don't understand how a turbocharged vehicle works. The natural inclination for many is that, if I'm not dropping a gear and revving, I shouldn't be using more fuel. But in an EB, they may be spooling boost which is using more fuel without even realizing it. In addition to driving habits, changes in wheels/tires seems to have more impact on EB trucks. My mom and I had pretty much identical trucks, hers a 2011 and mine a 2013. Only difference was mine had 20's and hers 18's. I took hers on an ~400 mile road trip and averaged like 21.2. My truck with the 20's and LT all terrains averaged 19.0 on a 1000 mile trip to Ohio.

Originally Posted by rlocicero

F150/supercrew/3.5 ecoboost/max tow is a great package. We are towing a 28fkss flagstaff with ours with absolutely no issues. I would recommend upgrading to load range E tires for the trailer and truck when replacement is needed.

Thanks...can you explain a little bit deeper the tires (load range "E") issue?...don't know what tires the truck comes equipped with but is good to know.

[Boso]

I had one with max tow package. Great motor had as much power or more power than the V8. Got a little less gas mileage than the ones without towing package because the gears in rear end. When I sold the trailer the guy that bought it came with 2500 Chevy and his rear end squated more without hitch hooked up than my F150. I prefer the lariat even more than the King Ranch.

[GaryS502]

Like MiCamper6, we just took delivery of a 2016 F150 Supercrew Cab XLT with max tow package and mirrors and the twin turbo V6 (Ecoboost), which is the most powerful engine Ford makes for the F150. We couldn't stomach dropping $65K for a diesel, which we think would be an overkill for pulling our trailer.

I am going to test pulling our Rockwood 2504S trailer this weekend. The truck flat out hauls...0-80 in a couple bats of your eye. We believe we will hardly know our 5,200 lb trailer is behind us...I'll post the results after the test drive.

[schrederman]

My '11 - F-150 was the 5.0 V-8. I didn't buy the EB because it was new and I didn't trust it. I knew several that had them and my unloaded mileage and towing mileage was as good as theirs. I questioned how long that little turbo-gasser would last. I was a died in the wool Ford guy, having had several totally trouble-free Fords over the last many years, and at work, being responsible for a fleet of up to 21 company vehicles. My last company vehicle was an '02 - F-150 that I put 340K miles on...

However, I have to admit that I was wrong about the EB and it's durability. From what I've seen, they are lasting very well, and maintaining their torque, horsepower, and towing ability well beyond 100K miles. I traded trucks almost 2 years ago and still didn't buy the EB. I am looking at larger TTs and wanted at least a 3/4 ton. Ford priced themselves out of my market in that arena. Fords had served me very well, but the deal on the Ram was too good not to try it out. I'm still a Ford fan... but I like my Ram at least as well. I also got to keep about $6,000- to put toward a larger, nicer TT. But, if the EB will fit someone's needs... I'd say, go for it. They've got a really good reputation among those that own/drive them... Who am I to argue with that?

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by FreddyCamper

Guys I'm about to get a new truck and would like to hear opinions and experiences. I'm inclined into purchase the new F-150 (XLT or Lariat) with 3.5L Ecoboost engine due to it towing capability and gas saving. I'm currently have a 2015 Heritage Glen 272RLS with aprox. weight of 7300LBS.
Let me have it....
Thanks

If you get a F150, Ecoboost...always! We towed a 5er with a EcoBeast for 3+ years - great towing experience!

Another thought: Since you are getting a new truck...how soon do you see yourself getting a new camper? Is that Cardinal or Cedar Creek tempting you? If so you may want to strongly consider getting a 1 ton so you will be ready for that "Cardinal you can never see yourself needing"

"Truck Regret" is a very common theme in this forum

[FreddyCamper]

Originally Posted by BamaBob

If you get a F150, Ecoboost...always! (See my Sig )

Another thought: Since you are getting a new truck...how soon do you see yourself getting a new camper? Is that Cardinal or Cedar Creek tempting you? If so you may want to strongly consider getting a 1 ton so you will be ready for that "Cardinal you can never see yourself needing"

"Truck Regret" is a very common theme in this forum

LMAO...no new trailer for now...just upgraded to the Heritage Glen last year (our 5th), and after this truck upgrade, it will be a while for the next one!! LOL...