Towing a 5ER with an Eco-boost F-150

[DocGTO]

Originally Posted by campingwilliamsons

Is that by the door jamb sticker or the brochure/propoganda? Also, gas or diesel engine?
My experience was based on door jamb stickers on diesel equipped trucks.

Diesel, door jamb. To be specific, it is 2793. 2013 was the year that Chevy did the big frame/brake makeover. I know the ford and Dodge for the same year were less. Dodge just stepped it up for 2015 on there 2500 but not sure about Ford.

[campingwilliamsons]

Originally Posted by taken

The problem with the stickers, at least with Fords like you and I have, is that the 250 is de-rated from the factory. If you order a 250 with the camper package (which adds the upper overload spring that is standard on the 350), it is 100% identical to the 350 SRW. Axles, brakes, frame, differentials, springs, etc. all the same. From 2011 to mid 2014 there were shorter 2" spacer blocks in the rear but as of late 2014-2015 even those are the same between the 250 and 350.

Those stickers are based on TV - curb weight (the weight of the truck with a full fuel tank as it rolls out of the factory). Without a doubt the manufacturers are playing the registration game and offering the same truck with 3-4 different GVWR ratings in two different models. That makes it really hard for us consumers to figure out what we really need.

My point from above is that you can't take the brochure at face value either, they are showing the ratings for a stripped down, gas engine truck. The safest bet is to look at the actual truck ratings based that sticker. That said, if you are looking at any of the 3/4 ton, 1 ton truck families, my guess is you could assume "real" payload as the highest family GVWR for that manufacturer minus your truck's actual curb weight.

[taken]

Originally Posted by campingwilliamsons

Those stickers are based on TV - curb weight (the weight of the truck with a full fuel tank as it rolls out of the factory). Without a doubt the manufacturers are playing the registration game and offering the same truck with 3-4 different GVWR ratings in two different models. That makes it really hard for us consumers to figure out what we really need.

My point from above is that you can't take the brochure at face value either, they are showing the ratings for a stripped down, gas engine truck. The safest bet is to look at the actual truck ratings based that sticker. That said, if you are looking at any of the 3/4 ton, 1 ton truck families, my guess is you could assume "real" payload as the highest family GVWR for that manufacturer minus your truck's actual curb weight.

Yep, they sure are. I always tell people, the only way to get your real payload is to get your truck scaled ready to tow. You then take the scaled weight and subtract it from the trucks GVWR which will give you your payload. Then again, that wouldn't apply to an F250 because the GVWR is artificially de-rated.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by taken

Yep, they sure are. I always tell people, the only way to get your real payload is to get your truck scaled ready to tow. You then take the scaled weight and subtract it from the trucks GVWR which will give you your payload. Then again, that wouldn't apply to an F250 because the GVWR is artificially de-rated.

Exactly. And I contend that the F150 is de-rated to make the F250 feasible. When a 1/2 ton truck has the same payload rating as minivans and cars that don't even ride on a real frame... Well, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that my F150 is more capable than those.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by Platokidd

Good read

Everything You Need to Know About the New Truck Tow Ratings
Personally, I like my 3/4 ton truck and it out tows any other 1/2 ton I have had.(Ford , Chevy and Dodge) I feel safer , handles so much better and all around a better towing experience.
Never had a echo boost, but I understand they are great trucks and all.

Has anybody traded a 3/4 ton f250 for a better towing f150 1/2 ton?

I like to see J2807 be used for all 1/2 3/4 and 1 ton trucks sold

I went from a 2011 F250 SCrew 6.7PSD to a 2013 F150 SCrew Ecoboost. I didn't do it for "better towing." I did it because I came to the realization that at some point the new diesel is going to cost significant money for repair work. If you think the old diesels are expensive to work on, just wait until your fuel pump goes on one of the new ones with the HPFP. I purchased a ProPride 3P hitch and have no complaints about the F150.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by Max Windjammer

All I can add is that this is how accidents happen. Allow for the worst case scenario when picking out a tow vehicle. There are other factors beside payload to consider. Your life and the lives of those on the road with you are at risk if you bend safety margins. Bigger is better. Just my opinion. Good luck and safe journey.

Then why didn't you opt for a DRW 3500???? Like others have pointed out, most 4x4 diesel 2500/250 trucks have marginally higher payload than most F150's, per the sticker. Based upon casual observation in campgrounds, I'd say that there are more "overloaded" 3/4 tons than 1/2 tons. Actually, almost every single 3/4 ton towing a 5W is probably over the payload sticker, especially if they have 4 or 5 people in the truck.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by DocGTO

Diesel, door jamb. To be specific, it is 2793. 2013 was the year that Chevy did the big frame/brake makeover. I know the ford and Dodge for the same year were less. Dodge just stepped it up for 2015 on there 2500 but not sure about Ford.

That is SUBSTANTIALLY higher than what Ford's had in 2011. I had a 2011 F250 SCrew 2WD 6.7PSD XL with 10K GVWR rating that only showed 23xx payload per the sticker. Add XLT options and 4WD and I would have probably been in the 1900 range. What is the GVWR of your 2500? If 10K, that would mean your truck only weighs 7207 whereas my stripped down XL 2WD weighed ~7650.

[BamaBob]

And now the 2015 EcoBoost has an aluminum body so the tow weight is now 12,200 LBS.

That, and the payload is boosted to 2,650!

We were waffling and considering a F250 but now the DW is wondering if we should not just trade "up" to a 2015 EcoBeast 4x4 (thinking of adding airbags as well)

Comments and thoughts appreciated


Sent from my iPad Air using FRF App for iOS

[taken]

If I had a trailer that was light enough it could be towed by a 150, I absolutely would go that route rather than a 250. The ride is sooo much better unloaded and they are generally better appointed inside.

[BamaBob]

yeah but look what you are dragging taken...those T-bolts are NICE rigs!

[taken]

Originally Posted by HSVBamaBob

yeah but look what you are dragging taken...those T-bolts are NICE rigs!

Yes sir!! Here's mine on the line this past week...

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tml#post766446

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by taken

Yes sir!! Here's mine on the line this past week...

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tml#post766446

AWESOME! Thanks for the link -- I left you a post in that thread BTW

[Vallgrlx2]

What is an HD?

[bikendan]

could mean Home Depot, depending on usage.

in regards to the Ecoboost F-150, it's "Heavy Duty" payload package.
unless you're talking about the Harley Davidson edition of the F-150.

[Bossdriver]

Ken and Judy,
I wish you many years of safe camping and traveling with your setup of camper and tow vehicle.

We are recent new member and new 5th wheel rv owner. After having a TT for 11 years we upgraded. Before buying we spent a lot of time researching for a tow vehicle and understanding 5th wheels weights. My newer truck is a 2012 F350 6.2L gas. w 4.30 axle. Now, knowing nothing about the eco boost 150 besides each plug has a coil pack and costs from a dealer about $1,000 each to get replaced. Anyway, what I looked at other than the Ford specs on my vehicle, was the Gvwr of the trailer that I was buying. Also the Platform, Braking, engine, transmission of my truck meant a lot to me. My truck weighed in at 10189 lbs with people, stuff, full gas and pin weight. Add the trailer weight gave us a combined Cgvwr of 21808 lbs. This only gave me a buffer of 192lbs. For my truck Ford specs are Cgvwr is 22,000 lbs. Max 15,000 lbs for 5th wheel and 12,000 lbs for Travel trailer. I always thought this was misleading because even if I wanted to tow a 15,000 5th wheel as for the specs I would be overweighted. I think the big three all fudge on these towing numbers. It just amazes me that a 150 has a tow rating of 11,000 + lbs.
Anyway, again good luck on your travels and may they be safe ones.

[B and B]

[QUOTE=HSVBamaBob;763797]And now the 2015 EcoBoost has an aluminum body so the tow weight is now 12,200 LBS.

That, and the payload is boosted to 2,650!

We were waffling and considering a F250 but now the DW is wondering if we should not just trade "up" to a 2015 EcoBeast 4x4 (thinking of adding airbags as well)

Comments and thoughts appreciated


I would go to the 15 Ecoboost when required, But your current truck is sized properly for the 8289! I know a 100 or 200 lbs over on pin weight but everyone knows the Ford can handle that

I for one daily drive mine and a larger truck until retirement is a large expense. With the current gas/diesel price differential I bet you will a Gas Turbo engine in the F 250/ 350 soon.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by Bossdriver

Now, knowing nothing about the eco boost 150 besides each plug has a coil pack and costs from a dealer about $1,000 each to get replaced.

Who told you that a coil pack would be $1000???? O'Reilly's lists the Motorcraft ones for $68 each.


Motorcraft DG549 - Ignition Coil | O'Reilly Auto Parts

[B and B]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

Who told you that a coil pack would be $1000???? O'Reilly's lists the Motorcraft ones for $68 each.


Motorcraft DG549 - Ignition Coil | O'Reilly Auto Parts

If you really need the coil pack a full set with plugs is 500 bucks tops. That might be after 250,000 miles in my case the truck will gone by then and I would have a new one.

[B and B]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

Exactly. And I contend that the F150 is de-rated to make the F250 feasible. When a 1/2 ton truck has the same payload rating as minivans and cars that don't even ride on a real frame... Well, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that my F150 is more capable than those.

I would have to agree Dustman. The number of Ford F150 work trucks I see loaded to the gills and no breakdowns.

[Bossdriver]

I work at a Dodge dealership in the used car section. We had a F-150 eco boost that was cutting out at high speeds. Customer wouldn't buy until solution was fixed(don't blame him). Union shop, according to my manager cost $1,000 for one plug and one coil pack + Labor. Customer did come back and drove it and bought it.
Have fun with it guys, I'll stick with what I have. Already had sort of a panic stop coming through Kansas city and engine braking, trailer brakes, sway control and platform of truck and trailer all came into motion to stop this 59' of truck and trailer.
Just saying.