What are you towing with 3.5 ecoboost?

[Nogrey]

I just purchased a 2017 Heritage Glen 262RL. It has a tongue weight of 850lbs, UVW of 7,294 and GVW of 9645. My '16 F150 with a 3.5L Ecoboost, max tow package and max gvw package, while not maxed out, is not what I consider to be the "ideal" situation. The Trailer outweighs the truck by about 4,000lbs when loaded and is not easy to handle in gusty wind conditions. My Lariat has all the bells and whistles for towing, but is still a little light for the trailer. Probably going to trade her in for a 350. Not a fan of over maxing my vehicles. Don't get me wrong. The 3.5 has plenty of power to pull the trailer. The sway control "helps", but is not a full solution. I'm a safety nut when it comes to driving safely. I've worked through the calculation very carefully and the F150, statistically, is not maxed out with this trailer, but it's pretty close. I'm feeling like it's a white knuckle situation on the interstate doing 65 in gusty winds. Just my experience and opinion.

[Zak1]

Originally Posted by Nogrey

I just purchased a 2017 Heritage Glen 262RL. It has a tongue weight of 850lbs, UVW of 7,294 and GVW of 9645. My '16 F150 with a 3.5L Ecoboost, max tow package and max gvw package, while not maxed out, is not what I consider to be the "ideal" situation. The Trailer outweighs the truck by about 4,000lbs when loaded and is not easy to handle in gusty wind conditions. My Lariat has all the bells and whistles for towing, but is still a little light for the trailer. Probably going to trade her in for a 350. Not a fan of over maxing my vehicles. Don't get me wrong. The 3.5 has plenty of power to pull the trailer. The sway control "helps", but is not a full solution. I'm a safety nut when it comes to driving safely. I've worked through the calculation very carefully and the F150, statistically, is not maxed out with this trailer, but it's pretty close. I'm feeling like it's a white knuckle situation on the interstate doing 65 in gusty winds. Just my experience and opinion.

i have a 2016 F150 4x4 sc 2.7, 3:55 re. I got the Propride hitch. Made it a different truck!

[Nogrey]

Originally Posted by Zak1

i have a 2016 F150 4x4 sc 2.7, 3:55 re. I got the Propride hitch. Made it a different truck!

I am looking for a solution. Thanks for your quick reply. I'll look into the pro-ride. Maybe some bags for the suspension. What are you towing and what is the gvw of your trailer?

[Nogrey]

Originally Posted by rogo

Chris,

My CCC is 1,607 lbs.

I did not install air bags. Instead, I installed Air Lift brand "Air Cells." These are rugged urethane load supports that replace the stock jounce bumpers on the vehicle. They require no inflation or maintenance. They have no effect when I'm not towing (or not hauling a heavy load.)

When I AM towing, the Air Cells are compressed by the rear axle. They help reduce sag and improve ride and handling. My hitch requires one less link of adjustment to achieve the weight distribution I want.

The product does NOT increase the CCC of my F-150.

I really like the sound of these air cells. Sounds way better than all the rigormoroll involved with air bags, pumps, air lines, inflations etc. Would you be able to tell me where you got them and which ones you purchased? Thanks!

[uhduh camping]

Originally Posted by Nogrey

It has a tongue weight of 850lbs,

I am willing to bet your TW is closer to 1000+ lbs.

[Nogrey]

Originally Posted by Restcure

Are your tires rates for that? Most trailer tires are 65 mph max. If that's the case for yours, 10 extra mph is an invitation to overheating and blowouts.

I have slowed way down since then. You are right. Towng 75 is not a good thing.

[Nogrey]

Originally Posted by uhduh camping

I am willing to bet your TW is closer to 1000+ lbs.

I just got this trailer and the tongue weight is slated at that but I'm guessing it's probably 1000 pounds if not a little more.

[VernDiesel]

The space shuttle. The Tundra broke down.

[The_Rhino]

Originally Posted by goduc

The reason you feel it on rough roads and in the wind is because your pin weight is too light. 15% is the MFG minimum. Every auto MFG and 5er MFG recommends the pin to be between 15%-25% for safe towing. The bare min for your 8700 lb 5er should be 1300 lbs...

My TT is 6,500 empty w/empty tongue of 650 (10%). On the way home from the dealership it porpoised up & down something awful - especially since the dealership (appropriately) setup our Equalizer 4 1200 for our anticipated loaded weights...

Ready-to-camp we're at 8,000+ w/loaded tongue of 1,250 (16%) and our TT tows rock-steady across mountain passes in high winds w/semis passing while I'm threading Orange Barrels... It does even better if I have a little FW in the front tank (18% TW)...

I considered trading-in my 2011 Ram 2500 CC w/5.7 Hemi for a new/newer F150 EB for better commuting MPG, but I would have to get the HD payload package, not just the Tow Package because our family of 5, 1 dog & 5 bikes take our payload past 2,000...

[Rhizzlebop]

Found this old thread and wanted to post and bring it back to life.

We are heading out Saturday with our recently purchased 2016 windjammer 3006wk.

2013 ecoboost 3.5 2wd with 3.15 gears and I’m not one tiny bit worried. Tires are 10 ply KO2s. I run fronts towing at 58 and rears at 68. These are 80 psi max tires. Camper gas Goodyear endurance and I run them at 80. I want minimum sidewall flex for overheating. When not towing (camping season) I run the truck tires around 50 psi.

We brought it home after purchase 230 miles no sweat and the equalizer hitch was not setup right and the friction bar brackets were loose. We didn’t realize it at the time of hooking up to go but there was basically no bar load for anti sway and weight distribution.

I’ve since tightened everything up and added 2 washers to tilt the head snd now I get a nice weight on the bars. I imagine well be around 85-8700 lb loaded and I’m not a hair worried. This ecoboost pulls like a dream. I’m not racing anyone. We tow around 63-65 and if I ever feel unsafe I bring it on down under 60. Which is basically extremely rare.

I think the rear end ratio is overhyped. I will tow prob in 4th which keeps my rpm up around 2500 so the motor is making good Hp and no lugging the engine. I monitor my temps for engine transmission exhaust etc with an app and OBD port device.

Can’t wait. The ecoboost is an incredible engine.

[clarkbre]

Saw this at Camping World the other day. Had to be an Ecoboost! Never mind the Flex has a tow rating max of 4500 and the Airstream dry is 5300. Those are just numbers. Hahaha!

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by Rhizzlebop

I think the rear end ratio is overhyped.

Couldn't disagree with you more. You are towing with basically a 4 speed transmission to make up for your gear ratio. Wait until you can't pull 4th.

Agree that the Ecoboost is an awesome engine though.

[Rhizzlebop]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

Couldn't disagree with you more. You are towing with basically a 4 speed transmission to make up for your gear ratio. Wait until you can't pull 4th.

Agree that the Ecoboost is an awesome engine though.

Well thank you

By some quick math and simple observations my truck in 4th is about the same RPM at 60 as my fathers 3.73 in 5th. So we are producing about the same HP.

If I were to reach a point where 4th won’t tow it (haven’t seen that yet) first step would be to slow down some to lower the wind drag.

Next step would be, drop to 3rd gear and bring the rpm back up some.

I haven’t seen a scenario yet that makes this unrealistic and I’ve not come close to needing to try and find out.

I think it’s all about rpm and resultant hp at a given speed. If I can achieve that without over revving the engine I don’t see the issue. I love how the ecoboost doesn’t run high rpm. Always while towing I am running between 2200-2600 rpm cruising with of course momentary acceleration from stops that might get 35-3600 or so before it shifts.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by clarkbre

Saw this at Camping World the other day. Had to be an Ecoboost! Never mind the Flex has a tow rating max of 4500 and the Airstream dry is 5300. Those are just numbers. Hahaha!



Attachment 271199

Has to be at the Can-Am dealership in Canada. They do all kinds of hinky combos. They have quite the Cult following.

[RGrimm]

Originally Posted by Sharon2540

Got a new F-150 with the 3.5 ecoboost, payload 1750, max towing...stock from the dealer without any after market add on's, with just two in the truck I will have about 1400 left on payload. Looking to pick up new fiver or TT. Was wondering what you were pulling with that truck...something livable for a month or so comfortable is Great. What are you towing, how does it ride under tow any issues, how close on payload? There are some fivers out there with pin weight of about 1400, but I would be maxed out unless there are add on's. I know there is more TT available but was very concerned about swaying and ride quality.

We have a 2019 F150 and we current pull a 26' Vibe and our F150 handles it with ease, plenty of power. Most of my trips so far have been in Florida and up and down the I95 corridor from FL to PA, so no major hills. I usually tow at 64-65 mph, 2000 rpms in 8th gear (Tow/Haul mode). I usually get about 10 mpg (calculated). I have a Fastway E2 w/d hitch with built-in sway control and it is Very stable when towing. It is a Great truck for Towing.

Here are my truck and camper specs:

2019 F150 XLT, SuperCrew, 4x4, 6.5’ bed (157” WB), 3.5L twin turbo EcoBoost V-6 (HP=375, Torque=470 ft -lbs), 3.31 Rear, 10 sp trans, Trailer tow package, #7050 GVWR package.
As built Payload - #1810 (yellow door sticker)
Max Conventional Trailer Towing: #10,700
Max GCWR: #16,200

Cat Scaled F150: #5,900 (Full Fuel – 36 gal, driver and passenger, loaded for travel)
FT Axle: #3380, Rear Axle: #2520

Cat Scaled (F150 and 2021 Vibe 21BH (hitched w/WD) loaded to travel):
F150 Ft Axle: #3220
F150 rear Axle: #3620
F150 GVW: #6840 (F150 Only #5900)
F150 Tongue Weight: #940 (Calc) - (measured my Sherline Scale = #940)

2021 Vibe Manufacture Specs:
Length: 25’ 7”
UVW: #5245
CCC: #2355
GVWR: #7700
Hitch Weight: #636 (12% of UVW)

2021 Vibe as loaded for Travel as Scaled:
Axle(s): #5540
Tongue Weight: #940 (Percentage: 14.5%)
Total Trailer Weight: #6480 **
Total Cargo: #1235 ( #6480 - #5245 [UVW]) *

* Includes 32 gallons of fresh water @8.34 lbs per Gallon – 267lbs
** This weight includes full fresh water and that tank is in front of the axles so accounts for some of the 14.5% tongue weight.

Safe Travels
-Russ

[Guspech750]

2017 Expedition XLT EL. Ecoboost tows like a beast. Sucks on gas mileage though. MPG’s are about 7.8. LOLzzz

[flyflotrtim]

We have about #900 lbs on the ball when loaded. Plenty of power. I did change out the OEM shocks and went with the 18" wheels and LT tires. Very stable pull with the Equal-i-zer 4pt.

[MO311fan]

2015 Expedition Limited pulling our 2021 Grey Wolf 29TE. Last years long trip was Missouri to Northern Michigan and had many short trips as well. The Expedition performed flawlessly considering the length of the trailer at 36’ 6”. The Grey Wolf sits fairly low to the ground (total height 10’ 8”) compared to many trailers and I think this helps immensely.

[ARhappycamper]

Originally Posted by Rhizzlebop

Found this old thread and wanted to post and bring it back to life.

We are heading out Saturday with our recently purchased 2016 windjammer 3006wk.

2013 ecoboost 3.5 2wd with 3.15 gears and I’m not one tiny bit worried. Tires are 10 ply KO2s. I run fronts towing at 58 and rears at 68. These are 80 psi max tires. Camper gas Goodyear endurance and I run them at 80. I want minimum sidewall flex for overheating. When not towing (camping season) I run the truck tires around 50 psi.

We brought it home after purchase 230 miles no sweat and the equalizer hitch was not setup right and the friction bar brackets were loose. We didn’t realize it at the time of hooking up to go but there was basically no bar load for anti sway and weight distribution.

I’ve since tightened everything up and added 2 washers to tilt the head snd now I get a nice weight on the bars. I imagine well be around 85-8700 lb loaded and I’m not a hair worried. This ecoboost pulls like a dream. I’m not racing anyone. We tow around 63-65 and if I ever feel unsafe I bring it on down under 60. Which is basically extremely rare.

I think the rear end ratio is overhyped. I will tow prob in 4th which keeps my rpm up around 2500 so the motor is making good Hp and no lugging the engine. I monitor my temps for engine transmission exhaust etc with an app and OBD port device.

Can’t wait. The ecoboost is an incredible engine.

Hope you aren't towing in steep hills or mountains !

[ARhappycamper]

I'm towing 8000 with ease. Bilstein 5100's all around, LT tires at 60 psi, trailer Endurances at 65 psi, Helwig front and rear anti-sway bars, Exxon 93. I tow in manual mode and lock out 5th and 6th. 3.55's. Ego/Tow Beast.