F150 EB: upgrade truck, upgrade to new truck? Other?

[moose074]

Originally Posted by Mr Towed

It also kills me that they make the diesel, but only in the Lariat and without the payload package available so you have this great engine and no payload to back it up. I had a very hard time finding a diesel F-150 that had a payload over 1200 pounds because they all come loaded. After driving and reading about the 2nd gen 3.5 ecoboost with the 10 speed we opted for that and found an extremely luxurious 2017 with a 1630 pound payload and only 12,000 miles so we jumped on it when they offered us a decent value for our trade. Our trailer is under 5000 pounds, for context, so we were over capable with our Silverado 2500, suspension wise, but not comfortable on all the excursions we take around our destinations. This will be a huge upgrade in comfort and gas mileage for us, and still well within the means of this truck. Our old truck had sadly fallen into disrepair and had large repair bills looming, and gave us concerns about reliability, so we were happy to let it go as a trade.

That is probably the number one thing I miss with my Tundra and especially the eco boost is how it was able to maneuver on the excursions when not towing. My dually is better than my swd but the hips are big

[Dustyhd]

Originally Posted by Hekdog

In my opinion (probably not of most others), this is really too bad that they aren't keeping the HDPP in any moderate to higher level trims. I actually wish they would provide it in all of the higher level trims and if they did I would probably be buying a new truck. Honestly if setup right, I think an F150 can tow very capably with the Ecoboost, but you need the Payload to match the other components of towing.

I hear the go to 3/4 ton all the time on this site and maybe if they put an Ecoboost in there so I could push 20mpg when not towing I would think about it. Luckily I can say that because I am within my limits, but it would just be nice to future proof myself a bit for my next trailer without having to jump to a big gasser or diesel.

It is very likely that the HDPP trucks will only be available as a fleet option in the near future. Remember where you heard it first so get one while you can.

[Hekdog]

Originally Posted by Dustyhd

It is very likely that the HDPP trucks will only be available as a fleet option in the near future. Remember where you heard it first so get one while you can.

Unfortunately for me if I am gonna spend what it takes for a new truck I want a lot of options. Luckily my 2011 was when the FX4 was still a trim package so its pretty decked and while I dont have 2000+ pounds of payload I can't complain at about 1,750. I only have 65k miles so I just did a bunch of updates to keep me content for another 3-4 years and we will see where they are at then.

A lot can change in that amount of time and luckily I won't be any worse off than I am now with their recent packge changes. I guess worst case Ford will force my hand on a 250/350 if they can't at least keep some higher trim levels at 1800+ on the 150. Hopefully the recent towing spec competitions between the brands may make Ford at least keep the payload higher on the regular Max Tow Package.

[Lzerarc]

To get my 2016 xlt about 3 years ago I had to search over several states to find one with the max tow in the color combo I wanted. I kept with the xlt to keep payload as high as possible even though I prefer my last truck which was a 2012 lariat eco. Then we got a bigger camper and more toys now means another bigger truck!

The good news now looking at f250s I can look used since most any of them will work. This means my trade loss would be marginal.

Any comments on the 3.73 vs 4.10 gears? 3.73 is pretty common to find.

[moose074]

Originally Posted by Lzerarc

To get my 2016 xlt about 3 years ago I had to search over several states to find one with the max tow in the color combo I wanted. I kept with the xlt to keep payload as high as possible even though I prefer my last truck which was a 2012 lariat eco. Then we got a bigger camper and more toys now means another bigger truck!



The good news now looking at f250s I can look used since most any of them will work. This means my trade loss would be marginal.



Any comments on the 3.73 vs 4.10 gears? 3.73 is pretty common to find.

My Tundra had 4:30 gearing and was a pulling beast my 2500 ram had high output and aisen trans and I be the 4:10 gearing again a towing beast. Both my fords the eco 150 and and power stroke 350 had 3:55 great towing but always felt slower accelerating . I was also disappointed in hill/ mountain climbing especially with the power stroke when empty. Currently have 3500 dually with the 3:73 still in the assessment stage only one trip towing trip and only trip to mountains they were 4 inches in of 7 inches of expected snow so I wasn’t trying to get anywhere fast.

[luker0]

Originally Posted by Lzerarc

To get my 2016 xlt about 3 years ago I had to search over several states to find one with the max tow in the color combo I wanted. I kept with the xlt to keep payload as high as possible even though I prefer my last truck which was a 2012 lariat eco. Then we got a bigger camper and more toys now means another bigger truck!



The good news now looking at f250s I can look used since most any of them will work. This means my trade loss would be marginal.



Any comments on the 3.73 vs 4.10 gears? 3.73 is pretty common to find.

Towing with 4.11 in my old 3/4 ton Suburban was a dream. Felt effortless, however the 6.0L V8 drank a LOT of fuel towing or not.

Towing with 3.73 in my 1/2 Silverado is really nice when compared to the one time i had to tow with a stock 1/2 ton. I would not want to go with anything less than a 3.73.

In my case it is a good compromise as the truck is used for towing only about 25% of the time. Also no Rockies to climb out in my neck of the woods.

[JohnD10]

All the wishing for a 1/2-ton truck with the towing capabilities of a 3/4 or 1-ton truck...

Perhaps Ford (and the others) are finally realizing that they have reached or surpassed the limits of what a 1/2-ton truck can tow safely.

[t.simpson]

Lzerarc, we went through the EXACT same decision point about 3 weeks ago. Your comments about the 2.7 Ebs and even the Katzkins are things that my wife and I have discussed recently. We had to drive over an hour away just to find 150 ebs with the max tow package.


I had a 2011 f150 Platinum EB max tow, that towed a very similar trailer, very nicely. We were planning on replacing that truck with a 2018 f150 during Ford's left over sales. Then we did the payload math...Long story short, we found a used 2019 f-250 crew cab gasser with 1200 miles on it, for a little less than a 18 f150. We jumped on it. Payload for this truck with 3:73s is just under 3000 lbs. No more worries.


I was concerned about the gas mileage as we tow about 10% of the total miles driven. As of yesterday I am getting 14.6 around town and some highway driving. My 150 with 138,000 miles was getting 16.5 on average. The new truck has 1700 miles on it now, so I expect mileage to get a little better as it breaks in. I can live with this mileage over the capacity and safety gains.


I really like the truck - it is way different than a 150. I haven't towed yet, but I don't expect any issues. One down side, it doesn't fit in my garage - too tall. We live in the tundra and the garage is important.

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by t.simpson

I was concerned about the gas mileage as we tow about 10% of the total miles driven. As of yesterday I am getting 14.6 around town and some highway driving. My 150 with 138,000 miles was getting 16.5 on average. The new truck has 1700 miles on it now, so I expect mileage to get a little better as it breaks in. I can live with this mileage over the capacity and safety gains.

I really like the truck - it is way different than a 150. I haven't towed yet, but I don't expect any issues. One down side, it doesn't fit in my garage - too tall. We live in the tundra and the garage is important.

Your mileage will improve. The differentials are VERY tight when new. I'm up 2 MPG after a year and 17K miles.

When we built our new house, fortunately the house designer suggested an 8 foot high garage door and 18 feet wide. So glad he did because you just can't get a Super Duty in a 7' door.

You will be amazed at the difference in stability when you begin towing.

[Lzerarc]

We have decided to upgrade the truck in a couple months closer to camping season. We agree all of the pros are worth is, especially when we go multiple hour away trips. I like the fact I can look at used trucks again and reduce my cost quite a bit. Really looking forward to the towing experience upgrade. 3.5 has all the power, it's just so light.

[rmillermtsu]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

Your mileage will improve. The differentials are VERY tight when new. I'm up 2 MPG after a year and 17K miles.

When we built our new house, fortunately the house designer suggested an 8 foot high garage door and 18 feet wide. So glad he did because you just can't get a Super Duty in a 7' door.

You will be amazed at the difference in stability when you begin towing.

If my 2015 6.2l had 4.30’s I might have never felt like I needed to trade it. We loved that truck and won’t rule out switching back to gas if they bump the torque a little more and make the 45gal fuel tank standard. Good luck!

[2rad4u]

Originally Posted by Lzerarc

Any comments on the 3.73 vs 4.10 gears? 3.73 is pretty common to find.

Go with the 4.10 if given the choice, IMO

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by 2rad4u

Go with the 4.10 if given the choice, IMO

Agreed, with a caveat. If you tow a lot or the truck is a dedicated tow vehicle, go with 4:10. Otherwise 3:73 is better for day to day performance and economy.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Agreed, with a caveat. If you tow a lot or the truck is a dedicated tow vehicle, go with 4:10. Otherwise 3:73 is better for day to day performance and economy.

THIS!^^^^^^^

[luker0]

Agreed. If you tow less than say 30% of your mileage go with 3.73.

[2rad4u]

I'd still go 4.10, towing and around town alike.

But then again my DD is a Jeep Wrangler @ 4.56 and 35's...

I like my torque...

[goduc]

Ram offers 4.10. GM's come standard with 4.10's when getting the gas 6.0.
Ford offers 4.30's with the gas 6.2.

[mxdad]

Is there any particular reason you are choosing a gasser over a diesel? If you plan on towing a lot or upgrading campers in the future and you have a decent commute (at least 20 miles), and can swing it, I'd recommend looking at a diesel.

I upgraded from an Escalade with the 6.2 to a 17 F250 diesel. Like you, the 6.2 had plenty of power, but at 7500#, it was on the edge...never felt unsafe, but you knew you were towing. With the diesel, all you do is set the cruise and go...especially with that weight. In the hills, the exhaust brake takes the drama out of downhills, while 925 lb/ft of torque makes uphills easy.

My F250 has the 3.31 gears and has averaged 14.5 MPG over 31K miles, including over 11k towing. 20-22MPG on the highway is easy, and we get 11-13 towing our 7.5k toy hauler and 9-10MPG towing our 14K fiver.

Just food for thought.

[rmillermtsu]

We just completed our first tow with our new diesel, 400 miles to Gulf Shores Al. With all of our towing with our 2015 gasser very fresh in our memory, I must admit the difference was night and day. No constant manual shifting to maintain speed on overpasses. No more worries that I can’t move out of the slow lane fast enough to allow traffic to merge on interstates. I can actually accelerate well regardless of inclines. No more worries about clearance and maneuver room at gas pumps. The absence of these worries allowed me to reach my destination without feeling as tired. And I’ve made this identical trip a half dozen times with our gas f250. These benifits are offset by the cost of fuel. Diesel prices along our route averaged $1 more per gallon than gas. There’s also the sobering increase in mechanical complexity of the diesel motors over gas engines. The 6.2l gas engine is one of most mechanically reliable engines ever produced. That’s why I think this engine in a 2017 or newer ford truck towing a 10k or less trailer may be the best longterm option, when all factors are considered.

[Lzerarc]

the main reasons I do not want a diesel is due to cost and access. Diesel pumps are not as common, and when traveling around the Midwest sometimes you are many miles between stops where diesel is sold vs gas. Obviously this can be avoided with proper planning. Another issue is my home town gas station is gas only, so I would need to get it 15 miles away. This is not a big deal since I drive there every day, however I like the taxes going to my community and schools.

The other reason is just pure necessity. I do not feel, currently, it is needed. My load I am pulling is 7500 lbs currently. Now I do know getting a 5th wheel is probably in the 5 year plan, however the ones we have looked at are all under 10k loaded. I know it will not go above that since I personally limit myself to the length due to park access.

I put about 15-20k miles a year on the truck and on average, 5-6k would be towing. Cost of ownership will be significantly higher with a diesel factoring fuel, def, maintenance and especially upfront cost.

Living in the midwest, most driving/towing is 2-3% grades or less. We will do one "mountain trip" a year typically (not Rockies, more like black hills or Appalachians) so that also isnt as big of a concern.

I can certainly be swayed, and I do intend on learning more/test driving before purchasing. However for the reasons above it does not seem like the needed option.