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Old 07-11-2016, 11:52 AM   #1
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New Ford F-150

After 3 years of owning a Pop-Up Camper and towing it mainly with a Toyota FJ Cruiser, we purchased a Rockwood 2306. The initial plan was to use the FJ to pull it, but after purchasing, I found out the hitch weight was too high for the FJ, so we used our Nissan Pathfinder, which had plenty of capacity in that regard. After two camping trips and the anticipation of taking a trip out west next year, it was decided to purchase a vehicle that would more safely tow this nice little travel trailer.

I had previously owned a 2011 Ford F150 with the ecoboost motor and loved it, but my first choice was to go with a Toyota Tundra as I had been having fun in the Toyota FJ world. I also looked at the new Nissan Titan XD (too big and too expensive and the diesel was a little overkill), Dodge Ram (diesel was a little too expensive and didn't like the styling), Chevy/GMC (liked some features, but have never been a fan of the styling). So I was about to go purchase the Tundra, but read of some possible issues with the integrated trailer brake controller and then the gas mileage is about the worst of any of the trucks out there... Anyway, I decided to drive a 2016 F150 before getting the Toyota and was instantly sold on it. We ended up trading in the FJ (hard to do as I loved that vehicle, but just not practical any longer) and the Pathfinder for a 2016 F-150 Lariat.

I decided to go with the 2.7L Ecoboost model as it had plenty of towing capacity for our travel trailer and could handle an upgrade in a few years if desired. We took it on our first trip last week on a trip to Branson MO. If you are familiar with that area, there are a lot of long steep grades to drive up and down. All I can say is that I was VERY impressed with this truck towing this camper. It had plenty of power going up the steepest of hills and that turbo would kick in and I could easily pass if needed going up hill. Going down hill was where I really noticed how nice it tows. In tow haul mode, it would somehow use the engine or transmission to keep me from going to fast and applying the brakes. I basically set the cruise control on 65 even on the 70 mph interstate and it would keep me right on that speed going up or down.

I would highly recommend this truck and motor combination if you are fine with a max tow rating of 7500 lbs. The 3.5 ecoboost will put you up above the 10,000 lbs rating. I feel the 2.7L ecoboost gives the best combination of towing ability and non-towing mpg's...supposed to get 23 mpg on the highway. Haven't had it long enough to get real numbers. But since I do not tow anything over 95% of the time I am driving, I felt this was my best option. The Lariat model is very luxurious also! If anyone is shopping for a new tow vehicle and has any questions, feel free to ask!
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Old 07-11-2016, 12:08 PM   #2
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Congrats on the new F-150! A nice looking vehicle. I have the same feeling about the Tundra - high quality product but drinks gasoline like no other. From the specs I've seen, it's towing capabilities, GVWR and payload are very similar to the F-150 with a max. towing package but it's pricier to buy and to fuel.

I'm curious what was the cost difference between the 3.5L Ecoboost and the 2.7L Ecoboost. I don't see the big towing mirrors on your F-150 ... does it have any factory towing package? What is it's GVWR and payload numbers?
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Old 07-11-2016, 12:19 PM   #3
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Excellent choice and right sized for your needs. Looks like toy did your homework. The Eco gives you a pepper non towing ride as well. Ford does make options for towing different types of trailers.
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Old 07-11-2016, 01:11 PM   #4
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Thanks! As for cost difference, I think the 3.5L Ecoboost is a $1,200 option, but the base price on my vehicle was $300 more, so maybe it is actually only $900? (I am comparing window stickers of different models I shopped for).

My F-150 came with the "Trailer Tow Package" and "Pro Trailer Backup Assist". I did have to add the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller as it was not in that particular Package. I have no need for the big towing mirrors as the truck is wide enough as-is to see around my trailer.

My particular truck has the 3.55 axle ratio so the GCWR is 12,800 lbs and the max trailer weight is 7,500 lbs. The GVWR is 6,500 lbs which leaves a payload capacity of 1,630 lbs for the 145 inch wheelbase.

Here is a link to the Ford 2016 towing guide:

http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/...e_r3_Nov12.pdf

Quote:
Originally Posted by itat View Post
Congrats on the new F-150! A nice looking vehicle. I have the same feeling about the Tundra - high quality product but drinks gasoline like no other. From the specs I've seen, it's towing capabilities, GVWR and payload are very similar to the F-150 with a max. towing package but it's pricier to buy and to fuel.

I'm curious what was the cost difference between the 3.5L Ecoboost and the 2.7L Ecoboost. I don't see the big towing mirrors on your F-150 ... does it have any factory towing package? What is it's GVWR and payload numbers?
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Old 07-11-2016, 05:22 PM   #5
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The new "military grade" aluminum body makes a big difference in the payload number which has always been the biggest shortcoming for 1/2 tons. Loading it up with higher trim levels and aftermarket accessories has a significant impact on the payload but the aluminum body gives you more wiggle room.
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Old 07-12-2016, 09:02 PM   #6
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I've read quite a bit on that engine, and watched several head-to-head towing and speed comparisons. It's hard to believe how effectively Ford is utilizing the turbos on the gas engines.


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Old 07-14-2016, 12:59 AM   #7
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Got a '12 eco-boost and love it. Only thing I didn't like was that Ford did not put a rear sway bar on the truck. Added one. The towing is much better with a smaller TT and non towing handling is transformed. Eco-boost rocks, but unless you're careful it's easy to get more boost than eco.
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Old 07-14-2016, 04:18 AM   #8
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Can't go wrong with a Ford truck! Congrats!
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Old 07-14-2016, 08:54 AM   #9
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Love the Ford. Got a trouble free quarter million miles out of the Chevrolet before it, loved it too.
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Old 07-20-2016, 04:27 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lefty665 View Post
Got a '12 eco-boost and love it. Only thing I didn't like was that Ford did not put a rear sway bar on the truck. Added one. The towing is much better with a smaller TT and non towing handling is transformed. Eco-boost rocks, but unless you're careful it's easy to get more boost than eco.

I have to agree the rear sway bar is a good option My 09 had it and the 13 did not , I did notice a difference between the two.
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