F150 w/eco-boost dual turbo's??

[Philip Saran]

Anybody on the forum own one of the new F150 trucks and tow a TT
with it?

My TT loaded is about 7700 lbs and I'm just wondering if I can down
size from my F350 diesel to something a bit smaller.

Open to comments and opinions.

[rhagfo]

I would say the F150 EcoBoost could do just fine with that rig. You might drive one first to see if you like the way it feels, but for that load with Max tow and Max payload should work just fine.

[Laredo60]

I have a 2012 ford F150 with the Eco boost. I pulled my Laredo 303TG with it. It was fine so far. I also have a Toyota Tundra with the 5.7 engine. Did not notice a huge difference so far between the towing goes. mileage is about the same with both while towing. About between 9.5 and 10 miles to the gallon. However don't believe the hype about 20 something miles to the gallon that Ford says u will get. Best so far is 19 on the highway is more like it. If Toyota had a Eco boost I would rather have bought another Toyota tundra. Best truck I have ever owned so far.

[Philip Saran]

I appreciate what you guys have posted so far.

I guess I should add that we are moving to the Denver CO area in
mid 2013 so will be pulling the TT on more hills that I do here in SOCAL.

[EcoboostKev]

You would have no problem towing your trailer with a new F150 Ecoboost. My trailer is 7500lbs loaded and my truck tows it without breaking a sweat averaging 10.6mpg.. Go take one for a test drive and i promise you wont be disappointed!!:D

[richf28]

I too have the Ecoboost. Tow a Hornet 28RLS. Weight over 7000 lbs. Coming back home last year from Florida I was averaging about 9 mpg on the flats. Going through the mountains of West Virginia I dropped to 7 mpg. but I had all the power I needed for the hills. I was able to maintain a speed of 60 and passed the 18 wheelers with no problem.

[lenny G]

I also have an Ecoboost and have a Laredo 240MK. Took it out on the maiden voyage through Arkansas round trip was a little over 1500 miles and averaged 9.5 mpg. I would definitely go take a test drive!

[captbob]

I am towing a 29RES Cougar XLite and fully loaded weighing 10,000. I have a Toyota Basic Work Package truck with the 5.7 engine and have towed 8,000 miles so far and have averaged 10 to 12 miles per gallon towing usually at 60mph. The truck listed for 28,900 so if you can find an F150 for that amount I would go for it, but for the money the Toyota does a heck of a job

[sagebel]

Keep the diesel. There are hills in CO that make the grapevine look like a mole hill and there are many more hills in general than in most of the country.

[tribalsimba]

I'm less concerned with the EcoBoost getting it going, and more concerned with it's brake package slowing it down, and handling the hills.

CaptBob is a BRAVE sole! Even in Ford testing, all the test were either uphill, or on a circle track. It's the downhills and the uneven roads that twist up these 1/2 trucks when the TT weight starts throwing you.

But, again, it all depends on driver, WD Hitch, Tires, brakes, bushings.... If you can feel, see, and hear well; you are confident, and you KNOW your truck, and your upgrades, then.... I'm sure it's adequate.

For the money; I don't see where your going to benefit; unless you currently drive your F350 alot.

4mpg (improvement) at 10K miles a year is only about $1000/yr in gas. So, factor that I'd say.

[RDB]

I have a 2012 F150 XLT S/Crew Ecoboost, 6.5ft bed, HD payload & tow package pulling a Outback 301BQ. As configured the payload capacity is 2,200 lbs. Great tow vehicle and commuter vehicle. Towing avg 9-9.5 mpg. I would also recommend getting the back up camera & sensors and tailgate step

[Bigsky3625]

Why go from a more than adequate truck to a marginal one? Sure, lots of folks tow big trailers with smaller trucks. But can they stop? Also, think about the wear and tear aspect. I would rather have too much truck.

As already mentioned, those hills in CO are really mountains!

Good luck and travel safe!

[richf28]

After reading some of these other posts I have to wonder why others are getting better mpg than I am. Just hauled my camper with a wt of 6800 lbs loaded from Pennsylvania to Florida this weekend. I got as low 5.4 mpg and as high as 8.2 with an over all average for 1100 mile trip at 7.4 mpg. I tow at a speed of 65 max. I have noticed and mentioned to the dealer a drop in mpg on my truck since I bought it in 2011. They say they find nothing out of the ordinary. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[fla-gypsy]

The F-150 Ecoboost will do fine with that load. The advantage of the EB over NA motors is the ability to deliver the power at a much lower RPM and not loose power at altitude similar to diesel motors. Definitely get the max towing and max payload packages.

[tribalsimba]

After reading some of these other posts I have to wonder why others are getting better mpg than I am. Just hauled my camper with a wt of 6800 lbs loaded from Pennsylvania to Florida this weekend. I got as low 5.4 mpg and as high as 8.2 with an over all average for 1100 mile trip at 7.4 mpg. I tow at a speed of 65 max. I have noticed and mentioned to the dealer a drop in mpg on my truck since I bought it in 2011. They say they find nothing out of the ordinary. Any ideas would be appreciated.

I can tell you this, not technically knowing if it applies to the EcoBoost. My 2012 Mustang 5.0 (Coyote) REQUIRES 87 Octane fuel. Running anything higher kills fuel economy, and I'm told will erode valves and injectors due to pre-detonation. Does this apply to the EcoBoost?

[tribalsimba]

This post has really opened my eyes to the realities of the EcoBoost fuel economy, which at one time I had hoped would appear in an Expedition.

My Vortec 6.0L 2009 Suburban 2500 4x4 will average 15MPG on long trips, unloaded, and 9MPG towing. I've seen 8MPG on a short tow over significant mountainous terrain; but never lower.

Here's the thing though, I'm heavy compared to what some of you are reporting. My 303TG TT is typically 8200# every time I tow it; and I'm carrying 600lbs of people (6 total passengers) whenever I go. I even bet with my Full tank of gas , and my additional luggage, I'm hauling 1000#, before I ever hitch the trailer, for a total payload of around 1900#, for a TV with a MAX payload capacity of 2273#.

Apply this logic to the EcoBoost XLT SuperCrew with "MAX Towing" package whose payload capacity is 2290# (KingRanch is 1900#, Platimum Edition is only 1840#, & HarleyDavidson is only 1300#)

IF, and I mean IF, you are running an EcoBoost XLT SuperCrew with Max Towing package, and certainly have less load in your truck, than I have in my 9 passenger SUV, and your RV is lighter than mine, your Total Cost of Ownership is pretty high for 7.5MPG towing. I'm not convinced you can make that up unloaded, just my 2 cents for those currently considering trading into an EcoBoost.

Plus, as mentioned, it REALLY depends on your "Trim" package what "Max Towing Package" really means, plus how many occupants you will have in the vehicle in determining how safe your 1/2-ton will be for your setup.

[fla-gypsy]

This post has really opened my eyes to the realities of the EcoBoost fuel economy, which at one time I had hoped would appear in an Expedition.

My Vortec 6.0L 2009 Suburban 2500 4x4 will average 15MPG on long trips, unloaded, and 9MPG towing. I've seen 8MPG on a short tow over significant mountainous terrain; but never lower.

Here's the thing though, I'm heavy compared to what some of you are reporting. My 303TG TT is typically 8200# every time I tow it; and I'm carrying 600lbs of people (6 total passengers) whenever I go. I even bet with my Full tank of gas , and my additional luggage, I'm hauling 1000#, before I ever hitch the trailer, for a total payload of around 1900#, for a TV with a MAX payload capacity of 2273#.

Apply this logic to the EcoBoost XLT SuperCrew with "MAX Towing" package whose payload capacity is 2290# (KingRanch is 1900#, Platimum Edition is only 1840#, & HarleyDavidson is only 1300#)

IF, and I mean IF, you are running an EcoBoost XLT SuperCrew with Max Towing package, and certainly have less load in your truck, than I have in my 9 passenger SUV, and your RV is lighter than mine, your Total Cost of Ownership is pretty high for 7.5MPG towing. I'm not convinced you can make that up unloaded, just my 2 cents for those currently considering trading into an EcoBoost.

Plus, as mentioned, it REALLY depends on your "Trim" package what "Max Towing Package" really means, plus how many occupants you will have in the vehicle in determining how safe your 1/2-ton will be for your setup.

The Max "Payload" package will push payload to close to 3k and that is what we like to recommend to those considering this. What is being missed in some of these arguments about fuel economy is the incredible amount of power being produced in such a small package. The 3.5L EB produces numbers rivaling my 6.8L V-10 which never sees more than 15 mpg downhill on the highway and the EB can deliver that power at lower RPM's than my big boy motor. When towing, the numbers will be about the same for both motors due to wind resistance of that brick behind it but unloaded it will pass me when I am refueling and keep going. You cannot make power without burning fuel. Ford claims 22 mpg I think with EB and in the lightest configuration and can probably do it. I will never get more than 14 with all highway driving.

[tribalsimba]

The Max "Payload" package will push payload to close to 3k .....

I can't find evidence to support this claim, unless considering a 2WD single cab, and most RV owners in this post have extended or crew with 4WD.

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2011/07/2012-ford-f-150-expected-to-feature-improved-payload-capacity.html

Max Towing/Payload packages, still takes into consideration total ULVW of the vehicle itself, including cab configuration, options, and add-ons.

My intension is to draw to the conversation, the facts beyond the marketing that pertain to the actual vehicle configuration.

[fla-gypsy]

This is spec'd with a Crew Cab XLT trim and the HD payload Pkg (8200 GVWR) which puts the payload at 2643 lbs. In a supercab configuration it will push up several hundred pounds, close to 3k. There are plenty of these out there pulling TT's all over the country.

Weight Information for F-150 crew cab with HD payload Pkg and 3.5L EB

Trim Curb Weight

5554.00 lbs

Gross Axle Wt Rating - Front

3750 lbs

Gross Axle Wt Rating - Rear

4800 lbs

Curb Weight - Front

3150 lbs

Curb Weight - Rear

2404 lbs

Reserve Axle Capacity - Front

600.00 lbs

Reserve Axle Capacity - Rear

2393.00 lbs

As Spec'd Curb Weight

5557.00 lbs

As Spec'd Payload

2643.00 lbs

Maximum Payload Capacity

2646.00 lbs


Gross Axle Weight Rating

8550.00 lbs

Curb Weight

5554.00 lbs

Reserve Axle Capacity

2993.00 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

8200.00 lbs

[game warden]

Several friends of mine have the ecco`s in super and crew and love them .they claim high teens and low 20`s mpg not towing. One friend has a 27ft outback towing it with a supercab with max tow and gets 15`s towing in western pa..not to bad.but he did say that 65mph and faster did kill the fuel mileage fast over 65 towing or not towing.all of them tell me the hp this truck makes is just unbelieveable.

[jsmith948]

After reading some of these other posts I have to wonder why others are getting better mpg than I am. Just hauled my camper with a wt of 6800 lbs loaded from Pennsylvania to Florida this weekend. I got as low 5.4 mpg and as high as 8.2 with an over all average for 1100 mile trip at 7.4 mpg. I tow at a speed of 65 max. I have noticed and mentioned to the dealer a drop in mpg on my truck since I bought it in 2011. They say they find nothing out of the ordinary. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Hello Rich - You probably won't like my opinion, but - [B]It's all in the right foot![B] My DW almost always gets better fuel mileage than I because she is easier on the throttle and brake. FWIW - JMHO"bouncey:

[richf28]

Like I said...I was running at 60 and max 65 mph. So I can't see my foot as the issue. Why do guys on here always like to place blame on others?

[jsmith948]

Like I said...I was running at 60 and max 65 mph. So I can't see my foot as the issue. Why do guys on here always like to place blame on others?

Hello Rich,
I certainly did not mean to offend you. Simply trying to offer you a possible reason for your fuel mileage being lower than others with the same TV. BTW - the right foot comment has more to do with amount of throttle used on take off and the amount of brake used when stopping than the actual speed at which you drive. Anyway - good luck:)

[EcoboostKev]

This post has really opened my eyes to the realities of the EcoBoost fuel economy, which at one time I had hoped would appear in an Expedition.

My Vortec 6.0L 2009 Suburban 2500 4x4 will average 15MPG on long trips, unloaded, and 9MPG towing. I've seen 8MPG on a short tow over significant mountainous terrain; but never lower.

Here's the thing though, I'm heavy compared to what some of you are reporting. My 303TG TT is typically 8200# every time I tow it; and I'm carrying 600lbs of people (6 total passengers) whenever I go. I even bet with my Full tank of gas , and my additional luggage, I'm hauling 1000#, before I ever hitch the trailer, for a total payload of around 1900#, for a TV with a MAX payload capacity of 2273#.

Apply this logic to the EcoBoost XLT SuperCrew with "MAX Towing" package whose payload capacity is 2290# (KingRanch is 1900#, Platimum Edition is only 1840#, & HarleyDavidson is only 1300#)

IF, and I mean IF, you are running an EcoBoost XLT SuperCrew with Max Towing package, and certainly have less load in your truck, than I have in my 9 passenger SUV, and your RV is lighter than mine, your Total Cost of Ownership is pretty high for 7.5MPG towing. I'm not convinced you can make that up unloaded, just my 2 cents for those currently considering trading into an EcoBoost.

Plus, as mentioned, it REALLY depends on your "Trim" package what "Max Towing Package" really means, plus how many occupants you will have in the vehicle in determining how safe your 1/2-ton will be for your setup.I'm finding it hard to believe you are getting 9mpg with that kind of load??? I average between 9.8-10.6mpg with my 7500lb trailer depending on the hills. A good friend of mine has almost the same truck as yours it's a 2012 gmc yukon XL 2500 with the 6.2L. He tows the sister camper to mine which is a 2012 Cougar 29BHS and he averaged 7.5mpg on a trip from Connecticut to Florida. It's a nice truck but it just cannot hold a candle stick to my Ecoboost on the steep grades unless his tach is seeing close to 4000rpm's and watching that gas gauge sink.... And I'm almost willing to bet the brakes on his are pretty close to mine in size....So don't look at these trucks as your average 1/2 ton when they have more power and more payload than your 3/4 ton 2500..:rolleyes:

[EcoboostKev]

After reading some of these other posts I have to wonder why others are getting better mpg than I am. Just hauled my camper with a wt of 6800 lbs loaded from Pennsylvania to Florida this weekend. I got as low 5.4 mpg and as high as 8.2 with an over all average for 1100 mile trip at 7.4 mpg. I tow at a speed of 65 max. I have noticed and mentioned to the dealer a drop in mpg on my truck since I bought it in 2011. They say they find nothing out of the ordinary. Any ideas would be appreciated. Has your dealer done all the latest updates?? I complained about my mileage awhile back and the did a computer update and i was told it would improve mileage and smooth out the shifting in the trans.. I didn't ever really have a problem with the trans but did notice a difference in the mileage. I averaged around 14.0 around town before the update and 17.0 on the highway. After the update i now average 15.5mpg around town and a best of 18.9 on the highway at 70mph.. What is your truck averaging when unloaded??

[richf28]

Yep. All updates are done. I brought my mpg problem up to the dealer and they said they couldn't find any problems. My mpg has slowly fallen since buying the truck. I now average around 14 overall and 16-17 on the highway with cruise on. Read some articles on truck sites that claim plug gap and vacuum leaks pose a problem on these trucks.

[SkiSmuggs]

After reading some of these other posts I have to wonder why others are getting better mpg than I am. Just hauled my camper with a wt of 6800 lbs loaded from Pennsylvania to Florida this weekend. I got as low 5.4 mpg and as high as 8.2 with an over all average for 1100 mile trip at 7.4 mpg. I tow at a speed of 65 max. I have noticed and mentioned to the dealer a drop in mpg on my truck since I bought it in 2011. They say they find nothing out of the ordinary. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Ford recommends premium fuel for towing, and although I've never seen an MPG improvement with premium in normal driving, I see a significant improvement when towing. That said, on the F150Forum, there have been complaints about the variability in fuel mileage for the EcoBoost. Cold weather and short trips severely impact the MPG. I commute 70 miles daily, get 20.5 mpg in the summer and 17.5 in the winter. Towing my 8500 lb fiver at 60 mph, I get 10-11 with premium and 9-10 with 87 octane. I do run the Livernois Motorsports 87 Tow Tune and I believe that helps.
Also check your spark plugs as several have found a large discrepancy in the gap and Ford changed the recommended gap down to .34 after 2011 when it seemed the boost might be blowing out the spark.

[SkiSmuggs]

I can tell you this, not technically knowing if it applies to the EcoBoost. My 2012 Mustang 5.0 (Coyote) REQUIRES 87 Octane fuel. Running anything higher kills fuel economy, and I'm told will erode valves and injectors due to pre-detonation. Does this apply to the EcoBoost?
No, Ford recommends premium for towing and hot summers for the EcoBoost.

[Murf]

Nice to see familiar faces here. Just came over to check things out. I also have the Eco and a 5th wheel. Mileage on this motor is too drastic at times. All summer I can easily get 23 of a trip, but around town it's 17, winter good luck seeing 20 no matter what you do. Towing 10-11. It's like a woman. But the one thing I don't complain about is the power.

Anyway to the OP yes an eco will do fine. But is your 350 paid off? Your looking to drop between 30-40k just to have a "smaller" truck. I don't see the reasoning to move down even if you still owe half the value on your 350.

[tribalsimba]

?.. a 2012 gmc yukon XL 2500 with the 6.2L. He tows the sister camper to mine which is a 2012 Cougar 29BHS and he averaged 7.5mpg on a trip from Connecticut to Florida. ...So don't look at these trucks as your average 1/2 ton when they have more power and more payload than your 3/4 ton 2500..:rolleyes:

Please try to understand, my primary focus and criticism is how well the entire chassis will hold up in the event of an emergency. Not how well it gets going, goes, or drinks. I do encourage you to compare your rear brake pads and rotors side by side with his. If your right, that's fantastic!

I remain encouraged that the fuel economy is only neglible. Discussing fuel economy, much is in the "foot" as others mention, and also, recall that the Yukon is dressed with heavier luxuries inside and out, than my base model Suburban LS, with only a 6.0L. That means the Yukon has more payload onboard before hitching. I'm also traveling with toddlers, not teenagers. Which may add a few pounds in your brothers case. Tires can change things, and terrain. I get 11mpg towing in Ohio, but only got 9 going across PA mountains.

From what I hear, here and from others, I am doing pretty good for my trailer & TV setup, but I also chose as I did intentionally, knowing what I do about the actuals in vehicle appointments and payload.

Another thing I have going for me, my Laredo has no exposed bottles, full underbody covering, not sure about the passport or cougar. Maybe you brother doesn't air up his tires to 80lbs, maybe he has an exhaust, maybe he has an engine issue. Mine did, when they replaced the evap canister, it helped my daily driving economy.

So... FWIW

I'm still concerned for all those looking at ecoboosts, and other 1/2 tons, not considering the safety factors all around, but focusing on fuel economy and pulling power.

[EcoboostKev]

As far as i know there is know other 1/2 ton out there that compares to the new F150 with max tow and HD pkg. With an available payload around 2100-2300lbs for a Supercrew and a tow rating of 11,000lbs+ they shouldn't even be considered 1/2 tons anymore. And anyone thinking about purchasing one as a tow vehicle have no fear!! Just stay within the trucks ratings and you will be fine...:)

[tribalsimba]

As far as i know there is know other 1/2 ton out there that compares to the new F150 with max tow and HD pkg. With an available payload around 2100-2300lbs for a Supercrew and a tow rating of 11,000lbs+ they shouldn't even be considered 1/2 tons anymore. And anyone thinking about purchasing one as a tow vehicle have no fear!! Just stay within the trucks ratings and you will be fine...:)

Not saying the F150 EcoBoost isn't the most capable 1/2 ton out there for bridging the 3/4 ton gap, or a bad recommendation for the original poster. Just to clarify what your saying, the payload capacity of an EcoBoost "SuperCrew" with the MAX TOW package could be up to 1900lbs, depending on chassis. Then, also, when you also add the HD PAYLOAD option (which Everyone has suggested) it could bump to 2310lbs, again, depending. But you have to pay very close attention to the details of the exact truck you buy, and the Sport/Platinum, etc trim packages WILL consume some of that payload.

I bet the 4.10 and 3.73's do the same to the EcoBoost as they do to all trucks, increase pulling power, at the sacrifice to economy. The original poster was downgrading from an F350. I'd suggest for the total cost of ownership, the EcoBoost isn't the best bang for the buck in the first year, but possibly over several, if the mpg's daily driving stay above 17.

Since most don't dig into the details, and many on this forum have tried with lesser options, 3/4 ton simplifies the discussion. If your sure about the details, and factored the fuel costs over your ownership expectancy, it may be the better truck.

http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/payload/

[EcoboostKev]

Please try to understand, my primary focus and criticism is how well the entire chassis will hold up in the event of an emergency. Not how well it gets going, goes, or drinks. I do encourage you to compare your rear brake pads and rotors side by side with his. If your right, that's fantastic!

I remain encouraged that the fuel economy is only neglible. Discussing fuel economy, much is in the "foot" as others mention, and also, recall that the Yukon is dressed with heavier luxuries inside and out, than my base model Suburban LS, with only a 6.0L. That means the Yukon has more payload onboard before hitching. I'm also traveling with toddlers, not teenagers. Which may add a few pounds in your brothers case. Tires can change things, and terrain. I get 11mpg towing in Ohio, but only got 9 going across PA mountains.

From what I hear, here and from others, I am doing pretty good for my trailer & TV setup, but I also chose as I did intentionally, knowing what I do about the actuals in vehicle appointments and payload.

Another thing I have going for me, my Laredo has no exposed bottles, full underbody covering, not sure about the passport or cougar. Maybe you brother doesn't air up his tires to 80lbs, maybe he has an exhaust, maybe he has an engine issue. Mine did, when they replaced the evap canister, it helped my daily driving economy.

So... FWIW

I'm still concerned for all those looking at ecoboosts, and other 1/2 tons, not considering the safety factors all around, but focusing on fuel economy and pulling power.Just out of curiosity i wanted to see what the difference was in size of rotors. But i compared my F150 to a Superduty.


Fronts were 3mm bigger than Superduty


http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_63940_0_56081102a4e411a3ad8252c30f221743.jpght tp://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_63940_1_3662622a5511fcdd9a32ad7abd9f6d19.jpg


Rears were 8mm bigger


http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_63940_2_db01a76408f27f808ce30ec9c84a5643.jpght tp://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_63940_3_e703f8127d4298443a365677d07afb81.jpg
The F150 rotors are obviously not quite as strong and heavy duty as the others but certainly strong enough to handle anything within the F150's ratings. Not sure what size rotors are on your Suburban but considering your truck must be atleast 1000lbs heavier than mine I'm almost thinking my chances are a smidgen better than yours of being able to stop my rig better in an emergency situation. It also doesn't hurt that the new F150's comes with built sway control so if i lose control the computer will add breaking to the correct wheels and trailer to try and keep everything in a straight line. So like i said, don't be CONCERNED of those looking at the Ecoboost or any other 1/2 ton for that matter. As long as they are within the trucks ratings they will be fine. Not everyone needs a 3/4 ton or larger for a tow vehicle.. So lets just get out there and CAMP!!!!

[raycan2]

Well Iam new to the Forum, But I just bought a 2013 Keystone Cougar 27 BHS and a week later bought a 2013 F-150 4x4 Eco Boost with the tow package and I hope it does fine, Iam thinking of getting airbags on it..

[Festus2]

raycan2-
The airbags will help with the ride and getting the two units level but a reminder that the bags will do nothing to increase your payload or towing capacity.