Ecoboost

[Goldwing06]

Just wondering who is pulling a tt with an F150 w/ecoboost and how do they like the power of the little engine that could. Currently pulling a 28rls with mine and so far so good around 9.5 to 10 MPG @ 65 MPH. only hills around here are to overpasses so mostly flat ground.

[fla-gypsy]

I have heard nothing but good things about this motor. I am very interested in how long they will go before a major rebuild is required but looks like we will have to wait a few more years for that. If I were in the 1/2 ton market this would be an option for me.

[JRTJH]

That's the same with all the information I've heard. Early model Ford testing indicated very little (they advertise "zero" ) wear on the internal components of the engine with significant miles of towing use. Whether their ads are correct: who knows ????

But the engine seems to be holding up very well in public use and people who have them are very satisfied.

As for mileage, the small size will give great "solo" mileage, much better than a comparable V-8 and with the Ecoboost turbos, when towing produces essentially the same HP as the V-8 with even better low RPM torque. The only downside (if it is one) is that the fuel required to produce that torque is the same whether it's in a small 6 or a large 8. That means towing mileage is about the same whether using an Ecoboost or a large V-8. The savings come from solo driving, probably the majority of use for most RV'ers.

I haven't heard of anyone who is not satisfied with the performance, but there have been some issues with the truck's other components.

[Ron]

We are picking up a new ecoboost tomorrow, boy do they have a lot of power, the twin turbo think kinda bothers me, now 2 turbos to worry about, oh well thought we would give it a try anyway...

[LABSRUS]

We bought our 2013 F-150 Ecoboost in May and have only towed a 16 ft. Crestliner boat with it. But you wouldn't even know that it's back there!
We don't plan on towing our new TT, it will be parked at a campground year round. But we have no doubt that this truck will be able to tow it to a new campsite if the need arises.

[Bob Landry]

I don't own one, nor have I driven one so I don't have a dog in the hunt. I've read of some high altitude issues, but didn't delve into it very much since my F250 is only 10 months old. I'm curious how the engine is going to hold up to long distance heavy towing. In spite of the numbers, it's still a 6 cylinder and it's going to have to deal with a lot of torque, stress, and heat, so maybe we are a couple of years out from getting any real world numbers. Everyone seems to like them OK. My concern with it is that of any 1/2 ton truck, payload.

[Bluewater]

You might want to look into the GMS/Chevy 1500's with the small 5.3 V8. Less money and better mileage are just a couple nice features. Just my opinion not to get into a feud over what is better.:)

[x96mnn]

In 2010 it was just too new for me to go with it. Although the engine was around for a while it was the first time in the truck. If I knew then what I do today I most likely be driving one. Had them out then for test drives and most recently with a freind who was shopping and they are nice.

From a gas stand point I do not think you will get better by much with any of the brands. I travel with two dodges a ford and two chevs and we are about the same with a load...even the 06 hemi. Now not hauling I don't know who gets better as we always have the campers in tow. When I'm not towing I am driving the car...and it has a hemi too lol.

[BulletOwner1]

We just returned to our home on the Oregon coast from a 3 month stay near Reno. Our 2012 F150 ECOBoost. On both the trip down and back we crossed several passes of 3, 4, and I think 5,000 feet. The power of this little V6 is awesome. What is unique about it is the torque range. 90 percent of the power is available from about 1700 rpm to 5000 rpm. I was able to easily climb all these passes at the speed limit. No lugging down, no hoping I can keep the rpm's in the power band, it just goes up the hill. I tow a Bullet 284RLS that is about 6 to 7k lbs. I tow locking out 6th and in "Tow/Haul" mode. 13K miles with about 3300 towing. To truly understand you have to drive the truck preferably towing something. A little over 10 mpg. Not towing varies in proportion to how much foot I use, 16 to 20. Needless to say I am satisfied customer. Still early in the time line but so far I've had zero problems.

[fla-gypsy]

I don't own one, nor have I driven one so I don't have a dog in the hunt. I've read of some high altitude issues, but didn't delve into it very much since my F250 is only 10 months old. I'm curious how the engine is going to hold up to long distance heavy towing. In spite of the numbers, it's still a 6 cylinder and it's going to have to deal with a lot of torque, stress, and heat, so maybe we are a couple of years out from getting any real world numbers. Everyone seems to like them OK. My concern with it is that of any 1/2 ton truck, payload.

I have heard stories of problems but never actually heard an owner of one with a problem. Any anecdotal reports are suspect at this point.

[fla-gypsy]

You might want to look into the GMS/Chevy 1500's with the small 5.3 V8. Less money and better mileage are just a couple nice features. Just my opinion not to get into a feud over what is better.:)

But the 5.3 is bigger and can't hold a candle power wise. Just not an apples to apples comparison.

[Ken / Claudia]

I hope that the e boost engines work out great. I have found that no matter what truck when there is something new like, engine, transmission etc that have not been around before, we customers get to be the test subjects as to how really good the new stuff is. And it takes acouple years of history to show how good or how bad it can be. Like I said I hope they are great, I might trade in my ranger for one.

[richf28]

I have the 2011 Hornet 28rls and pull it with a 2011 Ecoboost screw. 5.5 box and 3:73 gearing. I have gone from Pennsylvania to central Florida the last two years and will be leaving next week again for the winter. average from 6 mpg in the mountains to 9 mpg on the flats. I cant complain on power and torque. Wish I had a bigger fuel tank though.

[dschamp]

Absolutely love my 2011 SCrew FX4 EcoBoost! This is the fourth F-150 SCrew for me since 2000. All have been excellent trucks, but the EcoBoost is a huge improvement in the pulling and economy department.

When I went to my local dealership considering a replacement to my 2007 F-150 with the 5.4 V-8 the salesman, who I have dealt with several time before, pointed me toward the EcoBoost. My response, "It will be a very cold day in hell when I buy a full-sized pick-up with a V-6." It took a few months, but I continued to research and the more I learned about the EcoBoost the more I had to drive one. Went back and took a test drive. I smiled the entire time I was driving the truck. Two days later one was sitting in my driveway and I continue to smile.

I have a 4500 pound aluminum fishing boat and with the EcoBoost pulling back and forth over the coast range (between the Willamette Valley where I live and the Oregon coast where the salmon live) is a breeze. I can do 60 - 70 up the hills just nudging the gas.

The EcoBoost also handles our 6500 pound 28RBS with no problems. Again, traveling over the coast range is a breeze at 55 - 60 mph. Because of the trailer other drivers will try to pin you in the slow lane on the big uphill grades. Boy do their eyes bulge when you can stick right on their back bumper all the way up the hill doing 60+. And, no, that's not with the gas pedal pinned to the floor. The power curve on the EcoBoost is perfect for towing and it only takes a little spurring.

Last summer I did blow the front transmission seal out and it made one heck of a mess of my boat. Truck had about 20,000 miles on it at that point. Dealership checked serial numbers and there was a recall on that tranny. They had the parts in one-day, repaired the next and no problems since. Bad thing is you don't know if you have a recalled tranny until you have a problem.

Overall, I love the EcoBoost. I can get 23 - 25 mpg unloaded on the freeway. Around town I get about 16 mpg and pulling it can range from 10 - 14 mpg. I agree with Rich 28 that the 25 gallon fuel tank could be bigger, but that's my only gripe. Just under 30k, nice truck and the EcoBoost power makes it fun to drive.

[Bean]

My 2012 has a 36 gallon tank. I think that was new for the 2012 model year.
I am very pleased with my ecoboost. I tow a Springdale 294bhssr and it has no problems. I have the max tow package.

I agree with the MPG given here about 22 on the highway, 16 in town and about 9-10 when towing.

Bean

[jje1960]

I have a friend that pulls a 36' TT with his 12' F150, they love it. They have stayed on the East Coast, however have made multiple trips and have had no problems.

[theasphaltrv'er]

We are towing a 31' 8600# TT mostly around the Southern Rockies from 6700 ft to as high as 10,000 ft . That lowly 1/2 ton F-150, (called by some) with that little V6 Ecoboost just zips that TT up & around that small chain of hills @ 60 mph and averages 9.8-10.6 while it's at it.. What a fantastic machine so far.

[RDB]

I have a 2012 S/Crew Ecoboost 6.5 ft bed with hd payload package and hd towing package. No issues towing our 2012 301BQ, 5 bikes and other items.

Engine light came on this spring and Ford replaced the intercooler and left catalytic converter. Did not notice any problems before or after it was fixed. No regrets at all and would purchase again.

The hd payload and hd towing package is worth the extra money...probably will need to order vs finding on the dealers lot.

[f6bits]

There are tons of stories at f150forum.com. However, the issue seems reproducible under specific conditions. In other words, with conscious effort, you can avoid the stalling issue.

What I take away from the situation is condensation can accumulate in the intercooler in certain weather conditions, and if you floor it at the wrong time, it can stall. Again, in the grand scheme of things, it's a *very* small percentage of Ecoboost F150s that experience this problem.

I envy the Ecoboost F150, but I'm happy enough with mine to not have the wandering eye. Maybe next time.

[skagitstan]

I have a 2013 Ecoboost 4x4 screw with a 3.55. It tows a 21RBSWE. Absolutely no problems hauling, either going over the North Cascades, traveling on the freeway, or on logging roads.

It's quiet, handles well, and gets reasonably good mileage towing (~10mpg overall on a trip over the crest), and very good mileage on the flats when not towing (~20+mpg). Since I don't live on the flats, I average about 16.5 mpg overall. The 36g gas tank is also really a good thing. Almost 600 mile range when not towing.

It also is probably the best truck I've had when not towing. One heck of a lot more power, better mileage than the 2008 Silverado 5.3L it replaces.

[BulletOwner1]

The 36g gas tank is also really a good thing. Almost 600 mile range when not towing.

I agree, except when you hit the gas station... :eek: . Love the ECB.

[EcoboostKev]

I've owned mine for over 2 1/2 yrs now and 31,000 mi. 8200 of those miles were towing my 32' Outback 292bh. I couldn't be happier with this trucks towing performance and all around comfort! Ford has hit it out of the park with this setup!!

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_107393_0_45cb75bb5ebcabc800ce0b2ce98d4dbc.jpeg

[dschamp]

I've owned mine for over 2 1/2 yrs now and 31,000 mi. 8200 of those miles were towing my 32' Outback 292bh. I couldn't be happier with this trucks towing performance and all around comfort! Ford has hit it out of the park with this setup!!

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_107457_0_45cb75bb5ebcabc800ce0b2ce98d4dbc.jpeg

Love the looks of the 20's, but hate the ride. Nice rig!

[Western Traveler]

pull it with a 2011 Ecoboost screw. 5.5 box and 3:73 gearing average from 6 mpg in the mountains to 9 mpg on the flats.

^^This is similar to a report from a friend towing with one.

The following issues scared me off as there are enough reports to substantiate a problem. If you care to start at this link and follows it a bit.
As stated earlier it takes a while to iron out the kinks but clearly many happy folks towing with these rigs.

http://www.f150forum.com/f38/2013-ecoboost-almost-got-me-killed-178809/

[skagitstan]

^^This is similar to a report from a friend towing with one.

The following issues scared me off as there are enough reports to substantiate a problem. If you care to start at this link and follows it a bit.
As stated earlier it takes a while to iron out the kinks but clearly many happy folks towing with these rigs.

http://www.f150forum.com/f38/2013-ecoboost-almost-got-me-killed-178809/
If you look at the dates in that link, the last post was in Feb of 2013, almost a year ago. Also, the sig lines of most of the folks show '12 model year trucks.

I was kinda concerned about this also, when I was doing the research before I bought my truck at the end of '12. I made sure that it was build after the date of the Nov. '12 fix to the IC & radiator shield.

It appears that most folks with problems have been in pre Nov '12 builds, and then in places with combined high heat & humidity. Since the Pacific Northwet doesn't usually get humid when it's hot, or hot when it's humid, I figured the good specs and otherwise good reviews outweighed the risk.

So far, the turbo has worked flawlessly. Just wait though, now that I've opened my yap, the truck will probably go BOOM tomorrow.:eek:

[Western Traveler]

Stan,
I noticed most of the problems were from old blog posts with the one 2013 guy commenting it had happened to him. For me I knew I wasn't going to buy new so it concerned me. Ford supposedly has a fix for the older models but it is still too early to tell from what I have read.
A friend recently purchased new and reported 6 mpg in mountains 8/9 flat desert and that was a concern for me as well (due to our history and hope of continuing to do trips of 1000+ miles at a time). Naturally he was promised way better mileage by the salesman :banghead: Understandably he is pretty bummed out about.

EVERYONE else I have talked to seem to love them!

I am sure yours will serve you well. Here's to safe travels in the New Year for everyone and their TV of choice.

[JRTJH]

Western Traveler,

I just read your post and can definitely understand your friend's disappointment in his mileage. You might want to let your friend know that there is a computer program upgrade that may well fix his truck's mileage issue. Well, that is depending on how he's driving and what he's towing. If he's pulling a 10K RV up a mountain pass at 65MPH against a headwind, he's not going to get the same mileage as someone towing the same rig up that pass at 45-50 without the headwind. But, if he's consistently getting poor mileage (most are getting 8.5-10.5 depending on speed and load) he might want to talk to his service manager (probably not the service advisor) and see if his computer has the latest upgrades.

[Husker991]

I have a 2013 Ford F-150 with the Ecoboost. I have the towing package and offroad pack and it pulls my 2013 Keystone Passport Elite 32FB wonderfully. I can't say that we've had any issues and that the trailer towed like a dream.

I live in Colorado so we've taken several trips up the mountains with no disappointment at all. That being said, I'm not a big complainer so I'm sure someone would find something to complain about.

We've had nothing but fun after upgrading from a Springdale and found that the 35 foot Passport pulled significantly easier than the 28 foot Springdale...no idea why, just a blessing I guess.

The Ecoboost is a great everyday truck as well. I'm averaging 17 plus some change in town and around 26 on the interstate. Pulling through the mountains has been around 12 so far.

I heard Chevy has a version of the Ecoboost coming out this year which will probably be a good one too. I know the Ecoboost had some bumps in the road the first couple years they were released. I'm sure the Chevy version will too.

I think if you're interested, go check it out. Some people will love the EcoBoost and others won't. I went in not wanting a 6 cylinder, but I was swayed after reading a lot and talking to some owners.

Check it out and make your educated decision. Mine was going with the Ecoboost, but I think you can justify it either way. Good luck.
Jeff

[Husker991]

I've owned mine for over 2 1/2 yrs now and 31,000 mi. 8200 of those miles were towing my 32' Outback 292bh. I couldn't be happier with this trucks towing performance and all around comfort! Ford has hit it out of the park with this setup!!

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_108357_0_45cb75bb5ebcabc800ce0b2ce98d4dbc.jpeg

What a great set up. Looks amazing and I'm sure performs like a champ.