View Full Version : 2017 ford F150
limit4
06-11-2017, 12:48 PM
Will a 2017 Ford F150 V8 with all the towing goodies handle my Cougar xlite 5th wheel. Dry Wt. 6964, GVWR 9990, Hitch wt 1190. Will I be happy with this combo? Oh I would go with short bed 4 wheel drive.Thanks.
Will a 2017 Ford F150 V8 with all the towing goodies handle my Cougar xlite. Dry Wt. 6964, GVWR 9990, Hitch wt 1190. Will I be happy with this combo? Oh I would go with short bed 4 wheel drive.Thanks.
Probably not.
Most 1/2 tons hit their limits at 7000 GVWR and a 25 foot long box due to relatively low payload capacity, short wheel base and P tires. Both the truck and trailer dealers will say it can, but the "numbers" and many on this and other forums have experienced otherwise.
And if your rig is a FW: The V8 in the F150 will be working hard against the wind.
notanlines
06-11-2017, 02:00 PM
Simply put, no. Go up one to the F250 and relax.
ctbruce
06-11-2017, 02:23 PM
Go with the 250/2500 size at least as suggested above. You'll be much happier, as it appears you are still on the fence thinking about it. The 150 just doesn't have the capacity you'd like to have. Many on here have been in the same place you are and convinced themselves the 150/1500 was ok. They have changed their minds and moved up in truck size, me included. If you do a search on here you'll find more discussions about this than you can read in a night. Make wise choices, you won't be disappointed.
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pawpaw
06-11-2017, 02:53 PM
Will a 2017 Ford F150 V8 with all the towing goodies handle my Cougar xlite 5th wheel. Dry Wt. 6964, GVWR 9990, Hitch wt 1190. Will I be happy with this combo? Oh I would go with short bed 4 wheel drive.Thanks.
F-250 with the 6-3/4 bed with gas or diesel would handle this load a lot better.
sourdough
06-11-2017, 03:13 PM
A trailer with a gvw of 9990 is out of the realm of a 1/2 ton period IMO. Been there, done that. When you add the fact that the 5vr is taller (catches more wind) a 1/2 ton with a V8 will struggle greatly.......plus I think you will find that you exceed one, and probably more, of your weight limits.
Note: Are you certain about those trailer numbers? The dry weight vs the gvw sure gives a trailer that weight a LOT of payload. What model is it?
Steve S
06-11-2017, 03:39 PM
Sadly but no. :nonono: It seems that most 1/2 tons now a days are just grocery getters and meant for zipping around town. You'd be putting yourself and others in danger on the road and it's not worth it. A 250 would be the way to go or any other truck that's equivalent to it. :)
JRTJH
06-11-2017, 04:28 PM
Limit4,
Let's look at the numbers for your 2013 XLite 26SAB and try to "anticipate" where your pin weight will be at GVW. Yes, you'll very likely be towing at or very near GVW, even though you may think at this time that you'll never be able to pack 2900 pounds of "stuff" into that small of a box.... I have a 27RKS and I can assure you that by the time you get camping gear, a couple of batteries, half a tank of fresh water and "almost full waste tanks", along with a tool box, a grill, some camping chairs, an awning mat, pots, pans, dishes, silverware, bedding, clothing, camping games, supplies like hoses, regulators, holding tank dump hoses, chocks, blocks, jack, spare tire, torque wrench, ... Oh and we haven't included the hitch, family, pets, a cooler, stuff for in the truck during the trip, and the list goes on and on.....
So, let's look at a few numbers: The 26SAB empty weight is 7047, cargo capacity is 2943 and pin weight (empty) is 1190. That's 17% of the empty weight, so at GVW, assuming you can load "equally" to the empty weight, your pin will weigh 1700 pounds (9990 x 0.17 = 1698). That doesn't include the hitch weight which if you have a 5.5' bed you'll need a sliding hitch at 175 pounds and if you have a 6.5' bed you can "skate by" with a conventional hitch at about 125 pounds.
So, let's look at the payload of the "typical" F150 V8 (heavier than the EcoBoost version). It will be for the short bed XLT equipped model around 1675 pounds and for the standard bed XLT version, about 1620 pounds.
So, "doing the numbers" it's pretty clear that you "might" be OK when the trailer is new (and empty) and before you gather "all your stuff" to take camping, but as you travel, as you camp, your "numbers" will approach the payload of your truck, but you've still got to add that hitch and the family to the mix. So, do you leave the generator home or do you leave the kid's bikes home or do you leave them both home and take the DW with you? You'll be facing decisions about what to take out and leave at home rather than loading what you need for the trip with the things you also want along for enjoyment....
To answer your initial question: "Will a 2017 Ford F150 V8 with all the towing goodies handle my Cougar xlite 5th wheel?" the short answer is: When you leave the dealership, probably yes, but after you equip your RV for camping and decide to take along the things that make camping enjoyable and rewarding: Then no, your truck will be overloaded and you won't enjoy towing. Every bump, every pothole, every railroad crossing will "make you pucker" and you'll grow tired of towing like that. For most of us it took just one camping season before we "upgraded" tow vehicles... I'm guessing if you do buy a new F150 and that trailer, come next April you'll be "taking it in the shorts" when you trade for an F250. Just do it now and avoid the financial losses as well as the year of "bad towing"....
captcolour
06-11-2017, 05:01 PM
For reference, I have a 2016 F-150 XLT Gas V8 SuperCab 6.5' bed. Payload sticker says 1935 lbs. If you use 20% pin weight, that exceeds the 1935 by itself. The F-150 is not the right truck. I ended up having to keep the 2016 F-150 because we would have lost too much trading up when I bought the 2017 F-350 diesel dually back in May.
One thing you should consider is whether you will keep the current 5er for several years, or do you see yourself upgrading that in the not too distant future? If so, go right to a truck that can handle what you think your next 5er would be (size/weight). It may make sense to consider a 350 over a 250, and diesel over gas, and DRW over SRW.
buzzcop63
06-11-2017, 06:02 PM
Sadly but no. :nonono: It seems that most 1/2 tons now a days are just grocery getters and meant for zipping around town. You'd be putting yourself and others in danger on the road and it's not worth it. A 250 would be the way to go or any other truck that's equivalent to it. :)
Each truck or car has design limits; many of us on this forum have 1/2-ton trucks that we purchased as tow vehicles. When the truck meets the numbers and does the job for which it was purchased at a cost we can afford and has the ability to pick up the groceries in comfort then we have the correct vehicle. When the load gets heaver then its time to move up in truck capacity. It is a balance to choose the truck that meets your needs and pocket book. You do not always need a sledgehammer to pound in a 10 Penney nail.
limit4
06-11-2017, 06:07 PM
Sourdough, This is a 2013 Cougar Xlite 26SAB. The weight numbers are off the little metal tag on the camper and the hitch weight is from a website. By the way we went to Destin with our new tires and they were great.
sourdough
06-12-2017, 10:22 AM
Sourdough, This is a 2013 Cougar Xlite 26SAB. The weight numbers are off the little metal tag on the camper and the hitch weight is from a website. By the way we went to Destin with our new tires and they were great.
Thanks. It DOES have a big payload.
I'm glad the new Maxxis tires worked good for you. They are good tires. And Destin? Don't know when you went but we always like it there - it's a pretty place and we love the water and beach (we aren't "beach" people - just the white sand and blue water). Hope you had fun - it can be a pretty hectic place.
As far as the truck and trailer combo John (JRTJH) gave you some excellent advice. I tried pulling a bumper pull 10k gvw with a 1/2 ton Ram hemi. The truck was over on payload by about 200 and that was with us trimming stuff back, not taking most things we wanted to take etc. then struggling across the country and back. Traded the truck in for a new HD as soon as we got back and it was just several months old. There is no need to try to "stretch" a truck to its limits and beyond to end up unhappy and worried for the whole trip. It's not much more to just get a 3/4 or one ton.
My guidelines are something like this; 1/2 ton up to about 7-8k(gas/big hp/torque), 3/4 ton gas up to about 10k, over 10k needs to be a diesel and it warrants at least a 3/4 ton. After my last purchase I've just about decided that my next truck will be a 1 ton even if I don't upgrade to a bigger trailer - just because. The bad ride kicks in with the 3/4 HD and the one ton isn't much worse so figure I will go with that since I'm not going back to a 1/2 ton as long as I pull a trailer as large as ours. JMO
jonnyaiks
06-12-2017, 03:25 PM
I pulled a 5500lb TT last year with my 2013 V8 F-150 from eastern Ontario through to southern Nova Scotia, and in the hilly parts of eastern Quebec through NS that motor screamed the whole way. Handling with the Husky Centerline was zero issue vis-à-vis control even in high wind, but we traded for a Ram 2500 diesel a month after we got back. I couldn't do that to a perfectly good half-ton again.
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limit4
06-12-2017, 06:27 PM
I want to thank you all for your comments. I have been pulling this unit with a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 V10. I own a S10 to run around in at home. My hopes was to go to one pickup. I am sure the newer 250 or 2500s would get better milage. So I am in the market for a new or near new 3Quarter ton. My neighbor, a30 yr man at our local Dodge dealer tells me the V10 has to go NOW. Thanks again.
Steve S
06-15-2017, 04:08 PM
Each truck or car has design limits; many of us on this forum have 1/2-ton trucks that we purchased as tow vehicles. When the truck meets the numbers and does the job for which it was purchased at a cost we can afford and has the ability to pick up the groceries in comfort then we have the correct vehicle. When the load gets heaver then its time to move up in truck capacity. It is a balance to choose the truck that meets your needs and pocket book. You do not always need a sledgehammer to pound in a 10 Penney nail.
Oh I'm not going to disagree with your post, my thoughts are with being on the road when you're just pushing the limits. Most of what people get to read is through spec sheets, or by what the shady tells you after you've paid for your trailer.
I was told knowingly sold to me to in a huge lie that the sales guys told me that my Tundra would have no problems pulling and I just smiled the whole time.:lol:
I did take it out on few local to me trips though and those Tundra's do have some power and even pretty good brakes. But we both knew that we'd have to step up and buy something a little bigger. The F-350, dually 4x4 was overkill but I bought that purposely as I knew that one day we'd be looking again. Actually it's just me and my dog now.
sourdough
06-15-2017, 04:16 PM
I want to thank you all for your comments. I have been pulling this unit with a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 V10. I own a S10 to run around in at home. My hopes was to go to one pickup. I am sure the newer 250 or 2500s would get better milage. So I am in the market for a new or near new 3Quarter ton. My neighbor, a30 yr man at our local Dodge dealer tells me the V10 has to go NOW. Thanks again.
If you are pulling with the old V10 your guy at the dealership is right!! The V10s got/get terrible mileage and the new trucks will be a great improvement. Your thoughts on the 3/4 ton is on the money for that trailer - if you don't plan on upsizing. If you do and still get the 3/4 just realize you will probably want to buy a bigger truck then as well. You're headed in the right direction - good luck.
admpss
06-19-2017, 09:41 AM
I think not. We have a 2016 F-150 Sport with the 385 HP 5.0 litre V-8 and 3.55 rear axle. We trusted the recommended towing maximum of 9,000 lbs and purchased a Cougar 29 BHS with a dry weight of 6,740. With a full fresh water tank and camp gear, we're probably pulling 7,500 lbs. On completely flat highways, the truck pulls OK. On any grade over 2%, it struggles quite a bit and drops down to 4th gear. We hit some steep grades in Arkansas that had us dropping down to first gear at a maximum speed of 2 mph. We discovered the hard way that torque is far more important than horsepower in a tow vehicle. We're currently shopping for a F-250 diesel.
ctbruce
06-19-2017, 12:28 PM
Not pushing one way or another and others on a different post gave a thumbs up to the gas option. That said, and others will disagree, the cost difference between the 250 and 350 is slight. Just food for thought.
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notanlines
06-19-2017, 03:59 PM
What Bruce said^^^^. Any of the big three the difference is in the neighborhood of $600 to $1000. We already argue the diesel point enough on here. If I had my way we'd be pulling the Raptor with a small Volvo single screw tractor, but mama said "nugatory, big mama."
rhagfo
06-19-2017, 04:24 PM
Will a 2017 Ford F150 V8 with all the towing goodies handle my Cougar xlite 5th wheel. Dry Wt. 6964, GVWR 9990, Hitch wt 1190. Will I be happy with this combo? Oh I would go with short bed 4 wheel drive.Thanks.
Have you considered a F150 EcoBoost? More power all the time and more payload. I believe the 2017's with the Max/Max tow and payloads top out at 7,800# GVWR, haven't looked at the payload numbers, will a bit later. That said some F150 with good trim have Payloads as good or better than 250/2500's.
busterbrown
06-19-2017, 05:13 PM
Have you considered a F150 EcoBoost? More power all the time and more payload. I believe the 2017's with the Max/Max tow and payloads top out at 7,800# GVWR, haven't looked at the payload numbers, will a bit later. That said some F150 with good trim have Payloads as good or better than 250/2500's.
I looked at buying a new F150 Max tow prior to buying my 3/4 ton RAM. Pricing was not in my favor as the it exceeded what I paid for my new, similarly-optioned RAM by $6-7K. The ride comfort was what I was looking for out of the F150. Instead, I got more payload, a higher stance, larger mega cab, and a much lower payment. This was a no-brainer for me.
kcamp99186
07-22-2017, 09:17 AM
I have a 34' Bullet Premier weighing about 6700lbs. My first tow vehicle was aF150 with the Ecoboost engine. It would pull very well at 65 to 70mph with no problems. Stopped well too. I did however bust a rear shock, due to overloading I expect. I installed towing shocks that had springs on them and it did help but I always watched what I loaded. Just traded it in on a F250 diesel and boy what a difference! Pulls just as well but much more stable feel. Go bigger if you can.
ftrupe
07-22-2017, 07:53 PM
Would never think of towing a 5ver with my 2017 f150. I will stick with a trailer of a max weight of 6000 lbs. I drive the truck for pleasure more than towing, and the ecoboost mileage is pretty good. Towing about 11.5, non towing 18 local and 22 highway.
ncgrl1
07-23-2017, 04:28 PM
I know I am going to get flamed here but we towed our 2015 Cougar 26SAB all over the place with my 2012 Ram 1500 regular cab 2WD short bed, and I was very pleased with the way it handled it. It was much easier pulling the 5th wheel than it was pulling the lighter travel trailer we had before the Cougar. My truck had the 5.7 Hemi with 3.92 rear axle ratio. The only thing I added other than the hitch was a set of Airlift 1000 air bags for $89.00. I pulled it through the mountains of WV, NC, Ky, and SC. and never felt the least bit uncomfortable. I would have no problems at all doing it again. The truck had plenty of power and the Cougar 26SAB pulled like a dream. I even got better mileage pulling the 5th wheel than I did the lighter travel trailer...
sourdough
07-23-2017, 04:53 PM
I know I am going to get flamed here but we towed our 2015 Cougar 26SAB all over the place with my 2012 Ram 1500 regular cab 2WD short bed, and I was very pleased with the way it handled it. It was much easier pulling the 5th wheel than it was pulling the lighter travel trailer we had before the Cougar. My truck had the 5.7 Hemi with 3.92 rear axle ratio. The only thing I added other than the hitch was a set of Airlift 1000 air bags for $89.00. I pulled it through the mountains of WV, NC, Ky, and SC. and never felt the least bit uncomfortable. I would have no problems at all doing it again. The truck had plenty of power and the Cougar 26SAB pulled like a dream. I even got better mileage pulling the 5th wheel than I did the lighter travel trailer...
Not going to get flamed....just knowing nods of the heads of the folks that have been there done that. If you could read my posts on this forum when I first joined.....well, you may have because they sound just like me.....when I didn't know better:)
theasphaltrv'er
07-26-2017, 02:04 PM
Everyone says you can't tow a 5er with a 1/2 ton.
notanlines
07-26-2017, 06:13 PM
Those of you interested in the tow factor of the F-150 can glean a little info at this site:
http://www.f150ecoboost.net/forum/17-f150-ecoboost-towing/216-5th-wheel-towing-ecoboost.html
ctbruce
07-27-2017, 03:16 AM
A trailer is a huge investment. Using the right sized TV makes more sense than trying skimp by with a might work truck. A lot of us on this forum have tried to tow over weight with a 150/1500, me included. That, for me only lasted until I could buy the right sized truck.
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jonnyaiks
07-27-2017, 04:40 AM
Let's not conflate safety with comfort. If the trailer is within the 1/2-ton's specified limits then it's safe - if it's not then it isn't. When I upgraded to a hd diesel for my old TT, it wasn't because the F-150 couldn't do it safely, it was because I got tired of redlining her up all those big hills.
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JRTJH
07-27-2017, 06:59 AM
The situation is, I think, that many novice (and too many experienced) RV'ers tend to either confuse (or use as evidence) the half ton specs to equal trailer capacity. In other words, payload equals tongue/pin weight and max trailer weight equals trailer GVW. Where that falls short is that many omit other cargo, trailer cargo/equipment weight, passengers, and additions to the truck such as running boards, bed liners, heavier tires, and other mods that "eat up" the payload.
Just because a truck has a payload of 1600 pounds doesn't mean you can tow a trailer with a 1300 pound tongue weight and say you have a 19% safety margin. By the time you add the 100 pound hitch, mom, the kids, the pooch, two ice chests, firewood, the bikes and that tool chest.... well, hopefully you get the point I'm trying to make......
I agree, half ton truck can tow safely, in fact, nearly any vehicle can "tow safely" if they are properly equipped and the trailer is within that vehicles capacity and specifications. But nobody can "tow safely" by following "all the maximums for the truck" and applying them to the trailer while ignoring "the rest of the stuff we all carry on every trip. There are two or three current threads on the forum that "apply that concept" to "well, the brochure says the truck payload is 3,000 pounds and Keystone's website says the fifth wheel I want has a pin weight that's only 1700 pounds, so I'm only about half of my payload". It just don't work that way......
jonnyaiks
07-27-2017, 07:26 AM
I would hope that would be obvious... <he says knowing the truth>
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I would hope that would be obvious... <he says knowing the truth>
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You need to read some of the towing threads... :D :lol:
B-O-B'03
07-27-2017, 09:11 AM
Those of you interested in the tow factor of the F-150 can glean a little info at this site:
http://www.f150ecoboost.net/forum/17-f150-ecoboost-towing/216-5th-wheel-towing-ecoboost.html
I browsed through a bit, found this to be very interesting:
"The nice thing about the High Country is that Keystone uses "Helium" technology in the construct of their 5th wheels which drastically reduces overall weight and in our case 1975 pounds"
So, Keystone fills it with helium and it just floats down the road :lol:
-Brian
jonnyaiks
07-27-2017, 09:42 AM
So I have a Montana HC, and I've been interested in what that was. It turns out that most of the weight loss comes from lighter (cable) slides, using Italian poplar instead of luan, and light-weight versions of interior furniture, and overall more aluminum less wood. The helium must come in where they suck it in on the assembly line and talk in funny voices. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but sales gimmicks just annoy me.
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notanlines
07-27-2017, 10:08 AM
Brian, I had never heard the term until you mentioned it. This is what I came up with on a short search: http://www.allaboutcampers.com/helium-technology-high-country-campers/
Yep, sounds a little like gimmick to me.
CaptnJohn
07-27-2017, 05:03 PM
The situation is, I think, that many novice (and too many experienced) RV'ers tend to either confuse (or use as evidence) the half ton specs to equal trailer capacity. In other words, payload equals tongue/pin weight and max trailer weight equals trailer GVW. Where that falls short is that many omit other cargo, trailer cargo/equipment weight, passengers, and additions to the truck such as running boards, bed liners, heavier tires, and other mods that "eat up" the payload.
Just because a truck has a payload of 1600 pounds doesn't mean you can tow a trailer with a 1300 pound tongue weight and say you have a 19% safety margin. By the time you add the 100 pound hitch, mom, the kids, the pooch, two ice chests, firewood, the bikes and that tool chest.... well, hopefully you get the point I'm trying to make......
I agree, half ton truck can tow safely, in fact, nearly any vehicle can "tow safely" if they are properly equipped and the trailer is within that vehicles capacity and specifications. But nobody can "tow safely" by following "all the maximums for the truck" and applying them to the trailer while ignoring "the rest of the stuff we all carry on every trip. There are two or three current threads on the forum that "apply that concept" to "well, the brochure says the truck payload is 3,000 pounds and Keystone's website says the fifth wheel I want has a pin weight that's only 1700 pounds, so I'm only about half of my payload". It just don't work that way......
Really sometimes no reason to explain ~~ my Cougar had a published PW of 1705 and the Montana HC is 600# higher. Scaled weights loaded are just under 400# different. Same "stuff" same 2 people. 8' longer... only major diff is a larger RV fridge and extra sofa.
fraleywp
08-08-2017, 05:34 AM
I think what people are saying here is accurate. Also, if you are towing with an F150, the Ecoboost is far superior to the V8. If you are well under 5k it likely won't matter but as you approach the 7k Mark, the difference in towing between the V8 and Ecoboost is very apparent. The V8 will struggle far sooner than the Ecoboost.
Simply put, the Ecoboost engines, both of them, have a far better performance curve. Too often people get caught up on max hp and max torque. How it delivers this power, up to and including max, is what really matters.
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jonnyaiks
08-08-2017, 08:56 AM
I'm not sure I agree. I had the V8 and my father had the ecoboost. He regretted his choice pretty quickly. He had to run hard to pull heavy, I didn't at all. Despite advertisement, in the real world his fuel mileage hauling heavy was garbage and mine just hummed along. After he blew his first 2 turbos he got rid of it for a V8. He was 80 so he wasn't out there WOT'ing it for fun. I have neighbours with similar experiences. Maybe it's skewed because I have a small sample, but certainly the love affair for the ecoboost is not universal.
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fraleywp
08-08-2017, 09:57 AM
I'm not sure I agree. I had the V8 and my father had the ecoboost. He regretted his choice pretty quickly. He had to run hard to pull heavy, I didn't at all. Despite advertisement, in the real world his fuel mileage hauling heavy was garbage and mine just hummed along. After he blew his first 2 turbos he got rid of it for a V8. He was 80 so he wasn't out there WOT'ing it for fun. I have neighbours with similar experiences. Maybe it's skewed because I have a small sample, but certainly the love affair for the ecoboost is not universal.
Sent from my SM-G930W8 using TapatalkIt must be skewed. It also depends on the year. The newer Ecoboost has a different transmission and there are now three generations of Ecoboost as well. Anecdotal evidence aside, the numbers don't lie. The new Ecoboost (not sure when it starts shipping) only ups the ante. There is now a 10-speed transmission on some models and it will be on all soon.
If you need more anecdotal evidence just head over to F150forums and there is a ton of it there. Most of the conversations are by people who tow on a daily basis. If you tow constantly it seems a nearly universal belief that the 3.5 Ecoboost is the best. There are a few threads that state for daily towing the V8 is better than the 2.6 Ecoboost for the reasons you state. But the 2.6 still has a better power curve. Another odd fact is that the 2.6 Ecoboost with 3.31 rear end is the fastest from 0-60 of all the options. That will likely change when the new 3.5 is out as it has a substantial power increase.
Also, it is not common for people to blow out these turbos unmodified. I think your Dad had a defect. What year was his truck?
The biggest complaint on the Ecoboost has to be the lack of good sounding exhaust upgrades.
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jonnyaiks
08-08-2017, 09:59 AM
His was 2012, mine (non ecob) was 2013. Edit - neighbours' were 2012-2013.
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fraleywp
08-08-2017, 10:32 AM
His was 2012, mine (non ecob) was 2013. Edit - neighbours' were 2012-2013.
Sent from my SM-G930W8 using TapatalkThat was GEN 1 I believe. The newer 3.5 has had some interim changes. Definitely 2015 and up all have The 6-speed tranny. They are over 400# lighter too. The new one will be crazy powerful. Insane amounts of torque.
I think my next truck will be diesel though.
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jonnyaiks
08-08-2017, 10:35 AM
That's how I went.
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rcwyatt
08-08-2017, 10:54 AM
I have the 2016 3.5 ecoboost. Overall pleased with it. Pulling approx 5000 lb camper. Plenty of power up the hills. Only disappointed with the mileage. Anywhere from 8 to 12 and seems like it has a lot to do with the fuel. Sometimes I will be getting 10+ and fill up and all of a sudden I am getting 8mpg. I do understand that 10mpg average is common but I unrealistically thought it would be 10+ all the time. More truth in the boost than the "eco". Researched the truck expensively before I bought it. The did have some turbo moister problems with the 1st generation. Couldn't find any problems with the last 3 years models. Like I said overall happy with the truck.
Outback 325BH
08-08-2017, 10:59 AM
Until it is an option on a Super Duty, none of this matters to anyone that requires a real truck. 1/2 tons just don't get the job done for big heavy work. They can have the best engine, but if the rest of the truck is inadequate it is all moot.
Given the diesel offering for those that need it, the ecoboost in a Super Duty probably will never make sense. If the ecoboost costs $3-4K more than the 6.2, the diesel option isn't that far away.
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rcwyatt
08-08-2017, 11:01 AM
Real truck!!!! I guess you are one of those.
rcwyatt
08-08-2017, 11:03 AM
A real truck!!! My truck is perfect for my needs.
fraleywp
09-01-2017, 02:59 PM
So, I decided to upgrade my truck due to the small gas tank on the '15. I looked at a 250 but in my price range it would have been a stripper. No console and no options. I drive daily, but I don't tow daily.
So I compromised. I found 3 trucks with the options I wanted and within my price range. I ended up with a 5.0. It had a greater payload and towing capacity than the '15 Ecoboost. The '15 was a 2.7 though. The maximum towing capability on the F150 is the 3.5. I couldn't find one with the 36 gal tank that wasn't approaching 60k. Not wanting to spend that much on a half ton.
I am towing a tt with a max payload of 7200 and the new '17 has a max tow of 9100. The '15 max was 7500. The overall payload went up by 850 as well but I forget the actual number at the moment. I just felt I was a little too close to max with the '15 and I have a better safety margin now.
I towed the trailer from NE GA to St Petersburg Florida and it handled it like a champ. I did not have a ton of gear and all tanks on the trailer were empty. I have no plans of towing carrying water unless it's a local campground.
I do now believe the guy earlier in this thread about how towing with the V8 feels less strained. But I can only compare to the smaller Ecoboost. The 3.5 is still supposed to be more capable.
If I ever upgrade to a heavier trailer I will also be upgrading to a 3/4 or 1 ton. But I would hate to have to use a Superduty as a daily driver. The handling is just not good enough in daily use for my taste.
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sourdough
09-01-2017, 03:21 PM
So, I decided to upgrade my truck due to the small gas tank on the '15. I looked at a 250 but in my price range it would have been a stripper. No console and no options. I drive daily, but I don't tow daily.
So I compromised. I found 3 trucks with the options I wanted and within my price range. I ended up with a 5.0. It had a greater payload and towing capacity than the '15 Ecoboost. The '15 was a 2.7 though. The maximum towing capability on the F150 is the 3.5. I couldn't find one with the 36 gal tank that wasn't approaching 60k. Not wanting to spend that much on a half ton.
I am towing a tt with a max payload of 7200 and the new '17 has a max tow of 9100. The '15 max was 7500. The overall payload went up by 850 as well but I forget the actual number at the moment. I just felt I was a little too close to max with the '15 and I have a better safety margin now.
I towed the trailer from NE GA to St Petersburg Florida and it handled it like a champ. I did not have a ton of gear and all tanks on the trailer were empty. I have no plans of towing carrying water unless it's a local campground.
I do now believe the guy earlier in this thread about how towing with the V8 feels less strained. But I can only compare to the smaller Ecoboost. The 3.5 is still supposed to be more capable.
If I ever upgrade to a heavier trailer I will also be upgrading to a 3/4 or 1 ton. But I would hate to have to use a Superduty as a daily driver. The handling is just not good enough in daily use for my taste.
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You don't specify the payload of your truck (door sticker) but I would think that your new truck will do just fine pulling a trailer with a gvw of 7200. If you start doing a lot of mountains you will probably make the 5.0 work but it won't hurt it. You didn't say what kind of WDH/SC you had but make sure you have a good one. Then, have fun with the new truck!! As far as the HD truck and handling....I said the same thing! Funny, after a few years it seems to "handle" pretty good; parking/tight spots - not so much:(
fraleywp
09-01-2017, 03:31 PM
You don't specify the payload of your truck (door sticker) but I would think that your new truck will do just fine pulling a trailer with a gvw of 7200. If you start doing a lot of mountains you will probably make the 5.0 work but it won't hurt it. You didn't say what kind of WDH/SC you had but make sure you have a good one. Then, have fun with the new truck!! As far as the HD truck and handling....I said the same thing! Funny, after a few years it seems to "handle" pretty good; parking/tight spots - not so much:(I am not able to look at the door sticker at the moment but I did look at it before. The only thing I remember off the top of my head is the payload is 800lbs higher than the 2.7 was. The new one is 7050k payload package and the old one was 6250. I want to say it was 1804 on the sticker.
I am using an E2 WDH. The new truck has sway control so not sure I will need to go to an E4 yet. My understanding is I would need to disable the factory sway control if I do move up to something like an E4.
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fraleywp
09-01-2017, 03:33 PM
I am not able to look at the door sticker at the moment but I did look at it before. The only thing I remember off the top of my head is the payload is 800lbs higher than the 2.7 was. The new one is 7050k payload package and the old one was 6250. I want to say it was 1804 on the sticker.
I am using an E2 WDH. The new truck has sway control so not sure I will need to go to an E4 yet. My understanding is I would need to disable the factory sway control if I do move up to something like an E4.
Sent from my SM-G950U using TapatalkAnd I am sure my E rated Nittos are contributing to stability. They have 3400 something payload per tire. 10 ply tires with puncture resistant sidewalls. Swapped my wheels and tires when I traded.
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sourdough
09-01-2017, 04:10 PM
Using an E2 vs E4 is your decision but I would go with the E4 simply because of the enhanced sway control and increased safety factor (Equalizer 4 point is what I use). 7200 lbs. is a pretty good load on a 1/2 ton and I suspect the trailer is 30+ ft.? I don't think you have to do anything to the truck sway control when you add the WDH/SC. The internal truck sway control uses internal mechanisms to help prevent sway in the truck. The external trailer sway control will help control the sway generated in the trailer. They should work together to enhance the properties of each other.
And yes, the tires should be helping as well.
fraleywp
09-01-2017, 07:17 PM
Using an E2 vs E4 is your decision but I would go with the E4 simply because of the enhanced sway control and increased safety factor (Equalizer 4 point is what I use). 7200 lbs. is a pretty good load on a 1/2 ton and I suspect the trailer is 30+ ft.? I don't think you have to do anything to the truck sway control when you add the WDH/SC. The internal truck sway control uses internal mechanisms to help prevent sway in the truck. The external trailer sway control will help control the sway generated in the trailer. They should work together to enhance the properties of each other.
And yes, the tires should be helping as well.What you say about sway control makes sense, I was just going by a recommendation I read on another forum. I will keep the E2 for now, but may go to the E4 if I start feeling any squirliness while towing.
The dry weight is listed at 4600 something pounds. Even if we add 1k to that I don't see adding 1600 lbs in gear to the trailer. I dont have kids so at most it would be me and 1 or 2 others camping. I also don't intend to carry water.
Part of the reason I traded the other truck is the max tow rating for it was only 400lbs over the max trailer weight. Too close of a margin for me.
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sourdough
09-01-2017, 07:39 PM
Good. If you plan to run at 6k or below you should be in good shape. The problem with sway will be with the length of the trailer and the amount of wind and turbulence it can catch. You be the judge but with a good, properly tuned WDH/SC you should never feel the tail of the trailer move in any other direction than what the truck is pushed - they should act as one. If you feel the trailer do anything other than that, and I'm afraid you will, you need a more substantial SC.
fraleywp
09-01-2017, 08:23 PM
I really appreciate the advice. Thanks.
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