F150 Ecoboost Guys

[elksnout]

I’ll try to get to my point. Ford guy here. Staying that way. Current truck is a 2014 supercrew 4x4 with the 5.0/auto and 3:55 axle ratio. She’s getting on in miles. Just about to roll over 204,000 shortly. Absolutely been the best rig I’ve owned. I’m loyal and partial to that 5.0.

Enter thoughts about a new to me truck. (2021-2024ish). I’d like to haul a 25-26’ travel trailer. A nice one. Not those cheap lite versions. Probably pushing 6K for dry weight??  For you guys doing such, what are your real world experiences on towing with that 3.5? Going over passes, power to safely pass semi’s , etc.? I’m aware of their tow ratings and my current trucks. But there’s going down the highway then there’s going down the highway if you get my drift.

I’ve looked at the 250’s and 350’s but I don’t want to get that horrible of mileage for those gassers and diesels don’t thrill me. And other than towing a travel trailer I don’t need that much truck. Also, it would be my daily driver and only vehicle.

Confused in Washougal

elksnout

[HillHound]

I have a 2016 f250 diesel and a 21 f150 with the 3.5 eco boost. I pull a 20ft car trailer with a tractor, 18ft hideout camp trailer, 14ft utility trailer with sxs with both. Usually use the 250 on longer trips or when fully loaded. The 150 pulls great too but I do notice it’s a lot harder to stop. The bigger brake calipers on the 250 make a big difference. So yes it will probably pull what you want just give your self some room to stop if you get a lot of weight behind you

[dog]

The 3.5 will be fine for your requirements. The problem these days is with the transmission that goes with it. Ford’s 10 speed transmission has issues. My ‘19 only had 52k on it when then transmission went out and was a $7k repair. Seems to be a pretty common story unfortunately.

[CP]

I’m on my 2nd Ford with EB and the 10-speed transmission and I’ve had zero issues with either vehicle.

You should have no problem towing 6K.  Do use “Tow mode”, as it improves the shift points, power curve and helps with braking.  Expect the turbos to be pumping most of the time while towing and expect your fuel mileage to reflect that. 

[vandeman17]

I’m on my 2nd Ford with EB and the 10-speed transmission and I’ve had zero issues with either vehicle.

You should have no problem towing 6K.  Do use “Tow mode”, as it improves the shift points, power curve and helps with braking.  Expect the turbos to be pumping most of the time while towing and expect your fuel mileage to reflect that.

  I am on my second ecoboost with my current being the hybid model. You will have no issues pulling a heavier trailer but you will be stopping often to fuel up.

[andersonjk4]

I had a 2007 F150 with the 5.4L and it was a great pickup.  I used it to pull a fairly heavy older 24' camp trailer and it pulled great and stopped it ok.  We bought a newer and bigger 26' Outdoors RV trailer (6800# Dry).  I was able to pull it just fine with the 2007 F150 but 60+mph on the freeway was sketchy even with a good weight distribution hitch.  I Ended up selling the F150 and getting an F250 with diesel.  It does a much better job towing and more importantly controlling and stopping.  The increased stopping power alone saved me from a huge accident on I90 when traffic came to a sudden hault.  I was able to stop with a couple feet to space and keep the trailer from jack-knifing.  I can guarantee with the F150 I would have plowed into the vehicle infront of me.  Be very careful when towing trailers heavier than the tow vehicle.  Also we have a 2020 Expedition with an ecoboost.  its been great and has plenty of power.  I have towed a horse trailer and lightly loaded dump trailer without issue.

[IdeehoT]

From what I've read '21+ models have updated transmissions. And the max tow comes with larger rear brakes, though I don't know how much it actually helps. I have a '23, but haven't towed with it. Lariat, very nice truck.

[HikerHunter]

I don't have advice for towing big stuff, but I have a 2017 F150 3.5 EB and would highly recommend the 36 gallon fuel tank. Fuel up time stings a little more, but the extra range is awesome.

[vandeman17]

I don't have advice for towing big stuff, but I have a 2017 F150 3.5 EB and would highly recommend the 36 gallon fuel tank. Fuel up time stings a little more, but the extra range is awesome.

This is very true when in the hills. Its nice topping off in town and getting up to the mountains, not worrying about having to go fuel up mid hunt

[dreadi]

I don't have advice for towing big stuff, but I have a 2017 F150 3.5 EB and would highly recommend the 36 gallon fuel tank. Fuel up time stings a little more, but the extra range is awesome.

This is very true when in the hills. Its nice topping off in town and getting up to the mountains, not worrying about having to go fuel up mid hunt

Yeah I agree with you having the 36gal as well. Now if they could make it a minimum 30mpg too, that would be great. I'm getting a max of 21mpg with an average speed of 60mph. Slow goings to get the mileage.


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[Pnwrider]

Not sure why ford does this but Both my previous‘18 and current ‘23 3.5 EB have a class iii which had a sticker for max tongue weight of 500 lbs. I believe running a WDH increases it. I was technically over capacity when towing my 8k lb boat. I no longer have the boat but if I did I would go back to a 3/4 ton diesel. Especially if you tow over the mountains with A travel trailer. Exhaust brake on my diesel was a gamechanger towing in the mountains as well.

[elksnout]

Thanks for the input guys. My current rig (as mentioned in original post) has the 6’-6” bed, 36 gallon fuel tank and factory tow option. I’ve added Firestone airbags years ago as well. 10 ply tires too. I owned and towed a 21’ travel trailer that was pushing 5K empty. The 5.0 did okay. Actually pretty good. I’m just considering other options as trucks have changed since 2014. As has my lifestyle.

I’m aware of the issues Ford had with the pre ‘21 3.5’s as well as their 10 speed transmissions. That’s why I’d go newer. Looking at a F250 with the diesel I just don’t think that I can justify the extra purchase price and upkeep for something driven daily and empty 90% of the time. No way my bank account can withstand feeding the 6.2 or Godzilla gassers…

elksnout

[HntnFsh]

Hated the 6.2 and 10 speed in my 2024 f350 service truck! Weirdest shifting transmission ever. Had times towing about 7500 pounds that when I took off I thought the wheels were spinning or the transmission was a slipping. Wasn't either. Just the way it shifted.

[JohnVH]

my 2013 3.5eb towed this ok, almost 33' and 6700lbs dry..  Easily up over the passes and all, but it would get hot! And get 7-8mpg towing, max.. Got rid of it for an '18 2500 6.7 cummins this year, zero regrets. Better towing, better mpg. But the F150 has been my favorite truck of all time otherwise.

[kball4]

F-250 with a diesel would not be a good option.  You'd most likely have more payload with a F-150 and the 3.5L than a F-250 with a diesel.  The only negative with the 3.5L is there's virtually no engine braking, other than that it's a great for towing.  If you really think you need something bigger than a F-150 skip the 250 and go straight to a 350.

[IdeehoT]

Helped a guy out who hurt his back between hunting trips and couldn't go get his trailer from the mountains. Not a big, heavy trailer, I would have used my F150 but since he offered for me to just take his couple year old F350 with the 6.7 I said sure. Engine and transmission was great, but oh my that's a stiff ride! Without a heavy load, uncomfortably harsh, especially on rutted up, washboard sections. Got back in my F150, amazing difference in comfort!

Do you want a dedicated towing truck that gives up a lot for daily stuff? Or want an every day truck that gives up some in towing? Either way you're going to give something up.

I wouldn't buy an F350 after driving that for 7 hours yesterday. Curious how an F250 would compare

[Boss .300 winmag]

Helped a guy out who hurt his back between hunting trips and couldn't go get his trailer from the mountains. Not a big, heavy trailer, I would have used my F150 but since he offered for me to just take his couple year old F350 with the 6.7 I said sure. Engine and transmission was great, but oh my that's a stiff ride! Without a heavy load, uncomfortably harsh, especially on rutted up, washboard sections. Got back in my F150, amazing difference in comfort!

Do you want a dedicated towing truck that gives up a lot for daily stuff? Or want an every day truck that gives up some in towing? Either way you're going to give something up.

I wouldn't buy an F350 after driving that for 7 hours yesterday. Curious how an F250 would compare

I experienced the same thing with the 2004 Ram 2500 to 3500 diesel’s, I don’t believe I’d ever own a one ton unless I was doing a ton of highway towing.

My 2500 handles just fine towing.