Post by: elksnout on October 28, 2025, 12:20:29 PM
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
Post by: HillHound on October 28, 2025, 01:32:30 PM
Post by: dog on October 28, 2025, 01:34:00 PM
Post by: CP on October 28, 2025, 02:59:53 PM
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.
Post by: vandeman17 on October 28, 2025, 03:35:29 PM
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.
:yeah: 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.
Post by: andersonjk4 on October 28, 2025, 04:14:00 PM
Post by: IdeehoT on October 28, 2025, 05:59:07 PM
Post by: HikerHunter on October 29, 2025, 08:53:06 AM
Post by: vandeman17 on October 29, 2025, 09:02:41 AM
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
Post by: dreadi on October 29, 2025, 09:18:59 AM
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.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
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Post by: Pnwrider on October 29, 2025, 09:26:57 AM
Post by: elksnout on October 29, 2025, 07:57:38 PM
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
Post by: HntnFsh on October 29, 2025, 08:39:07 PM
Post by: JohnVH on October 30, 2025, 09:14:07 AM
Post by: kball4 on November 03, 2025, 02:51:23 PM
Post by: IdeehoT on November 04, 2025, 10:21:53 AM
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
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 04, 2025, 11:25:53 AM
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.
Post by: elksnout on November 06, 2025, 07:51:18 PM
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.
In tow haul mode on my current F150 I have engine braking.
elksnout
Post by: Pnwrider on November 07, 2025, 05:49:40 PM
Diesel exhaust brake > v6 engine braking.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.
In tow haul mode on my current F150 I have engine braking.
elksnout
Post by: JohnVH on November 08, 2025, 09:28:14 AM
Diesel exhaust brake > v6 engine braking.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.
In tow haul mode on my current F150 I have engine braking.
elksnout
FACTS! Even towing a 30' trailer coming down the pass I don't need my brakes. Diesel exhaust brake is amazing.
Post by: CP on November 09, 2025, 08:15:11 AM
Post by: kball4 on November 12, 2025, 02:17:00 PM
The first time you tow with a modern diesel, you'll be amazed how effortless it is, even with 15k lbs.
Get a heavy half if you want a F-150 probably have to be a XLT or lower to get a high payload rating or a F-350.
1 note: I did have probably cooling the eco boost at high altitude and slow speeds.