F150 towing opinions

[FINCHASER]

In the market... trying to decide ecoboost vs 5.0 and what gear ratio to go with.

On the motor debate im split... the v8 is tempting as its a lot simpler and been around forever, the eco is a towing monster from what I hear and thatd sure be nice but its more complicated (more stuff to fail)

On gear ratios.. truck will get a tire size increase nothing crazy maybe up to a 33" so im thinking 3.55 if I go eco, v8 I think id be better off with 3.73.

Planning a boat upgrade sometime within the next few years to at least the 22 maybe larger.

So any input from those towing with these trucks and info on how much your towing, motor, gear ratio and how it performs would be appreciated

[FLDXT]

You haven't bought this pig yet? WTH?

Kidding...I'd say the eco with 3.55, limited slip. I'd think you woukd defeat the gas benefit with 3.73. But I know nothing about the Fords. I haven't heard anything bad about the ecoboost, I know there regular v6 is a dog, we just got two of them and the tranny is horrible and the thing lacks power.

[FINCHASER]

No lol... kickin tires and dealing with salesman in a market where they can apparently get the price they want.

Its all good though not rushing it and still trying to figure out exactly what I want

[FunFlatsFishing]

How often do you tow? From what I understand, the 3.5L ecoboost can tow more than the 5.0L but the fuel economy isn't as good while actually towing.

Outside of that, the exhaust sounds better on the 5.0L but not to worry.. On the ecoboosts Ford pumps exhaust sounds in through the speakers to make it sound better while inside the cab lol

[justdriftin]

I bought the 5.0 when I got mine in '13. Was a little skeptical of the EB as it was still pretty new at that point. I drove both and pulled my boat with boat, probably no more than 30 miles with each for the test but a good bit. According to the onboard fuel manager the EB was getting around 10 mpg towing while the 5.0 got around 12.5. That's about what I get towing the boat now, just a little under 13.0 with 18-20 on the highway not towing. I tow a 2400 w/top usually pretty well stocked with beer, um i mean gear. I can' remember what my gear ratio is, will look and update. I have been real happy with the 5.0 and the truck overall.

But everyone I know that has the EB since then, especially the new model, seems to love it. See if the dealer will let you take an extended test drive and pull your boat around. I'm sure they will if they know you are going to buy something from them.

[rubble]

It is amazing what they are doing with car prices. Tried to purchase a VW in Naples a few years ago and they were charging OVER sticker. My M-i-L who was married to a Ford Dealer for years, retired and moved to Naples, decided to purchase a Lexus. She went to the Lexus dealer in Naples and Ft Myers. Both dealers were doing the same thing. $2k over sticker. She purchases all of her vehicles here in KY when she comes to visit.

Last month I went to purchase a Honda Pilot for my wife. They wanted to knock off $200.00 from sticker price because they really wanted me to purchase the car that day. As I got up to walk out the door, the price got much better. I hate the car buying process now that my in-laws are no longer there to trust when purchasing.

[lurem]

If I am looking at towing on identical vehicles with different engines I look at torque as one of my guides. The 3.5 eco has 420 ft lbs @ 2500 rpms and the 5.0L has 387 ft lbs @ 3850 rpms.

Those are fairly close. It seems the eco 3.5 with have more low end grunt. Does anyone else consider this when looking?

[hurricane]

Buy newly used, save some money. And if you can find one buy from private seller. I hate dealers, never feel like I got a fair deal.

[justdriftin]

Last time I looked at used trucks, at least late model ones, it wasn't much of a discount. SUVs seem to be different, but trucks seem to hold their value.

[Drummer]

Save yourself some dough and buy a used Toyota Land Cruiser with the V8. Hard to beat the quality, and it has plenty power for me!

[blackacre]

I have a '13 F150 Ecoboost 4x4 Platinum and tow a '22 Pathfinder. Plenty of power to tow the boat. Love the ride and amenities of the truck.

Not impressed with the gas mileage. I averaged 11 mpg towing the Pathfinder from Tallah***ee to the Keys and back (over 1,200 miles round trip). In town I get around 12 MPG and on the highway around 16 MPG. Other than the poor gas mileage I am happy with the truck.

The Ecoboost motor has two major complaints which you should be aware of. These 2 issues are well documented on F150 forums and should be researched further so you make an informed purchase.

1. Due to high humidity or rain, condensation can develop on the cold air compressor as it cools the turbos, causing the motor to ingest this moisture which makes the motor misfire and enter limp mode.

2. Excessive carbon build up due the motor being directly injected.

[lurem]

Blackacre,

Can item #2 be cured with using top tier gas?

[FINCHASER]

I bought the 5.0 when I got mine in '13. Was a little skeptical of the EB as it was still pretty new at that point. I drove both and pulled my boat with boat, probably no more than 30 miles with each for the test but a good bit. According to the onboard fuel manager the EB was getting around 10 mpg towing while the 5.0 got around 12.5. That's about what I get towing the boat now, just a little under 13.0 with 18-20 on the highway not towing. I tow a 2400 w/top usually pretty well stocked with beer, um i mean gear. I can' remember what my gear ratio is, will look and update. I have been real happy with the 5.0 and the truck overall.

But everyone I know that has the EB since then, especially the new model, seems to love it. See if the dealer will let you take an extended test drive and pull your boat around. I'm sure they will if they know you are going to buy something from them.

Very encouraging info on the 5.0... definitely would like to know the gear ratio. On the door jamb sticker under "axle" there is a code..heres the guide to figure out what ratio is

[image]http://www.mbcforum.com/fbbuploads/1461719990-f150axle_codes.JPG[/image]

[FINCHASER]

Hurricane- been looking at used for months now.. what I want is a unicorn.. I want the 6.5' bed (cause I want use it like a real truck), tow package, 3.55 or 3.73 gearing (casue I want to tow stuff like a real truck) and ingot silver plus a few other things... so far it doesn't exist even new ones

[fishinbill85]

I'd say go Ecoboost. The condensation issue in the intercooler was for the 11-12 models, fixed on the newer ones i believe. Mine never had an issue. Carbon build up? If it really nags at you, run ring free! LOL!!! J/K, but seriously run it hard just like an HPDI.

Mine was awesome but it just wasn't a diesel. I had the 3.55 rear end, pulled fine, decent mileage pulling.

[rckeat]

Not to derail, but when you look at purchasing a vehicle from a dealer new or used, ask the salesman how much the doc fee is before you begin negotiating. Anything more than $150 is criminal if you ask me.

This is a profit add in that you need to consider as part of buying any vehicle from a dealer.

[conocean]

I've got a silver 2014 F150 with the 5.0 motor, 3.55 gears and 4x4. It tows my skiff fine. Mileage is decent, city & hwy.

My decision to get the 5.0 instead of the Ecoboost was simple....my neighbor is a service mgr at Ford and he told me that 90% of the newer F150's he sees in the shop for service have the Ecoboost motor. It was a no brainer for me.

Personally I would opt for a F250 if I were towing a bay boat just for the stopping power.

Good luck in your search and purchase!

[hurricane]

Hurricane- been looking at used for months now.. what I want is a unicorn.. I want the 6.5' bed (cause I want use it like a real truck), tow package, 3.55 or 3.73 gearing (casue I want to tow stuff like a real truck) and ingot silver plus a few other things... so far it doesn't exist even new ones

I understand, finding the "ONE" used is tough. But if time is on your side, you got an advantage....

[justdriftin]

The code is L9, so its the 3.55 gears. I was thinking it was the 3.73 so glad i looked.

***uming you are talking supercrew. A friend of mine has the truck you are looking for, just not silver. Not sure what motor he has. He wanted the longbed and looked for a looooong time before he found one. Don't think he is selling it though. I really wanted the longbed, but honestly don't miss it. Even put a tool box in it. I work it plenty, but the reality is that if I'm carrying anything big, its easier to use a trailer anyway. But, probably 75% of the time the only thing in the back of my truck is my cooler, so may be different depending on your needs.

[Fish Food]

If you aren't getting a 4x4 I would recommend adding the Electronic Locking differential if it isn't included. Good luck!

[FINCHASER]

The code is L9, so its the 3.55 gears. I was thinking it was the 3.73 so glad i looked.

***uming you are talking supercrew. A friend of mine has the truck you are looking for, just not silver. Not sure what motor he has. He wanted the longbed and looked for a looooong time before he found one. Don't think he is selling it though. I really wanted the longbed, but honestly don't miss it. Even put a tool box in it. I work it plenty, but the reality is that if I'm carrying anything big, its easier to use a trailer anyway. But, probably 75% of the time the only thing in the back of my truck is my cooler, so may be different depending on your needs.

Thanks for the axle info driftin and also to others who have responded.

Still don't know what to do part of me wants the eco due to its towing power... the other part wants the 5.0 to keep it simple and I think I could have more confidence in 20 years from now.

Guess I need to find someone with a late model 5.0 and see if I can ride with them while towing something so I can actually feel how it performs when towing

[ififish]

Bought a 15 2.7l ecoboost 4 full door sport in October and received 10k in rebates and generous trade in at Bartow Ford.  Avg mpg on highway is 23, local 18mpg. However, you give a redneck twin turbos and its hard to resist decarbbing on a regular basis. Condensation issues have been fixed by removing shields in engine bay. I pull a 22te w 250 and run 70 on the interstate and avg 10mpg. Never a question if I have enough power ro p***. Locking diff is very handy at ramps and no reason to need 4wd and kill mpg. Has been a great truck so far.

[fishtaco]

3 hours ago, ififish said:

Bought a 15 2.7l ecoboost 4 full door sport in October and received 10k in rebates and generous trade in at Bartow Ford.  Avg mpg on highway is 23, local 18mpg. However, you give a redneck twin turbos and its hard to resist decarbbing on a regular basis. Condensation issues have been fixed by removing shields in engine bay. I pull a 22te w 250 and run 70 on the interstate and avg 10mpg. Never a question if I have enough power ro p***. Locking diff is very handy at ramps and no reason to need 4wd and kill mpg. Has been a great truck so far.

You never need 4wd til you need it. 

[hurricane]

14 hours ago, ififish said:

Bought a 15 2.7l ecoboost 4 full door sport in October and received 10k in rebates and generous trade in at Bartow Ford.  Avg mpg on highway is 23, local 18mpg. However, you give a redneck twin turbos and its hard to resist decarbbing on a regular basis. Condensation issues have been fixed by removing shields in engine bay. I pull a 22te w 250 and run 70 on the interstate and avg 10mpg. Never a question if I have enough power ro p***. Locking diff is very handy at ramps and no reason to need 4wd and kill mpg. Has been a great truck so far.

Is it really a 2.7 liter motor? That's tiny, and it hauls ok?

Does the aluminum body worry anyone? I'm kinda thinking dent repairs could be hard to fix, and the only option will be to replace the entire panel. Is the bed aluminum also?

[ififish]

all body panels including bed are aluminum. Metal can be worked as usual for dents and just an etching primer to adhere paint.. 2.7l is small v6 but completely reconfigured based on diesel design. Only thing I really havent gotten used to and do not care for is the engine shutting down during stops. There is a bypass button and I always use it do to the Ac running nonstop in Fl.  Also do not like the stance of the truck being so low. Added a 2.75 level kit but still feels low. 4wd is no different in height just bigger tires. Will go with 20in rims and 32in tires once I burn off the factory tires. Zero issues towing, rated for 10k lbs.