EcoBoost F150

1911gobang

1911gobang

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Any of y’all trailering with the 3.5L EcoBoost V-6? I’m hearing pretty good things about them. The most I would ever pull with it would be a UTV on a car hauler trailer.


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I have the 5.0, brother in law the 2.7 ecoboost and father in law the 3.5 ecoboost. Both ecoboost had issues around 100k miles. Boost related stuff, the 2.7 was repaired for a few hundred but the 3.5 cost around 2 grand to repair. Both more than capable for towing but the longevity is questionable.
 
Its impressive the numbers they're able to get out of these little boosted engines. I like the idea, but I'm curious to see what kind of service life can be expected out of them. I know engines that aren't under a lot of stress tend to last longer. Considering that most of the pickups in the US these days haul kids and groceries far more than they ever pull a trailer, I suspect for the average user they'll do just fine.
 
1911gobang said:
Any of y’all trailering with the 3.5L EcoBoost V-6? I’m hearing pretty good things about them. The most I would ever pull with it would be a UTV on a car hauler trailer.


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I had a 2012 F150 with the 3.5 Eco and routinely towed a 16' trailer with four ATVs on it back and forth to Ohio a dozen times a year...up and down I77 through WV...never an issue, not one...great truck. Now I have a 2018 with the 5.0, no issues towing anything with it either...I believe your good to go. Trailer on!
 
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I trailer my utv on a 20’ 14k lb trailer, over 4k lbs load, no issues. Also had a 7.5k lb travel trailer that I pulled with no issues. My max towing load is rated around 11k lbs.

When hauling, dont expect good fuel mileage, 8-14mpg. But when not hauling I can baby 21 mpg easily.
 
chrishf12 said:
I trailer my utv on a 20’ 14k lb trailer, over 4k lbs load, no issues. Also had a 7.5k lb travel trailer that I pulled with no issues. My max towing load is rated around 11k lbs.

When hauling, dont expect good fuel mileage, 8-14mpg. But when not hauling I can baby 21 mpg easily.
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With which engine?
 
Maintenance is key with the ecoboost engines. My buddies ex wife has one and tows a car trailer around regularly. He says he pulled a 30ish foot airstream with it no problem. The only issue they had with the truck is a shutter in the transmission that seems pretty common with the 6 speeds. I had the same issue with my 5.0 truck and the 60k service cleared it up for both of us.
 
Whatever you do...DO NOT consider the non-boosted V6 in the F150. Sucks donkey butthole. I too hear/see good things about the ecoboost V6. Although, I don't think the improved MPG is there like you'd expect. For giving up two cylinders, I'd expect 25+ MPG in exchange. So really a tried and true V8 may be the way to go. Less crap to break (i.e. turbo).
 
I average 20mpg with the 5.0 V8 in a 2017, but that’s no towing, and only light hauling from time to time (my kids move once a year whether they need to or not) firewood, etc...
 
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I have a ‘16 with the 3.5 ecoboost in it. Just hit 90K mi and it still drives like the day I bought it. I haven’t ever towed anything with it yet, but I’m planning to get a UTV and trailer soon as I get settled in AZ.
 
I think I’m pretty much decided on a 3.5 EcoBoost. I haven’t totally decided on an XL or XLT for my guys to drive, or a newer Lariat for me, and let them have my ‘06 F250 4x4. Either way, the ‘11 F250 work truck with over 400K on it is being relegated to the “spare” truck role sometime this quarter.

If I need to pull >5,000 pounds, I have my Excursion still.

Appreciate all the info, y’all.


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blanddrywall said:
No free lunch. You'll be paying for those engines if you plan on keeping them for the life of the truck
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The new turbo Fords seem to be pretty damned good; however, I generally adhere to the mo' parts mo' problems mindset.

I'd get an NA engine if I were buying.
 
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If you drive a lot and plan to keep the truck for the long haul I’d get a N/A gas engine. If you’re going to replace it every 2-5 years maybe consider the eco boost. I just don’t trust this new tech long term. I still drive a pre emission diesel with no plans of getting rid of it.
 
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I'm currently running a 2021 F150 3.5 Eco Boost. 3.55 rear gear, 14,000 lb tow capacity. I traded for it because my dealer offered stupid money for my 2019 F250 6.7. I was growing weary of climbing in and out of the Super Duty, the rougher ride, navigating today's world made for sissy cars and the higher maintenance cost.

The 3.5 will definitely tow like a boss, but as said above, your gas milage will SUCK. I towed a 3,000 lb boat home from Hattiesburg MS and averaged 6 mpg, not towing I get about 16-17.

Now, the worst part. This damn truck dings, dongs, whistles and "alerts" EVERYTHING. Hook or unhook a trailer? It lets you know what you already know. Plus, it reminds you of the 7 sensors deactivated or activated due to hooking or unhooking the trailer. You WILL become sick of mashing the "OK" button on the steering wheel. Want to open the driver's door while in drive or reverse (at some point you will)? Not happening, the shifter will automatically move to park. Have the key in your pocket and leave truck running for a quick run in the house or store? The horn blows to alert everyone that you've done this. Backing up into a parking spot and the wind blows the limbs on the bushes behind you? The truck will STOMP on the brakes, so you don't hit the bush. I'm not even going to mention the engine cutting on and off at the red lights, unless you press the magic button on the dash every, single, @$&*!#^ TIME you get in it. The "collision alert", you'll love this one.

I am a Ford man, always have been. Horrible gas milage, don't care, my job pays for my gas. It will tow like a boss for a half ton. I absolutely hate the damn thing. I hate the truck. Considering going back to a Super Duty, but I'm sure they have the same crap now. My distain for this truck took 24,000 miles to get to, you won't see it on a test drive. I actually loved the thing at first, but I'm ready for a divorce. Good luck!
 
Jeppo said:
@SimpleMan
Forscan appears to be the solution to hacking all that annoying Ford stuff. I’d like to try it but am sure I’d brick the vehicle.
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I'm taking the truck in for service next week. I'm letting the GM know my hatred for this thing, but I know they can't/won't delete it.
 
SimpleMan said:
I'm taking the truck in for service next week. I'm letting the GM know my hatred for this thing, but I know they can't/won't delete it.
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Apparently, for those afraid of Forscan (i.e., me) there’s a $100 gadget that deactivates auto stop/start.

I’ve had at least three episodes of the vehicle slamming on the brakes while I was slowly backing. Twice backing out of the garage (each time I jumped out and ran, certain I’d taken out a load bearing wall) and once when about a dozen CFF’rs were watching me try to park at a restaurant. In each case, there was absolutely nothing the sensor could have detected.
 
SimpleMan said:
I'm currently running a 2021 F150 3.5 Eco Boost. 3.55 rear gear, 14,000 lb tow capacity. I traded for it because my dealer offered stupid money for my 2019 F250 6.7. I was growing weary of climbing in and out of the Super Duty, the rougher ride, navigating today's world made for sissy cars and the higher maintenance cost.

The 3.5 will definitely tow like a boss, but as said above, your gas milage will SUCK. I towed a 3,000 lb boat home from Hattiesburg MS and averaged 6 mpg, not towing I get about 16-17.

Now, the worst part. This damn truck dings, dongs, whistles and "alerts" EVERYTHING. Hook or unhook a trailer? It lets you know what you already know. Plus, it reminds you of the 7 sensors deactivated or activated due to hooking or unhooking the trailer. You WILL become sick of mashing the "OK" button on the steering wheel. Want to open the driver's door while in drive or reverse (at some point you will)? Not happening, the shifter will automatically move to park. Have the key in your pocket and leave truck running for a quick run in the house or store? The horn blows to alert everyone that you've done this. Backing up into a parking spot and the wind blows the limbs on the bushes behind you? The truck will STOMP on the brakes, so you don't hit the bush. I'm not even going to mention the engine cutting on and off at the red lights, unless you press the magic button on the dash every, single, @$&*!#^ TIME you get in it. The "collision alert", you'll love this one.

I am a Ford man, always have been. Horrible gas milage, don't care, my job pays for my gas. It will tow like a boss for a half ton. I absolutely hate the damn thing. I hate the truck. Considering going back to a Super Duty, but I'm sure they have the same crap now. My distain for this truck took 24,000 miles to get to, you won't see it on a test drive. I actually loved the thing at first, but I'm ready for a divorce. Good luck!
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Two months ago I got rid of my RAM 2500 for many of the same reasons you got out your 250...I went back to what had been the most comfortable truck I had ever owned, an F150...but shopping around I was appalled at one, the cost of the new ones, and two, the amount and type of "sissy safety" features.
I ended up with a 2018 w/ the 5.0 and max tow package (only had 30k on it)...most annoying thing I have to put up with is the auto shut-off, but already in the habit of pushing the override button (at least it has one) right after I start it. I get 19 highway and trip to Ohio deer hunting in December towing trailer with the ranger I averaged 12...but LOVE the 36 gallon tank. It is what it is, and the 18s or 19s might have been the last years before they really went bat shit crazy with the safety auto features. I do like my truck.
 
The bells and whistles are why looked for just a basic truck. My 2016 Ford F-150 has just the features I need, tow package and 4wheel drive. I have the 3.5 eco boost, and so far I’m pleased with the performance. Disclaimer, bought it used with 45K miles and it has 51K now. Took it on a trip to Key West FL. Had what I considered to be good highway gas mileage, averaged little over 23 mpg. But I drive like a grandpa.


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…all of the above…or…

You could buy a Ram. All jokes aside. My ‘21 Ram can turn off all the annoyances listed, doesn’t even have the “save the children’s air” feature of killing the engine at idle. After putting my face into the steering wheel a couple times with the auto brake crap, I quickly found that setting turned it off. I’ll get 22+ MPG Highway and 16-ish around town if I behave myself. And when I need to give the world the finger and drive off into the sunset, the Hemi let’s others know who’s boss.
 
My wife drives a 2016 F150 “Platinum” with the 5.0, just 48K on the clock. The same mundane 16 miles to school and back everyday. I’m starting to like it more and more. I had a 2016 6.7 before the 2019. Prior to the 2016 6.7, I had a 2014 F150 crew with a long bed and the 3.5. That’s one I wish I had kept.
 
Wonder if Ford’s V8s will suffer from lifer failures like GM’s have since the new 5.0 has cylinder deactivation.
 
Stateguy said:
Wonder if Ford’s V8s will suffer from lifer failures like GM’s have since the new 5.0 has cylinder deactivation.
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I’m nowhere near an expert on this topic. Just repeating stuff I’ve heard.

I believe the problem with the cylinder deactivation on vehicles is when idling for prolonged periods. This is why Chargers have warped cam shafts on police cruisers.
 
9outof10mms said:
I’m nowhere near an expert on this topic. Just repeating stuff I’ve heard.

I believe the problem with the cylinder deactivation on vehicles is when idling for prolonged periods. This is why Chargers have warped cam shafts on police cruisers.
Click to expand...

Never knew why. Thanks for sharing. Only knew that we have sent many to shop for this reason.


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I have a 2013 F150 ecoboost I bought brand new from the dealer in Goldsboro... XLT 4x4 off road package for $32K. My following comments are based on this 2012-2015 engine version. Not the earlier gen 1 ecoboost that had more issues.

I have driven it with a lead foot, as they say babying these motors is not what they need. It is a truck that will throw you back in the seat if you want it to. I Italian tuneup this engine regularly. I'm first off the stoplight etc. I average 16.5 mpg since I bought it 110,000 miles ago. There is turbo lag... I manage this by stomping quickly on the gas and letting go, then get back into it. This avoids the 2 second lag if you just floor it. I did have the recall downshift into 1st issue that was fixed by a reflash of the ECM. I've had no issues until the last 5k. I have what I think to be a top valve seal gasket leaking in the spot closest to the passenger side turbo. This is supposedly a known issue as the heat dries out the gasket. It gives me a burnt oil smell inside but not at the tail pipe. I have pulled my 3600lb carolina skiff with NO issues and I don't know my 17' jon boat is behind me. That said, I don't look at my gas milage when doing so, so it could be piss poor. I'm going fishing I don't care. So far I'm happy with my truck. If you were to ask me what to get tomorrow it would be tough. I, luckily have a good engine, some, are junk after 50K.

Overall....

Would I buy a used Ecoboost... NO. from what I've gathered they are hit or miss. Some good some way bad. I just got lucky from what I summise . Common issues are the timing chain and buildup on the valve heads that need cleaning.

I don't think this helps too much but this is what I've dealt with. As far as maintenace I really like this guy https://www.youtube.com/user/FordTechMakuloco
 
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Well, came across a side by side I wanted on the show room while visiting some friends in TX so now I’m getting some first hand experience towing with this thing. Pulls just fine but my gas mileage sucks. Was getting about 7-8ish, but that was coming out of San Antonio on I10 and it’s pretty hilly for the first few hundred miles and I was running 80mph. The next leg of the trip was up to New Mexico and I was getting 10 on the flatter road with slower speed. Tomorrow I’ll be driving about 680 miles to Yuma, AZ so I’ll report back on how that goes.

6215E496-EDCB-451E-99FB-B0FF32FEC45D.jpeg
 
Nice looking setup there! Congrats!


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Derek8404 said:
Well, came across a side by side I wanted on the show room while visiting some friends in TX so now I’m getting some first hand experience towing with this thing. Pulls just fine but my gas mileage sucks. Was getting about 7-8ish, but that was coming out of San Antonio on I10 and it’s pretty hilly for the first few hundred miles and I was running 80mph. The next leg of the trip was up to New Mexico and I was getting 10 on the flatter road with slower speed. Tomorrow I’ll be driving about 680 miles to Yuma, AZ so I’ll report back on how that goes.
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Wow, I would expect your gas mileage to be a little better. I get 14mpg towing a 14k 20' trailer with my Rmax 60 and under. MPG drops to 10 when driving 70-80mph on the interstate to the mountains.
 
SimpleMan said:
I'm currently running a 2021 F150 3.5 Eco Boost. 3.55 rear gear, 14,000 lb tow capacity. I traded for it because my dealer offered stupid money for my 2019 F250 6.7. I was growing weary of climbing in and out of the Super Duty, the rougher ride, navigating today's world made for sissy cars and the higher maintenance cost.

The 3.5 will definitely tow like a boss, but as said above, your gas milage will SUCK. I towed a 3,000 lb boat home from Hattiesburg MS and averaged 6 mpg, not towing I get about 16-17.

Now, the worst part. This damn truck dings, dongs, whistles and "alerts" EVERYTHING. Hook or unhook a trailer? It lets you know what you already know. Plus, it reminds you of the 7 sensors deactivated or activated due to hooking or unhooking the trailer. You WILL become sick of mashing the "OK" button on the steering wheel. Want to open the driver's door while in drive or reverse (at some point you will)? Not happening, the shifter will automatically move to park. Have the key in your pocket and leave truck running for a quick run in the house or store? The horn blows to alert everyone that you've done this. Backing up into a parking spot and the wind blows the limbs on the bushes behind you? The truck will STOMP on the brakes, so you don't hit the bush. I'm not even going to mention the engine cutting on and off at the red lights, unless you press the magic button on the dash every, single, @$&*!#^ TIME you get in it. The "collision alert", you'll love this one.

I am a Ford man, always have been. Horrible gas milage, don't care, my job pays for my gas. It will tow like a boss for a half ton. I absolutely hate the damn thing. I hate the truck. Considering going back to a Super Duty, but I'm sure they have the same crap now. My distain for this truck took 24,000 miles to get to, you won't see it on a test drive. I actually loved the thing at first, but I'm ready for a divorce. Good luck!
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Thank you for this post.

I've been thinking of making a similar trade for the same reasons. My '17 F250SD 6.2 gasser beats me to death. It mostly bothers me after 11-12 hours standing and walking on concrete. My wife all but refuses to ride in it, said "It's not quite as bad as a hay wagon". Bilstein shocks only helped the ride quality a tiny bit, but at least they eliminated the side-step I used to get across bumpy sections of interstate (i.e., I-85 anywhere near Charlotte). I've been thinking about trading for a 2021 F150 with the max tow package, but I don't want to deal with all the nanny stuff. Our Subaru Forester has a bunch of that stuff, but it's easy to turn off.

Also, I get 13-14 mpg in normal driving, and don't care what I get towing (14' dump trailer, up to 12,000#). The 6.2 has been cheap to maintain, and makes the truck shockingly quick for what it is. Maybe some better-riding tires will help when the time comes to replace what's on it.
 
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