Eco Boost...Max tow or not?
 

Thinking that I have settled on an Eco Boost for my next vehicle. I'm calling around and finding a max tow package is a pain in the ass. Seems every one I do find has to come from outside Texas.

That said I know I want the package if I can find it. But if I can't, will one without it tow my 32 Sunsation with twin small blocks okay? Using the dry weight of 6500 and accounting for trailer, gear, fuel and crew I'm still good technically.

Of course an F-250 would be better but I drive 27,000 miles a year and only tow to a couple poker runs. It is usually in the slip.

Just curious what the Eco Boost guys think.

If I remember correctly Max Tow gives you heavier rear springs? If so, and you don't want to run air bags, then I would get it. The rear springs on a non-Max Tow F-150 suck in terms of supporting any kind of tongue weight.

I've got a 2012 FX4 without the max tow, and the only difference on mine is the mirrors and electronic brake controller...other than that, everything else (at least on paper) is the same...Shocks, tranny cooler, 3.73 rear, etc.

HOWEVER, I believe this changed on the 2013's...From what I've seen you can only get the EB & 3.73 rear when ordered with the Max Tow package. Probably did this to lessen the confusion (as I had on mine)

The stock rear now on the FX4 is a 3.55 and the Lariats/Platinums/XLT's typically have the 3.31. You might be ok with the 3.55 but I wouldn't want the 3.31. Ideally though, I think for your 32 you'd want the 3.73 rear. Mine pulls my 30 great, but I wouldn't want to go any bigger. ;)

BTW, if you end up looking at used, the electronic locking 3.73 axle code is "L6" which is on the inside of the driver door where the tire info is typically listed.

Does te fx4 have the ecoboost option or is that the 5.4? I've heard the 5.4 was underpowered a bit?

I have a 2010 FX-4 with the 5.4L and 3.73 locker. You heard correct. A tad bit underpowered.

2011 started the EB option. 5.4 has been replaced with the 5.0 in the new trucks. 4 engine options now...3.7 V6, 5.0 V8, 3.5 TT V6, 6.2 V8. FX4 is standard with the 5.0 with the EB as an option.

Not completely true. Mirrors which are very nice by the way, and the brake controller are two of the things for max tow, which doesnt mean you can haul more, but you get a upgraded rear bumper on max tow which actually means the whole hitch area and how its secured and this has all been true since 2011 when I bought my mine, the power pack, and capabilities have not changed on the eco boost. But if you do some digging in the forums(which who knows to be true or not) guys have found the steering ration to be better on max tow, as well as the leaf springs are different on the max tow, they look the same but have different part codes on them. Which I tend to beleive as reinforcing the hitch/bumper isnt going to give you another 1600lbs, but what do I know.

You also need to have 3.73s to get max tow. Now you can get max payload which i think is like 2800lbs, now that is a totally different suspension. Just order one from the factory, took me about 6 weeks to get mine.


7-Wire Harness & 4-/7-Pin Connector – on max tow and regular towing package

Trailer Wiring Harness (4-Pin) on STD no tow package only

Hitch Receiver –MAX tow and Regular tow package CL V HITCH

Aux. Auto Trans. Oil Cooler – MAX and Regular tow pckage

Radiator Upgrade – MAX and Regular tow package

Upgraded Rear Bumper MAX TOW

Trailer Brake Controller MAX Tow

Trailer Sway Control, STD on max tow and regular tow, available on no package.


http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/t...-ecoboost.html

also read through that, I started that two years ago.

Hey Cap'n!

I have a 2011 F250 Lariat with a 6.7 and the girlfriend has a '13 F150 Ecoboost with the Max Tow. While I only have a 288, the F150 pulls the boat just fine and would with the 32 as well.

However, having pulled it with the F250 and seeing the two trucks side by side (the F150 looks like a ranger or small Cadillac besides it) I personally wouldn't want to pull a 32 with a F150. Again, the F150 has all the power and amenities to make it happen, I've personally been spoiled by the larger footprint and the power that the 6.7 offers.

I also average roughly 22-23k miles per year. Off the dashboard she averages 15mpg and I'm pulling nearly 19mpg. Big difference and similar driving situations but she does have a heavy foot.

That's part of the reason I think they yanked the 3.73 as standard in the FX4...I couldn't find the differences you listed from Ford, nor could the dealer confirm. Not saying it isn't true, just that Ford didn't do a great job explaining the differences in the Max and Std tow packages.

Oh yes I've read that Eco Boost thread twice...helped sell me on the idea too.

Your post made me look at the FX4s...damn those are nice, seems like a ton of options and would fill the bill for all the comforts. As far as towing...it looks like I would be hard pressed to find the 3.73 or max tow. I am going to guess your boat is heavier than mine with the big blocks and I don't know if Velocity includes the swim platform like Sunsation does on the measurement. So really no complaints towing with your rear?

I haven't weighed mine yet, but I believe it to be in the 9000-9500 lb range on an aluminum trailer. It's a true 30' hull. I love my FX4...has some great options included in the FX package. It tows it great with the 3.73.

It seems like a no brainer to go with the max tow, just can't find any of them so wondering how much worse the 3.55s would be.

Lee got your PM, your box is full so I can't reply to you!

Sorry, PM box is now empty.

Not sure if you are wanting to buy new. If you are why don't you just have one built to your exact specs? I am more of buy it now guy and don't like waiting to order one.

My work truck(2012 f-250) has the 6.2 and wow that's a power house! Wish they could put that in the 1/2 ton trucks! Besides the raptor. I know this isn't a comparison thread but the power is equal to my new Silverado 6.2- I love both packages.

They put the 6.2L in the F-150 "Platinum" which is a 1/2 ton non Raptor.

Yes, I may need to order one new. The only thing that's tricky is working out a deal on my trade that will have a ton more miles in two months.

Nobody pulling larger boats with 3.55s and have feedback?

I ordered my Max Tow. Dealer doesn't keep any on the lot. Figured I would just wait and get what I wanted due to it being 9 years since my last new truck. I'm glad I did.

The Max Tow has a MUCH larger tow rating.

2013 Supercrew, FX4, Max Tow, only option I didn't get was sunroof and man step. Here's the clincher on my rig. I ordered it with the 157" wheelbase. To me longer wheelbase has an advantage when towing, not to mention I get more bed space. Garage space isn't an issue for me due to a 30' garage. I hear complaints from those that say it's harder to maneuver and park in urban settings. I say if you can't park it due to an extra 12" maybe you should have purchased a Honda Civic and turned in your man card.

I'll post a pic in a while.

Buck

First pic is on the truck day of delivery at dealer.

http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_1569.jpg
http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_8163.jpg
http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_8164.jpg
http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_8166.jpg
http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_8165.jpg

which would you choose...the f150 with the 6.2 or a GMC with the 6.2?

Yup Buck...you have pretty much the perfect truck :) I kinda want max tow just for the awesome looking mirrors. Every dealer says nobody wants those mirrors and it shocks me.

Reading this is making me think I'll be just fine with a 3.55 rear. My boat probably doesn't weigh quite as much as this trailer in the article and I sure as hell am not driving it up mountain passes in Colorado. I live in Texas and the worst I could ever do would be a LOTO trip. Sounds like a 3.55 can really kick some ass.

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2011/04...-6-part-2.html

You can also order the EcoBoost with a 4:10 read gear. Rated to pull 11,300.

I don't believe this was an option when I ordered mine. Either way the tow rating is the same.



Buck

I would seriously consider the 5.0 over Eco, I've been there done that....the Eco was a gas hog. I just unloaded my fx4 2011 for a 2012 cummins and couldn't be happier, just saying

In what way a gas hog?

I get 10 mpg towing 9k ish pounds and consistently get 18-19 with normal driving. That's with my 4wd super crew with 3.73's and a pretty even split of city and highway.

However, if you are a heavy foot and are constantly working the turbos it will sharply decline. ;)

Talk about a change up.

The thread is about the Max Tow option on the F150. To my knowledge, this option isn't available with the 5.0.

Does it matter that the 5.0 is rated to tow a couple thousand lbs less than the Eco? It does to the OP. I have a feeling a mile or two difference in mileage matters tons less than towing capacity.


I get to drive both these engines regularly. Driven the same, under the same conditions, with the same load, the difference in mileage is negligible at best.

We are talking about tow vehicles here, not hybrids.

When choosing a truck as a tow platform performance and capability mean more to me than mileage. We drive boats with huge engines that consume oil faster than dead dinasouras can make it. I think we need to be looking elsewhere if we're worried about the footprint we leave.

When did the OP mention diesel vs gas or 1500 vs 2500?

Back on topic.........

Buck

[ATTACH=CONFIG]507289[/ATTACH] Eco boost and 311, could use another leaf

I have not driven or ridden in an ecoboost, however, we used my dads 2013 5.0 screw 4x4 to tow my 33 ol back from VA to La.!! Towed great btw 60-70 up and down hills!! Knowing turbos torque, I would say the eco boost should do well. Trans temp wet from normal 195 to around 199 consistently. Which considering my last f150 did worst than that towing my 25 ol. So, it did very well!!

Yea buck back on topic, the op asked for opinions on the eco which is what I gave, I think he should not just hang his hat completely on eco,

There are dealers giving better deals on the 5.0 because everyone is taking the eco ( at least in my area) and
It's nice to see the guys with 5.0 chiming in.

Soooo back on topic...

I do mixed city and hwy driving and I was averaging 530 km to a full tank and roughly 115-125 to fill the Cummins cost virtually the same to fill approx 125 and I'm getting 800+ to a tank,and the truck only has 3500 kms on it

I'm sure the Cummins is great. Only problem is that its in a Dodge.

As to axle ratios, when I bought my 2007 FX4 there was a substantial lowering of the towing limit with the 3.55 axle ratio from the 3.73. This was according to the Ford Towing Manual which gives specific figures for whatever truck and equipment that you buy. I went with the FX4 with the 3.73 axle and I've been very pleased with the result. Tows 8000 lbs loads very competently. I wouldn't even consider a 3.55 axle ratio for heavy towing purposes. Actually, the FX4 has stiffer suspension components that I have found to work great while towing.
As to choosing the EcoBoost V6 or 5.0 V8, I have driven both and I believe that the higher fuel mileage of the EB is about the only major difference. Of course, you are paying a dollar premium on the EB so you will have to determine whether the better fuel mileage will warrant the extra cost.

Meh. I think that's reaching a little. Title says he's going with Eco and wants to know if Max Tow is worth waiting for. Doesn't ask for opinions about the two motors. I think he's made his mind up on the motor based off wording in the title.

I do work for the dealers every day in my business. They/Ford has given better incentives on the 5.0 since the two engines were released. That's nothing new. They're trying to build value in the Eco line of engines. Ford has done that for years with their vehicles. Nothing new.

Mileage gains or losses versus initial investment mean nothing to me when you compare the difference in towing capacity. The Eco just makes dang good torque at a VERY low RPM. Saying the torque doesn't mean anything is no different than saying a Diesel doesn't pull better than a gas engine. It's contradicting.

Having said all that, the 5.0 is a phenomenal engine package without question. Ford has an impressive lineup in their half ton trucks with both of these engines as an option.

Buck

IDK where the gas hog comes in, unless your driving with a lead foot, then the turbos are going to drink fuel for you. But I get 16.7 city and almost 21 HWY get 14.4 towing 9500lbs going 60 and 13s going 68mpg. 5.0 is a great package but you dont get the same capability. And diesels are diesels they will tow better everytime, but if your looking at cost a diesel has to get about 30mpg to start saving money even at 3-4mpg better diesel is going to cost you money to run. You dont buy diesels to save money you buy them for capability. But do the math on cost of ownership of a diesel truck and you lose every time, but if you need you need it.


Anyways back to ordering. I ordered my 11 about this time back in 11 so it was a late 11 but was being built on the same line as 12's. I got 4 grand off in incentives and another 3-4 for invoice, brought a 40k truck down to 32ish. As far as your trade have them lock in a number now, like I said order now and your truck will be here in 6-8 weeks

Not sure about the Fords but on many brands the 1500 series trucks have tires with less ply's and your trailer will wag at anything over 50mph. I would assume with a tow pkg that the tires are also upgraded. All that aside.. Do yourself a huge favor and get a 2500 or 250 . Just better from the start.

Chris

Disagree I tow 60-68 without any wag with 9500lbs. But you are correct most 3/4tons but not all come with load range E tires. The eco comes with load range D which is 8 ply instead of 10 ply, the load rating per tire on the D tire for the eco is 2600 a peice.

Well soldier
My numbers were like this it would cost me roughly 115-125 to fill depending on price, right now it's around 1.30 per liter for 87 octane, the diesel is virtually the same cost per liter and it's about 125$ to fill her up and it plays out like this

F150 fx4 eco I would get roughly 550 kms to a tank
2500 Cummins I am getting 800 kms to a tank

I'm not biased to any manufacturer either the 150 is a beauty truck but the numbers speak for themselves
Enjoy your Ford and I will enjoy my dodge but I am saving a couple hundred bucks a month in fuel over my old eco

Well there's your problem...all your damn math is metric...lol. :evilb:

Yeah that had me. Really Gas is about $4.6 per gallon in Canada right now at least in ontario, Diesel is only about 10 cents more a gallon up there.

Paintman Im not arguing a diesel isnt better or even comparing brands. All I am saying is cost wise you lose on a diesel just about every time, specially in the US with diesel prices. But I will lay it out in US dollars. The numbers used might be different in other areas, but the overall calculation is pretty close.

In the US Diesel is roughly 30 cents more a gallon, I have seen it as high as 50 cents more and as low as 25 cents more. But we will use 30 cents. On mileage we will use 12,000miles. Gas prices we will use $3.7 for gas and $4 for diesel. For a half ton we will use average CITY and HWY MPG of 17, diesel we will give the advantage and say average is 20, which isnt true, but will still prove the point.

Half ton with fuel for 12k miles will cost you $2608 a year in fuel, three oil changes at $35, one air filter at $20, total cost of ownership for on year is $2733 minus major repairs.

Diesel will cost you $2400 a year in fuel, three oil changes at $100 each, one air filter at $60, two fuel filter changes at $60 each time, total cost of ownership for one year is $2880 minus major repairs.

So the diesel is going to run you more, enough to make a difference probably not whats a $100, but with the formula 20 avg is being very generous for the diesel and likely is at least 3-4 miles less which bumps up that $2880 figure. My 08 Diesel avg was 13mpg regardless which bumped my annual cost of ownership up to $4080 a year which is roughly 35% more than my eco. And thats not factoring my registration and insurance premiums were higher on a older diesel.


This math was done factoring in new trucks when doing the math. Now a diesel could win if you got an old cummins that you paid 12 grand for then I could see where the math works, but thats not really a fair comparison. Also when you compared your eco to a disel as far as milege on one tank were you look at a 25 gallon tank vs a 36? Because my eco can go 425 miles on a 25 gallon tank and my old diesel went 468 maybe a little more on one 36 gallon, but thats not an accurate measurement.


Then you have to think about the capital investment, a like trim model diesel is going to cost you roughly 10 grand more in just buying it. And if we go by your math if you save 200 a month on fuel its still going to take you 4 years to break even on a new diesel, but I dont think you have a new one, if you do let me know as saving 200 bucks a month on fuel in comparison to a half ton I want in. New diesels are not going to do that good on mpg with DPF. But even if a diesel were to get 30mpg it would save you roughly 700 bucks a year driving 12k and would still take you 14 years to break even on buying the diesel. And if you make diesel fuel cost the same as gas and say it gets 20avg mpg its going to be less than $100 a year cheaper in ownership, and take you 100 years to recoup your investment.

Again this is factoring buying new and new when doing do, you can play with the numbers all you want on a new truck to new truck you just cant make it work. Vehicles are not investments, and if you need one you need one, or if you just want one. But theres rarely an occasion where you can make the math work on it. Again I have no problems with diesel, brands, your truck my truck, not the point I was making.

And we are talking about boating and towing, which is not a cheap adventure at all, and if you cant handle it, dont sign up. But seperate from boating, egos, etc. a 2013 1/2 ton vs a 3/4 diesel the 1/2 ton will win every time in the cost savings department.

Yes I did get a brand new 2012 2500 slt, ( obviously a leftover) and did receive no diesel upgrade charge, + about another 3000 in incentives

Do all the math you want...I've got nothing to gain or lose other than repeating my self
But I will try one more time, same amount to fill both trucks up at almost the same price, today around here diesel is .03 cents cheaper - and I'm going to try and be clear as possible - I'm getting 350 kms more (220 miles) per tank

Maybe I had a bad eco boost!! And a real good cummins!!!

Anyways the point of the op is getting lost, he asked for the opinion on the eco motor ( and yes buck my bad - with max tow) and all I was saying is while your at it check the 5.0 liter as well, seems like the people that have em love em