F150 6 speed vs 10 speed transmission

[wbigelow]

We are truck shopping to replace our tow vehicle for our 267BHS which is, I believe, to be around #7500 gross weight.

We are looking at the F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost and max trailer tow package. The new 2017's come with the 10 speed transmissions, but Im still finding some nice 2016 models available with the 6 speed transmission. I think either one has a max tow rating of around #11000 which should be plenty.

I'm looking for input on the difference in towing with the two transmissions. I'm guessing that the dealership isn't going to let me hook up my camper and go for a nice hilly test drive.

[JeremiahM]

Some dealers will, it doesn't hurt to ask, I know one of my local ones will. Just curious as I don't see a location for you, where approximately do you live? Maybe someone local to you can chime in. Also, I believe you'll be pretty happy in that engine choice, seems to be people's favorite gasser for half ton truck used primarily for towing, I've even heard of some coming from the GM 6.2 and saying they like the 3.5 better when loaded.

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[ecoboosteagle]

Originally Posted by wbigelow

We are truck shopping to replace our tow vehicle for our 267BHS which is, I believe, to be around #7500 gross weight.



We are looking at the F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost and max trailer tow package. The new 2017's come with the 10 speed transmissions, but Im still finding some nice 2016 models available with the 6 speed transmission. I think either one has a max tow rating of around #11000 which should be plenty.



I'm looking for input on the difference in towing with the two transmissions. I'm guessing that the dealership isn't going to let me hook up my camper and go for a nice hilly test drive.

It's not just the transmission that will improve the towing on a 2017 vs 2016. The ecobooost is 2nd generation with several improvements. 20 more HP, 50 ft/lbs more torque, dual injection system etc. Imho I would go with the 2017 as Ford addressed some issues that were common in the first generation.


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[Coldfusion]

I'm a Ram guy myself but I went from a 2012 6 speed to a 2016 8 speed and honestly it's like night and day. If I was to buy a new Ford it would definitely have the 10 speed.


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[Flapper]

Shop carefully! Ignore the towing capacity, initially, and concentrate on the payload. F-150's vary a lot, depending on configuration and options. At 7,500 lb trailer your tongue weight could be as high as 1,150 (15%). Plus 100-120 for the WDH. Plus bed liner. Plus running boards, plus tools, plus bikes, plus generator, plus you, plus the wife, plus kids and/or dogs......

Also look at hitch capacity. Most max out at about 1130 or so tongue weight with a WDH. There's usually a sticker on the underside of the hitch.

Then if those two items are good enough, then check towing capacity.

[Marcm157]

Originally Posted by Flapper

Shop carefully! Ignore the towing capacity, initially, and concentrate on the payload. F-150's vary a lot, depending on configuration and options. At 7,500 lb trailer your tongue weight could be as high as 1,150 (15%). Plus 100-120 for the WDH. Plus bed liner. Plus running boards, plus tools, plus bikes, plus generator, plus you, plus the wife, plus kids and/or dogs......

Also look at hitch capacity. Most max out at about 1130 or so tongue weight with a WDH. There's usually a sticker on the underside of the hitch.

Then if those two items are good enough, then check towing capacity.

THIS^^^^ is very good advice. I just traded my 16 F150 for a 250 because it was just a bit too little truck. It had a very sizable payload for a 150, but it gets used up very quickly when loading up. pay attention to PAYLOAD first...

[RedHorse1]

Payload, yes! But remember that 1000# of payload is for both axles. There's maybe a 70/30 split between rear/front. A TT/5th hitch/pin weight goes mostly on the rear axle.

[bansai]

Originally Posted by wbigelow

We are truck shopping to replace our tow vehicle for our 267BHS which is, I believe, to be around #7500 gross weight.

We are looking at the F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost and max trailer tow package. The new 2017's come with the 10 speed transmissions, but Im still finding some nice 2016 models available with the 6 speed transmission. I think either one has a max tow rating of around #11000 which should be plenty.

I'm looking for input on the difference in towing with the two transmissions. I'm guessing that the dealership isn't going to let me hook up my camper and go for a nice hilly test drive.

Test drive a 250 too, nothing to lose.

If this truck is going to be your primary daily driver, bonus points to the 150, especially if you are in urban areas.. but if you are getting a new truck so you can tow - and you are - the price jump is small and it's still a great daily driver, just a bit harder to park in the inner city. The 150 is an awesome platform, and getting better every year. It's doubtful I will ever buy another 1/2 ton truck unless I down grade to a popup or teardrop trailer, but if I did, it would be a 150 max tow / HD with the shortest gears I could get on it. You will not regret having more truck than you think you need right now. Take it from everyone here that has, is currently, or is wishing they had bought 'more truck' than they think they needed when they bought their last camper.

[wbigelow]

In looking closer at the specs, tongue capacity is 1220 with a max trailer weight of 12,000 using a WDH. Looks like Ill be fine. Ive been towing that camper with a Chevy 1500 and havent had any issues other than wishing I had a bit more power and its likes to hunt for the right gear at around 65 to 70 mph.
I was more interested in the transmission. I came on here knowing that someone would say I need a bigger truck.

[01tundra]

Sounds like you're not too worried about payload ratings

[SkiSmuggs]

It isn't just the transmission between the 2016 and 2017. The 17 has a completely new engine that is stronger and delivers another 50 ft/lbs of torque. Personally, I would not get the 16 to save a few bucks as the 17 is a better truck. A friend went from a 2015 to a 2017 and says the difference is remarkable.
Look for payloads of 1700 and above. My 2011 Max Tow had a payload of 1848, but a HD Payload will come in at 2200 or more.

[RPreeb]

Something more the consider - try not to overload with options, as they will reduce your payload. Things like the huge sunroof just eat into that payload and do nothing for the towing experience. I have a 2016 XLT 4x4 3.5 EB and it has a 1777 payload. Mine includes factory running boards and tailgate with man step, but no other heavy options to eat away my cargo capacity. I've added a 25# tonneau cover, but nothing else. Since I have a much smaller trailer, and we don't weigh ourselves down with a lot of extraneous stuff, I don't really have any worries about loading.

With 1100 pounds available in the TT (after LP and battery) and more than 1700 in the truck, I have nearly twice as much capacity as my wife and I will ever need.

[ecoboosteagle]

Originally Posted by Marcm157

THIS^^^^ is very good advice. I just traded my 16 F150 for a 250 because it was just a bit too little truck. It had a very sizable payload for a 150, but it gets used up very quickly when loading up. pay attention to PAYLOAD first...

Sorry but your post does not lend enough credibility on why you switched. What were the specs of your 2016 f150. The F150 payload can very almost a 1000lbs depending on configuration.

The OP trailer has a gross 7500 lbs trailer. He also said he's looking for F150 with Max Tow. Any max Tow F150 will pull this trailer with EASE. His post was more to do with the 10 speed transmission worth the extra $$


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[Marcm157]

Originally Posted by wbigelow

In looking closer at the specs, tongue capacity is 1220 with a max trailer weight of 12,000 using a WDH. Looks like Ill be fine. Ive been towing that camper with a Chevy 1500 and havent had any issues other than wishing I had a bit more power and its likes to hunt for the right gear at around 65 to 70 mph.
I was more interested in the transmission. I came on here knowing that someone would say I need a bigger truck.

I am a die hard Ford guy and was / still am in the defend the F150 line group BUT, I just traded my 2016 F150 3.5 Eco NOT because it wouldn't pull my trailer. It did that just fine but I was too close to the max to be comfortable. I respect my vehicles and their abilities and don't believe in beating them up. The "Tow Rating" on my F150 was 11,000 pounds. Would it drag a trailer that heavy sure but at what cost? I would be over my payload numbers and quite likely well above my axle ratings. My truck had a hefty payload of over 2,000 pounds and I was still over weight towing my 28BHBE.

I regrettably traded my 150 for a 250 and took about a 6K hit but I feel safer towing with the 3/4 ton by a mile. There is actually no comparison.

To answer your original question the feedback on the 10 speed has been very positive from all sources.

[SkiSmuggs]

Originally Posted by Marcm157

To answer your original question the feedback on the 10 speed has been very positive from all sources.

With another 50 lbs of torque and a stronger engine, the 2017 would be not as close to the max. They do rate it to tow 12,000 lbs vs 11,000 for the 2016. But, I did trade my 2011 F150 at 65K for a 2015 F350 because I had a warped exhaust header due to insufficient bolts, so I felt like I was wearing it out. I am sure that and other problems were ironed out with the completely new engine in the 2017. If something were to happen to my SD, I would be somewhat torn as to which way to go, but would probably stick with SD in case I wanted or need a heavier fiver.

[Bigdomino]

I just got a new tow vehicle. A GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab. Max Tow, 6.2 liter V8 (420 HP) and 8 speed trans. I think max tow is 11,100. Payload sticker on the truck says 1860 pounds.

Have not towed with it yet. Just bought new Whitehawk and have not put the two together yet.

Will tell you the engine trans combo is a real power house. Ride very smooth and no noise.

Steve

[goducks]

The 2017 F150 is way underated @12,000 towing. It's got more power than the F250. I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to tow 13-14,500lb with an 20107 F150. U'd need the max payload towing package though.
I could easily see dragging a 12,000 5th wheel be hind one. In fact hitching up to a 35'13,000 GVWR 5er would be easily doable. If the lesser powered F250 can tow 15,000 why should a more powerfull F150 be able to tow 13,000lbs?

[JeremiahM]

Originally Posted by goducks

The 2017 F150 is way underated @12,000 towing. It's got more power than the F250. I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to tow 13-14,500lb with an 20107 F150. U'd need the max payload towing package though.
I could easily see dragging a 12,000 5th wheel be hind one. In fact hitching up to a 35'13,000 GVWR 5er would be easily doable. If the lesser powered F250 can tow 15,000 why should a more powerfull F150 be able to tow 13,000lbs?

Frame size and strength, axle size and strength (axle shafts, full float vs c clip style, ring and pinion strenght) spring ratings, BRAKES, transmission, and all the cooling components, basicly power is one very small part of the equation.

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[Coldfusion]

Originally Posted by goducks

The 2017 F150 is way underated @12,000 towing. It's got more power than the F250. I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to tow 13-14,500lb with an 20107 F150. U'd need the max payload towing package though.
I could easily see dragging a 12,000 5th wheel be hind one. In fact hitching up to a 35'13,000 GVWR 5er would be easily doable. If the lesser powered F250 can tow 15,000 why should a more powerfull F150 be able to tow 13,000lbs?

lol seriously? Not sure if serious


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[01tundra]

A 2,000-hp dragster would surely be a better TV than a 1-ton dually..... because horsepower