F150 Ecoboost - I Stand Corrected - Premium Not Required

[Jim_in_WA]

Well it took around two months of driving before I was able to hitch up and go on a trip. With a bed loaded with two rows of firewood, 20lb propane tank, and clamming gear we took off from Puyallup and drove to Ocean Shores RV resort, a K&M resort in Ocean City, WA. 103 miles consisting of interstate, in town, and rolling two lane.

First off the difference between our 08 King Ranch and this new truck is totally amazing. Pulling out of the storage lot right onto a busy 4 lane road was effortless. I can honestly say the truck does have a diesel like pull to it with power to spare. From a standing start to passing slow cars on the interstate the Ecoboost doesn't know when to quit. Granted the 5.4 in the KR pulled the camper and got the job done but the 3.5 does that and puts it in a bow tie to boot.

Going down there averaging between 60 and 65 the truck got 8.9 mpg. Coming back with with the cruise set at 60 for the majority of time I averaged 8.5. Both times I had the truck in tow/haul mode most of the time.

Going down hill the truck will automatically downshift to assist in downhill braking. I found this very helpful. Going up hills, max of 5 degree incline during the trip, the truck would downshift into 5th and once into 4th.

I could hear the hiss of the turbos when ascending and definitely when merging onto I5 under heavy acceleration but rest assured there was no issue with need for power.

All in all I am completely satisfied with truck and am looking forward to longer trips.

[Crabman]

Sounds pretty impressive towing a large trailer and having that kind of oomph. I`m still amazed how they can squeeze that much power out of a 3.5l engine.