1st Towing Experience with F150 Ecoboost

[tbwill]

Towed the Starcraft 175RK (3500 lb) with the F150 Ecoboost for the first time last week. We went back to where we went on our maiden voyage last October, Dinkey Creek in the Sierra National Forest. Last time we towed the trailer with a 4.0L V6 Toyota 4Runner. The Ecoboost towed the trailer much easier. The same 9 mile 7% grade section of Hwy 168 that the 4Runner would only comfortably maintain 40-50 mph on, the Ecoboost maintained 60 mph easily. After a couple of days at Dinkey Creek (6000’ elev) we moved over to Huntington Lake (~7000’ elev). Operating at elevation with the turbos was great, no perceptible loss of power. The Tow-Haul mode of the transmission worked great coming down the hill, providing engine breaking when needed and really kept me off the brakes. I have the Ford integrated brake controller and it made braking seamless, did not even notice the trailer when slowing. Overall average mileage for the trip was 9.8 mpg. Trip was 150 miles with a 21,400' elevation gain/loss. Very happy with my choice of tow vehicle so far.

[Rustic Eagle]

Sounds like you have an ideal TV/HTT combination which can make mountain towing a pleasure.

Bob

[82corvette]

I have heard nothing but good about the Ecoboost. Just wait till it is broken in!

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by 82corvette

I have heard nothing but good about the Ecoboost. Just wait till it is broken in!

I've been reading mixed reviews about the Ecoboost. Most of the negative reviews have been that the gas mileage is considerably less that advertised (more so than one normally would expect).

I'm still concerned how the engine holds up over the long term. The torture test Ford conducted was mostly done on a dyno which is not the same as real life. I'm thinking any repairs that has to be done on it is going to be seriously expensive. If I had to buy right now, I would get the 6.2.

[Denise]

Tom and Jill, no comment on the ecoboost, but just wanted to chime in on Dinkey Creek. Not many folks know about it. I camped in a tent there with co-workers about 15 years ago... in a tent! Loved (sorta) tubing down the creek. Pretty area to camp