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orange kayak · 05-02-2015, 07:02 PM

It is time--the Honda Ridgeline has served me well but I'm ready for longer trips, more payload capacity, and greater fuel tank capacity. I've decided on a used (2010-2013) Ford F150 Supercrew 4x4, preferably 3.5l V6 ecoboost. Within that scope, any input on must haves or must avoids? I'm thinking 3.55 or 3.73 rear axle gear ratio? Don't want to purchase another truck for a while...any great flaws seen in this choice?
Towing a 19' FC--4500# GVW
Thanks, Meg

SCOTTinNJ · 05-02-2015, 07:56 PM

I have a 2012 with the 5.0 V8. That's plenty of truck for your 19' trailer. You don't need the EcoBoost.

As for musts, look for one with a factory brake controller.

Also, if you have the VIN number of prospective vehicles you can find the window sticker online. I found it to be the best way to compare vehicles.

orange kayak · 05-02-2015, 08:07 PM

Thank you SCOTTinNJ. Good feedback!

richinny · 05-03-2015, 06:16 AM

just my opinions......
you'll want:
tow pkg w/trailer mirrors
tailgate step
backup camera

i think you'll be fine with the 3.55
you have to get the ecoboost to get the 36 gal tank (i think that started availability in 2012)

be very careful with payload ratings. with a lot of options it drops pretty quickly.

Moflash · 05-03-2015, 08:38 AM

Take the time to look at new ones also as there are large factory incentives on remaining 2014 F150's.Sometimes people buy used without a clue that they could have had a new one for the same price.

SCOTTinNJ · 05-03-2015, 08:49 AM

I disagree on the tailgate step but agree completely with the bigger gas tank. I should have mentioned that.

mojo · 05-03-2015, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTTinNJ

I disagree on the tailgate step...

Depends on how old and agile you are!!

orange kayak · 05-03-2015, 09:19 AM

Thank you. I think I found one with all the important features...icl. trailer pkg and backup cam. No leather or tailgate step but I'm agile enough for now. : ) Price seems good--it's a 2013 that was a rental in Canada. We'll see what we can work out with the dealer.

orange kayak · 05-03-2015, 04:30 PM

Does wheel size of tow vehicle have a significant impact on handling when towing?

Gearheart · 05-03-2015, 05:14 PM

I have a 2011 super crew with 3.5 ecoboost and max tow package. Love it. It has more power that the V8 when the turbos kick in. I have the 18" wheels and Michelin all season tires Handles great. The off road model comes with 20" wheels but the sales guy said the tires for that will set you back big bucks when they wear out. I pulls my 24 foot Argosy with no trouble at around 12 MPG.

orange kayak · 05-03-2015, 06:39 PM

Thank you, Gearheart. I'm looking at that exact set up--with 20" wheels.

Isuzusweet · 05-03-2015, 07:07 PM

SPOILER ALERT!!! This is from the Ford head parts girl and her tech husband behind me when I asked them about the F-150, and which to buy.

Don't get the 3.5 Ecoboost as Ford have had a number of problems with them. They wouldn't tell me specifically what the problems are as Ford is fixing them under the table so to speak, however they said the problems are systemic and will reappear. The both of them also spoke of very expensive turbo related parts and marginal or even non-existant mpg gains especially if you're into the turbo's a lot. They themselves bought a 2014 with the 5.0 V8.

As for tire size, it's a proven fact that any rim size above 18" is detrimental to fuel economy (tires tend to be wider which have higher rolling resistance), braking distance, (due to increased weight of bigger rim and larger tire), slower acceleration (due to last explaination), sometimes payload capacity, harsher ride especially in colder months (due to lower tire sidewall height), tougher on front suspension bits and pieces (due to all of the above), AND finally, more expensive to replace. I would stick with the 18's.

Cheers
Tony

orange kayak · 05-03-2015, 07:58 PM

Thanks, Tony. Good things to consider. I'd probably sell the 20" wheels and get something I liked. But the V6 ecoboost? Really? (Hmmmmmm) Any Ecoboost owners want to chime in? Have you had engine issues?

silverlabs · 05-03-2015, 08:01 PM

I am not sure of the so called problems with the EcoBoost. I can speak from my experiences and it has been great. I have a 2011 with 140,000 miles on it and pulled my 25FC about 12,000 miles with it with no issues at all. I also have a 2015 EcoBoost and already pulled about 4,000 miles with it, also with no problems. Have 11,500 on that truck already. I know several others with basically the same vehicle and they too have experienced no issues. I am regularly on the F150 Forums and there have been no more issues on these than any other vehicles. Turbo's do ultimately have potential for some issues when the miles get way up there. I'll deal with that when it comes if it comes. Again, you can probably say that with anything. I also have an Explorer with EcoBoost with 80,000 miles and no issues.

Hiho Silver · 05-03-2015, 09:05 PM

On my 2011 ecoboost we have had issues. When passing while towing our 2014 FC (27) and full acceleration we experienced a loss of power, at the worst time. The first time Ford did a modification with some additional shielding to keep moisture out and reprogrammed the computer as well as replacing a catalytic converter. That was a couple of years ago and then recently we had the same thing happen. Ford then installed another fix and reprogrammed the computer again. Whenever this has happened the air was very moist, and we were told too much moisture was the problem.
That being said we still think this is a great vehicle. Hopefully the problem is cured,? I figured ours was the first year the Ecoboost was available and the problem has been corrected on current models. I would buy another Ecoboost.

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

orange kayak · 05-03-2015, 10:05 PM

Thank you for the feedback. Good information to have from both of you 'silvers'. Going to test drive some trucks tomorrow!

Nomad518 · 05-04-2015, 10:10 AM

I have a 2012 F150 XLT, 5.0 V8, 3.73 rear end, 18-inch rims, 4wd with off road and tow package (with integrated brake controller). It's the super crew model with the long bed (6.5 feet), 36 gal tank, tailgate and side steps. The only whizz bang feature it doesn't have is the backup camera. Except for the fact that it doesn't fit in my garage (the short bed version would have fit in my garage), I love it. It does not have the extendable side view mirrors, but the standard mirrors provide good rear view visibility (as good as my previous TVs that had strap-on mirror extensions). This has been a great truck. I've had no problems with it at all and it pulls my AS like a champ.

I agree with the suggestions others have made. Check with your Ford dealers. They're offering big discounts on their remaining 2014 models. You may be able to get a deal on a new truck that's comparable to a used one and get a full new-vehicle warranty.

55AS · 05-04-2015, 10:32 AM

Definitely comparison shop new vs used. Pretty good deals on any leftover 2014s right now.
I have a 2014 Supercrew with 3.5L EB and 3.55 rear axle. Love it so far.
While not "must haves" the rear cam and integrated brake contoller are nice options.

danjoe91 · 05-04-2015, 10:40 AM

The only complaint I have about my ecoboost is the (around town- not- towing ) gas mileage, but the towing power is fantastic! I am towing a 32' Excella, without any problem at all. Mountains, passing, etc. Never had a mechanical issue in the 35,000 miles I have on it. Mine is a 2012 157" wheelbase 4X4 crew cab with the 3.73 rear end and max towing package with the tow mirrors.

gehrhardt · 05-04-2015, 11:31 AM

I have a 2011 Super Crew Ecoboost with the max tow package. It has the 3.73 gears, but I think the 3.55s would have been a better choice. My fuel economy while not towing isn't as impressive as it should be. As for power, no problems there. I towed my '73 Travelux (5400 lbs) this past weekend and it was effortless.

I haven't had any issues with the engine either, and I'm approaching 75k miles.

I agree with the previous posters too. The back up camera, integrated brake controller, and LT tires are a must. Don't get the 20" rims either, as the tires for the 18" ones are expensive enough.