Ford F150 3.5L Eco Boost

[dznf0g]

Brakes are highly over-rated. They are a negative acceleration factor and should be used only in a dire emergency. They scrub off speed!

[kscherzi]

I now drive a 2003 Expedition. I get 15 mpg unloaded average. Towing closer to 10 mpg, but its all leather, has 1,600 lbs payload and independent rear suspension. I think the eco boost F-150 is a wonderful improvement, but its fat so payload suffers on the nicer models. I'm waiting on the 2015 for its claimed 700 lb diet. Hopefully most of that gain is plowed back into payload. That would make the truck closer to perfect.

[rbs]

We absolutely are very happy with our F150 Eco Boost coupled with the Pro Pride hitch. Just returned from 750 mile trip, averaged 11.4 mpg and that includes 150 miles into a very brutal quartering cross wind. It has been across the scales several times, and we have never been overloaded and the trailer pulls effortlessly. Amazing amount of power with this engine, great brakes and the computer assisted down shifting on heavy braking in an absolute plus. We would buy the same truck, it just does everything so well.

[Jim Clark]

Just towed over 500 miles with mine, not one issue. 12.1 MPG

[slowmover]

I note that most all tend to drive pickups the same as they drive cars despite important differences in outcomes. The examples given above of how to use a truck in traffic work well. As to saving fuel, yes, I have demonstrated to myself (records) of how I can save enough fuel to completely underwrite 5,000-miles of vacation travel within the same annual fuel budget all while accomplishing the same ends. But what you do or what I do is beside the point: brake life has reasonable minimums, and 30k miles of service is below par for any vehicle in any use (given some terrain constraints).

Someone who strives to maintain separation distance (safety) finds that other decisions about to drive follow along. If A, then B, etc. Safety, vehicle longevity (component life), and fuel economy all follow the same decision tree. Brake life, tire life and fuel economy will follow the same consumption curve.

And eveyone considers themselves "good drivers" even though the evidence is otherwise. But some others can prove it whether on the track or on the street.

Tires and brakes have complementary effects. In time we might learn from owners of the EB-powered trucks what works best -- and why -- for that particular model.

Cheers.

.

[crispyboy]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

I could care less if I have to replace my brake pads every couple of years and I also don't care to drive at 47.153624 miles per hour to save a few drops of gas/fuel.

I also try not to get too wrapped up in the numbers.

Our companies work trucks only get about 25k miles out of the brakes, the guys are pretty tough on the stop/go.
I once had a 1995 Honda Civic where the oem front brakes went to 105k. Over the winter I changed the front and rear pads on dad's 2003 Grand Cherokee which went till 95k miles. I'm certain that it is a combination of terrain, driver awareness and quality of the equipment.

[AWCHIEF]

If anyone is interested I proved (at least to me) today that a F150 Super Crew Ecoboost can easily haul 3000 lbs of washed gravel in the bed. Not saying it was done safely but it can be done. I am glad I only had go about 5 miles with the load at low speed. It had a very sloppy feeling in the front end and showed lots of compression of the rear springs and noticeable squashed tires. Engine felt good and I could really feel the low end torque do its thing. I don’t plan on repeating this foolishness but nice to know it can be done if ever needed. This may be old hat to some but for me this was a first at hauling such a dead weight load in the bed.

[Jim Clark]

Originally Posted by slowmover

I note that most all tend to drive pickups the same as they drive cars despite important differences in outcomes. .

You can't be serious. Really

Not giving very much credit to the rest of us.

[Jim Clark]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

If anyone is interested I proved (at least to me) today that a F150 Super Crew Ecoboost can easily haul 3000 lbs of washed gravel in the bed.

Thanks for doing that, now I don't have to.

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by Jim Clark

Thanks for doing that, now I don't have to.

Jim, I certainly would not recommend anyone try this stunt at home without adult supervision.

[JFScheck]

Yep, no problems with torque or horsepower, but I bet you the suspension was "crying" like crazy along with the brakes...

[Jim Clark]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Jim, I certainly would not recommend anyone try this stunt at home without adult supervision.

That is the issue, the only adult in my life is my wife.

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by JFScheck

Yep, no problems with torque or horsepower, but I bet you the suspension was "crying" like crazy along with the brakes...

The suspension was definitely not happy. Hopefully it has a short memory and will forgive me.

[SteveH]

I've carried loads like that in 1/2 tons several times at slow speed and all survived. Not really recommended, however.

[AWCHIEF]

From personal Experience I can safely concur, definitely not recommended.

[MaxTow]

Originally Posted by kscherzi

I now drive a 2003 Expedition. I get 15 mpg unloaded average. Towing closer to 10 mpg, but its all leather, has 1,600 lbs payload and independent rear suspension. I think the eco boost F-150 is a wonderful improvement, but its fat so payload suffers on the nicer models. I'm waiting on the 2015 for its claimed 700 lb diet. Hopefully most of that gain is plowed back into payload. That would make the truck closer to perfect.

2012 F150 Ecoboost SuperCrew with Max Tow / HD Payload, Lariat (leather, etc)

Payload: 2150 lbs

Fuel stats from last trip:

12.5 l/100km (18.8 mpg) solo - with family of 4 on board + cargo,
19.2 l/100km (12.2 mpg) towing (30' Safari)

14300 lbs total combined weight (CAT Scales)

The only thing I don't like is the mileage for short distances. Until the truck warms, it's very expensive to run. As my daily commute is short - this is not the most economical vehicle for the job.

[Phoenix]

Just an opinion from someone who has absolutely no experience with Ford pickups:

Personally, I'd be concerned about overloading the tires. You might want to check the load rating and do the math to see if 3,000 pounds of gravel in the bed may have damaged the sidewall cords. If they were overloaded, I'd worry about the tires failing in the summer heat (especially a concern if you are towing at the time).

I hope I am wrong...

[AirChief]

I guess I will pile on to the subject. 2011 F150 EB 4x4 Offroad, SuperCrew with Max tow. Pulls great and I have gotten anywhere from 12 to 13.5 mpg. However, I do pull a 19' so total weight is only 4500 fully loaded. Only problem I can see now hindsight 20/20 is the total payload for this configuration truck is 1800 lbs. Add gas, 4 people and 550 hitch weight if the trailer is fully loaded and you have less than 300 lbs of capability in the bed. Now that being said, the truck is "rated" at that level for 100% safety and capability and everything is rated higher then what is can actually do for safety purposes. I'm not recommending hauling 3000lbs of rock but the truck can do more than rated but it is always best to stay in the safety zone - that's why they are created, stay in the safety zone to significantly mitigate and likely eliminate the risk.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by AirChief

Only problem I can see now hindsight 20/20 is the total payload for this configuration truck is 1800 lbs. Add gas, 4 people and 550 hitch weight if the trailer is fully loaded and you have less than 300 lbs of capability in the bed. Now that being said, the truck is "rated" at that level for 100% safety and capability and everything is rated higher then what is can actually do for safety purposes.

Exactly why I could not get a 1/2 ton to work for us with the 30'er, a Propride hitch (1140 lbs total tongue), camper shell, and all the "stuff" we carry. Even checked on the capacities of the larger 1/2 ton SUV's, and no dice.

However, I did not check on the mini vans....they seem to handle the weight OK up in Canada.

[Gene]

Half ton trucks that have not half ton capacity, but one ton or 3/4 ton. This is one case where they don't inflate the name and call a truck with one ton capacity a two ton.

My truck can tow a space shuttle.

Gene