Ford F150 Eco-Boost.

[Taroni]

I have the 2014 King Ranch Eco-boost for my 22' Bambi. Traded in the F-150 eight cylinder for more torque. Works just fine so far, but have not pulled in real mountains yet, just the Texas Hill Country.

Tom Taroni

[graysailor]

8 speed tranny is still a rumour but if true not until 2016. In theory the lower the rear end number the better MPG with the trade off being pulling power which would be somewhat better with the higher rear end number. For some reason with the higher rear end (lower number) one looses a little towing capacity.

I went with the 30 footer to gain the recliners which almost gives you another room. The dinette area is totally separate. Also gaining more storage inside. Outside storage seems to be better also have done away with the two smallish storage areas and instead have one quite large storage area at the rear of the trailer.

[KJRitchie]

We decided not to go through with a 2014 purchase. We will wait a few years when our conditions change at home and maybe by then there will be some preowned 2015s on the market.

Looking at the local dealers within 150 miles of where I live you can get a new 2014 for only a little bit more or a little cheaper than the most preowned 2011, 2012 and 2013 units I see advertised. We weren't looking at Platinum, Lariat or FX4 trims, XLT is good enough although I do prefer the transmission shift on the floor like my Tundra, makes it a lot easier to manual shift but that seems to be only offered in the higher priced trims.

Kelvin

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

We decided not to go through with a 2014 purchase. We will wait a few years when our conditions change at home and maybe by then there will be some preowned 2015s on the market.

Looking at the local dealers within 150 miles of where I live you can get a new 2014 for only a little bit more or a little cheaper than the most preowned 2011, 2012 and 2013 units I see advertised. We weren't looking at Platinum, Lariat or FX4 trims, XLT is good enough although I do prefer the transmission shift on the floor like my Tundra, makes it a lot easier to manual shift but that seems to be only offered in the higher priced trims.

Kelvin

Kelvin- Get the best price with options you want, for sure! I have found that using the internet can start a great dialog with multiple dealers who want your business, without leaving your house. I have done multiple deals on new vehicles over the past 8 years using this method, and it has worked well for me. I typically get a follow up call from the internet sales guy, which leads me to tell them my best pricing and if they can beat it; saves the hassle of the various layers of sales and managers which can be very frustrating, not to mention time consuming.

As for Platinum vs Lariat and FX 4X4 vs standard 4X4....we drove all of them and I had 2 close friends; one with Platinum FX 4X4, Echoboost, and one with a loaded Lariat 4X4 standard. we liked the ride better on 4X4...not so stiff as FX; we don't go off road either other than some snow an ice issues in MT during winter visits. Platinum was wifes idea....she liked the "disappearing running boards"...hey, who am I to argue!

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by graysailor

8 speed tranny is still a rumour but if true not until 2016. In theory the lower the rear end number the better MPG with the trade off being pulling power which would be somewhat better with the higher rear end number. For some reason with the higher rear end (lower number) one looses a little towing capacity.

I went with the 30 footer to gain the recliners which almost gives you another room. The dinette area is totally separate. Also gaining more storage inside. Outside storage seems to be better also have done away with the two smallish storage areas and instead have one quite large storage area at the rear of the trailer.

Yea, I read a lot about the 30 footers and it is looking nice, but would likely require a larger TV....also concerned about the length overall for maneuvering and getting into some parks we like to visit. Sure looks like the way to go for full timing...

[ultrahuck]

Hi Graysailor,
Don't have an AStream yet but seriously looking at a 2010 30 foorter with recliners used.

Our concern is not having the extra "couch" in the front section.

Your thoughts.

Regards,
UHuck

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

We decided not to go through with a 2014 purchase. We will wait a few years when our conditions change at home and maybe by then there will be some preowned 2015s on the market.

Looking at the local dealers within 150 miles of where I live you can get a new 2014 for only a little bit more or a little cheaper than the most preowned 2011, 2012 and 2013 units I see advertised. We weren't looking at Platinum, Lariat or FX4 trims, XLT is good enough although I do prefer the transmission shift on the floor like my Tundra, makes it a lot easier to manual shift but that seems to be only offered in the higher priced trims.

Kelvin

Kelvin,

A '15 XLT with the console shifter will be a rare critter. You can only get that with the "XLT Sport Appearance Package" (code 862) that only comes with one interior color, but on all levels of Lariat you can get the console-mounted shifter. A well-equipped XLT has a lot of price overlap with a lightly-optioned Lariat anyway. My gripe is that at least for 2015 the LED headlights will only be available on the "Lariat Luxury" and above, so it gets pricey to have those nice lights.

[graysailor]

I have read in several forums that soon the couch in the 30 footer becomes uncomfortable. Another reason I prefer the recliners is that there is a fold up table that you can use or not use. This almost gives the feeling of having a separate room in the trailer. The dinette is totally separate area which I prefer.

[mefly2]

We looked at the Eco-B again, but when we hooked up our 25 to it and pulled it down the road, we went back to the torque of Doctor Diesel ... hard to beat the brakes and features of the HD - at a cost to both buy and maintain, of course.

[DC Bruce]

@Kelvin
The '11 Ecoboost had a problem with condensation in the inter cooler under certain humidity and temperature conditions. Ford did a voluntary recall and there was an NHTSA investigation but no mandatory recall (the problem caused a sudden loss of power). This tells me that the Feds were satisfied that Ford had successfully dealt with the problem. In order to have nearly a ton of cargo capacity look for the 7650 GVWR package ( usually comes with the max trailer tow package). 3:55 or 3:73 locking rear axle is recommended. A local dealer in Washington DC metro had a Lariat crew cab Ecoboost with these packages new (2014) for just over $42k. Seemed like a screaming deal.

[KJRitchie]

Hard to find 7650 GVWR models on the lot. Most are 7200 GVWR. I did find one that seems perfect for towing. 3.73, 7700 gvwr, supercrew. The only thing I don't like about it is the length (6 1/2' bed on with a supercrew) but you have to go that length to get the GVWR. $35986 advertised. With the extra length and weight what would be the true payload I wonder?

Springfield, MO 2014 Ford F-150 / XLT / New Truck Marshfield, MO Lebanon, MO Don Vance Ford | 22481 | 1FTFW1ET7EFB76646

Kelvin

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Hard to find 7650 GVWR models on the lot. Most are 7200 GVWR. I did find one that seems perfect for towing. 3.73, 7700 gvwr, supercrew. The only thing I don't like about it is the length (6 1/2' bed on with a supercrew) but you have to go that length to get the GVWR. $35986 advertised. With the extra length and weight what would be the true payload I wonder?

Springfield, MO 2014 Ford F-150 / XLT / New Truck Marshfield, MO Lebanon, MO Don Vance Ford | 22481 | 1FTFW1ET7EFB76646

Kelvin

I'm not sure the truck you linked to has the HD Payload option (the one that gets you that max GVWR) because the photos show 6-lug wheels, and HD Payload in that generation comes with 7-lug wheels (and that long wheelbase, 6.5' bed).

Ask that dealer to email you a photo of the placard on the B-pillar that states that particular truck's payload. You'll be able to double-check whether they send you a photo of the placard from the right truck because their ad shows the VIN of the blue truck, and the placard will show the tail end of the VIN.

[KJRitchie]

From that page is a link to the window sticker and it shows the 7700 GVWR package.

Kelvin

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

From that page is a link to the window sticker and it shows the 7700 GVWR package.

Kelvin

Looking back at the 2014 Ordering Guide, the HD Payload package I referred to is for 8200 lb GVWR, not 7700.

The door placard will still show you the official payload for that individual truck, though. The '14 Ordering Guide shows a max possible payload for the config (SuperCrew 4x4, Ecoboost, 157" wb, 7700 lb GWVR) of 1840 lb.

[KJRitchie]

Looking at this new 2014 4x4 XLT Supercrew. Max Trailer Pkg with 3.73 and 6.5' bed. Its only 12" longer than the normal short SuperCrew Test drove it today and found it very nice. I liked the way it drove better than my Tundra however the turning radius isn't as good.

It has a 7700 GVWR.

According to the 2014 features description choosing the Max Payload removes a bunch of options so what does Ford do to increase GVRW listings. I've see 7200 Package, 7350 package and this 7700 package. According to Ford documentation it states the available payload before passengers. Doesn't mention if the fuel tank is full or not. This seems the best you can do. Attached is the weigh labels. This payload is only 300lbs more than my 2015 2wd Tundra Double cab.

I'm not in any rush so I could wait another year and see what 2015 models present. However, will I be able to find max trailer packages on the lot. Seems to be hard to find.

Kelvin

[m.hony]

Why are you getting another truck?
What is wrong with the Tundra?
The Tundra turning radius is about equal to my Nissan Pathfinder's turning radius.

[KJRitchie]

Since moving here my wife has been wondering if we should have a 4x4/AWD vehicle. I don't want to buy a AWD passenger car so I though why not upgrade to a 4x4 tow vehicle we can use in about 3-4 years when we are retired and can go on extended trips, mainly out west.

We like our Tundra and it has been a good tow vehicle but it has two flaws; it only has 1465lbs payload showing on the load sticker on the door. I'm sure I'm running close to or over the GVWR of 6900lbs when towing. The gas tank is limited to only 26 gal even on the 4x4 models. I don't like the style of the 2014 Tundras and I feel the Tundra is getting a little long in the tooth to invest in another Tundra. The F150 4x4 has a 36gal tank and the Ecoboost would tow better at high altitudes in the West. I have to admit I preferred the ride of the F150 we drove today.

I found a 2013 F150 Ecoboost SupercrewLariet with 19k miles with a HD Payload package with Max Tow. It has an 8200lb GVWR and has LT E rated tires for a little less than the new 2014 XLT with only the 7700lb GVWR. I'll try to test drive it next week.

Kelvin

[Arcticfox]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Looking at this new 2014 4x4 XLT Supercrew. Max Trailer Pkg with 3.73 and 6.5' bed. Its only 12" longer than the normal short SuperCrew Test drove it today and found it very nice. I liked the way it drove better than my Tundra however the turning radius isn't as good.

It has a 7700 GVWR.

According to the 2014 features description choosing the Max Payload removes a bunch of options so what does Ford do to increase GVRW listings. I've see 7200 Package, 7350 package and this 7700 package. According to Ford documentation it states the available payload before passengers. Doesn't mention if the fuel tank is full or not. This seems the best you can do. Attached is the weigh labels. This payload is only 300lbs more than my 2015 2wd Tundra Double cab.

I'm not in any rush so I could wait another year and see what 2015 models present. However, will I be able to find max trailer packages on the lot. Seems to be hard to find.

Kelvin

Hi Kelvin:
I have this exact truck and just purchased it back in September. I'm using it to tow my 28' and it does a fine job.

Cheers
Doug

[rodsterinfl]

Hey Robert. I've been posting about this upcoming truck for a while, following it and reading anything I can. I am thinking about the 2.7L ecoboost. Right now I have an '09 Supercrew with the 5'6" bed and the 4.6L 3V engine w/6 spd and tow pkg. and 3.55 rear (292HP/320 ft lbs.). My payload is 1548 lbs. The truck runs and pulls great. I know it works on hills pulling but it is quite capable with nearly the same HP/torque of the 5.4L of the same vintage. The 2.7 (325HP/375ft lbs.) still has more power than my current truck and would be beneficial when not towing. From what I have read, the payload on a supercrew like that will be about 2200 lbs in the new version. That would be perfect for a 25' Airstream me thinks. The 3.7L eco gets, on average 1 more mpg on the highway than me and about 2 mpg more in town. The new one is supposed to up that by 20% minimum.

Articfox- my manual says the truck weight and payload rating are based on full tank of gas (not impacted by payload)

Kelvin, when I looked at the Toyotas the one thing I noticed was their lower payloads- more comparable to the 5-7 year old F150s. The new 2015 F150s will have nearly all the weight savings added to payload. That is significant. Your sticker shows 1765 lbs. Another thing I learned is that the wheel options can impact payload too. Have to be careful on wheel choice. A guy got a new one last year. While I was looking at it I noted that his payload was just over 1000 lbs on a Lariat (loaded) with fancy wheels. You can also check with Ford direct online just by the VIN number and see the options on the truck. I just looked up the VIN you posted and it has the max payload pkg. with max tow.

[KJRitchie]

Regarding Ford payload definitions, I've found this definition in the Ford fleet Truck Payload 2014 document.

Payload
Maximum payload is defined as the weight of all passengers, optional and aftermarket equipment, and cargo

Base Curb Weight
The weight of the vehicle including standard equipment, oil, lubricants and a full tank of fuel. It does not include the weight of driver, passengers, cargo or any optional or aftermarket equipment

I would assume then the payload shown on the yellow door sticker is therefore GVWR minus the weight of the truck with a full tank. Therefore calculating payload would include the drivers weight.

Further in the document they assume the weight of a driver or passenger is only 150lb.

Kelvin