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Kalidas · 08-02-2015, 11:40 AM

Hello Everyone,
So we just signed the papers for our very first trailer. 25' Serenity. It's spectacular! We are so excited!
We currently have a F150 with less than 35000 km. Barely broken in. It's a 3.7L ecoboost.
Looking at the numbers, it would appear to not be enough truck. Local Ford dealer thinks it should be big enough. We have no intention of filling the trailer up with non essentials. We live a very simple life.
So, my question is if there is anyone out there using or have tried to use a 150 to tow a 25 footer.
Thanks so much.
Kalidas

AnnArborBob · 08-02-2015, 11:57 AM

A lot of people tow bigger trailers than yours with the F-150 equipped with the 3.7 liter eco-boost and love it. The key is to have the weight-distribution/anti-sway hitch set up properly. I would check with CanAm in London as they are the real hitch-experts in your area (we even traveled from the Detroit area to see them.)

Can-Am RV Centre | Your Towing Experts

terryV · 08-02-2015, 12:01 PM

I have a friend with one of those and he tows a 31' SOB just fine with his. Other than setting up the hitch, he has done nothing to the truck.

Foiled Again · 08-02-2015, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kalidas

Hello Everyone,
So we just signed the papers for our very first trailer. 25' Serenity. It's spectacular! We are so excited!
We currently have a F150 with less than 35000 km. Barely broken in. It's a 3.7L ecoboost.
Looking at the numbers, it would appear to not be enough truck. Local Ford dealer thinks it should be big enough. We have no intention of filling the trailer up with non essentials. We live a very simple life.
So, my question is if there is anyone out there using or have tried to use a 150 to tow a 25 footer.
Thanks so much.
Kalidas

You CAN do it, I have for 2 years, but as a fulltimer I just want/need to carry more crap around. If you're not going to need a big generator, etc you're golden. HINTS or learn from my experience: Do not add a bed slide or heavy tonneau cover/cap. Consider the hitch you choose carefully - the springs/shocks aren't all that heavy duty and the top two $$$$$ WD hitches are also the heaviest. Distribute your loads thoughtfully each trip. If you're into cast iron cooking be aware it can be as addictive as Aluminitis - you really DO NOT need to take more than 2 pieces on a trip. Once a year or so do a major clean out of the trailer - stuff accumulates!

I see you're in Canada, so your need for a BIG generator to run A/C is probably nil, and even if you boondock a Honda 1000 can do most other chores - one at a time - but just fine. (Run hair dryer, then plug in induction burner, then plug in battery charger, etc.)

Kalidas · 08-02-2015, 03:58 PM

Thanks...just what I was hoping to hear. I will take all the suggestions and include them in my plans.

jcl · 08-02-2015, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kalidas

We currently have a F150 with less than 35000 km. Barely broken in. It's a 3.7L ecoboost.

Is it a 2.7 Ecoboost, a 3.5 Ecoboost, or a 3.7 Duratec (non Ecoboost)?

richinny · 08-02-2015, 05:59 PM

a big factor is the differential gear ratio.

DC Bruce · 08-03-2015, 12:29 PM

The engine is plenty strong. What you might want to look at is the payload sticker on the driver's side door frame. (I'm assuming vehicles sold in Canada are required to have this, as they are in the U.S.) 800-1000 pounds of your trailer's weight will be carried as payload by your tow vehicle. Exactly how much depends on how you load your trailer and the setting of the (required) weight distribution hitch. The hitch will shift some of that weight back to the trailer. Add up the weight the trailer places on the truck to the weight of your passengers and cargo in the truck and see how that compares to the rated capacity of your truck.

Kalidas · 08-03-2015, 01:40 PM

Shoot...typo...yes, it is a 2.7....

Kalidas · 08-03-2015, 01:43 PM

Hello Everyone,
Thanks for all the replies.
It has just been pointed out to me that I had a typo in my first posting regarding this thread.
My truck is a F150 '2.7' Ecoboost!!!
This makes a big difference I think.
Anyone like to rethink their reply to me.
Thank you

SCOTTinNJ · 08-03-2015, 02:06 PM

This is even more confusing as they didn't make the 2.7 in 2013...

Gene · 08-03-2015, 02:34 PM

When you calculate payload, be aware a weight distributing hitch transfers tongue weight (and presumably hitch weight) to both the truck axles and the trailer axle(s). One third (approximately) goes to the trailer and 2/3 to the truck. So if your tongue weight is 600 lbs. (likely it is quite a bit more), 400 lbs. counts toward payload.

When we were looking at buying, we weighed everything we would take in the truck and the trailer on a bathroom scale to see what we would like to take. We figured we would be fine on the trailer cargo limit and maxed out on our truck. Note that the payload door sticker may have an additional sticker for dealer added options. Anything you add to the factory truck on the original sticker, or the dealer adds, will further reduce payload. Half ton trucks are a problem with payload for a medium size trailer, but many of us do it.

Your Ford should have in the owner's manual information on towing—how much the truck can tow, total weight limits per truck axle, total weight, but ignore the payload in the manual. The door sticker(s) are more accurate. A couple of years ago tow limits were reduced by new SAE recommendations and some manufacturers adjusted their numbers (Toyota did, not sure about Ford or others) downward.

And it is (as Foiled Again said) normal to keep adding things to the trailer over the years and creep toward (or over) cargo limits for the trailer.

People have been very happy with the EB, but whether they had the 3.7 L. or 2.7 L, I don't recall any info on that. Maybe the numbers for the 2.7 are ok, but you may go pretty slowly uphill.

Gene

jonnyo · 08-03-2015, 03:26 PM

Ecoboost 3.5: can tow any airstream of any lenght up any mountain pass...a none issue as long as payload is respected. It s a monster

Ecoboost 2.7 (2015 only): can tow up to 8500lbs. It s a solid engine for towing once again and as done much more than 8500lbs in testing. If payload is respected, it will tow a 25 airstream.

And the 3.7 is a v6 that isnt very strong. it would tow the airstream 25 but you would be very slow up the hill and perhaps borderline. would do fine on flat at 55....but not the best engine for hilly places.

...there is no such thing as a 3.7 ecoboost. if your truck is a 2013...it s a 3.5 EB.

2015 have option of 2.7 EB

DC Bruce · 08-04-2015, 09:48 AM

If your truck is the 2.7 Ecoboost (newly introduced for 2015) then you need to have the max tow package to get the tow ratings mentioned. I spent a lot of time trying to configure a 2015 F150 that would work for my FC27. . . And finally gave up. I think that package gets you a different rear axle ratio and maybe different rear suspension. Just for certainty: the 3.5 and 2.7 engines are twin turbocharged. The 3.7 is normally aspirated. I doubt the 3.7 would be satisfactory.

Gene · 08-04-2015, 11:01 AM

The 2.7 sounds like a vanity truck suitable only for a daily driver and light duty as a pickup. It probably could tow a Bambi though. Maybe a turbo on each cylinder would be better for a medium duty pickup and that may be coming someday.

Gene

Mike-Gloria · 08-04-2015, 11:24 AM

What a great choice in trailers you made. We pull a 2012 27FB classic with a 2013 3.5 ecoboost. We have pulled Lucy about 25K miles and have had no issues with it at all. We do have max tow and the trailer mirrors. The engine is strong and has pulled every hill, mountain from Washington state to Texas. Everyone that talks about the hitch is right on. Set up is so important. Good luck hope to see you on the road sometime.
Mike

jonnyo · 08-04-2015, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene

The 2.7 sounds like a vanity truck suitable only for a daily driver and light duty as a pickup. It probably could tow a Bambi though. Maybe a turbo on each cylinder would be better for a medium duty pickup and that may be coming someday.

Gene

with 325hp and 375 lbs torque and a very lightweight truck, it will behave very similar to a tundra 5.7l and will do better at altitude. It does return amazing fuel economy when not towing but for towing purpose, it s definitely a capable vehicle. They are popular here in BC.

Bambi.... those are tow with car and small suv here in canada!!! different world i guess.

Gene · 08-04-2015, 01:54 PM

A Tundra will usually top 3 tons. It is a little better than the Ford on hp. and torque. Are you talking about the 2.7 or the 3.5? I think you refer to the 2.7, but I'm unsure.

While Canada may be a different world, it looks much like the US. But I have seen far fewer big pickups in Canada. It may be price, especially now with the Canadian dollar having declined so much. And some may go to Can-Am to get their smaller trucks, vans, etc., beefed up.

Gene

Kalidas · 08-05-2015, 10:35 AM

Thanks so much for all the information.
Going into the dealer next week to discuss things.

Kalidas · 08-05-2015, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike-Gloria

What a great choice in trailers you made. We pull a 2012 27FB classic with a 2013 3.5 ecoboost. We have pulled Lucy about 25K miles and have had no issues with it at all. We do have max tow and the trailer mirrors. The engine is strong and has pulled every hill, mountain from Washington state to Texas. Everyone that talks about the hitch is right on. Set up is so important. Good luck hope to see you on the road sometime.
Mike

Thanks Mike,
What are you using for a hitch?
Did you put any extras on the trailer for stability ?