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Streamer1492 · 02-13-2011, 10:34 PM

Just drove one of these 2011 F150 3.5L at the local Ford dealer, impressed to say the least, and really want to buy, but am concerned about hitch weight and gas mileage when pulling a 2006 28' safari with a Slide Out. Does anybody out there have "inside" info on mileage when pulling about 8500 pounds. The AS has about 1000 pound hitch weight and I have about 1000-1200 or "stuff" in the bed. Currently pulling with a 2006 F250 6.0 and never notice the trailer is behind me, getting about 12mpg in the mountains, 14mpg without trailer. I need a pickup for about 15000 miles per year without the trailer and only about 5000 pulling the AS. I'm getting pretty tired, and really pissed every time I stop and pay 25 cents more for Diesel than gas, and the 2006 has over 100K mileage on it. But the big question, will the 3.5L be struggling pulling the AS??? Tried to talk the Ford dealer into letting me hook up the AS and drive it up the mountain, but no go, some BS about insurance. Yes, I've watched the stress test video's. Thanks Terry

ROBERTSUNRUS · 02-13-2011, 11:46 PM

Hi, the F-150 is really impressive with the 3.5 L EB engine, but my eyes are still on the F-150 with the 6.2 L V-8 engine. Either way, I think I would stop at a 25'er and think a 28'er, especially with a slideout, is too heavy for this truck. [my opinion]

Naper · 02-14-2011, 09:11 AM

Ford claim 11,000 # towing capacity with the 3.5 L same as the 6.2. If the 3.5 EB does what Ford says it does they have a winner.

pappy19 · 02-14-2011, 07:56 PM

I think with the right rearend ratio, like at least a 4.10, and a set of Firestone air rides, you could do just fine. Of course you could also get an F-250 with the new V-8 gasser that has alot more capacity for almost the same money.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 02-14-2011, 08:27 PM

Hi, with the gearing of the new six speed automatics, a 4:10 isn't necessary.

BigAl · 02-14-2011, 08:48 PM

I'm getting a f150 4x2 supercab with 8foot box. Ecoboost engine, max tow package and hd load package. 11,300 tow capacity and 2640lb cargo capacity. It will tow my 31 footer just fine. Had a e150 rated for 7000lb trailer maximum and it towed my 31 footer just fine except really steep grades. My trailer is rated max 8300 lb loaded. So it went up a bit slow. If not mistaken the only axle offered is the 3.73 with the ecoboost.

Al

JFScheck · 02-14-2011, 11:08 PM

P i c t u r e s W a n t e d ! ! !

xonvldz · 02-15-2011, 06:53 AM

whats wrong with a pre dpf diesel with 100k miles?i wouldnt give up a diesel with low miles for a gas motor.inmho i think you will be sorely disapointed with the towing prowess of the new rig vs your diesel.

pappy19 · 02-15-2011, 07:18 AM

He's worried about the reliability of the 6 leaker. Too many problems with that engine, especially when the 100k warranty is over. Don't blame him. It's one thing to have power, but another is reliability, and I'll take reliability over power any day.

Streamer1492 · 02-16-2011, 07:29 PM

Thanks for all the response. Somewhat concerned about the 6.0, but maily want better mileage when I'm not towing. I can live with 10-12 pulling (about 5K per year) with the 3.5l and 18-20 (about 15K per year) when running to the store. But just having trouble with about 14 running around town. Just paid $3.79 today in Barstow for Diesel. Still the original question, any idea of mileage when towing with the 3.5L. Local Ford dealer is having some 3.5L dog and pony show next Thursday and will ask engineers, but I'm sure they will try and spin it. Would really hate to spend $40K and find out the twin-turbo's are running full out when pulling the AS and I'm getting about 6-8mpg. As for the 6.0, just keep changing the oil, no chips or mods. and keep fingers crossed. Current mileage is 102950.

xonvldz · 02-20-2011, 08:02 AM

i have a 6 litre diesel.stop in and talk to an experienced diesel mechanic and you will see for yourself that a properly maintained 6.0 that is stock has virtually 0 problems.my 2005 has 85k and has had 0 problems.clean fuel and an additive is also a must with this motor.my brother is a ford tech at a truck dlrshp facility and he sees the good,the bad and the ugly everyday.in order to evaluate the 3.5l with your trailer find a dealer that will let you hook up and take it for a test drive.if the answer is no then something is up.chances are that it is not up to the task.your decision,your money,dont buy unless you satisfy yourself that the truck can meet your needs.

knunut · 02-21-2011, 07:43 AM

Watched videos on Ford Web Site. Looks Great,however I'm concerned that the Turbos would be "On" all the time your towing . Local Dealers don't have in stock yet. Hope to check it out soon.
I presently have an Avalanche with the 8-4 system.At times i think they missed the point ie: its in 8 at Stop lights ? Why not 4. I think while your towing, the advantage of these system's is Lost. I hope Ford has a winner and the MPG vs. Power curve is Good.

pappy19 · 02-21-2011, 08:30 AM

At least here in Idaho and Utah when you go into the Ford dealership and try to schedule a maintenance appointment, 90% of the time the diesel machanics are working on 6.0's. All you have to do is read the number of TSB's (technical service bulletins) and that alone should scare you. Don't want to start a war on this, but IMHO a gas rig can pull your AS with no problem and be more reliable to boot.

vswingfield · 02-21-2011, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlcbuilder

... The AS has about 1000 pound hitch weight and I have about 1000-1200 or "stuff" in the bed....

Have you considered that a half ton of tongue weight + a half ton or more of "stuff" = more than a half ton?

BigAl · 02-21-2011, 10:56 AM

Hey Vaughan,
I ordered one with ecoboost and hd load capacity. It will tow the trailer and has a load capacity of 2670lb. That's in a supercab with 8 foot box.
Al

JFScheck · 02-22-2011, 04:54 PM

Can't wait to see your pic's and hear your report!

Phrunes · 02-22-2011, 06:39 PM

Historically you have the following: Mustang SVO, T-Bird Turbo Coupe perhaps to of the greatest and most bulletproof cars to ever come out of Detroit. Ford is not new to turbocharging iron block mid displacement engines, making them perform and insuring durability. I've got the 5.4 and tow a 26 foot wakeboard boat getting 12mpg...I would take that ecoboost f150 over mine in a heartbeat!...assuming I wasn't so partial to the very impractical Raptor 6.2! if you have some time, wait till hertz or Budget has one, rent it for a day and put it thru it's paces. As a fellow Californian I fee your pain over the diesel gun now being pointed at our populations heads.

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SteveH · 02-23-2011, 10:00 AM

So, has anyone actually done any towing with this tubo charged V6 yet?

I'm very interested to hear how it performs.

mutcth · 02-23-2011, 01:32 PM

I've towed my small Argosy Minuet with both a Ford Flex and a Lincoln MKT with the Ecoboost V6. Very impressive performance, even relative to some V8s. It's very nice to be able to pull out on highway uphills into the passing lane to pass trucks - with no trouble at all. Piles of torque.

It will be interesting to see how it does in the truck platform with bigger trailers.

Tom