Ford F150 Eco-Boost.

[LaBigDogs]

I listed the optional Trailer tow for 2015

In 2015, the Huge trailer tow mirrors are avail with any Trailer Tow pack....

Power-folding, PowerScope@ Telescoping, Power Glass Trailer Tow Mirrors with Heat, Turn Signal, Memory, Auto-Dimming Feature (Drivefs Side), High-lntensity LED Security Approach Lamps, LED Side-mirror Spotlights and Chrome Skull Caps (req. 53A Trailer Tow Pkg. or 53C Max Trailer Tow Pkg.)


* CLASS IV TRATLER HTTCH (538) Usge: Required for towing up to 5,000 lbs. Availability:
. Optional on XL Base and Mid, XLT Base . lncluded in XLT Mid and Luxury
Standard on Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum
. 4-pin/7pin wiring harness
. Class lV trailer hitch receiver.
Smart Trailer Tow Connector


TRAILER TOW PACKAGE (53A)
Usage: Required for towing over 5,00O lbs
Availability:
. Optional on XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch@ and Platinum lnctudes:
* = New for this model year
Includes:
. 4-pin/7-pin wiring hamess
. Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
. Class lV traaler hitch rmeiver
. Engine oil cooler (3 5L V6 TiVCT only)
. Smart Trailer Tow Connector
. Upgraded front front stabilizer bar


Max Trailer Tow Package (req. 3.5L V6 EcoBoost@ engine)
MAX TRAILER TOW PACKAGE (53C) Usge: TBD
Aveilabitily:
. AII Series
Not available with:
. 2 7L V6 EcoBoost Payload Pkg. (622)
Reguires:
. 3.51 EcoBoost@ Engine (99G)
lnctudes;
. 3.55 Electronic-locking rear axle (axle is changed to 3.73 Heclrcnic-bcking differential if
odered with Heavy-Duty Payload Pkg. (627))
. 4-pinr/-pin wiring harness
. Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
. Class lV trailer hitch rmiver
. Smart Trailer Tow Connector (standard on Lariat and higher) . lntegrated Trailer Brake Controller
. Upgraded frcnt stabilizer bar
. upgraded rear bumper

FX4OFF-ROAD PACKAGE (55A)
Avaitabitity:
. Opt on XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch@ and Platinum (4x4 only) Not avaitebte with:
. 3.51 TFVCT engine (998)
Requirc:
. 4x4
tncludes:
. 3.31 Electronic-locking rear axle with or 5.01 V8 engine (99F) or 3.51 V6 EcoBoost@
engine (99G) (axle is changed lo 3.73 Electronic-locking diffeenlial if ordeed wtth Heavy-
Duty Payload Pkg. (627))
. 3.55 Electroniclocking rear axle with 2.71 V6 EcoBoost@ (99P) (axle is changed lo 3.73
Electrcnic-locking differcntial it odered with 2.7L V6 E6Bo6t@ Payload Pkg. (622)) . 4x4 "FX4 Off-Road" de€l
. Hill Descent Control
. Off-Road tuned shock absorbers (front and rear)
. Skid plates fuel tank, transfer case and front differential
Optional Equipmenl:
. LT245/7OR17E BSW all-terarn tires (A/T) (T7C) (XL and XLT only) *
. LT275/65R18C OWL A/T (T8C) (Lariat and King Ranch@, or XLT w/868 XLT Chrome
Appearan@ Pkg. or 862 XLT Sport Appearance Pkg.)

[LaBigDogs]

The only difference between the Tow Package
and the
Max Tow on the Platinum with the FX4 Off Road Package is...

3.55 Electronic Locking Rear axle on Max Tow Package
3.31 Electronic Locking Rear axle on Tow Package with FX4 Off Road Package
Upgraded rear bumper on Max Tow Package...

Other than that they are the same.

[Siegmann]

LaBigDogs, do you know if that "upgraded rear bumper" is actually part of the hitch? Seems I read a few years ago that it was, and therefore one could not easily replace the OEM hitch with an after-market hitch.

[LaBigDogs]

Siegmann, not sure on the bumper, I have it on my 2013, but will not on my 2015... I don't think it has anything to do with the hitch, I will check today I have a 2011 without and a 2013 with.... on the 2015 I got the Tow Package with the 3.31

[DKB_SATX]

I think Max Tow also comes with an uprated front sway bar as well. In past years, there's been a modest increase in the GVWR associated with Max Tow as well, but it's never been set out as a part of the package in the description, you can just see if when you look at the payload selector. Unless they add more positions than they have placeholders for in the 2015 Ordering Guide, it this may not be true for 2015. While almost all the GVWRs show as "TBD" in the early version they released, there are fewer positions for different permutations.

[gypsydad]

All good stuff! Thanks! My only comment is we like the ride better on the 4X4 much better for all our driving versus the Off Road package...drive both, and see which you prefer. We don't like the larger tow mirrors from Ford...the clip on trailer extension to stock mirrors on our Platinum work fine; they are smaller and are easy on/off when needed. I will also try premium fuel when towing going forward. If I had my wish list, I think an 8 speed would be nice match with new model...could possibly get to 15MPG towing??....

[LaBigDogs]

I have used premium fuel many times to test, and the it's all the same as cheap gas... so my EB's love them some cheap gas, and I am cool with that.

[Siegmann]

laBigDogs, did you get a chance to check if the "upgraded rear bumper'" is integral with the hitch?

[kscherzi]

I'm really curious to see the full specs and hear the real life experience on the new 2.7L engine for MPG and capabilities. On paper that motor is nearly as powerful as the 3.5 and appears to be technically more advanced. I think Ford is giving it a 8500lb tow rating, good enough for most Airstreams.

[Road Geezer]

This is a great thread, lots of useful info.

I have a question. I'm planning on buying a new TV in the next 12 months, maybe sooner. One option is an F150 w/ the 3.5 EB engine. The other is a Chevy 2500 diesel.

We tend to take extended trips.

When you EB owners are pulling a 27 FC Airstream, or similar weight model, up a long 5% or greater grade, what engine RPM are you seeing? Do you have any problems with overheating?

I kind of get the impression the a 27' Airstream might be in the upper quadrant of the 150 EB practical towing range. I realize my Airstream doesn't exceed the max tow weight, but my concern is about whether or not the engine is being stressed towing up grades and at highway speeds for extended periods of time.

I see the Duramax diesel as overkill; that's why the 150 EB is a consideration.

Thanks for your help,

Paul

[graysailor]

The highest my transmission heat has been about 220 degrees after a long pull. The little down grades in between the pulls cools it down quite rapidly. I really am a conservative driver (slow) but I have felt no slow down on the upgrades. If you follow the speed limit you really won't notice any slow down on the upgrades at all. On the down grades the tow haul mode does most of the braking. The 2015's will be even better as they are 700lbs. lighter. No brainer...a diesel will be way over kill and with much higher maintenance costs.

[IanPoulin]

My experience is nearly the same as grey sailor when towing my Serenity 28' with my EB - heading into the hills; I have no problem what-so-ever; the power is always there, even on short 10-degree climbs, to maintain speed or even accelerate. For me, the difference is in heading downhill, it takes tow/haul a bit longer to respond to the need to downshift than my concerns are able to handle. This is NOT a V8 or V10 engine compression capable machine, but it does work for me so far.


2011 Airstream International Serenity 28' - 30a/taupe
2013 Fors F150 v6-ecoboost with max tow and HD payload packages

[danjoe91]

We are about to take our first trip with our 31' -towing with the max-tow ecoboost. We will be going up the same grade out of Las Vegas, so I will know how it does. Will post results when we get back.

[Road Geezer]

I'd appreciate knowing roughly what RPM your engine turns when going up the hill.

Thx,

Paul

[danjoe91]

For those of you that are familiar with Hwy 15 out of Los Angels to Vegas- the miles long and steep grade into the Antelope valley, the ecoboost did amazing! In almost 90 degree heat, and not one bit of raise in engine temp. Tons of power going up that grade pulling all that trailer. Downhill, with tow/haul engaged, engine braking worked equally well. Made it from LA to Springdale, Utah averaging 10.9 miles to the gallon. Considering I am only getting 12.1 around town in LA, I was surprised to get that good. As far as rpm's the engine ran, it did not seem any higher than normal. I must admit that since this was the first time towing our Airstream, my concentration was elswhere. Side note, the factory tow mirrors are great!

[graysailor]

Sounds like you did well. I have had the same experience as you. Nobody out there gets great milage while towing. On flatter ground you probably will get up into the 12mpg area.

[DC Bruce]

@Road Geezer
Check out the videos on "the fast lane truck" Thy run pickups up the 7-mile 7% grade on I-70 going east from Dillon, CO to the Eisenhower Tunnel at some 11,000 feet. They ran the Ecoboost pulling 10,000 lbs. up and down that grade and it did quite well: faster than either the Titan or the Chevy with the 6.2L ecotec, although thirstiest. As you would expect with a turbocharged engine's fat torque curve, RPM's were in the 3-4k range. Not as low as a diesel, but lower than the normally aspirated engines. Seems like it will be quite satisfactory.

[Ramble On]

We just came back from a 3000 mile round trip from Texas to the Grand Canyon to Arches National park to Mesa Verde CO. and back to home. My 2012 EB with Max tow package was a flawless tow. We encountered up 10% grades traveling on 163 thru monument valley. NO problem. The tow/haul mode is great, it made going down steep grades less intense when you in a driving thunderstorm. I think the lowest gear that the trunk had to downshift to was 3rd. But that was really steep. MPG was 11.0 for the entire trip. I think Ford got this right.

[LaBigDogs]

Siegmann checked it out today. Looks like the hd bumper has a steel plate behind the license plate. Other than that they look the same from the back side of the bumper.

[Siegmann]

LaBigDogs- So my issue may not be with the upgraded bumper, but with all the late model F-150's where the bumper is attached to the hitch. I guess I should change my question. On either of your trucks, can you remove the hitch and still keep your bumper?