Thoughts on the 2017 F150 EcoDrive?

[pfcardwell]

My rig

[vito98103]

These engines get a bit thirsty when the turbo spools up - at about 2300 RPM (on mine).

So easy on the accelerator (unless you need it) and you'll go further.

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by denton

I am planning to buy a 2018 model also. They are scheduled to be available to order 'in the fall' with spring 2018 delivery. The diesel is apparently available 'shortly thereafter'. It will be built in the UK.

You will love it, the F150 diesel should put you near 20 mpg towing a mid-size Airstream and 30 mpg solo on the highway. No need for a big fuel tank, which translates to a little more load capacity for other things. If the 2018 Expedition gets the diesel, it could be a new standard for Airstream tow vehicles.

[davloose]

Originally Posted by pfcardwell

My rig

Almost twins!

[DKB_SATX]

You see mine in my avatar, or here...

[mixedpuppy]

Had a '14 lariat screw 4x4 with only 1600# payload, while it towed great we never had much left over payload, not enough to feel comfortable adding anything new. Ordered a '17 lariat screw 4x4 with the heavy duty payload package [now have 2284# payload] and wow what a difference, towing is much more stable with a slightly longer wheel base, better suspension, tires, frame, etc. The EB engine has the torque and power to pull any airstream, but that shouldn't be the only consideration. Think hard about your payload needs and do the calculations.

[leje]

Originally Posted by RandyNH

Ford has had the Eco thing since 2008, they revised it in '15 and the 10 speed transmission was '16. There are a bunch of research and reviews out there on it with over 200 and 300 thousand miles, with them going strong, with proper maintenance. They are great for towing just about any Airstream produced.

The two things to look for is max tow package and max payload package, these will give you the most ability and margin of safety for towing, but limit which options package you can get.

Good luck

10 speed is 2017

[MissingLink5]

Toyota Tundra has come out with a 36 gal tank on one of their 2017 models (not sure the model). Just saw it on the Toyota dealer floor today.

[NorCal Matt]

We tow our 25'FB with our 2014 XLT w/max tow. Payload is #1780. We travel light, so payload is not a concern for us, but since you'll be full timing, you may want more.

Here's a YouTube video (

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eq05bNUaBnU

) where they compare a few of the half tons towing up and back down a pass in Colorado (?). The ecoboost did great going up, the others did better, in terms of brake temperatures on the way down. I just take the descents slowly and haven't had an issue, but I think the bigger V8s do a better job controlling descent speed.

Also, as mentioned above, the mileage ratings are not for the F150 you will want to tow a 25' with. I have the 3.73 (maybe 3.7-?), live in he mountains and have averaged about 16mpg in the last year and a half of combined towing.

[rmatkovich]

My son has the first eco built and pulls a 35' trailer and loves it. That new one is rated I think towing 12,700 LB UR 7800 would B like nothing behind the truck.

[RadioWagon]

Well, y'all, we bought a truck! I can barely believe it. Partially because we signed all the papers, but won't see the truck in person until mid-week. Since we refused so many bells and whistles (no, I don't want a moon roof), they had to look a little harder for one that fit our needs. But we got one!

We thought we would have to wait for the 2018, but once we decided to compromise on the mini back seat and look at the SuperCrew (huge backseat with doors that open separately, but a shorter 5.5' bed), options opened up. We wanted a longer bed and shorter backseat, but reasoned that in the long term, we'l be spending more time in the cab together driving with the dog than trying to quick-camp in the back of the truck. So we might be a little more crowded for truck camping, but will like the layout better if we're actually able to get an Airstream.

I think we got a pretty good deal. This is a good time to buy the 2017, because they still had enough inventory in the region to find what we wanted, but there were some solid rebates. If we ordered a 2018, the delivery date was a 3-month window and we wouldn't know the price of the car until later. (Stress vs. a bird in hand.)

So we ended up with a:
F150 XLT SuperCrew 3.5L V6 EcoBoost

This is a big deal. We never, ever, ever thought we would buy a truck.

Now we have to outfit it a bit (cab/canopy investigations are a little crazy), then we can start truck camping to check out the RV life and test Internet on the road. Plus I need to get used to driving it in a zero-consequence empty parking lot. I know I can do it, it's just a much bigger car than our pipsqueak VW hatchback. Little lady, big ass truck.

HUGE THANKS to everyone who posted on this thread for your help!

[Bobbo]

You will like your truck. Except for being a SuperCrew, it sounds just like our new 2017 SuperCab XLT. We particularly wanted the SuperCab instead of the SuperCrew, so we ordered ours last April, and got it about 5 weeks later.

There were a few things on the Lariat level that I wanted, so I have added 2 of them to my XLT. I have added the OEM tailgate shock that slowly lowers the tailgate, and I have added the sun visors with lighted mirrors and Homelink. Now, I think my truck is almost perfect.

[dvgofaz]

Bought the same truck you did a couple of months ago and really like it. You'll get used to the size pretty quickly.
I put an A.R.E. Z series on the back and it fits like a glove. I especially like the fact that in addition to the locking truck tailgate the door on the cap locks too when lock the rest of the truck.

[pfcardwell]

I sure like to a pic of your z series sides if you have a f150
Chevys and GMC are a different fit.
Mine over hangs a bit on the sides and the driver side has a bit of a warp in the middle where it meets the truck bed.
The color was a bit off.
I just wonder if I got a defect or that how it is.
They do not guaranty a color match (mine is close)
I have the roof rack.
Looks good
but I am nit picking.

[pfcardwell]

My ARE Camper shell
color so close Lithium Gray
fit off a bit

[dvgofaz]

[dvgofaz]

I have a terrific color match and fit.

[pfcardwell]

Originally Posted by dvgofaz

I have a terrific color match and fit.

Could you give me a close up of truck and
fit I like to show my dealer.
it is a 2017 f150

[dvgofaz]

glad to, i'll be home in an hour or so and post something with better detail.

[dvgofaz]

Originally Posted by pfcardwell

could you give me a close up of truck and
fit i like to show my dealer.
It is a 2017 f150