F250 6.2 V8 vs F150 Ecoboost

[RedNeckRacin]

Engine braking is an advantage. Empty mileage is a disadvantage. I'll take the better empty mileage and buy a set of $25 brake pads every 100,000 miles over engine braking but that is just me.



Exactly! Volumetric efficiency and flat torque curves too.

I'm not arguing that power adders are bad; Today's trucks would not be nearly as capable without them! I think you guys are taking what I'm saying in the wrong direction. There is no way a naturally aspirated 15L Cat would make 625HP and over 2Kftlbs of torque without a turbo or a myriad of other technological advances.


I'm saying that a larger engine loafing along will easily outlast a smaller engine working hard regardless of power adders. HP and TQ are very easy to quote and compare, and everyone likes to drag race trucks with loads. It's not about how fast you get somewhere, it's how safely can you do it within your budget. I would never tow a full size backhoe with a pickup; that's just asking for problems to do it on a regular basis but the trucks are rated to tow just that now a days. Using something to the limits of its capability is fine, but there isn't a pickup built to do it on a daily basis that isn't going to eat parts. You might get away with it for a period of time but its sure going to fail a lot sooner than a properly spec'd truck towing within its capacities.

Be careful about sticking your foot in your mouth about empty mileage. My 2012 3/4 ton work truck with a 5.7L Hemi gets right around 12-14 mpg empty (I never tow with it) and my International with a DT530E (8.5L roughly) gets 13 mpg unloaded (and it weighs about 11K lbs). Parts are more expensive but they last A LOT longer on the International too. I had a 5.9 CR Cummins that got the snot worked out of it to not even do the work that this International does with ease. So don't preach to me about smaller displacement with some technology being light years ahead. The extra cubic inches also engine brake very well and I rarely use the brakes when I come down a hill loaded.

I realize that it is an oranges to apples to pears comparison but it's all I have first-hand experience with.

To the OP, I apologize for the thread jacking. I think that a 3/4t truck is much more capable. If your completely comfortable panic stopping your loaded trailer when a family with young kids pulls out in front of you, by all means buy the 1/2t. I'm sure that EB will help stop things quickly when it really matters. I'm sure that EB will also help to stabilize things on a windy day or when inclement weather conditions present them self. I'm also pretty sure that you will never want to get a bigger tractor, or want to haul a load of firewood or other misc. items to save making two trips. Best thing you can do would be to test drive each of them with your anticipated load behind you. That will tell you all you need to know.

 

[jejeosborne]

I'm not arguing that power adders are bad; Today's trucks would not be nearly as capable without them! I think you guys are taking what I'm saying in the wrong direction. There is no way a naturally aspirated 15L Cat would make 625HP and over 2Kftlbs of torque without a turbo or a myriad of other technological advances.

I'm saying that a larger engine loafing along will easily outlast a smaller engine working hard regardless of power adders. HP and TQ are very easy to quote and compare, and everyone likes to drag race trucks with loads. It's not about how fast you get somewhere, it's how safely can you do it within your budget. I would never tow a full size backhoe with a pickup; that's just asking for problems to do it on a regular basis but the trucks are rated to tow just that now a days. Using something to the limits of its capability is fine, but there isn't a pickup built to do it on a daily basis that isn't going to eat parts. You might get away with it for a period of time but its sure going to fail a lot sooner than a properly spec'd truck towing within its capacities.

Be careful about sticking your foot in your mouth about empty mileage. My 2012 3/4 ton work truck with a 5.7L Hemi gets right around 12-14 mpg empty (I never tow with it) and my International with a DT530E (8.5L roughly) gets 13 mpg unloaded (and it weighs about 11K lbs). Parts are more expensive but they last A LOT longer on the International too. I had a 5.9 CR Cummins that got the snot worked out of it to not even do the work that this International does with ease. So don't preach to me about smaller displacement with some technology being light years ahead. The extra cubic inches also engine brake very well and I rarely use the brakes when I come down a hill loaded.

I realize that it is an oranges to apples to pears comparison but it's all I have first-hand experience with.

To the OP, I apologize for the thread jacking. I think that a 3/4t truck is much more capable. If your completely comfortable panic stopping your loaded trailer when a family with young kids pulls out in front of you, by all means buy the 1/2t. I'm sure that EB will help stop things quickly when it really matters. I'm sure that EB will also help to stabilize things on a windy day or when inclement weather conditions present them self. I'm also pretty sure that you will never want to get a bigger tractor, or want to haul a load of firewood or other misc. items to save making two trips. Best thing you can do would be to test drive each of them with your anticipated load behind you. That will tell you all you need to know.

Yes you are comparing completely incomparable items. Different classes, diesel vs gas. My beef is strictly with your comment about there being no replacement for displacement.

The point is that as long as the smaller displacement engine with "power adders" is engineered and built using components to take the added stress, then longevity is not an issue. In your example of the big rig trucks and any industrial engine with a turbo, they are obviously built to last even though they are replacing an engine that would be much larger naturally aspirated.

For some reason people think the ecoboost is being stressed out and overworked but it is built to handle the additional stress and probably does more "loafing" than the 6.2 liter does.

I do agree with the you on getting the proper class truck for the job needed and not ride the line of limits unless it is a very rare requirement below 30 mph.

 

[cowski]

a 2000 diesel f250 is only rated for 10000 lbs with a bumper trailer. i would get the new 150.one thing the eb cooler hangs down real low.it could get bent under serious 4x4 trips.

 

[vrmnthntr]

With stronger frames in trucks now towing capacities have definitely improved.

 

[deere5105]

Interesting responses along the way. Some received separate from this site. Some received were F150 best for daily use and F250 best for heavy hauling, F150 easier to maneuver due to size, found in Super Crew short bed configuration the F250 is comparable in width and about 12" longer. The interior dimensions were very similar and was a little surprised at the exterior comparison. Was not nearly as big a difference as I suspected. If purchasing new, is not much difference in price. Seems the older 3/4 ton capacities are being met today by the current 1/2 tons, for the most part.

 

[Soundguy]

i still drive a 1 ton as a daily fdriver..a dn don't have to worry about what will change when hauling..

 

[CJONE]

Interesting responses along the way. Some received separate from this site. Some received were F150 best for daily use and F250 best for heavy hauling, F150 easier to maneuver due to size, found in Super Crew short bed configuration the F250 is comparable in width and about 12" longer. The interior dimensions were very similar and was a little surprised at the exterior comparison. Was not nearly as big a difference as I suspected. If purchasing new, is not much difference in price. Seems the older 3/4 ton capacities are being met today by the current 1/2 tons, for the most part.

I really find no difference in the f-150 and the 250 as far as size and I agree most 1/2 tons have stepped up their game as far as towing and handling weight. From about 06 and up we don't have to add heavier springs anymore for our 1/2 tons to handle a load. I always said I would not own a 1/2 ton but now I have changed my mind with these newer trucks. For the majority of what I do the 1/2 ton works well. I still need the 3/4 ton on occasion but when I buy a new truck it will be another 1/2 ton for my daily driver. Now I just have to decide between the Ecoboost or the 5.0. CJ

 

[jejeosborne]

Now I just have to decide between the Ecoboost or the 5.0. CJ

Only two reasons to get the ecoboost over the 5.0. NEED or ENJOY the power equivalent of the 6.2 liter engine with mileage of 5.0. If you don't tow 7000 lbs or more and haven't had your foot to the floor in recent history get the 5.0 and have possibly less future maintenance cost.

 

[deere5105]

Been looking for some long term reports of reliability on Ecoboost. Only thing local I have found was report of one with little over 100,000 miles and no problems whatsoever to date.

 

[amigauser]

Been looking for some long term reports of reliability on Ecoboost. Only thing local I have found was report of one with little over 100,000 miles and no problems whatsoever to date.

Probably have better luck here - Most miles on Ecoboost? - F150online Forums
or on the TBN sister site - Ford

 

[CJONE]

Only two reasons to get the ecoboost over the 5.0. NEED or ENJOY the power equivalent of the 6.2 liter engine with mileage of 5.0. If you don't tow 7000 lbs or more and haven't had your foot to the floor in recent history get the 5.0 and have possibly less future maintenance cost.

I tow heavy most of the time, My enclosed tandem axle trailer is the lightest thing I tow but it pulls a lot of air. My 22' flatbed weighs 4k empty so the EB will be my first choice. We have 7 or 8 F-150's with the 5.0 and no issues to date and they all average 17-18MPG. They run and tow better than the 5.4 I have but not a lot. So we will have to see what is out there when it comes time. CJ

 

[deere5105]

After considering all options, I feel my best option is going to be to go with the 3/4 ton with gas engine. After comparing all the dimensions the 150 and 250 aren't much different in size however the 250 seems better equipped for the occasional heavy hauling with room to grow if needed. Am in no hurry to make this move but in looking at what's out there I have noticed a few nice looking F250's with the 6.8 V10. I realize that engine is still being used in the heavier trucks, but is it really that much better than the 6.2 V8?

 

[Wolfy]

I am not sure about the 6.2, but a mechanic told me the 6.8 is one of Fords best. Plan on burning some fuel, but at least it is a reliable engine. The '05 and up 3 valve 5.4 is a good tow engine, if you tow once in a while. Also, regardless of the engine, 4.10 gears really make the truck.

 

[sld]

I am not sure about the 6.2, but a mechanic told me the 6.8 is one of Fords best. Plan on burning some fuel, but at least it is a reliable engine. The '05 and up 3 valve 5.4 is a good tow engine, if you tow once in a while. Also, regardless of the engine, 4.10 gears really make the truck.

I second the advice to get the right gears. The 4:10 would be minimum and many F250's will have 4:30's like mine.

The V10 and the 5.4 get just about the same mileage. Get the V10.

 

[zpak]

Hi all, I have been watching this thread and have recently made the move to a 2013 F250 6.2 with 3.73 gears, last truck was a 2011 F150 5.0 with the 3.73 and tow package. I don't have much experience with the ecoboost but know a couple guys that have them and they love them for what they use them for (both tow river boats up to 6k) I have towed 8-9k ocean boats and enclosed trailers with the F150 and they definitely put a strain on that truck...even though the truck was rated at 9500 lbs towing it was strained by the weight...the motor was capable but as far as braking and overall driving experience while towing I was never comfortable in the F150. I have now had the chance to tow both boat and enclosed trailer with the F250 and it is set up to perform the task with ease, you need to be satisfied with the motor making its hay up high in the RPM range because that's where the 6.2 shines. I understand you are talking about short trips/daily driver so I will comment on gas mileage, if towing in flat country I would expect anywhere from 13-16 mpg, I am getting 13-15 hwy but there is no such thing as a flat stretch of road up here in AK and the winter months are harder on mileage too. Towing I was getting 7.5-8.5 and that was mostly hwy with a lot of mountainous terrain. I am very satisfied, the 3.73 gears do fine as ford does a remarkable job of setting up their 6 speed transmission with low gearing on the first couple gears...now the 4.30 will do even better but I do not tow very frequently and If I need the extra power up high I will lock out 6th gear so I opted for the 3.73 for overall gas mileage while empty...also it is almost impossible to find a 4.30 at a dealer so if you want one it will most likely have to be special order. Good luck in your search.

 

[deere5105]

Hi all, I have been watching this thread and have recently made the move to a 2013 F250 6.2 with 3.73 gears, last truck was a 2011 F150 5.0 with the 3.73 and tow package. I don't have much experience with the ecoboost but know a couple guys that have them and they love them for what they use them for (both tow river boats up to 6k) I have towed 8-9k ocean boats and enclosed trailers with the F150 and they definitely put a strain on that truck...even though the truck was rated at 9500 lbs towing it was strained by the weight...the motor was capable but as far as braking and overall driving experience while towing I was never comfortable in the F150. I have now had the chance to tow both boat and enclosed trailer with the F250 and it is set up to perform the task with ease, you need to be satisfied with the motor making its hay up high in the RPM range because that's where the 6.2 shines. I understand you are talking about short trips/daily driver so I will comment on gas mileage, if towing in flat country I would expect anywhere from 13-16 mpg, I am getting 13-15 hwy but there is no such thing as a flat stretch of road up here in AK and the winter months are harder on mileage too. Towing I was getting 7.5-8.5 and that was mostly hwy with a lot of mountainous terrain. I am very satisfied, the 3.73 gears do fine as ford does a remarkable job of setting up their 6 speed transmission with low gearing on the first couple gears...now the 4.30 will do even better but I do not tow very frequently and If I need the extra power up high I will lock out 6th gear so I opted for the 3.73 for overall gas mileage while empty...also it is almost impossible to find a 4.30 at a dealer so if you want one it will most likely have to be special order. Good luck in your search.

This is exactly the kind of personal first hand experience I was looking for. After looking around you are correct about the gear ratio availability too. I have seen several new units available, but not one with the 4.30 gear set. I have read in many forums where it was stated the owner reduced the available gears to compensate for the higher gear ratio.

My current plans are to hold off on making a change for 12 months or so, but as I begin to look the urge gets stronger! Then that made me wonder is the 6.8 V10 really that much better than the 6.2 V8. Since it is no longer a current F250 option, should I seek out a low mileage unit and move forward now. Have read a few negative comments on the V10 regarding reliability, not performance, but have found nothing negative on the V8.

 

[vrmnthntr]

A local repair shop owner bought himself a 2011 either F450 or 550 tow truck with the V10 a few years ago. I asked him why he went with Ford and not GM, because he was a diehard GM fan, or a diesel. He said all of the V10's that come in his shop are just for maintenance. No common problems and they are strong.

He found a new one that was over a thousand miles away and went to get it.

He still has it and uses it most often.

 

[deere5105]

A local repair shop owner bought himself a 2011 either F450 or 550 tow truck with the V10 a few years ago. I asked him why he went with Ford and not GM, because he was a diehard GM fan, or a diesel. He said all of the V10's that come in his shop are just for maintenance. No common problems and they are strong. He found a new one that was over a thousand miles away and went to get it. He still has it and uses it most often.

Believe the only negative I have heard on the V10 is it spitting spark plugs. That being said don't recall hearing any maintenance issues on the 6.2 V8.

 

[zpak]

The v10's have their die hard followers and they are getting harder and harder to come by as they are so sought after. Compared to the 6.2 the v10 makes its power lower in the rpm range which is the biggest gripe the v10 owners who went to the 6.2 have, but then again the 6.2 does a similar job of towing (as long as you don't mind hearing that sweet v8 sing) and also gets a little better gas mileage which is where I think ford was going with this by dropping the v10 is making an engine that is durable, gets decent mileage, and has a good amount of power. If you are looking for more power you can always tune the 6.2.

 

[Wolfy]

I believe, the only way to get the V-10 now is if you get a dual wheel F350 and up model?