F250 6.2 V8 vs F150 Ecoboost

[deere5105]

As alluded to in earlier posts, I had been becoming enamored with the F 150/3.5 TT Ecoboost concept, especially with the maximum torque at 2500 RPM and possibility of better unloaded vehicle fuel mileage. However, while reading my April issue of Consumer Reports magazine (2015 Annual Auto Issue), I see the Ecoboosts in various bodies are listed as "Used Models to Avoid", with the 2011 and 2013 F150s as some of those. But also the 2011 V8 4WDs and F250s and F350s. I imagine that as time goes on, other year models will be added as the experience grows. So maybe things are no so rosy in new Ford land. And I know GM and Dodge are also having problems, with Toyota as the only truck OEM with a high rating. But Toyota does not have the towing capacity I require. So maybe I need to rethink my tow vehicle purchase with possibly purchasing an older 3/4 ton, knowing I will have some repair bills looming. I still have time to decide but, was really wanting the reliability of a new/newused vehicle.

Was torn myself over which direction to go. The GM 5.3 V8 I have seen several run over 200,000 miles with no major repairs. The 5.4 V8 I had gave 160,000 trouble free miles. It did have the notorious well documented cam phaser tick for the entire seven year period I owned it. I chose not to have it repaired. Appears to have been on the used lot less than a week before it sold. Have not heard any bad feedback on the Toyotas except fuel mileage. I have yet to find one report that states the 5.0 V8 was/is a better tow engine than the 3.5 Ecoboost. That was important to me. My friend that is service manager for local Ford dealership indicated he was not seeing any more issues with the Ecoboost compared to the 5.0. He is currently driving an Ecoboost with 54,000 miles. Is looking at a 2015 and will go 3.5 Ecoboost again. There never was a question for me on manufacturer and that feedback from him sealed the deal for me. The best way I know how to describe driving the Ecoboost is it feels like what I imagine an electric vehicle would drive like. No loud engine noise just strong acceleration. Driving the 5.0 right behind gave me thoughts of a drag car in comparison. Time will tell for me on the Ecoboost.

 

[deere5105]

Made it by the scales today with the following: 2014 F150 Crew Cab 4WD, 145" wheelbase, 20" wheels, driver only, 1/2 tank fuel(18 gallons), 22' 12k lbs rated bumper pull trailer, 2008 JD 5303 4WD, loader and forks, full tank fuel and rear 16.9-28 tires filled with water.

 

[deere5105]

 

[deere5105]

 

[94BULLITT]

Nice! so how did it pull the load? You should have a weight distribution hitch for a load that heavy.

 

[kevinwak]

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/trailers-transportation/438509-f250-6-2-v8-vs-image-128498588-jpg"/>

nice that you can pull that load and still not be overweight on any axle!

 

[deere5105]

Probably right on the WD hitch. Have considered purchasing one, but usually forget due to rare occasions for pulling tractor.

As for towing performance, I am very impressed with the 3.5 Ecoboost and the integrated brake controller. When approaching hills transmission simply downshifts without any major notice and maintains speed. When stopping, brakes on trailer increase resistance just like truck brakes as pedal pressure increases. Overall truck seems to handle this weight effortlessly.

 

[deere5105]

nice that you can pull that load and still not be overweight on any axle!

Agreed. Usually would have MX6 cutter or 8' disc harrow on and tractor further forward. I suspect that greatly increases the rear axle weight. May swing by scales again next time have a different set up on to compare.

 

[sdef]

Nice! so how did it pull the load? You should have a weight distribution hitch for a load that heavy.

Yep. I have a new Ram 2500 diesel, 4x4, crew cab Ram Horn and did a lot of setup and testing with a 10.4k 20' equipment trailer and an old Ford tractor. With 1150 pounds on the ball (~13% TW), measured by a Sherline tongue scale (Sherline Trailer Tongue Weight Scale - 2,000-lb Capacity Sherline Tools 5780) and a Weigh Safe load bearing ball mount (Weigh Safe 2-Ball Mount w/ Built-In Scale - 2-1/2" Hitch - 10" Drop, 11" Rise - 12.5K Weigh Safe Ball Mounts WS10-25), the handling was much better with the old Equalizer 10k unit than the weight bearing assembly. Had I been using a higher rated WD model (spring bars), I am certain it would have been even better. A Blue Ox BXW1500 is on my wish list.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Probably right on the WD hitch. Have considered purchasing one, but usually forget due to rare occasions for pulling tractor.

As for towing performance, I am very impressed with the 3.5 Ecoboost and the integrated brake controller. When approaching hills transmission simply downshifts without any major notice and maintains speed. When stopping, brakes on trailer increase resistance just like truck brakes as pedal pressure increases. Overall truck seems to handle this weight effortlessly.

I pull a comparable load every weekend about 160 miles round trip with my 2011 Ecoboost. It's flat out a amazing motor. I can pull a 5 mile 7% grade with about 10,500# on the ball and never see 3000 rpms at 60 mph.


Chris