Tundra vs. Chevy

[MinnesotaEric]

What is the MPG when you're towing at 75?

Ecoboost downside: 9-10 mpg. It gets about 11-13 at 55mph towing its max. But even towing my dump trailer, it only gets 13.5 mpg.

The upside: the tow ride is great, and you're never at a loss of power, including pulling out and passing.

Braking is good but brake pads wear out too fast for commercial use every day.

Ford now offers a heavy half with 3/4 ton axles, that addresses this very concern and that truck may very well be my next truck.

 

[sdef]

Anyway, I set down my sandwich and made this video and then put down my phone and picked up the sandwich.

I was scar't at all and neither should you.

I had to chuckle over this. I disagree. But it is funny.

Ford now offers a heavy half with 3/4 ton axles, that addresses this very concern and that truck may very well be my next truck.

Any idea the option # for this? As of 45 days ago, I only saw the max tow and max payload options and no mention of anything other than the standard 3.55, individually or as part of a package.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Anyway, I set down my sandwich and made this video and then put down my phone and picked up the sandwich.

I was scar't at all and neither should you.

I had to chuckle over this. I disagree. But it is funny.



Any idea the option # for this? As of 45 days ago, I only saw the max tow and max payload options and no mention of anything other than the standard 3.55, individually or as part of a package.

It may be a 2016 option. I was talking to my sales guy and realized that by the time I expected to free up the 55K to buy a 2015, we'd be looking at ordering a 2016, and then the larger gas tank and other heavy stuff would be standard and available since the EPA ratings are set by the first year trucks and OEMs try to make first year models as light as possible to get the best mpg ratings.

 

[sld]

What trailer tires are rated for above 65 mph? You guys are fools for speeding with a trailer in tow.

 

[MikePA]

What trailer tires are rated for above 65 mph?

From TireRack:

"Industry standards dictate tires with the ST designation are speed rated to 65 MPH (104 km/h) under normal inflation and load conditions.

However Goodyear Marathon and Power King Towmax STR tires featuring the ST size designation may be used at speeds between 66 and 75 mph (106 and 121 km/h) by increasing their cold inflation pressure by 10 psi (69 kPa) above the recommended pressure for the rated maximum load."

 

[coobie]

double post

 

[coobie]

Have to agree.I retired last year after 37 years of service as a electric lineman.I can tell you I hauled/towed many heavy loads over the years.I was hauling 9 poles (40 footers)behind my bucket truck one day on a two lane road low and behold my rear pintle hitch broke off had one he!! of time getting the trailer stopped.Thank god for safety chains and no one was hurt,trust me when I tell you the pucker factor was HUGH.I have a 2006 ford F-150 super crew (4X4)with a 20 ft PJ trailer 7,000 lbs axles towing my 2012 Kioti DK40se (cab) with loader,extra rear wheel weights with loaded tires and 6ft brush hog.I would never want to drive 75-80 miles per hour and try to stop this rig.Gotta say also I would not want to set in front of some kangaroo court and try to explain to them why I was driving so fast with such a load and could not get it stopped within a assured distance.Not trying to be the safety police here but to each his own on how fast you want to drive hauling heavy weight.

 

[Diamondpilot]

In my opinion, the 6.0 diesel was the best sounding diesel out there. I had 2, hard to keep my foot out the go pedal!

I agree. I have a 06 with 4 inch exhaust and a MAC intake. That turbo whine is sweet sounding. My Eco Boost also has a sweet note with the new intake and filter.

Chris

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I smell the fear. My tires take 80 psi. I forget if they are the M rated 15" tires, or the R rated 16" tires. Provider ST 225/75R15 tires are speed rated under maximum load to 81 mph, which is faster than I was going. R rated trailer tires are good to 106 mph.

So scary.

Provider ST Radial - Taskmaster

Pardon Our Interruption

 

[Turbys_1700]

I don't understand why anyone would want a "heavy half-ton". Why not just buy a 3/4 ton and call it a day? If the eco-boost does as well as Ford thinks it does perhaps they will put it in a 3/4 ton as an option? If they want to keep it in the 150 family then I can understand the "heavy half-ton".

As far as towing, I've done more than my fair share. That was impressive Eric. The majority of my towing was with a 10K fifth wheel camper in the mountains of NC. I would like to see what an eco-boost would do towing that TYPE of load with 7% grades and switch backs in the heat of July. Still impressive though.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I don't understand why anyone would want a "heavy half-ton". Why not just buy a 3/4 ton and call it a day? If the eco-boost does as well as Ford thinks it does perhaps they will put it in a 3/4 ton as an option? If they want to keep it in the 150 family then I can understand the "heavy half-ton". As far as towing, I've done more than my fair share. That was impressive Eric. The majority of my towing was with a 10K fifth wheel camper in the mountains of NC. I would like to see what an eco-boost would do towing that TYPE of load with 7% grades and switch backs in the heat of July. Still impressive though.

It would do fine. I have a 7% grade for 6 miles next to my marina. My 2012 EB with 3.73 gears eats it up.


As for the 3/4 ton thing I have had two. I can't understand why anyone would want a 3/4 ton when a 1 ton SRW is much more capable. The difference between a F250 and F350 is only $600.

The HD 1/2 ton trucks of today are more truck than the gas 3/4 ton trucks of just a dozen years ago. I know because I have had both.

Chris

 

[Turbys_1700]

If I am not mistaken the spring packs are the difference in F350 vs F250. Running gear, frame, brakes, etc. are the same. You are correct Diamondpilot for the difference $600 ain't much.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I don't understand why anyone would want a "heavy half-ton". Why not just buy a 3/4 ton and call it a day? If the eco-boost does as well as Ford thinks it does perhaps they will put it in a 3/4 ton as an option? If they want to keep it in the 150 family then I can understand the "heavy half-ton".

As far as towing, I've done more than my fair share. That was impressive Eric. The majority of my towing was with a 10K fifth wheel camper in the mountains of NC. I would like to see what an eco-boost would do towing that TYPE of load with 7% grades and switch backs in the heat of July. Still impressive though.

The maintenance issues, and increased running costs are why a person would prefer a lighter truck over a heavier truck.

On hills and grades (and I have nothing approaching a 7% grade) the truck downshifts to fifth and fourth.

When Ford first debuted the ecoboost F150, testing folks quickly hooked it up to heavy junk and towed it in 100 degree F temps up and over the 12 mile, 5% grade of Davis Dam. The ecoboost performed without flaw. Here is a 2015 comparison.

 

[Diamondpilot]

If I am not mistaken the spring packs are the difference in F350 vs F250. Running gear, frame, brakes, etc. are the same. You are correct Diamondpilot for the difference $600 ain't much.

It's a little more than just springs. Tires and wheels are also bigger.

Chris

 

[sdef]

I have seen and read a few tests of the three competitors. I drove the 2015 Silverado 5.3 and the Ford 3.5 Ecoboost. Both had max tow options and max payload options and were LTZ/Lariat. The F150 also had FX4. On the GM products the Z71 is not available with the max tow option.

I preferred driving the Chevy as it was more car like and the Ford more truck like. However, the Ford had noticeably more acceleration in any circumstance. Both were rated for similar towing and carrying capacities. And the ford was ~ 10% more expensive, optioned similarly.

Since my heavy towing will not be often, I would consider a new heavy 1/2 ton due to the increased, unloaded fuel mileage as it could be a daily driver also. And I would have to have it built for me as my options are not available anywhere in a currently built truck, from GMC/Chevy or Ford.

Or I will consider a 2006 - 2010ish diesel 3/4 ton, lowish mileage Ram or Duramax, as a more limited use vehicle. I really like diesels... As mentioned previously, I drove a 2006 Ford 6.0 diesel and really enjoyed it. But I would need to get a large price cut on one due to the poor reliability of the 6.0 and those do not seem to be available in my area. And any 6.0 that has ARP head bolts and EGR delete are priced at the top end of their range. So it is a no brainer for me to bypass the Ford diesels.

Decisons, decisions. But a gas 3/4 ton in not in my future.

 

[farm boy00]

I have seen and read a few tests of the three competitors. I drove the 2015 Silverado 5.3 and the Ford 3.5 Ecoboost. Both had max tow options and max payload options and were LTZ/Lariat. The F150 also had FX4. On the GM products the Z71 is not available with the max tow option.

I preferred driving the Chevy as it was more car like and the Ford more truck like. However, the Ford had noticeably more acceleration in any circumstance. Both were rated for similar towing and carrying capacities. And the ford was ~ 10% more expensive, optioned similarly.

Since my heavy towing will not be often, I would consider a new heavy 1/2 ton due to the increased, unloaded fuel mileage as it could be a daily driver also. And I would have to have it built for me as my options are not available anywhere in a currently built truck, from GMC/Chevy or Ford.

Or I will consider a 2006 - 2010ish diesel 3/4 ton, lowish mileage Ram or Duramax, as a more limited use vehicle. I really like diesels... As mentioned previously, I drove a 2006 Ford 6.0 diesel and really enjoyed it. But I would need to get a large price cut on one due to the poor reliability of the 6.0 and those do not seem to be available in my area. And any 6.0 that has ARP head bolts and EGR delete are priced at the top end of their range. So it is a no brainer for me to bypass the Ford diesels.

Decisons, decisions. But a gas 3/4 ton in not in my future.

My father had a 6.0also. It only went for 3months at a time. He loved it but couldn't keep it running. It would out do any other truck their was. Way more powerful then his now Duramax. But because of one motor don't go hating on Ford diesels. The new ones we have heard are good trucks. So are all the 7.3 diesels. Think about it tho. Ford has always tried to go bigger and better. They were making diesels beck in the 80s when Chevy/gmc wasn't

 

[roadhunter]

It's a little more than just springs. Tires and wheels are also bigger.

Chris

What is the tire size difference between a 3/4 ton and 1 ton SRW Ford?

 

[Rustyiron]

Think about it tho. Ford has always tried to go bigger and better. They were making diesels beck in the 80s when Chevy/gmc wasn't

Details, but the Ford was an IH motor. The Duramax is an Isuzu I believe.

 

[roadhunter]

My father had a 6.0also. It only went for 3months at a time. He loved it but couldn't keep it running. It would out do any other truck their was. Way more powerful then his now Duramax. But because of one motor don't go hating on Ford diesels. The new ones we have heard are good trucks. So are all the 7.3 diesels. Think about it tho. Ford has always tried to go bigger and better. They were making diesels beck in the 80s when Chevy/gmc wasn't

6.2 was available back in the day I think. We even had an old 80's caprice with a diesel.

 

[roadhunter]

The maintenance issues, and increased running costs are why a person would prefer a lighter truck over a heavier truck.

On hills and grades (and I have nothing approaching a 7% grade) the truck downshifts to fifth and fourth.

When Ford first debuted the ecoboost F150, testing folks quickly hooked it up to heavy junk and towed it in 100 degree F temps up and over the 12 mile, 5% grade of Davis Dam. The ecoboost performed without flaw. Here is a 2015 comparison.

Love the guinea photobomb in the bottom right corner