2015 3.5L Eco Towing Capability/Experience
01-23-2016, 04:51 PM
#31
Senior Member
That's interesting. I know you post a lot in the forum and I respect your knowledge and contributions. I towed my 5,500 pound RV trailer over that exact same route last year with my F150 Ecoboost and I had no trouble whatsoever. I'm trying to remember whether I had to resort to first gear. But, you are very correct in that compression braking is a weakness of the Ecoboost engine.
Like I said, normally not a problem, but on that particular stretch the truck is at its limits going downhill.
01-23-2016, 04:59 PM
#32
Senior Member
Actually the fuel filters (2) cost about $150 plus 2 hours labor every 15,000 miles. The oil changes I haven't had to pay for yet. Dodge paid for the first 4. It'll be 3 gallons of oil plus the filter and probably about 0.75 hour. Not cheap for sure. I tow from Florida to Michigan and back at least once a year. Plus across the state occasionally. So I do put some miles on when I hook up. It'll be the F150 or the 2017 F250 this time, I think.
But I was just as surprised to hear that RAM/Cummins wants you to change oil at least every 6 months, or earlier depending upon mileage. Not everybody does that of course, but still, it adds up if you do.
The 2017 Superdutys should be nice. And its about time for a major chassis and interior upgrade, not to mention the Al body.
01-23-2016, 08:49 PM
#33
Never had a braking problem going from West to East (not as many hair-pin turns I guess), just from East to West down from NewFound Gap in the Smokeys. I'm also pulling a bit more than your 5500#. Last time I weighed the trailer was ~8100# plus all the junk in the truck bringing it right up close to its GVWR. So typical GCW of 14,400#.
Like I said, normally not a problem, but on that particular stretch the truck is at its limits going downhill.
Like I said, normally not a problem, but on that particular stretch the truck is at its limits going downhill.