Hal9k

Hi. I'm new and know nothing. I'm planning a long trip with a travel trailer. I've never pulled a trailer and have some basic questions:

1. Will a properly-configured F150 do a good job pulling an 8000lb trailer or should I go with an F250?

2. Is the 2.7 EB engine adequate for this task or would another engine be better?

3. Do I need to get the 3.73 axle ratio and if I do, what will it do to fuel economy when I'm not towing the trailer?

4. What options are best for my towing situation?

Thanks to all!

smokeywren

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1. Will a properly-configured F150 do a good jobpulling an 8000lb trailer or should I go with an F250?

Only one version of an F-150 can be “properly configured” to tow a trailer that grosses more than about 6,000 pounds without exceeding the payload capacity of the F-150. And that one has the Heavy Duty Payload Package. But Ford didn’t make any F-150s with HD Payload pkg in 2015 model year, and so far in the 2016 model year it’s still “delayed production”. So if you are talking about a new one, then go with an F-250 unless your Ford dealer can now order the F-150 with the HD Payload pkg.

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2. Is the 2.7 EB engine adequate for this task orwould another engine be better?

If Ford begins production of the F-150 with the HD Payload pkg before you’re ready to order, then the 2.7L EcoBoost engine is not available with the HD Payload Pkg. So you have to move up to the 3.5L EcoBoost or the 5.0L V8..

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3. Do I needto get the 3.73 axle ratio and if I do, what will it do to fuel economy whenI'm not towing the trailer?

The HD Payload pkg includes the 3.73 E-Locker axle in a 2016 F-150.

Unloaded MPG with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine and 3.73 axle is about the same as the ones with 3.55 or lesser ratios. That's because when the F-150 is running empty with the 3.73 ratio, the twin turbos are not working hard at all. But make those turbos go to work with a longer rear axle ratio, and MPG suffers.

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4. Whatoptions are best for my towing situation?

HD Payload pkg, which requires the max towing pkg with integrated trailer brake controller (ITBC) for 3.5L EcoBoost engine, or regular tow pkg plus the ITBC with the 5.0L V8. But you also need the towing mirrors, which are no longer part of the max tow pkg, so be certain you order them if you are hard headed and don't listen to old men so you buy an F-150 without the HD Payload pkg anyway.

brulaz

4. Agree, your best option would be the F150 HD Payload option if you can get the cab/bed and other options you want and if it's even being made yet.

3. My 2011 FX2 SCab with 3.73 and 3.5L Ecoboost gets 19-20 mpg when not towing. But that depends strongly on how you drive it. It can get a lot worse if you use all the power available. The 3.73 is nice when towing heavy; we spend all of our time in 6th on the flats unless there's really heavy head winds.

2. No, the 2.7 EB, while great when not towing heavy, has less power at higher rpms and, from what I've read, can get worse mileage than the 3.5L Ecoboost when towing very heavy.

1. Without the HD Payload option, you might get close with a 4x2, Reg or SCab once you upgrade the suspension and tires. Not sure how this would work with the 2015-16s, but that's what I did with our 2011. I'm still over the rear GAWR though. The HD Payload option would have been a better option.
The F250 6.2L gas engine gets a lot worse mileage than the 3.5L Ecoboost. The Superduty are expected to get a major over-haul with Al body and stiffer frame this fall (2017 models).

We're looking at new trucks ourselves, and this time want a 4x4 with heftier specs as our trailer and loads are only going to get heavier. Will probably end up with a 3/4 ton, maybe a diesel if we can afford it.

Hal9k

Thanks so much for the great responses!!!

Jason_Larsen

Ive towed 2000 miles with 2.7 with 3.73. Trailer weighs in at 7000 wet. Never once wished for more power. Better tires and a stiffer rear suspension..... many times.

smokeywren

Power to PULL 7,000 pounds is not your problem. Payload capacity to HAUL the hitch weight of a 7,000-pound TT is your problem. I'll bet the CAT scale proves you're overloaded over the GVWR of your truck when wet and loaded on the road.


Add the weight on the front and rear axles of the truck and compare the total to the GVWR of your truck.

Jason_Larsen

3100
3100
6100

With bars undone I'm at 3300 for rear axle.

Truck is 2200 rear by its self.

Hell im 50/50 balanced like a BMW!

brulaz

That's pretty amazing.
Your GVWR is ... 6800# ?
What are your front and rear GAWRs?
3500# front and 3300# rear, I'm guessing?

Jason_Larsen

6500. I'm at the limit. Going to add lift bags or road master to stiffen it up when towing. I didn't read smokeys advice until after i purchased. I travel with all of our stuff in the trailer.





100 pounds more then my buddies 5.4 09

smokeywren

ok. If that a wet and loaded truck on an RV trip, then you're okay.