Towing Test 3.7
08-19-2014, 10:58 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Towing Test 3.7
Ok I have been towing with a 2001 GMC 2500 for the past 6 years
I tow about 6000 maybe 1or2 times a month mainly flat land.
I got tired of poor mileage but also the harsh ride. I test drove a2012 3.7
Reg cab F 150 4x4 LB last weekend and was surprised how well it rode,handled
And ran to be a 6 . I hooked my 18 foot car hauler too it and loaded my
Tractor and landscape rake about 4000 with loaded rear tires plus
The trailer made a good 6000 pounds which is the max tow for the
Truck. First I noticed just moving this weight across my side yard the 3.7
With the help of that low first gear moved the load much easier
Than my 2500. With its tall first gear. Pulling out on the highway
In tow haul was a little different the shift to second bogged a little
But I was driving it like a old man. So I pulled off and tried again
With a little more run up in first and she did much better this time
Towed in 6 no problem at 65. This truck drives Great .The engine
Is low on bottom end grunt but it sounds Great to me when reving
She sounds like a sports car . I would say if you are a diesel
Guy or old school 5.7 Chevy or351 ford guy you may not like
All that reving to make power I have owned or drove all above
This 3.7 has it's niche . I bought it today and will keep updating as I
Put it through the paces the truck feels light on its feet but it could be
In part to the gmc was so heavy 1000 more than the ford plus the 6 speed
Really helps. In closing I do not think I would want to climb a mountain road in
Tow with more than 3500 but it may do better than I think.
I tow about 6000 maybe 1or2 times a month mainly flat land.
I got tired of poor mileage but also the harsh ride. I test drove a2012 3.7
Reg cab F 150 4x4 LB last weekend and was surprised how well it rode,handled
And ran to be a 6 . I hooked my 18 foot car hauler too it and loaded my
Tractor and landscape rake about 4000 with loaded rear tires plus
The trailer made a good 6000 pounds which is the max tow for the
Truck. First I noticed just moving this weight across my side yard the 3.7
With the help of that low first gear moved the load much easier
Than my 2500. With its tall first gear. Pulling out on the highway
In tow haul was a little different the shift to second bogged a little
But I was driving it like a old man. So I pulled off and tried again
With a little more run up in first and she did much better this time
Towed in 6 no problem at 65. This truck drives Great .The engine
Is low on bottom end grunt but it sounds Great to me when reving
She sounds like a sports car . I would say if you are a diesel
Guy or old school 5.7 Chevy or351 ford guy you may not like
All that reving to make power I have owned or drove all above
This 3.7 has it's niche . I bought it today and will keep updating as I
Put it through the paces the truck feels light on its feet but it could be
In part to the gmc was so heavy 1000 more than the ford plus the 6 speed
Really helps. In closing I do not think I would want to climb a mountain road in
Tow with more than 3500 but it may do better than I think.
08-20-2014, 12:08 AM
#2
Great setup man! They tested similar weight up the ike gaunlet at TFLtruck.com and the 3.7L performed very well. It is a damn good motor.
11-05-2014, 08:59 PM
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Still Happy with decision
Had the 3.7 over 2 months now and all is well. I added Rails ,ToolBox, new speakers and 12 inch powered Sub and a small Amp to the Factory SYNC system. Removed the bed liner in favor of a rubber mat. Installed the OEM brake controler. In the factory blank pocket. I also took the block out from under the leaf springs to take some of the rake out. I prefer this to the longer shackle set up which was too low for my liking . I have not missed the 6.0 2500
At all. I have not towed in the foot hills yet but am not concerned with no more
Load than I pull 6 to 6500 pounds. I only do this about 3 times a year anyway.
This engine has changed my whole thinking process on a 6 In a full size truck.
I cannot imagine how much Toque and power the ECO B has and know the 3.7 is not in the same league. All said the power to weight ratio on the 2015 F 150
Has got to be out of this world and down the road I can see me embracing a
Twin turbo 2.7 or 3.5 but for now I am extremely happy with what I am asking this 3.7 Ford to do . Ford has opened the eyes of this GMC fan. And a final plus the wife does not mind me driving the truck now when we go somewhere . She says it is the most comfortable truck I have had in years.
At all. I have not towed in the foot hills yet but am not concerned with no more
Load than I pull 6 to 6500 pounds. I only do this about 3 times a year anyway.
This engine has changed my whole thinking process on a 6 In a full size truck.
I cannot imagine how much Toque and power the ECO B has and know the 3.7 is not in the same league. All said the power to weight ratio on the 2015 F 150
Has got to be out of this world and down the road I can see me embracing a
Twin turbo 2.7 or 3.5 but for now I am extremely happy with what I am asking this 3.7 Ford to do . Ford has opened the eyes of this GMC fan. And a final plus the wife does not mind me driving the truck now when we go somewhere . She says it is the most comfortable truck I have had in years.
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