Adventurer

We have a relatively new 2012 F150 Platinum Ecoboost 4x4 5.5 bed with factory tow 3.55 rear end with only about 4000 miles on it so far. I am super impressed with the Ecoboost power. We took it for its first tow one week ago with our new 24' approx. 5000 lb. travel trailer.

We went from sea level to 7000' with lots of curves to the campsite. Then back another way up to 8400' at first and then back to sea level.

I had no trouble keeping up 50-55mph on the steep inclines with less curves. The acceleration to get back to speed after using turnouts to let fast cars go by was magnificent. Also, when going downhill the tow/haul button feature really impressed me with how it held the rig in 4th gear (out of 6) around 50mph and upon increasing declines automatically downshifted to 3rd gear and held us at around 55mph without needing to use the brakes but ever so little until sharper curves occurred. We ended up with 10.7 mpg for the trip.

cigman

I am looking to buy a new truck in the next few months for towing a Travel trailer , what gears are in your truck Opinyawn?

jeffinthebag

For me I picked the crew cab XLT withe the heavy duty package in a 4x4. Know what all theses people say on how GOOD or on how BAD the ecboost is. But I went the info from pickup truck.com and I love my decision.
They basically said if you tow 10,000 lbs only a few times a year then the ecboost is the right choice. If you tow 5,000 to 9,000 pounds monthly or regularly then the 5.0 is the right right. And if you tow 10,000 regularly then the 6.2 or even the f250 is the choice.
I noticed that all the contractors who use their truck even day all have the 5.0 and all the so called "weekend warriors" all have the ecboost. The way I see it, if a contractor relies on his truck and then seem to favor the 5.0, then there must be a reason for that.

jeffinthebag

That's with the 5.0, Forgot to put that in post.

gn85

I know this has been said before.. but I just find it fascinating (almost comical) how any posts on here that bears the word "Ecoboost" becomes a magnet for V8 and Diesel followers.

Nobody said the Ecoboost is a diesel killer or a replacement for the V8. It is simply another option. And a darn good one. Something that I'm glad to have, coming from GM.

Thanks to the OP for posting his experience with this new motor.

srg12

I agree, I bought the 5.0 but wish I had test drove a eco boost and compared the two first hand, I think both are great

safetypin

HP is a function of torque and RPM.

i promise you the 362HP 6.8L v10 is a much better puller than my 360HP 5.0L v8, despite having only 2hp more.

HP is just how high you can rev, really. the 411HP 6.2L does not even come close to comparing to the 400HP 6.7L scorpion. at all.

Buck50HD

Take a look at the HD shootouts. The 400HP gas is right there with the 400HP diesel. The diesel may have a slight edge in a drag race from a stop (due to the immediate torque in 1st gear) or up a 20% grade where 1st/2nd gear ratios really become a limiting factor but other than that, HP rules. The diesel provides quiet, low RPM towing and better mileage.

There is a great thread on RV.net if you want some reading enjoyment.

safetypin

id liek to see a link, if yo hhave one

stx03

So the OP wrote up a nice review of his cross country trip and it seems that by page 2, a war is already brewing.
Can't you guys give it a rest, ever? It's a damn engine, end it now or it's bed with no supper for all of you.

Glad to hear you had a great, safe trip OP. Wish I could say that I've seen so much of the country that I'm bored, that's a nice situation to be in. Enjoy all your coming trips over seas.