I bought a 2018 lariat with the 3.5 Ecoboost and tow package and 65k miles in January. I got the extended warranty.
I just completed. 2k miles round trip and have a couple of issues that really concern me because if got a 500 mile trip towing my camper coming up in a month.
1) it just started the Ecoboost startup rattle. Matches all the symptoms is researched. I probably won't be able to get the dealer to fix it before the trip. Does this problem a bigger concern when towing?

2) for about 10 seconds out of 25+ hours of driving, I got 228-230 above my temp gauge. I've read everything from new thermostat, new radiator, to new sensor. I'm really concerned about towing if the temps are that high without towing. What's is the likelihood that a bad sensor is the culprit and the truck isn't actually that hot? How hard is the sensor to change?
Thanks

 

Welcome.
Someone with a truck with your specs will likely be able to answer your concerns..
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Good job getting the extended warranty. That's not something I would've done, and been SOL on the cam phasers, because I think Ford covers 0% after 70k miles. Your truck will be fine on the trip, but I would get to the dealer and have them put you on schedule for after the trip. Last I heard some dealerships are backlogged. They had my truck for a month after scheduling me a month out (but they took care of me & had me in a rental truck the whole time).

 

Well after last weeks thread on the issue probably none.
After seeing what the orange antifreeze can do to a rad the standard answer should be do a complete cooling system flush install new yellow antifreeze and throw in a new motorcraft thermostat the part has been changed.

 

Well...your concern is justified. Looking at the various TSB descriptions on the 'Net it is hard to say if there is an imminent failure about to incur or not. But towing a rig is NOT the time to find out. However, as you note...there is no way you are going to even get into a service bay let alone get it fixed if it IS bad, in the next 4 - 6 months.
So...what do you do? Are you a gambler? Do you have AAA by chance? WELL worth the membership cost. It will either break down on this upcoming trip or...not. What are some of the other forum stories? Is it more an annoyance or is this a real threat?

 

Here you go.
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/anoth...ax-tow-505560/

 

How do you get the Temp gauge numbers displayed all the time?

 

Here's a video from toda's cold start. The long crank time is a new symptom.

 

You need FORScan to change the As-built PIDs. This sticky which is at the top of this forum section explains it all if you are new to FORScan.

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/forsc...987/index2487/

 

Since you bought it have you gone through everything yet?
I'd change all fluids if it were me (front/rear diff, transfer case, coolant (use the yellow), brake fluid, engine oil, and drop the transmission pan and replace the filter).
You'll want to change the engine air filter and cabin air filter as well.
Might want to check the spark plugs also.
Also be sure to check your brake pads and rotors.

For the long crank time, get your battery checked at AutoZone (its free). Otherwise, it could be the starter beginning to fail.

For the rattle on cold start check out this video... and subscribe to his channel.