Thinking about upgrading my 14 F150 to a 22+ Model, is this finally a safe time to get one with a decent transmission and no cam phaser issues? I'm still on the fence, since it appears even the new F150 ecoboost still suffers from coolant overheating when towing, I had hoped they would have fixed this issue by now. I tow 7600lbs rv in the mountains of Idaho and the PNW and have experienced multiple coolant temp issues (yes, I have the new thermostat, also a full race radiator).

I'm looking at a powerboost since I could use it as a daily driver for decent truck MPG as well as a tow rig. But if its just going to overheat in the hills like my 14, I'll look at a half or 3/4 ton ram with the hemi motor and just let it sing on the hills. Thoughts?

 

Any powerboost loses out on payload due to the electric battery etc it has to carry to help it produce all those KW of power. EG A Lariat loaded PB has a payload of 1360lbs. Add about 100lbs for a loaded XLT.

7600lbs, if that's a verified loaded trailer weight is very close to what I think is a prudent max (8k lbs) for an F150 while still allowing a decent load of people and stuff in the truck. Have you scaled your combination loaded for bear?

You are obviously an experienced trailer hauler. Those mountains out west are something I'll get to drive next summer. (Hello Eisenhower tunnel)

thoughts?

 

Buy a truck built after October of 2022 and you’ll have the updated CDF drum bushing. I would not personally buy a truck made before then.

 

Also newer models are stripped of a lot of previous year stuff. 25 took a lot of standard things away. 22 seems to be last year having all the stuff were used to.

 

Was looking at a 23 XLT max tow powerboost (with tow mirrors), 7.6 pro power, short bed, CPO with 30k miles. Haven't driven it yet, but may go look and verify payload sticker this weekend. Love the 22+ interior and big screens, I've never driven the powerboost, but have driven the lightning, and a max tow non PB and it straight up haulled ***** compared to my tuned 14 F150 max tow with 3.73 gears. Just don't want to deal with overheating and I don't drive fast. This summer I was going 20mph in 2nd gear, flashers on, on the highway, to keep it under 248 degrees. If anyone is familiar with cabbage hill outside Pendleton OR, it's no joke of a hill and is steep to the top. Two other far lesser hills gave me the same issue, truck just couldn't overcome the heat soak despite my huge aluminum radiator. Truck ran 220 for the flat parts of the drive at 60-65mph.

My trailer has a Gvwr of 7600 and when I was towing it up to the Oregon coast, it didn't have water in the tanks and only gear for 3 people so was probably less than 7k at the time. I usually tow 3 hours or less from home, and with 50 gallons of fresh water in the tank. Gotta go real slow up the hills to keep the temp under 240. Unloaded, truck never has heat issues.

 

@1stTruckGuy That sounds promising. Do yourself a possible favor. Download the Fordpass app and set it up for that truck. The service history could reveal any warranty issues that might not be on carfax

 

Mountains + 7,600lb RV + cargo+ people = F250.

 

Ecoboost should be able to handle that. I've been towing with a half ton in these mountains for 12 years, my 5.4 Triton with 6 speed did it with a smile on its face, my ecoboost Expedition only got hot once, my 5.0 F150 was a complete dog and screamed just to go slow. I have a great WDH and pull level and stable. This is probably only 10-12 times a year so an HD doesn't make economical sense for me right now. A heavy half ton should be able to do this without too much fuss. Wish Ford still put the 6.2 in the F150, but I know plenty of people with the 5.7 ram and Toyota pulling similar or heavier trailers.

But can I trust a powerboost for 7-8 years. I'd love to sell my truck and car and daily drive one, hate to buy an HD and just let it sit in the driveway while I daily my 5 speed manual Ford focus.

 

The last thing on the planet I would want is a hybrid. Two completely separate systems to fail. A used one is even worse as the warranty is NOT the same as new car warranty.

 

You would regret getting a Powerboost. I'm sure some will chime in and say "mine has been flawless" or something like that but they are riddled with problems and you are taking a gamble.. Your only two options are the 3.5 or an F250.