I'm new on F150 forums and would like some help. I'm wanting to buy a new truck and towing in the Colorado mountains is my biggest concern since that will the primary job for my new truck.
I have an ancient 97 F250 W 5.4 Triton v8 and tow a TT @ 5500 lbs. I know it's ancient but been pretty reliable.
My old truck crawls up the big passes. 35 mph up westbound Monarch screaming at 4k in 1st. Better on Tunnel at maybe 40-45 westbound 50 eastbound.

My question? What speed up steep high passes in Colorado can I REALISTICALLY expect from a new F150 EB? Assuming I'd get the largest engine avail w tow pkgs etc. for example 3.3L or 3.5L, 10spd w highest gear ratio avail, unless some suggest otherwise.
I'd like to hear from folks who actually tow in Colorado mountains if possible and what results they get.

Also, should I be worried about maint probs or should I opt for conventional V8 instead? My concern is all I've seen about ETB and turbo failures.

If V8, what speeds do you actually get on the big passes and what RPM/noise. I'd be really bummed if I get a new truck and still have to crawl up the passes. I don't want to spend the $ for a diesel, not to mention higher fuel and maint costs.

Thanks for any help and comments.

 

I travel that same pass every year from Walsenburg to Paonia every year with my 2015 super crew 3.5 ecoboost/3.31 rear end 6 speed trans and can pull up the pass as fast as I feel comfortable depending on the weather - I am not kidding either, 55+ is not an issue except for road conditions and how twisty they get back in that area. My trailer is about 4000# and the truck just goes - of course using tow/haul and depending on engine temps you may need to lock out some of the upper gears.
I would not get the 3.3 but either of the ecoboost or the 5.0 will do well up there.
And if you tow there a lot you my even look at the 3.73 rear end but with the 10 speed you may not need it.

Hope this helps!!!

 

thanks much. It does help!!!

 

Answered this question in the other thread for you.

 

Done the Ike three times now hauling the 5er in my sig. Also Fremont pass as we like camping near leadville. Have been up 14 and 34 into the mountains as well. My only issue with the v6 is the lack of engine braking going downhill. My previous Tundra with the 5.7 v8 held the truck and trailer nicely. The f150 has to use lower gears and run up close to redline to hold everything back. Fewer and smaller cylinders, it's just physics. That being said if you have experience towing in the mountains, the 150 handles it nicely.

 

I live at 7,800ft just outside of Salida near the bottom of Monarch Pass and tow a TT slightly lighter than yours, all loaded up its about 4,000lbs. I chose the 5.0L and can pretty much go as fast as I please up Monarch Pass, Poncha Pass, Fremont Pass (I tow up over one of them whenever I leave home). The 5.0L is no slouch by any means. I think the only place where the 5.0L lags is going up the last steep pitch of Fremont Pass (Climax Mine). At that altitude the performance of an EB would be far superior. I average between 11.2 and 15 mpg towing depending on the wind. Generally I get in the low 20s when not towing.

For me I like the smooth power curve of the 5.0L, and I simply enjoy driving the V8. However, with the weight of your TT and for the mountain driving that you're talking about the 3.5EB may be the better choice giving you all the zing you want when you ask for it.

Good luck with your next truck!

 

Just realized I didn't answer your question - what RPMs?? I don't use tow/haul mode on steep climbs, instead I use the manual shift (6R80 trans) and keep my RPMs between 3k and 4k depending on the pitch of the climb and I generally maintain 50 - 60mph. My trans temps range between 203 to 212 on these climbs. Again, my TT is all of 4,000lbs.

Hope this helps.

 

The CO passes - other than the Interstate highways they will be slow. Expect to find 40 mph usually less due to big slow RVs with few passing lanes. I suggest just leave the trans in drive and watch your trans temp gauge. For the Interstate passes the speed will probably be higher that you like (65mph). Once again just leave the auto in drive and watch the trans temps. Expect trans temps to climb in summer.

 

Thanks for getting back to me. I have a 2017 Escape also and I love it. I think I'm leaning toward the 3.5 EB based on all the comments.

 

Thanks much. I'm feeling pretty good about looking for a 3.5 EB properly set up.