Hey guys, new member. My last 3 trucks were a Tundra, Silverado and most recently a '12 GMC 2500HD. I've had nothing but problems with the 2500HD and am dumping it. I found a new '12 F150 Platinum with the 3.5 Ecoboost. Really sharp truck and nice interior. Can you guys fill me in on anything I might need to know before making a decision on it? I negotiated it to $48,600. The options on it are the power sunroof, NAV, 36 gallon tank, 3.55's and skid plate. This would be the first Ford truck I've owned since the mid 90's, and to be honest I haven't been following them closely. Is the 3.5 Eco good enough for towing a small (16ft) camping trailer 6 or so times a year, and a 28' boat. Is the mileage really as good as advertised? All my trucks have been 5.8L or above so it's really strange for me to think I might be driving a truck with a 3.5L v6. Thanks a lot guys.

-Nick

 

Welcome to the forum Nick!

I have a 2011 EBoost XLT with the 3.55 rear end and absolutely love it. Plenty of power to do almost anything. I would assume you took one out for a ride(?) As you'll see in this forum, there are many real world stories of how great the EBoost is...in fact, there was another experience of towing with the EB that was just posted.

I average 20MPG but haven't towed anything yet. I have loaded up the back with some weight and it's like it wasn't here. This truck pulls like a freight train.

I'm sure you'll get many other responses to your questions. I'd say in short, the truck you have picked out will definately fit all your needs.

 

Don't quote me on it, but I believe the Platinums have softer suspension to make them ride really nice, but may not handle a trailer as well as other lines. Ensure you opt for the Max tow package for beefier suspension, brakes, steering, etc. The Ecoboost will definitely tow that trailer, and probably better than the GM you had previously, especially if it was a 6.0. Makes just as much torque, but lower in the RPMs.

 

Thanks, guys! The truck does have the max tow. I haven't test driven it yet, it's about 5 hours from where I live, so I'm driving this weekend to go drive and it and if all goes well, sign the paperwork.

My 2500HD Denali has been a nightmare. There is a an issue with a lot of the 2911 and 2012 HD2500's where they have a really annoying vibration on the highway from 65mph+. It feels like a tire badly out of balance in the rear. The truck shakes so bad you can hear the passenger seat shaking while you're going down the highway. I had it to the dealer 5 times, they went through 4 sets of tires and 4 road force balances and never were able to fix it. Finally they told me "it must be normal for an HD truck". I drove 4 other 2500HD they had on their lot, 3 of them had the same problem. There's a huge thread about it here:

Vibrations over 70 MPH - Chevy and GMC Duramax Diesel Forum

Anyway, I can't wait to drive a truck that has a smooth ride for a change!

 

6.0 chevy- 360hp / 383trq
3.5 EB - 365hp / 425 trq

These are for the 2012 model year, i think my EB pulls a lot better then my cousin's 6.0. I think it makes a big difference that the EB trq is down low and is more linear.

 

did ya end up getting it?. i am looking at a 12 platinum ecoboost now, curious of your views, opinions, comments, concerns, PICTURES thanks!

 

The platinum will be my choice of truck as well...I will definitely have the max tow on it...but will opt for the 3.73 gearing to max the towing capability to 11,200 lbs.

You need to keep in mind that the higher gearing you have the more you will be able to tow. 3.55 gearing will tow only up to 9,600 lbs.

You might want to double check all the numbers. How heavy is the boat and trailer??

 

Aren't you worried it will take the Ghetto out of the Joe?

 

To the OP,

Welcome sir. You didn't give us the weight of your trailer. The Plat with the eco is one fine machine for sure. If you can't get comfortable in this truck then get a Lincoln sedan since they are equipped about the same.