Hey! New to this side of the forum.

We are looking for an Eco Boost for my Husband, usually towing a 4,000 LB boat with a load in the bed, but need a truck that can be back up for the 7,500 toy hauler and don't want another diesel.

What would be the best option, I see a lot of talk here about rear gearing.. Do they have more than one size motor option in the Eco Boost?

How can we tell which ones are set up for tow? I know that the mirrors are different, anything else to look for?

There are not a lot of these trucks for sale in Boise, Idaho or surrounding cities, but I am willing to drive if we find the right truck.

What are the options I need to be looking for?

Thanks for the help.

 

The various tow packages are a bit confusing because it depends a lot on trim and option package. Generally anything on the lot that has tow mirrors would be the max tow package which will include an aux trans cooler, 3.73 gearing, mirrors, integrated brake controller, HD radiator, and maybe a couple things I'm forgetting. You wouldn't necessarily need to go max tow, but I think it makes sense for the toy hauler.

You can always add mirrors or the brake controller, but take that into account.

 

That helps, thanks. I want it all set up to tow, and might add air bags.

I know with my F-250 6.0 I still needed bags, we generally have a full load of wood plus 6 5 gallon gas cans in the bed, plus the trailer loaded with whatever we are playing with during the weekend.

Looking at a new Mastercraft boat that weights quite a bit too, just want a now worries gas motor with Torque.

 

I have a 20' Bay boat that weighs about that fully loaded, and it pulls it very easily. It's also about 500% easier backing with the shorter wheel base as well (compared to my F250). Pulling the 7500 lb. trailer shouldn't be an issue either, but be aware that you probably DON'T want the Limited version. It has a 7300 lb. tow rating and a lighter bed load rating as well (around 1300lbs including passengers, IIRC). You want to stick with the trucks with the 9000lb + ratings so you're legal. The Limited will do it just fine -- there is a video online of one pulling a 10k trailer with three big guys in the truck and it was the best performer even though it was overloaded by almost 3000 lbs. per the sticker. LOL

 

How do you tell the difference between Limited or not? Or does it just say it in the side.

So I do not want the limited then??

 

It says it on the side of the bed, and you'll pay a premium for it. LOL I don't pull anything but my boat, so the Limited is just fine. I love the interior, conveniences, creature comforts and looks of it. I was looking for a Lariat or above, but when I saw the Limited and rode in it, I was hooked. You'll want Platinum or below to be legal. Like I said, the Limited will pull those weights easily, but the sticker says otherwise.

 

I don't think the problem is the power... I think it's the load capacity of those shiny 22" wheels.

 

...and the tires. Slim choices on new 22" rubber. I may sell them off & put on custom 20s.

 

If you need aire bags on a superduty then you may want to refine your search for an F-150 Heavy Duty which gets you max tow and an 8800 LB payload package. Slightly lighter duty than an F-250 but she'll do her.

 

check these two webpages for payload and towing from ford

2015 Ford F-150 | View Towing Specifications | Ford.com
2015 Ford F-150 | View Payload Specifications | Ford.com

it looks like the max payload package is available on xl, xlt, and lariat.
looks like the max trailer tow package is available up thru king ranch. maybe higher trim.

as discussed elsewhere in the forum, its seems to be illegal to tow a trailer over 5,000 lbs unless you have weight distributing hitch which wouldnt apply to 5th wheel i guess. sounds like you need both packages. the max trailer tow package gives you the extending mirrors.

in 2014 the 3.5 ecoboost had a few more horsepower than the 5.0 v8. you may want to consider either. the fuel mileage difference isnt that great.

 

and more info from ford on the two packages

Heavy Duty Payload Package Includes:

• 3.73 Electronic-locking rear axle
• 9.75-inch gearset
• Upgraded springs and auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• XL: 17-inch Silver Steel Wheels
• XLT/LARIAT: 18-inch Silver Aluminum Wheels

Max Trailer Tow Package includes:

• 3.55 Electronic-locking rear axle
• 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (standard on LARIAT and higher)
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• Upgraded front stabilizer bar
• Upgraded rear bumper

 

My suggestion is not to get anything higher than a Lariat especially is you need payload to carry the wood. Most people throw a bunch of wood in the bed of the 250's because it has plenty of payload...but you will run out of payload really quick with a F150. It might behoove you to look for one with Max Payload if you can find it....you don't NEED max payload but it does help. You can always load all the wood in the trailer to offset the pin weight. You will also need a good weight distribution hitch for anything over 5,000 lbs.