I am going to replace my 2007 Expedition. I am towing about 7500 lbs on average. I have been considering an F250 with the 6.2L. Recently, I saw an article about the new F150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The article stated the F150 had plenty of power to pull a trailer my size even in mountainous areas.
Now I am wondering which way to go. I think the ride of the F150 without the trailer would be better than the F250 which probably would be stiff.
Does anyone here tow with the 3.5L EcoBoost? How is gas mileage? If the turbos are kicked in it must drink fuel. I have considered the F250 with the 6.7L diesel but felt that was over kill for my needs.

 

If your not going to go any bigger than the F150 with Max tow is a perfect match. if you think you will want to upgrade to something bigger or heavier go with the 6.7L. I towed our 33' Outback(7500-8000lbs) thousands of miles without any issues. Towing I averaged 10-10.6 mpg. The Ecoboost has more than enough power for what you need.... If it wasn't for the high payments, property taxes and my financial situation at the time I would still be driving it. Here is a pic of my setup.

 

I have heard that the ecoboost pulls fine at that weight. I think the issue becomes total GCWR. Have you weighed your setup yet?

I was pulling a keystone outback 230RS (7100lbs loaded) with my 05 F150 that had the 5.4. It towed the weight no problem but I went across the CAT scales and we where at our max GCWR. Not good with me and not any room to add a box of crackers. I upgraded to a 2015 F350 with the 6.2 gas engine. Absolute night and day difference. I have been averaging 12 mpg in town. Towing was right at 10 mpgs. That's hand calculated. I couldn't justify the added $$$ for the Diesel engine as I don't how very often.
The 6.2 is a great choice.

 

Not sure what the GCWR is for your 2005? But the GCWR for my F150 was 17,100lbs, tow rating was 11,200lbs , and GVWR was 7700lbs.

 

I bought an F250 Power Stroke diesel. If I should get a bigger trailer someday, this thing will pull it. Figured I might as well do t now rather than regret it later. My Expedition was under powered for my application. I don't want to be in that place again. Thanks for all the input.

 

What year Power Stroke? New?

 

Yes I bought a new one with the 6.7L diesel. I think I am really going to like it when I get hooked up to my TT. It is wired for a brake controller but it didn't come with it. I have one of my own I need to install. The plug is behind a coin and junk tray in the dash. Now I have to figure out how to get that thing out without braking it so I can plug in. I hate fiddling with all that plastic stuff.

 

Might I suggest going with the factory brake controller? They tie in with the ABS and stability control, the aftermarket units don't.

 

I agree. The factory brake controllers are leaps and bounds ahead of the aftermarket ones.

 

As he already has the new truck, I imagine the retrofit would be quite expensive.

 

I have searched Ford parts for the part number of Ford's brake controller but it is not listed. I found a company that sells the controller as after market and is an exact replacement for OEM. However, if I buy this part without the plastic piece that fills the gap that would be left, I will have a hole in my dash. My Curt controller only has four pins in the harness. I can see by the number of pins in the original that it does much more with the other systems in the vehicle to give proper braking with the trailer. I guess I will call the dealer and see what it would cost to have one installed. I might have to mortgage the house though. :-)

 

Lol. You have to do what works for you. The aftermarket one in my 97 works fine. But I would love a factory style one

 

Search the 6.7 or maybe the F150 forum. I know I just read a post about installing the factory controller. There was a link to a "how-to" and lots of comments that it was simple to do. I think it is just plug and play with a dealer reflash so the electronics find it. Price was not bad either.

Even if you just want to read towing stuff, there is a lot about it that still pops up on the other forums.

Steve

 

I put the factory controller in my F150 and it is an easy install. I found the best price on eBay from Tasca Ford. The F150 required a reflash from the dealer. I would imagine the F250 would require the same reflash. The cost seems to vary from $60 to $90. Since you will be towing more than once I would suggest the factory unit.

If you are pulling off plastic parts I would suggest getting some tools. The right tools will make it much less likely you'll break something. Harbor Freight has a decent kit for less than $20.

Congrats on the new truck.