Obviously this is a PSD forum, but since I spent a lot of time with some of you I decided to write a little blurb on my new truck; mostly because several have asked about it and a couple are considering doing the same thing and have asked for my input. I'll preface this by saying that no, I did not go out and buy a new truck just to save a few bucks on fuel, I just wanted a new, different, and smaller truck; the improved economy and cheaper fuel is just a bonus.
So I sold my 2000 and bought a 2011 F150 with the V6 3.5 Ecoboost engine:











That's a lot of pics. I suppose it's nothing special and doesn't stand out from any other truck that any other person can buy. But it is an outstanding truck. If I had to pull 15,000#, then it wouldn't be the truck for me. But since I tow less than 10,000# it is the perfect truck for me.

I've only about 2000 miles on it so far, but I have towed my car hauler with it a bunch in the mountains. It tows like a dream. I do use a WDH just to keep it evened out. I'm getting 12ish mpg when towing in the mountains at 70mph. That's as good as I was getting in the PSD. Empty I'm getting 18-19 in mixed driving. I hit 20 on a highway trip. That's a lot better than the PSD.

So I'll end the post by saying the comfort level is insane compared to the old, the transmission shifts like a dream, it has a tow/haul mode that is calibrated perfectly, the factory brake controller works seamlessly, the engine pulls like a big block V8 and has tons of low end torque, although it is obviously not a diesel; but has yet to leave me feeling like I didn't have enough power. The intercooler is always cold to the touch, and it is super quiet. I have 0 complaints so far.

It's a 4x4 with 3.55 gears and limited slip, I did not get the max tow package because I didn't want the required 3.73 gearing. So feel free to ask any questions, and if you don't want to be heckled you can PM me; and if this is aggravating to be reading about an F150 on this forum, I totally understand if it gets trashed or moved.

 

Looks good Keith & sounds like it handles all your needs, good luck bud

 

Goof luck, nice rig.

 

I'm glad it fills your needs. Intercooled? Man have I been out of the loop on newer trucks!

 

They have really come a long way in capability with the new engines, improved frame and transmissions. To have a tow rating of over 11,000# in a half ton truck is not something I thought we'd see.

 

I was just reading about the engine, quite impressive!

 

Nice looking truck....my neighbor bought one just like this (minus the ecoboost).

I like white...

i see the V6 ecoboost is only 46hp and 14 lb/ft of torque different than the 6.2L V8....thats impressive.

So how heavy is the trailer/jeep you are pulling?

I wonder how mpg's would be with the 3.73 gears?

 

Nice setup! hard to beleive what they are generating out of a v6 now, technology sure has changed in 10 years.

 

Great to hear it's meeting your expectations! Hard to believe you went from a diesel to a little V6 gasser and can still say you don't lack any power!

I'm glad to see it's getting the mileage like they are claiming, that usually doesn't happen.

 

It appears the EPA estimates are pretty close to real world. Admittedly though, I have to drive very nice to achieve 19mpg. So it's all relative to how heavy the right foot is, not unlike the 7.3. I think the fact that this truck is lighter has influence on the power feeling also. I think your wife would love one Adam. I'm not saying it's as powerful because it isn't, it's just different. It won't pull as much, but what it is capable of pulling, it pulls much faster (you know the whole hp/tq thing). Took it out last weekend and had two other rigs in a convoy, both 7.3s and we were all pulling about the same weight. One is totally stock, the other with a Superchips. Both guys kept commenting on how I kept walking away from them, but I wasn't even hammering on it.

My trailer weighs a solid 7000# loaded, including the toolbox mounted on the front. Then add whatever camping gear I put in the bed. From the reports I'm reading, the 3.73 gear reduces things by about 1mpg. Again, depending on how fast you want to drive. 3.55 is a nice compromise between pulling and empty.

I do have one complaint I forgot about, the 26 gal gas tank sucks. Needs to be bigger, and Ford won't let you get the optional 36 gal tank on the Eco.

 

Looks great Keith! Good luck with it, I hope to own one along with my SD one day

 

I love that wood trim on the doors and console. Just need to extend it to the dash. Nice rig!


***pppsssstttt..... I wonder if Jody makes a chip for it****

 

I see a new mod on the horizon Keith. lol Congrats on the truck. Looks and sounds nice.

 

That would be cool, but as I understand it the encryption on these is kicking everyones **** and no one has programming yet.

 

Great looking truck, Keith! That is awesome that they pull like they do.