I currently own an F350 Crew Diesel, 51,000 miles. I don't really need the the diesel anymore. My towing events are very limited, (enclosed car trailer 10K lbs).
So that being said, I am looking into a gas powered truck, possibly the 150 EB, or a 250. Gas mileage is number one for me, and the reports here that folks are getting 13-15 mpg during what could be a 10,000 mile break in period really scares me!
One of the main reasons I disliked the '08 diesel engine was the "regen" cycle that they go through. Smoke billows out the tail pipe and people start hitting the brakes to back off. Pretty embarrassing! The towing power though is amazing. Sometimes you forget there's a 24' enclosed trailer behind you on the open road.
It's just a huge investment buying a truck and any helpful advice would be appreciated.

 

I just built an EcoBoost online. List is $47,000!!! That's almost what my F350 Crew Diesel stickered for. YIKES!!!

 

If that is the case that must have been one bare bones F350...the ones I built online were double that.

 

Not bare bones. Loaded 2008 Lariat Crew Cab diesel, sticker was $50,605.
Highway mpg traveling at 55-65 no load is 20-21. Once you go over 65 the mpg's drop fast. Sounds like this is doing better than the new EcoBoost.

 

That is until one of your EGR coolers craps out on you and leaves you on the side of the road.There are reasons why that motor was only in production for 3 years.I also find it very hard to believe you are getting 20-21mpg with a 6.4 Powerstroke..I will take my(Ford Built) Ecoboost's reliability over any 6.0 or 6.4 powerstroke any day. If you compare a 2012 F350 vs. 2012 F150 with the same options its about a $12,000 difference. Don't worry if i see you on the side of the road i will gladly give a fellow Ford owner a ride in my $47,000 Ecoboost to get you some help..

 

LOL, thanks buddy!!!

 

I gotta say that if you're pulling 10K frequently then you will always be near the limits of any F-150 all the time. You also have to consider the tongue weight of your trailer.

An Ecoboost pulling 10K is going to kill you in MPG's just like any other gasoline engine. But, it'll pull it just fine with the appropriate gearing and towing packages.

The MPG's in mine didn't change after the imaginary 10K breakin period. I have the 3.31 axles (8200 lb) tow rating and I'm getting 23-24 on the hwy empty. There are some guys that aren't as lucky as me with MPG's and some with the HD packages that are doing very well.

 

I'm getting 20 mpgs on the hwy and on HD 163" supercab...I'm enjoying it big time!

 

I've been to two different dealers in the past week. The first one said, "Gee, we haven't heard of any problems with the EcoBoost", the second dealer wouldn't even look up at me and quickly changed the subject.
MANY problems with this model, as described on this site. No thanks Ford. Already have an '08 HD with manufacturer defective radiator that they won't own up to. (Radiator number 3 right now)

 

One thing to consider is that when people have issues, they turn to the internet for solutions so you're going to see more of the "why is my truck doing this" threads than the "my truck's great, that is all..." threads.

I for one won't be hesitating to get the 3.5 EB in the Explorer when it comes out later this year. If I have problems with it, then the dealer can deal with it... It won't be doing any towing though, that's what my truck's for.

If mpg's are the driving factor and you don't want a diesel, you really only have 1 option, the F150. I seem to be on the bottom end of the scale when it comes to mpg's in the 6.2 in my F350. I've avg'ed 10.3 in the ~13k miles that are on it, and that's empty. Guys are getting that (and sometimes better) towing 18k lbs in the new 6.7. Just throwing some more data your way. I guess it all depends on how often you're pulling. If it's a couple times a year, then the EB may be your best bet at getting good numbers empty.

 

Before I built my IDI, I got to drive one of the EB trucks driving around the country before one even hit the dealer... I was IMPRESSED, and it made me reconsider my self-imposed ban on buying anything new... The only thing that kept me from buying one, was I cant get a manual with it, I dont drive automatics, every vehicle I own is a manual, and its going to stay that way.

Ford, Manuals may be only 13-15% of sales, but its still 13-15% of sales, and most of that 15% are guys like me who wont buy an automatic... Maybe 15% of sales isnt worth tossing an already manufactured 5 or 6spd in, but that rationale isnt going to get me to buy a new ford...

 

problem is they weren't 13-15% of sales, they were about 1%

 

Being that you already own a Powerstroke that would be a tough one. It comes down to how often you pull that trailer. The Ecoboost will tow it no problem if you get the Max Tow package. But don't expect more than about 9 to 10 mpg doing so. the Ecoboost has all the power needed but when the turbo's kick in the MPG's drop fast. I tow a 29' travel trailer at around 7k and it does it with ease with my ATV in the bed. With that said if I had a diesel already I personally would stick with it because towing is what they are made for. You also would be loosing quite a bit of money trading in and buying new. Which would buy a lot of Fuel etc... I bought a Ecoboost instead of a Diesel. If I would have already owned a Diesel I would have stayed with a diesel. I previously had a Dodge Durango so either is a huge step up. Especially for a life long Ford guy.

I love my EcoBoost though because the power when towing is unbelievable. Empty at 65 or under I can see close to 20MPG on highway. 15 around town. And have the power to pull my camper when I do so. Good luck with your decision.

 

Also the EcoBoost is a very reliable engine. Everyone I talk to loves theirs. My dealer who has sold many has had very little if any issues to date. And the few have been minor. The 6.4 Powerstroke is a very reliable Engine. On the internet there isn't a single engine ever built in any truck that is reliable. We only hear about the problems. And as far as Ford only using the 6.4 for 3 years. It had to do more with the EPA wanting better emissions and Ford and International disputing. Thus why the 6.7 is now built in house.

 

It was all to do with International and Fords dispute over all the warranty work that International wasn't honoring and Fords credibility going down the tubes..