Hello,

I have a 2010 FX4 Ext Cab and I'm looking to get a new 2012 Crew Cab Fx4.

I have towed my boat (#10,000+Gear) from MI to Fl and back with my 2010 with 5.4 and it performed flawless.


I'm a bit sceptical of the EB engine but the Ford propaganda is very convincing. Numbers are numbers but its still tought to believe.

I was wondering if anyone has gone from the 54 to EB and what their thoughts/obersavations were?

I really want the crew cab and like my 5.4 but I dont want to buy a used truck.

I will br towing this boat again on the same trip in the future and I dont want to downgrade.

 

If you don't trust the EB, you could allways opt for the big 6.1, or eveb the 5.0. The F-150buyer has alot of power train options to choose from.

 

Its not about trusting the eco-boost honestly when they said my 5.4 would pull the boat just fine I didn't trust it that much either. But it performed above my expectations.

Ive watched the torture tests just like everyone else, Ive read all the threads and the pissing contests between the EB and 5.0 owners.

Im looking to get someone's take who had a 2009-2010 With the 5.4 and the 3.73 maxtow package and now has an EB, and someone who has 5.0 Engine and how they compare.

My boat sits on a lift and I do not trailer it all the time only when I go to florida or from the house to the boat launch 2 times a year, the reason why I dont want a superduty

 

I was in a similar situation. I read a bunch of forums and also checked to see if EB's claimed fuel mileage was accurate. One said he had problems with the turbo, another mentioned something about condensation and the engine sputtered like crazy, forcing him to pull over, and a few other things. I went for the 5.0 because I'm into reliability. A lot did say the newer 5.0 was much better than the 5.4 V8.... I think I did alright with my decision to get a 4x4 Screw 5.0.

 

Went from 5.5 with 3.55 axle to 3.5 with 3.31 axle, the most I have towed is 5000lbs. Same 5000lb trailer and same route towed with both trucks, 5.4 pulled it with ease and the 3.5 pulled it like the trailer wasn't even there and the fuel mileage was almost 2mpg better with the 3.5. Both trucks did a fine job but the 3.5 was a notch above the 5.4.

 

If I was buying another f150 to pull heavier, I would be looking more at the 5.0 over the eb.

 

Heres the other thing im looking at. Im thinking of leasing the EB fX4 so I would only be stuck for 3years if it wasn't the ball of wax its cut out to be.

With my 5.4 Towing the 10,000 + gear I averaged 6.5-7.5 MPg 60-70 miles over the 1400 trip. MI-Fl through the mountains in 80deg summer heat. If the EB could do something in the range of 9-10 it would be a huge improvement.

If I get the 5.0 as far as engine and fuel milage goes I don't think im going to see any gain while towing. And when you order the 5.0 you can't get the max tow trailer package with the heavier parts bumper hitch etc.

Ford and their constantly changing engine options.... they should've just found a way to turbo the 5.0 and then we wouldn't have to depend on all these numbers saying one is better then other.

I think im gonna tow my boat to location near the dealer and hook up to a new EB and test it for myself. ;0

 

I have thought about doing the sam thing however I don't think they would allow you to do that...not to mention you would have to have the correct connector etc. You will not be able to tow it far enough to get a real feel for the towing capabilities other than to lease it like you are saying.

There are always issues with any vehicle and what might happen to one truck might not to another. I have heard of lots of people loving their ecoboost and for me that will be my choice when I am ready. The other thing I think about is that when my warranty is about up I am going to get it tuned and get some better numbers out of it!

 

I'm confused. Are you simply wondering if the Ecoboost is manly enough to pull a load as good as your 5.4L does? There is no doubt that the Ecoboost is noticeably more powerful under any condition.

Ecoboost makes more torque, but more importantly the torque stages in at lower engine speed for better trailer pulling grunt work.
And the Ecoboost makes more power at the top end too. The 5.4L can't match the Ecoboost power anywhere in the power band.
Sources:
2010 Ford F150 Specifications Specs
2012 Ford F-150 | View Full Engine Specifications | Ford.com

 

are dealers actually letting people hook up to their trailers on brand new trucks?

i ask because "by the book" you arent supposed to tow anything for at least 500 miles, and then after that you aren't supposed to tow at full throttle for another 1000 miles.

i know if i was trying one out, i'd hook up, find the biggest hill i could, floor it up the hill to see what she'll do .... then go back to the dealer and buy a different one with the same package

i'm surprised that they would knowingly let people do something that would jepordize a warranty.

 

Why would you let them know?

 

My local dealer had a big "promotional event" when the EB first came, had a demo that people could come tow a car hauler with a dodge truck on the back too see what the truck could do. If the trucks a demo wouldn't it have enough mileage to tow?

 

I have been looking at the numbers as well. After towing everything from four horses to 8000# boat to 10000# hay wagon and all with a big block or diesel, it's hard to see the EB lasting under such hard work. Sure it would do it a few times a year but, on even a monthly basis, I would worry about longevity. The numbers say it should do it and keep on trucking. Any comments?

 

One of the dealer let me test drive the 07 hooked with my travel trailer and drove for 30 miles including the steep climb over the pass nearby. After that, I was sold on it as it performed much better over my 02.
I know it's used, but yes the salesguy was hesistant at first. Told him that I wouldn't buy it unless I get opportunity to tow it to compare with the 02. I ended up buying it afterward. To be honest, I didn't think I would have trigger the trade but I was wrong.

 

I tow a 5000# car hauler/track car with my FX4 EB. It pulls the trailer with no problem at all, plenty of extra power, no struggling whatsoever. However, it also stays in boost most of the time, unless you're cruising on long flat stretches of highway. This will kill the claimed MPG on your window sticker, but I still got 12.2 avg the last time I had the trailer hooked up. You're going double what I tow though, so yours will be worse obviously. I put a 4" cat-back on it to give me more mid-range punch, and hopefully better MPG overall (if I can keep my foot out of it), and installed a boost gauge to watch my psi when the trailer is hooked up.

I will say, I LOVE this truck/powertrain for my daily driving. You'll be spending more time in the truck without the trailer hooked up (at least I do), and it's fantastic around town, on the highway, and all around driving. It's a great motor. And I was a V8 guy myself.

I had an '05 with the 5.4L and towed my brother's boat (22' Larsen) a few times around Boston. It was a much less powerful motor back then, and wasn't that happy in stop and go when that boat was hooked up. Admittedly, I never took it on the highway, and haven't driven the new V8 options.

If you're only going to have it for 3 years, it will be under warranty the whole time anyway. You could have just as many issues with a V8 vs. the EB, or may have none at all with either setup. Who really knows?