3.5 Eco Boost
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I would go with Max Tow package with EB engine. I tow a 6600# loaded 20' enclosed car hauler with an 06 F150 EC with just the trailer tow package. With overloads mounted to the rear springs the 5.4L with 3.55 gears tows the trailer just fine. Fuel economy sucks because I'm out of OD most of the time if not all the time, but the truck pulls this trailer well and is stable. A new EcoBoost with max tow would be even better than what I now have. That's a combination that would be hard to beat for occassional towing. If I were to tow nearly all the time or very frequently, though, I'd opt for a SD with the 6.2L engine. The price will be comparable and you'll have even more truck to tow with.
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From: Isanti, MN
The pricing was once that close, but not anymore. I paid $34K for my F150 with max tow, and a similarly equipped F250 would have been around $39K or so.
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mph
I've heard nothing but good about the ecoboost and know 2 people who have them. Seems to have good power but you must remember its only a half ton. Too many people get rapped up in the motor and forget the suspension, brakes, sway bar's, etc is nothing like a 3/4 or 1 ton. There is a reason why the ecoboost doesnt come in 3/4 and 1 tons. A 7500 lb trailer is a big load for a half ton and potentially dangerous.
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From: Meriden,Ct
Kevin
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Thanks guys I think I will order new and will be getting the 3.5 as I am only towing about once a month if I were towing more often I would consider the 6.2 or diesel in a F250 or F350. The 3.5 is all that I will need. I just have a 2000 E150 5.4L with 3.55 gears and it averages about 5MPG towing this trailer.
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From: Meriden,Ct
Thanks, She tows great behind my truck. I have the Equal-i-zer 1,000lb/10,000lb.
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It sounds like there could be more motor than truck.
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There has to be something wrong with the 5.4L in your van. It should be able to get 7-8 mpg pulling that trailer. I averaged 9 mpg pulling my Mustang thru the appalachians with a 5.4L 14' E350 Ryder box van with 4.30 gears. But I have to say the 2 valve 5.4's were dogs and thirsty. You'll be happy with your EB choice. You should be able to pull 9 mpg towing without a sweat, maybe even better. And it should give high teens highway without the trailer. Good luck.
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Meriden,Ct
These new F150 1/2 tons when properly equipped are very capable tow vehicles. Towing 7-8000lbs is no problem for these trucks. I don't think I would ever tow as much as the max rating which is 11,200lbs but 7500lbs is very doable.....
You can very easily have the tail wag the dog with a 1 ton truck if the hitch wasn't setup correctly or maybe if the trailer was loaded tail heavy.
You can very easily have the tail wag the dog with a 1 ton truck if the hitch wasn't setup correctly or maybe if the trailer was loaded tail heavy.
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From: Isanti, MN
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