EB over 5.4 Towing
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New User
Joined: Sep 2014
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EB over 5.4 Towing
I've got myself worked into a box. Replacing the wife's Expedition and my short term choices are the 2014 5.4 or the 2015 EB for towing a 5,000 lb boat in Colorado.
I'm a turbo fan - but you folks that transitioned from the 5.4 to EB in your F150s, what is your honest impression of towing capability? Is a trailer like a boat anchor on that V6 or does that EB step up to the plate?
It looks like I decide now and save a little coin on the 5.4 or lose it forever and not look back.
I'm a turbo fan - but you folks that transitioned from the 5.4 to EB in your F150s, what is your honest impression of towing capability? Is a trailer like a boat anchor on that V6 or does that EB step up to the plate?
It looks like I decide now and save a little coin on the 5.4 or lose it forever and not look back.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 38
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I'm a turbo fan - but you folks that transitioned from the 5.4 to EB in your F150s, what is your honest impression of towing capability? Is a trailer like a boat anchor on that V6 or does that EB step up to the plate?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 173
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You must be a new guy to the forum, so welcome.
This is historically one of the most discussed items here, so
go back in the pages and check out the topics. In short
the EB will pull better then you ever dreamed a gas burner would.
But here's something even better for you. You mentioned Colorado. All the V8s have lost at least 15% of their power at 5000 ft. 25% at 8000 ft.The EB hasn't.
The only towing I've done was a 4000 lb boat with my 95 Silverado, 350 ci , 4wd.
I live at 6000 ft. and it's performance at this altitude was pathetic; with or without the boat. However, driving
to a sea level city, that truck had noticeably more power. Altitude makes a HUGE
difference.
No so with the EB. It's a hot rod up here, and doesn't feel any different when I
drive to Arizona. I've got 3;31 gears and see no reason to have anything else;
21 mpg, 1500 rpm @65 mph, and power to take these mountains staying in 6th gear.
Best thing for you to do is start test driving............
This is historically one of the most discussed items here, so
go back in the pages and check out the topics. In short
the EB will pull better then you ever dreamed a gas burner would.
But here's something even better for you. You mentioned Colorado. All the V8s have lost at least 15% of their power at 5000 ft. 25% at 8000 ft.The EB hasn't.
The only towing I've done was a 4000 lb boat with my 95 Silverado, 350 ci , 4wd.
I live at 6000 ft. and it's performance at this altitude was pathetic; with or without the boat. However, driving
to a sea level city, that truck had noticeably more power. Altitude makes a HUGE
difference.
No so with the EB. It's a hot rod up here, and doesn't feel any different when I
drive to Arizona. I've got 3;31 gears and see no reason to have anything else;
21 mpg, 1500 rpm @65 mph, and power to take these mountains staying in 6th gear.
Best thing for you to do is start test driving............
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,946
Likes: 11
From: Northern California
Welcome to the forum!
I agree with TruckPilot...the EGOboost will really shine at altitude and will out tow the 5.4L in every way. I also tow a 4200 lb. boat and it has plenty of power. You will be passing others towing left and right at altitude. The EGOboost really tows like a small diesel it is something you have to drive to experience. The bad thing is ttest driving it doesn't really give you a great gauge of how great this motor really is. I suggest maybe renting one and take it for an extended drive and see how you really like it. Most rentals (if not all) will not have a towing package installed.
Drive the EGOboost and the 5.0L back to back and make your decision.
I agree with TruckPilot...the EGOboost will really shine at altitude and will out tow the 5.4L in every way. I also tow a 4200 lb. boat and it has plenty of power. You will be passing others towing left and right at altitude. The EGOboost really tows like a small diesel it is something you have to drive to experience. The bad thing is ttest driving it doesn't really give you a great gauge of how great this motor really is. I suggest maybe renting one and take it for an extended drive and see how you really like it. Most rentals (if not all) will not have a towing package installed.
Drive the EGOboost and the 5.0L back to back and make your decision.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2014
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Thanks folks - I did try to rent an F150 and tow the boat, but when I went to pick it up it was only the V6, not the EB, so I left it there.
I did drive the new Expedition yesterday, and it did seem to have plenty of power, but I couldn't ask them to tow with it. I don't think it had 3.73s, as they are an option and I didn't see them on the sticker.
At this point it's a $10K difference between the 2014 and 2015, as Ford is not offering any incentives on the new Exp, but that could change later in the year I suppose.
I did drive the new Expedition yesterday, and it did seem to have plenty of power, but I couldn't ask them to tow with it. I don't think it had 3.73s, as they are an option and I didn't see them on the sticker.
At this point it's a $10K difference between the 2014 and 2015, as Ford is not offering any incentives on the new Exp, but that could change later in the year I suppose.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
You DEFINITELY want the '15 with the EB. The 5.4L is a boat anchor in comparison. Read HERE how my '13 EcoBoost F150 stacked up against diesel trucks pulling 15,000 lbs around. I was the fastest truck up the hill!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-hd-video.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-hd-video.html
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,946
Likes: 11
From: Northern California
I agree with Tom...wait and get the 2015...they are lighter and have some other cool goodies added.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,024
Likes: 1,519
From: Maine, Virginia
Another strenuous vote for the 2015 with the EB. It's an amazing engine. When I drive anything else, I feel like I'm sitting still compared to my EB.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 77
From: Central Florida
The EcoBoost is a fantastic towing engine. Towed my car and car hauler all the way to Montana & back (twice), 80 MPH through the Dakota's 70 MPH through the mountains no problem. Towed a car back from Phoenix AZ, no problems there either. Towed my boat tow Florida back, 80 MPH all the way in the Kentucky Hills and Tennessee mountains. Never missed a beat. My boat dry weight is 4,200lbs, my car hauler & car weight about 7,000 lbs.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 175
Likes: 4
I traded in a 2005 5.4L powered pickup for a new 2014 EB powered pickup. There is night and day difference between the engines. Recently I put the EB engined PU through it's paces while pulling my 5k TT through West Virginia on US 50, a 2 lane road that would strain a snakes back due to the hair pins.
While it's not at the altitude of the western mountains, it had a number of 7 & 9 percent grades. While I was going somewhat slow due to the hair pins and darkness, when I needed power the ECO provided it and had more in reserve.
Another place where the power shines is Afton Mountain on I64 here in Virginia. Going up the east face it's around a 6 mile climb to the top and there is no truck lane. So what happens many times is an eighteen wheeler will be in the left lane passing another 18 wheeler. That slows everyone down to a crawl.
Once the 18 wheeler finishes passing and gets back in the proper lane, all I need to do give it a little accelerator and I'm back up to 70 in no time with plenty of power to spare. The same situation with the 5.4L and I had to use all the accelerator and that engine was screaming to get back up to speed.
If at all possible, I would get the EB engine. It's well worth it.
While it's not at the altitude of the western mountains, it had a number of 7 & 9 percent grades. While I was going somewhat slow due to the hair pins and darkness, when I needed power the ECO provided it and had more in reserve.
Another place where the power shines is Afton Mountain on I64 here in Virginia. Going up the east face it's around a 6 mile climb to the top and there is no truck lane. So what happens many times is an eighteen wheeler will be in the left lane passing another 18 wheeler. That slows everyone down to a crawl.
Once the 18 wheeler finishes passing and gets back in the proper lane, all I need to do give it a little accelerator and I'm back up to 70 in no time with plenty of power to spare. The same situation with the 5.4L and I had to use all the accelerator and that engine was screaming to get back up to speed.
If at all possible, I would get the EB engine. It's well worth it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,465
Likes: 725
From: Calgary Canada
I swapped from a 5.4L to an ecoboost, and I'm very happy
- Fuel economy, While towing, is about the same for me. Maybe a hair better in the EB
- Fuel economy while empty is better in the city, and MUCH better on the highway.
- The EB is a true joy to tow with. It has more grunt down low, so you'll find you are towing around 2000-2500 RPM most of the time, while my 5.4L was 3500 and up pretty often.
I'm a true believer here.
- Fuel economy, While towing, is about the same for me. Maybe a hair better in the EB
- Fuel economy while empty is better in the city, and MUCH better on the highway.
- The EB is a true joy to tow with. It has more grunt down low, so you'll find you are towing around 2000-2500 RPM most of the time, while my 5.4L was 3500 and up pretty often.
I'm a true believer here.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 730
Likes: 9
From: plymouth mi
I tow a 7000#+ travel trailer, I came out of a 2006 fx4 and ordered a 2012 fx4, old engine was 5.4 and new engine is 3.5 eco, night and day difference, as good as the 5.4 was, the 3.5 runs circles around it, if all you are hauling is a 5000# boat, the 5.4 is more than adequate, in the older trucks pre 6 speed, the 4r70w and 4r75w transmissions hobbled those trucks, the 5.4 could have been better in those applications, that said, I love my ecoboost truck!
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