‘I like that color! Thanks for the picture.

 

Nice looking truck there. Should do ya just fine.

 

Looks sharp!

Off topic question, but did you do any research on the water pump for the 3.5L in regard to the failure rate and the the method in which they fail? I think the problem was with the earlier years of the 3.5L, but I am not sure.

I only ask because we inherited a 2016 Escape with a 1.6L turbo. During my research I discovered the 2.0L engine has a similar water pump configuration as the earlier 3.5L that was somewhat known as a poor design.

I had only discovered this within the past 2 months and was not able to dig into it much. So, some or a lot of what I have said might be inaccurate.

Again, great looking truck and we wish you the best of times with it!

 

Its rated to tow 12,800 conventional, 10,800 5th wheel. I'm cutting it pretty close with my 5th wheel by the time I fill the water tank. I only tow the 5th wheel a couple times a year at most. Payload is about 2,100lbs.

 

It’s tough to not get spoiled by the new trucks. But I love the 7.3’s as well. The SD is my work rig to pull the goose around with. I’m not sure I’d want to tackle 10k+ with an f150. You’ll love that eco!

 

Definitely report back once you’ve towed the 5er with it. Does it come with Fords puck system or do you have to put in rails? The AUH might be a great option for you to keep payload weight down. I use the steel version, I’m pretty sure Sous does too. @Sous

 

Yes, I use the steel AUH and it has been great in every way.

 

I wont be towing my 5th wheel until April or May at the earliest.

I haven't done any research on 3.5 ecoboost water pump failures.

What's an AUH? I was planning on installing air bags or something to help with the payload. My f-250 sat level hooked to the 5er. This truck has less rake to start with and is sprung firm for an f-150, but still soft compared to a super duty.

 

Available on Amazon as well...

Andersen Ultimate Hitch (AUH)

 

Sous ///You like the Anderson ? Was thinking about getting one for my truck.

 

interesting story

I just made the opposite transition
My wife sold her 2017 stx f150 and has been driving the 2001 in my sig about a year
I just sold my 2017 f350 yesterday and will be driving my 2003 i recently acquired. Put a chunk of $ in the bank. Looking forward to it

 

@MoBill122 yes, very happy with it and will always have one as long as we have a 5th wheel. If you have specific questions or concerns, you are more than welcome to PM me.

 

I finally got the scoop on the water pump issues with the 3.5 engines. In the explorer and taurus, both the NA 3.5l and the 3.5 ecoboost use a failure-prone internal water pump. It is very expensive (in labor) to have someone fix your water pump in those engines. Its driven off the timing chain.

From what little digging I've done, it appears the 1.6 ecoboost also has an internal water pump that is powered off the timing belt. It seems to make the most sense to just replace the water pump proactively when you do a timing belt job. From what I read, it is MUCH easier than a 3.5 explorer/taurus water pump job.

The 3.5 ecoboost in the f-150s has had an external water pump since day 1. It is setup very similar to the 7.3 PSD water pump. I haven't read of any unusual water pump failures on this version.

 

I changed a water pump and stuff on my bosses truck in the begining of the year (180k miles it had iirc) it's an external water pump just like most vehicles have. The 3.5 eco engines are amazing, if you haven't driven one drive one.

 

Good to know, and as I mentioned before I wasn't sure which 3.5L was affected. That 3.5L EcoBoost is a beast though from what I have read and seen in videos.