I know I'm opening up a can of worms asking for 'opinions', but I don't know anyone personally with an Eco-boost engine in their newer truck.

Current situation - Looking to replace my '98 F-250 LD with a newer, low mileage truck that I can get a long life out of. It needs the payload and towing capacity equal to what I currently have. (~2500 lbs payload/13,500lbs towing)

I found a 2011 F-150 w/8200 lb GVWR package and heavy duty tow package that pretty much meets my payload/towing requirements, plus its a Supercab w/8ft bed (another requirement).

My only real concern is the engine at this point. I don't know squat about the Eco-boost V-6. It doesn't pay to ask the salesman because he believes it's the best thing on this earth right now. I really want to hear what the guys (n gals) that have one really think about them. I see impressive stats on paper, but how do they feel towing 10,000 lbs on curvy, hilly roads? In the summer or the winter? Loaded to the cab w/firewood? Hauling trailers is not a frequent occurance, but when I do, it's usually a pretty good load (bobcat+equipment trailer). I do haul 10+ cord of firewood a year so it's gonna get used like a work truck, especially in the fall/winter/spring.

I'm just wondering if this truck/engine/vehicle configuration is the right truck. Otherwise I'm looking at a 5 yearold Super-duty to compete pricewise with this 2011.

 

Hello...first off there is no F150 that will be rated to tow 13,500 lbs. I can tell you that. (currently 11,300 is the max but in super cab) I have the ecoboost and while I do not tow 10,000 lbs. as of yet...I do tow a 4200 lb. boat and it does it with ease...with lots of grunt to spare. We plan on getting a 5th wheel for the truck (1/2 ton towable) and will be putting it to the test when that happens.

There will be a lot of people tell you to go to a F250 if you plan on towing 10,000 lbs. frequently. That weight is still within the capability of the ecoboost. It honestly pulls like a smaller diesel motor. It can surely surprise you...as it did me. As far as loading up the bed of the truck with wood...I would make sure to get the HD payload package and max tow package.

 

The tow rating for a 1998 F-250 HD 4x4 is 8300 lbs. That's with the 5.4L, auto trans, etc.

The f-150 that you are looking at is more superior to that with a max tow rating of 11,300 and an 8200 lb package.

The engine is a non issue. The 2011 F-150 will actually be an upgrade.

 

looking up your current truck, I too get a 8300 lbs towing capacity. even the HD trucks in that year were limited to 10,000 lbs towing.

In those years, the f250 LD had 7 bolt wheels, and a higher payload than the f150's. when they came out with the Super Duty F250's, they kept the configuration like yours and re-badged it the 150, with the Max Payload option.

you would essentially be replacing your old truck with the current model of the same package.

Look on your door sticker on your current truck, what is your GVWR? how does that compare to the new truck.

i ask because the f250 LD is kind of ford's read-headed-stepchild and the details are somewhat sketchy online.

 

I had the tow rating backwards in my earlier post. I wrote the GCWR when I what I wanted was the Max Trailer weight.

From my owner's manual for my 1998 F-250 LD 5.4L AT 4x4

GVWR: 7200 lbs (Truck with driver and full tank of fuel weighs 5100 lbs on scales)
Max Trailer Weight: 8300 lbs
GCWR: 13,500 lbs

The 2011 F-150 is better equipped than my 1998 is as far as payload and tow capacity and its more than capable of hauling my trailer/skid steer combo. It has Max Tow and HD Payload Options. Even has 7 lug wheels. I was surprised when I saw that, thought Ford had done away with those a long time ago.

 

Found a great document on Ford's website about the 2011 F-150 Tow Specifications:

http://http://www.ford.com/resources..._F150nov18.pdf

This 2011 is leaps and bounds more truck than my 1998 is...

 

this measly 1/2 ton (removing tongue from cheek)

is a significant upgrade from your current. it will have at least as much payload, and more rated towing.

for an XLT ford rates the max payload/max tow at 2300lbs payload, 11,100 towing.

as for the ecoboost question ... well, there's a TON of threads on that.

 

I'm not sure about this one, but can you still get an 8' bed?

Unk Bob

 

Ok..... Before y'all rip me a new one, I did some looking after I opened my mouth, and did see an 8' bed option.
I suck

Unk Bob

 

LiLRed, allow me to chime in here. I was an owner of the 11 eco, quad 6.5 bed max tow. Now I did have a lot of issues with my truck. Reason why I traded it. BUT I still loved the truck. I got rid of the trouble and bought a 13 max tow,max payload, quad eco. Also consumer reports states the 11 model eco is the worst used truck to buy. take that for what it is. Others may not have had problems like I did but I did pull a 30 ft fifth wheel and on occasion my 24 ft pontoon.
Problem areas are as follows
Transmission front seal leaking.( I burnt up a transmission at 12,000 miles due to this leak) wasn't detected because the shield under the truck collected the fluid in the insulation)Ford TSB. check OASIS report for replacement. That report can be obtained from any ford dealer. give them the vin.
The intercoolers had issues.( Ford knows this) There is a fix for that also.
I did have head gasket issue but I think that is not common issue.
My steering rack had to be replaced also.

I want to give you an honest outlook on the 11. Now my experience may have been rare, but none the less it is rated low by Consumer reports.
Remember though after my issues I still have confidence in FORD and I bought a new 13 ECO.
The tow rating on my 13 is 11,100 lbs with my setup. 3120 lbs payload. Now I figure with my fifth wheel and family in truck I can put up to 2750 lbs on the tongue. IE fifth wheel hitch.
Hope this helps. Word of advice on any vehicle you by used. Try to track history of maintenance via carfax or if ever serviced at ford thru an oasis report.

 

stangman ...

you might want to check your door sticker for your payload rating. I'm afraid you are WAAY off.

the payload rating of 3120 is for a regular cab, max payload, 4x2, with a 5.0. (max payload, no max tow)

the HIGHEST payload rating for a ecoboost, crew cab, 4x4, 6.5' bed is 2310 - and that is for an XL, if you have ANY options at all, your payload will be lower than 2310. if you've got a Lariat, then your TOTAL payload is only 1560 with the Max Payload/Max Tow.

you should double check your sticker in the door jamb before you put a 5-er with that much pin weight behind you. realistically, your truck is limited to about 1500 on the pin, MAX.

just sayin you should take a look at it before you unknowingly overload the heck out of your truck.

 

I've had my 2011 for nearly 3 years and haven't had any problems with it. But, before purchasing a used 2011 it would be wise to have an Oasis report run on it to see what type of service was done to it.

 

meborder I stand corrected sir. I looked at wrong chart online. door does say 1779lbs. thanks for bringing that to my attention.

 

School is in session my friend!

 

Well, I am seriously considering it after doing a ton of research this weekend. The truck has way more capabilities than my current truck, better power, more features (not necessarily a selling point), and 210,000 less miles. The price is certainly right on it too, though a touch above what I had set as a max price.

Waiting to hear back from Insurance agent. Depending on how much they want to ding me there, this may be a go. I am certainly a number cruncher, so I'll be letting my pocket book make the final decision.