We tow Shining Hope with a 2015 Ford F150 XLT 4×4 Crew Cab that has the 3.5 Liter EcoBoost engine. I read recently that someone was curious about the Ecoboost towing ability and since the Navigator and I have direct experience with this truck, I thought it a good idea to give a non-technical review of the Boost!
Neither I, nor my wife, are mechanics, and we have never been known to get in to an argument with each other, or anyone else for that matter, over Chevy vs. Dodge vs. Ford vs. Toyota vs. Diesel vs. gas vs. etc. etc. etc.
We tow a 2016 Airstream Flying Cloud 25A. That’s a 25 foot Airstream with rear twin beds. I’m trying real hard to stay away from technical stuff here, but this trailer is rated at 7,300 pounds GVWR – meaning that’s the heaviest she should be loaded. There are other weights involved here. Suffice it to say our F150 is well within the weight ranges specified and she tows this airstream wonderfully.
Our truck has the 3:31 rear end gears. You can read online from here to the moon about 3:31 vs. 3:55 vs. 3:73 rear gears. Suffice it to say, our F150 with the EcoBoost and 3:31 rear gears tows our Flying Cloud like a horse pullin’ a child’s red Radio Flyer wagon. Seriously, it’s a Beastly Boost!
Never once in 4,000 miles have I said, “Gee Honey, I wish we had more power!” Indeed, one could argue we have yet to pull over the Rockies, but there are some decent hills here on the east coast, and inclined to think the Ecoboost is up to the task of pulling our Airstream withersoever we wish to go.
Our F150 has an integrated brake controller. Be advised this brake controller is electronically integrated with the engine and will downshift in to a lower gear if it senses you, and your trailer, are headed downhill. This process revs up the engine pretty good, but is effective in controlling downhill descent, while at the same time causing traffic to back up behind you J
Another item on our truck that’s a necessity, likely not something your average person would consider, is a transmission cooler. I’ve seen our transmission temperatures go up to 204 degrees when towing, maybe a bit higher on a long, steep grade. Just another item to consider when buying a tow vehicle I presume.
Our 2015 F150 has a payload rating of 2,007 pounds. That means the combined weight of occupants, gear, hitch weight, etc. should not exceed 2,007 pounds. Well, we’re well within that range when towing, even loaded with some firewood, bicycles, grill, and other accessory items. We’ve towed from Pennsylvania to Canada, and from Pennsylvania to South Carolina, both interstates, and windy, hilly back roads, without a problem.
Lastly, there’s a reason it’s called EcoBoost. You can have, one or the other, but not both at the same time. We get around 11.5 mpg when towing, as she’s in BOOST a good bit of the time. However, in mixed driving, not towing anything, with the winter fuel we have around here, the Ford’s coming in around 21 mpg. I like that! Plus, in summer time, that Eco gas mileage goes up to better than 22 mpg if I behave myself with throttle and refrain from throwing her in to BOOST mode all the time.
Yes, the truck has power when needed. She’s a pretty amazing vehicle if you think about it. She’s not a ¾ ton, but if an airhead keeps her within her designed ranges, she tows like a beast!
Respectfully,
Major Airhead
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