F150 Ecoboost and an enclosed trailer

[Doug1]

Bought a 2wd EcoBoost in 2011 King Ranch with the super crew cab. It came with the towing package and was rated as having the highest towing capacity other than stepping up to a diesel. I had to pull an open car trailer at the time and it worked well.


Anyone try pulling a 28 ft enclosed trailer with this setup? I know I really need a dually with a diesel but I don't have that at the moment and have a chance to pick up a 28 ft Vintage trailer for a pretty good price.

[james schaechter]

I would be most concerned with the handling and braking. I see if it has the max towing package the rating is over 11,000lbs. Maybe it has big brakes and better springs. If it was me, I would dig into that to confirm first. I can't imagine the engine being a rocket ship for towing, but that is what it is. If you don't have the max towing package I would be concerned about the total weight loaded.

I have not towed with an eco boost, but I was researching a new truck to replace my diesel duramax that was a 2002 and had 350k on it. Chevy has a max towing package 1500 that is rated over 11,000lbs. It had more than enough power and I felt that the upgraded brakes and suspension would have handled the 24 ft enclosed I have.i am sure ours is about 8,000lbs loaded. I ended up buying a cream puff used duramax and I am really happy with that. I guess I just couldn't go back to a half ton after owning 3/4 tons for over 20 years.

Good luck,

[jmcarter]

Pretty common for a steel 28 ft enclosed, race car, tools to run north of 10K at the scales and have a lot of tongue weight which is likely to put you over on rear axle load rating. A really good weight distribution hitch will help but you'll need to take it easy, particularly on those long 6+% grades...the turbo will get you up the hill but downhill can be white knuckle. If you're committed to the Ford Ecoboost then I'd recommend staying with the open trailer or finding a aluminum trailer (ATC Raven series being one of the more reasonably priced examples). Just my 2 cents based on many years of towing race trailers and RV's.

[Doug1]

I'm not sold on the EcoBoost as a towing vehicle for this rig but it is my daily driver so I wanted to try to avoid having to get an additional vehicle. Guess I'm going to have to look for another tow vehicle when the time comes to use the trailer. The car is several months from being done so that will buy me a little time.

[cad]

My good buddy tows his 28 Haulmark Elite II with cabinets, Honda 3000eu generator, 71 Chevelle, and golf cart with no issues with his 2014 F150 Ecoboost.
He gets pretty good mileage (10+) and it stays in overdrive most of the time.
I am not a Ford fan, but I wouldnt trade it off until you try it. It out pulled my 2014 6.0L 2500HD by a mile...DO NOT get a 6.0L 2500HD with VVT. I got 7mpg pulling my 24' last summer. Needless to say, I have a Duramax now.
You will need an equalizer hitch, but those are only $250.

Clark

[mtheulen]

Pulling it will not be the problem.Stopping it will

[Bob Mulry]

Originally Posted by mtheulen

Pulling it will not be the problem.Stopping it will

Why would stopping be a problem????????

My truck stops better with the trailer attached because I have 4 more tires on the ground with their own independent brake system........

If you need more braking just jack up the brake controller, because you should be able to lock up and skid all 4 trailer wheels if you want, I tow a 28' Pace Tag at about 12,000 pounds, on the West Coast with lots of hills.....

Just my thoughts,
Bob

PS:

I tow with a dual rear wheel trunk, 10 ply tires with 8 sidewalls which give stability while towing.

[FSA1673]

I tow with a 2012 F150 Ecoboost. Truck is a Lariat crew cab with the HD option with the upgraded rear axle and has a GVWR of 8200 pounds with 7 lug wheels. Trailer is 24 foot enclosed Pace American. Been on a few long trips with no issue. That motor will surprise you, it did me. As others stated have your brakes on the trailer set up properly it makes a huge difference.

[D.Johns]

Used a 2014 FX4 ecoboost crew cab to haul a 28ft enclosed trailer with 3700#+ 03 Cobra 8 hours from my house in Indiana to Georgia. It did not have the tow package either with 3.55 gears. It did fine there and back even on the 6% grades. In tow haul mode it uses the turbos and engine braking great. Trailer sway control worked good. Accelerated very good. Stopped excellent with the trailer brakes set correctly. Could you tell it was back there?? Yes. Can you tow with one?? Yes. Would I use it as a tow vehicle if I was towing every weekend 8-12 hour trips?? Probably step it up to a diesel.

Now it did only get 9mpg towing at 70-75mph. 11mpg with the trailer empty on the way back. Needs tow package for the mirrors if nothing else. Now when the semi's create the big wind and then suction from the air movement it will get your attention quickly. Other then that I say no problem. The F150 EcoBoost is an amazing vehicle.