1/2 ton truck ok for a 236 on a dual axe trailer

[peachboy]

Hi,

Likely trading my 3/4 ton diesel truck for something smaller. Looking at the Ford F-150 with the eco-boost engine.

Anyone pulling a 230 or 236 over long distance with a 1/2 ton truck ? Anyone has experience with the new Ford engine ?

Any feedback appreciated.

Cheers

[jjackkrash]

An '11 1/2 ton shouldn't have any problems with that boat. Loaded with trailer, I doubt it would be heavier than 6k lbs. I have pulled a 6k lbs. travel trailer over mountain passes with an '05 Sequoia with 4.7l, and an '03 Tahoe and an '05 Silverado with with the 5.3l without any problems. You will need to adjust your expectations about hill climbing, however, coming from a big diesel. If you let the gears work and don't mind running in a higher RPM range you will be fine. My current rig is a 2010 Silverado 2500HD 6.0l gasser, and it still works in higher RPMs up the hills with the travel tailer (it works harder than my 07 Tundra did with the 5.7l, IMHO, although its a much more stable tow because its a lot heavier and has stiffer tires and suspension).

In short, it won't pull like a diesel up hill, but any '11 1/2 ton should get the job done just fine.

[TRO]

i pull my 230 with a '08 Chevy 5.3L 4x4. it is no diesel, that's for sure. it gets the job done if you don't mind terrible gas mileage and high RPMs. i would definitely recommend a truck with a transmission cooler. i watch my transmission temp religiously while towing.

it is pretty slow up hills, but i've towed my boat on 300 trips on the highway into the hill country in Texas. mountains are another thing though. i wouldn't want to be pulling my 230 up anything bigger than a hill with my 1/2 ton.

[wake_fun]

Hi,

Likely trading my 3/4 ton diesel truck for something smaller. Looking at the Ford F-150 with the eco-boost engine.

Why do you want to get rid of the diesel? What is it? Year?

[sstexan]

I would look at GM and get the 6.2. I beieve Ford is only making their version of the 6.2 it in their Raptor truck but I could be wrong. I tow my 236 all over the country with a yukon xl with 6.2. Does the job perfectly 10mpg @ 65. Also, my 236 all loaded up is closer to 7,000. I want to say it came in at 6,800 at the truck stop and yes my ballast was all empty.

[rbalan]

You can also get a f150 6.2 with the Platinum package.

[AirTool]

You can also get a f150 6.2 with the Platinum package.

The 6.2L should be available in all(most) of the models. Note the 5.3L is GONE and replaced by 5.0L. 6.2L is probably just "standard" in the Platinum. In 2010, only 1/2 ton with 6.2L was Raptor.

Also note the 6.2L has a cast iron block like the good old days.

http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/engine/

PS - Yesterday we brought home a new 2011 Expedition EL 4x4 with 5.3L and the low rear end. It took right at four weeks to build.

The wife's 99 Navigator with 179,285 miles was on its last leg.

[AirTool]

The 6.2L should be available in all(most) of the models. Note the 5.3L is GONE and replaced by 5.0L. 6.2L is probably just "standard" in the Platinum. In 2010, only 1/2 ton with 6.2L was Raptor.

Also note the 6.2L has a cast iron block like the good old days.

http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/engine/

PS - Yesterday we brought home a new 2011 Expedition EL 4x4 with 5.3L and the low rear end. It took right at four weeks to build.

The wife's 99 Navigator with 179,285 miles was on its last leg.

CORRECTION

Ford and their usual biz...Available with this and that but not that and this yadda yadda yadda. I was thinking of trading my 2010 super crew for 2011 with 6.2L and the lower rear end. BUT I have the long wheelbase super crew, and (for some reason) it gets the 5.0L ...that is absolutely stupid.

Maybe I'm golden...like the 196. I sure wish I had the lower rear end. I didn't order it so was stuck with what they had. Thought it would be okay but it is quite doggish. My wife's Expedition is much more peppier. On another day, I'll check the weights and see how they compare.

Look at the last page for engine versus chassis and package.

http://assets.forddirect.fordvehicle...1E31E15E1E.pdf

[peachboy]

Why do you want to get rid of the diesel? What is it? Year?

I made the mistake of putting a lift kit on the truck, was fun for a while but the imprecise steering is a bit of a pain in the long run plus it rides really hard when empty...the Ford dealer is recommended the new Eco-boost engine turbo with lot's of torque but I'm weary of a new engine. I do hear that the GMC HD are riding smoother than the Ford's...totally undecided at this point...dunno what to do...

[TexanC3]

If I were looking at a new gas truck I would go with a GMC and get the 6.2L option with the six speed transmission!
403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque

[jjackkrash]

If you are not brand loyal and looking for a half ton, I'd at least give the Tundra a test run. If I wasn't planning on running a 5'er in the near future, that's what I'd be pulling with. Its an awesome tow vehicle unless you want to put pin weight in the bed.

[OKWAKEBDR]

That Ecoboost F150 is a haus!! Have you seen the torque curve on it? It his max torque at like 1500 rpm! Towing capacity of nearly 12,000 lbs! The 6.2 Ford is sweet too (it comes in the Platinum, Raptor, Harley, and Limited editions), but you will get 1/2 the gas mileage of the Ecoboost. No other truck manufacturer can compete with the towing capacity and gas mileage of the new F150. It will have no problem pulling a 230...grant it...not as good as a diesel, but it is an unbelievable truck.

[peachboy]

That is sort of whaT I'm leaning too, the only drawback is that it's new engine in the 150 so not sure about any issues...first few reviews seems great.

[OKWAKEBDR]

Have you seen the torture test video? It pretty much sold me.

http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/experiencef150/

[SkiTower]

Wow! Wish mine did that. I'm weary of a first year motor too, but if a few years I may reconsider my decision to upgrade to an F250 Diesel. If only they improve the looks.