Forum Discussion

dnhx's avatar
dnhx
Explorer
Jul 21, 2014

2014 or 2015 Ford Expedition

We will be buying are first TT later this year. We do not have a TV either. We have a few trailer we like in the 25-26' range and 5300" max dry. We can't fit a 1/2 ton truck in the garage so we are looking at the Ford Expedition short wheelbase. There will just be two of us and a dog or two. The 2015 Expedition will use the 3.5L Eco boost engine. From what I can gather, the 2015 will be the exact same size as the 2014, but Ford hasn't released any specifications for the 2015 model.

Will the 2015 with the ecoboost engine be a better vehicle for towing than the 2014 or older models with the V8? We plan on towing several times a year including western US and the rockies.

thanks

dh
Tow Vehicles
  • ib516's avatar
    ib516
    Explorer II
    Jul 22, 2014
    Up to you. Newer is almost always a better vehicle - product to product. The EcoBoost will be a superior power plant for towing duties, and the newer models are worth more when you go to sell, especially when they have significant changes.

    Whether or not those things matter to you vs saving $10k up front is something you need to decide.
  • dnhx's avatar
    dnhx
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    I stopped at the local ford dealer. The 2014s currently have a $9000-$11000 incentive right now. Now which one is better?
  • Bruce_H_'s avatar
    Bruce_H_
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    In February of this year I bought a left-over new 2013 Expedition with 4WD and the HD Tow Package. The 5.4 is an excellent truck engine with a flat torque curve. I graphed the torque curves of the 5.4 and the EcoBoost and they are remarkedly similar, except that the 5.4 has about 15% less torque across the rpm range. Same goes for horsepower.

    BTW, I pulled the trailer on a 2300 mile trip this spring and averaged 11.5 mpg, hand calculated.

    For my purposes (pulling a 3500 lb. travel trailer), the 5.4 is plenty adequate. For the size and weight of your anticipated trailer, I would definitely wait for the EcoBoost.

    Bruce
  • Fordlover's avatar
    Fordlover
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    yep, wait for the 2015 Ecoboost. The 5.4 V8 is a solid engine, but is simply outclassed by the ecoboost with more power and torque lower in the RPM band and will match the MPG towing of the V8, and should beat it cruising unloaded.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    2015 Ecoboost FTW - hands down game over. Ask anyone that had a 2009-10 5.4L and now has the Ecoboost. Far more power, uses less fuel. Only thing missing is the exhaust note.
  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    If Ford does put the 3.5L Ecoboost in the Expidition, it would be a great towing vehicle. I did not find the Ecoboost in the new towing guide, probably not talking much about that one yet.

    Here is the towing guide data sheets - for many years.

    http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/

    Fred.
  • Fast_Mopar's avatar
    Fast_Mopar
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2014
    dnhx wrote:

    Will the 2015 with the ecoboost engine be a better vehicle for towing than the 2014 or older models with the V8? We plan on towing several times a year including western US and the rockies.

    thanks

    dh


    I know several people who have Ecoboost F150's and they are very happy with them. From what they tell me, the fuel economy is 2-3 MPG better than their previous 5.4 V8, and the power is great. I do not own one, but if I were in the market for a new Expedition, I would wait and get the 2015 with the Ecoboost. I had a lot of hesitation early on about the Ecoboost, but it seems to be a fine performer.
  • TXiceman's avatar
    TXiceman
    Explorer II
    Jul 21, 2014
    First thing to do is forget about dry weight ratings for the trailer. typically a trailer will be 500 to 1000# more than the dry rating. Any item listed as an option is not included in the dry weight. Optional items are things like A/C, microwave, awning, batteries, stabilizers and filled propane tanks. Then you add some water, food, camping supplies, clothes, etc., you can be 1000# over the dry weight pretty quickly.

    The EcoBoost is a strong engine, but when towing, it will get the same fuel economy as a larger naturally aspirated engine.

    Ken

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