2016 F150 3.5L Ecoboost

I drove one of these trucks recently. The drive train is high tech. I love the trans and it comes with a manual control on the shifter for the 10 speed. when you get up towards the rec weight it is going to make a lot of sense to slow down and use the gears. Otherwise you are going to create a tremendous amount of heat in that little engine and the trans. Heat is what shortens the life of trucks used for towing. If you take your time on the grades the rig is going to last a long time. If you "put your foot into it" all the time you can burn it up.

The new Ford F-150 really is a spaceship. I would never trade my clunky dated 7.3 liter diesel for one, but it is a great truck none the less. The $52,000 price tag stopped me in my tracks. I do not need a back up camera, an electric rear cab window or lots of other dodads.

fmjnax wrote:
Thanks for the feedback everyone, I feel a bit better about the trip now.

The trailer is listed as 7500# "unloaded weight" in the brochure. At least for the trip home, I plan to keep it as close to 'dry' as possible (we're not even packing for use while there; just a hookup and run).

The truck is 7000# GVWR (3450 front, 3800 rear) with a max payload of 1800# and a tow rating of about 11000#. I know I am definitely at the upper limits when loaded for a trip, hence why we're not loading at all for the delivery.

For sure I will have a WD system (we're looking at an Equal-i-zer). I was raised up where I am getting the trailer and it's not too extreme terrain-wise (SE ID) so I'm not as concerned with that aspect of the trip, but it's certainly not flat land.

I've also talked in person to a few guys with the relatively same truck and have towed in the same general weight range without issue. I'll just have to make sure I have everything set up properly and safely and take it easy bringing her home.

Your biggest problem will be getting the Equal-I-Zer WDH set up properly. I suggest doing it yourself so you know it's done right. But even if the seller does it for you, it would be useful to have the proper tools with you on the trip to adjust it.

Equal-I-Zer has a good, downloadable installation manual on their website that covers all the details. I would go over it before your trip.

Good luck!

If you have the tow package you'll be marginal but doable. No tow package? All bets are off.

Thanks for the feedback everyone, I feel a bit better about the trip now.

The trailer is listed as 7500# "unloaded weight" in the brochure. At least for the trip home, I plan to keep it as close to 'dry' as possible (we're not even packing for use while there; just a hookup and run).

The truck is 7000# GVWR (3450 front, 3800 rear) with a max payload of 1800# and a tow rating of about 11000#. I know I am definitely at the upper limits when loaded for a trip, hence why we're not loading at all for the delivery.

For sure I will have a WD system (we're looking at an Equal-i-zer). I was raised up where I am getting the trailer and it's not too extreme terrain-wise (SE ID) so I'm not as concerned with that aspect of the trip, but it's certainly not flat land.

I've also talked in person to a few guys with the relatively same truck and have towed in the same general weight range without issue. I'll just have to make sure I have everything set up properly and safely and take it easy bringing her home.

The weight will not be a concern. The length could be, but doesn't have to be (i.e. proper setup).

Don't doubt the engine, its as good as it gets in a half ton! If you're willing to buy the fuel, you can put your foot in it and manhandle that weight. I baby mine, because 10-11mpg feels better than <8.

We had a 2012 EB Max Crew with Max Tow, plus the HD pkg. We towed a 9,000 lb 5th wheel all over the east coast with NO problems. It was wonderful, but decided I wanted to upgrade the RV, so we now have a larger truck.

You will do fine with proper WD setup with sway control. Truck / TT in my sig. tows all over the mountains of the NW with no issues.

Idaho is steep especially in the central part. What you can tow easily in Texas is much different than ID. If you are planning to pull at maximum recommended weight, it is not fun but possible. The trip will get easier as you go.

There should be a yellow sticker on the door of your truck that says something like "maximum weight of cargo and occupants should not exceed ______ lbs." What does that sticker say?

2 questions:
- Is 7500lb fully loaded? If no plan on closer to 9000lb.
- What is the tow rating, particularly given the rear end? That seems like a high MPG setup not a towing setup.

Assuming you are within your weight ratings, you should do better than the typical V8 as you won't lose any significant power at altitude since the turbo will pump extra air into the engine.