Anyone towing with a tuned/modified Ecoboost?

Keith099 wrote:
2012 F150 EB Max Tow Supercrew. Got around 5,000 miles towing, 16k total on the odometer. Figure it's broke-in and duty-tested.

Pulling a 2013 Jayco Whitehawk. 32' 7200-7700lbs.

I want to see a bit more power and maybe a bit better MPG's. Looking hard at a SCT Livewire with custom 5-Star 89/91 towing tunes and maybe custom 87/91 Economy tunes when not towing.

"Performance" isn't the goal here as much as having more low-end grunt to avoid downshifting and make the towing experience easier while maybe picking up a tiny bit of fuel economy.

Looked at cold air intakes, bigger intercoolers, downpipes, charge pipe, and hot-side intercooler tubes but didn't order anything yet.

Also read about changing spark plugs to the Motorcraft SP-534 parts that come in 2013-14 EB's instead of the SP-528 that shipped in 2011-early 2013's.

Anyone here have personal experience with towing with a tuned Ecoboost? MPG? Good/bad stories? Tried something that worked really well or no difference at all?

Not very interested in cat-back exhaust systems. Droning at 2150RPM for 600 miles isn't fun.

Read into 170° thermostats, but the side effects of increased fuel dilution in the oil and more condensation in the crankcase just don't seem worth it.

If you're going to tell me that i'm going to void my warranty, blow up the motor, or cause the earth to spin backwards, don't bother replying. :)

OK, lets throw a few things out here.

IMO, 5star is the best tuner out there for tow tunes. They have an EB HD shop truck they pull a fifth wheel with. They are constantly tweaking on the tune as they haul that puppy everywhere.

Second, the EB has had significant gains on the low end with tunes. You need to remember that we have almost instant boost with the tiny turbos the EB sport. That, and quite a bit of power reduction via the electronic wastegate - both during acceleration and especially during shifts. You can actually watch the boost going away between shifts.

With that being said, 5star keeps the factory safety items in place - they allow the EEC to continue with it "nanny" work, keeping parts safer in the long run.

Typical tune customers pick up 0-2mpg when towing with a tune. Less than that when towing, of course - I assume due to increased efficiency (not bleeding off boost is a great way to increase efficiency).

Regarding cat back - you should look into Solo Performance. I run an MR400 system, with a mach45 muffler in place of the MR400 resonator (you can order it that way). A definite quicker spool up on the turbos, and you can feel the difference down low. And absolutely no drone.

I recently installed an AFE stage II intake, and am still deciding whether or not it's anything other than a noisemaker. The first tank or so of non towing driving is looking promising.

Unless your existing plugs are gapped all over the place, I don't see you making a gain with plugs. However, it is very important to make sure your gaps are all consistent with a tune. Some people tighten the gaps down to .028 or .030 to help avoid spark blowout due to the increased boost from tunes.

Regarding bigger intercoolers - there have been several good reports on aftermarket versions dropping intake temps substantially during long term towing/high boost for extended periods, as compared . To the tune of 50°-60° difference. Makes a substantial difference in the amount of timing allowed.

The easiest way for you to pick up mpg? Slow down to 65mph. I guarantee you will pick up 1-2mpg (if not more). Plus, your trailer tires are only speed rated to 65mph. That's all I have for now.