F150 Eco Boost Owner Question

jaydub74 wrote:
I'm looking at purchasing an F150 Eco Boost with Max Tow Package (FX4).
I would like to know how many F150 owners went with the Heavy Duty Payload Package as well and whether you think I need it given our trailer.

Here are the stats on the trailer I'm pulling:
Unloaded: 6441 lbs
Loaded: 7600 lbs
Hitch: 966

Here are the stats with just the Max Tow Package:
GCWR
17,100 lbs
5617 lbs (Truck curb weight)
7600 lbs (Trailer wet weight)
-------
3885 lbs remaining

GVWR
7700 lbs (Max Tow Package) - Goes to 8200 with the Heavy Duty Payload Package)
5617 lbs (Truck curb weight)
1140 lbs (Max Hitch Weight - 15%)
500 lbs (Truck cargo and persons)
-------
445 lbs remaining

I also wouldn't mind hearing a few opinions about how the Eco Boost pulls up mountains and high grade hills. Whats the overall opinion now that this engine has been around for a few years. Thanks

It looks like you will need the maximum payload capacity in order to hitch up to the trailer, then have some passengers and other cargo. Also consider that you might have this truck for 10 years, and might get a larger trailer in that timeframe.. .

Go for the heavy duty option now, it will only cost you about $1,000 more to get it right now, rather than trading up to another truck in a couple of years. . . So it might take another few weeks to have a 2015 show up, but who cares, you will have the truck a long time!

To tow, it is recommended that you use 91 octane gas. Running lower octane gas will not provide maximum MPG or horsepower, as the engine controls will make it run rich or retard the timing to make up for poor fuel quality. .

Fred.