ford f-150
I have a 2013 ford f-150 4 x 4 supercrew 3.5v6 3;31 ecoboost with trailer tow package I have looked up the towing capacity on fords towing web site and it shows I can tow 9200lbs the trailer I am lo...
Forum Discussion
goducks10 wrote:brulaz wrote:
yep, it's all about low-end torque when towing, and that's where the diesels and Ecoboost shine. As do the big V-8 and V-10's, but they consume a lot more fuel when not working.
But lots of low-end torque and tow capacity doesn't help when the available truck payload is too low for the trailer's tongue/pin weight. Ford's F150 trucks can have some impressive payload numbers if you get the right options. The Max Tow option helps add 400-500# to GVWR and payload.
But even better is the HD Payload option which can add as much as 1000#, with the improved suspension, rear axle and wheels effectively creating a hybrid truck somewhere between an F150 and F250. Unfortunately it usually has to be special ordered and is not available in all models/configurations.
Dodge RAM is introducing a V6 diesel with even more low end torque than the Ecoboost in their 1500, "half-ton" line this fall. But if they don't improve the payload of their light trucks it may be wasted.
Why would the diesel be wasted in the 1500 Ram. It's not a power house diesel it's more of an alternative motor for better mpg's. People by Ram 1500's to tow with so assuming the same tow ratings the diesel owner will get better unloaded mpg's and equal towing capability. Rams not putting that diesel motor in the 1500 to make it a tow monster. You could say the same thing about the Eco in Ford trucks with 1200lb payload ratings. I think people get fixated on thinking that since a truck has a diesel motor that it's supposed to be some power house towing machine.
I wasn't referring to diesel mileage when I said the diesel might be wasted in the RAM. But you are right, it should get better mileage than the Ecoboost.
I was referring to low-end torque. And I agree that an Ecoboost in an F150 with 1200# payload is sort of a waste for towing as well. But Ford does offer F150 Ecoboost's with much higher payloads that reasonably match the Ecoboost's tow capacity. My own truck is a case in point, 2050# payload. And you can get higher with the HD Payload option.
But the RAM 1500 has traditionally had a lower payload than most F150's. So let me clarify: "if they don't improve the payload of their light trucks" all the low-end torque of the new diesel engine may be wasted for towing. We'll see. I haven't been able to find any payload numbers for the new RAM.
