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riven1950's avatar
riven1950
Explorer
Dec 04, 2013

looking at an ecoboost couple of questions

I am looking at a 2013 f150 ecoboost. For those that may already have one I have a couple of questions.

1- Some trucks have a 3.31 electronic locking rear axle, others have a 3.31 regular axle. Other than cost ( 420.00 ) what is the difference and would it matter towing? The one I am most interested in actually has the electronic locking rear axle.

2-What kind of mileage do you get when not towing ( city / highway / combo )?

I know towing mileage will likely not be good even though I would only be towing about 4000lbs, it is still a box holding me back.

Was real impressed with the power vs the v8.

thanks in advance
Tow Vehicles

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  • riven1950's avatar
    riven1950
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2013
    Thanks for the info. Interesting on the rear end. It seems every one I have looked at has the 3.31 Will that make a big difference over a 3.73? I think my 04 F150 has the 3.73 Since I am looking at leftover 2013 models I don't have the luxury of ordering a specific RE........
  • modern_family's avatar
    modern_family
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2013
    The ELD is worth the $400 or what ever it is. It has gotten me out of some situations a few times. Having both wheels spin is a big differnce. Was completely stuck in a heck of a lot of mud just on Monday (In 4x4 mode) Pulled the ELD buttom, and after a few back and forth swinging I was out.
  • EcoBullet's avatar
    EcoBullet
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2013
    The electronic locking axle could keep you from getting stuck. With a regular axle, if one wheel starts spinning, the other rear wheel doesn't doesn't pull at all, even if it would have good traction.

    I get about the same mileage as Mark and Stu. First 8300 miles I have averaged 17.1 according to the computer, which seems to always be within 0.5 mpg when I hand calculate. I've only towed about 600 miles with mine so far, but I'm retiring January 3rd, and I intend to put it to work. I love it! It has a LOT more pulling power than the 5.3 Chevy it replaced.
  • AlmostAnOldGuy's avatar
    AlmostAnOldGuy
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2013
    Short trips in town of 3 miles with lots of stop lights and traffic: 12.5 - 13.5
    Longer trips in town of 5 miles, speeds closer to 40 and a few lights: around 16.0
    Run from Portland to Seattle and back at 65-70 and a few miles driving in town on either end: 18.0
    Per on-board milage it shows 21 or so if I keep it at 60 on the highway.
    Towing 8k I get 9.5.

    On-board mpg consistently comes in very close to my hand calculated numbers.

    3.73 rear end on this one.

    I am happy with the rig. Not just the low end torque, but how quiet the engine is.

    Good luck,
    Stu
  • mark5w's avatar
    mark5w
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2013
    For towing you should get the 373 rear. I get 10 mpg towing and on trips without
    RV about 18 - 21 mpg. Torque and HP is great. Have NO issues. I also have the HD payload, max towing package and Roadmaster Active Suspension.
  • mudfuel07's avatar
    mudfuel07
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2013
    Can't help you on the mileage part, but the ELD won't affect anything towing. It turns off after a certain speed anyway, but it's good in slow driving, if you're backing your trailer up, you may not even have to put it into 4x4.

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