F-150 Non Ecoboost 3.5 towing?

rphillips1985 wrote:
I am currently using a 2016 F-150 with the 3.5 NA to tow a 2017 Jay Flight 264BHW. Specifications are:

F-150: 3.5 NA with 3.73 rear axle ratio, supercab 4X2, tow package 6100# GVWR and Tekonsha P2 controller. Stock 17 inch wheels. EAZlift weight distribution hitch.

Jay Flight: 2017 SLX 264BHW, dry weight with accessories 4970#. I have not weighed the trailer on a scale at the point. I estimate that I am some where around 6000# loaded.

Over the weekend we went up to Rifle, CO over I-70 through Dillon and Vail pass from Denver and back. There were 6 of us (3 200lb persons, 1 125lb person and 2 small dogs, 20lb each). Aside from traffic I was able to maintain 45 mph up the 7% grades from Vail to the summit and Dillon to the tunnels. Max transmission temperature was 230 F according to the onboard monitor. Breaking down the grades was also no hassle as the truck held 3rd gear and I used little to no breaking to maintain 60 mph.

Verdict:


The truck handled the hills well and had no problem during the trip (no over heating etc). Fuel mileage was 9.6 mpg on the way there (Denver to Rifle) and 11.9 mpg (Rifle to Denver) which is not great but fairly standard with a gas engine. The motor is high revving; pulling hills typical rpm was anywhere from 4250 to 5000 and passing (on hills) could go as high as 6000. This motor makes its max torque at 4250.

Overall this truck is very capable within its tow rating when properly equipped. If I were towing every day I think I would want a bit more. For RVing and towing only semi regularly this truck is plenty as long as you are not in a hurry (65 up a 7% grade is not going to happen with my setup and I am perfectly fine with that). The GPS said it would take approximately 3.5 hours we made it in 3.75 hours.

I will update as we take additional trips.