Ford F-150 Ecoboost 3:55 vs. 3:73

[RedRaider44]

Looking for a used (2012-2014) Ford F-150 ecoboost to pull my 27 ft Jayco 27BH, and am only finding ones with the 3:31 or 3:55 rear end. Would love to find one with a max payload package (3:73 rear end), but they are few and far between.
I want to pull my TT without downshifting at every overpass and be able to relax and enjoy my pull....will the ecoboost with the 3:55 rear end be up to the task, or will I need to look for a 3:73 f-150. My TT weighs approx. 5000 lbs dry.

[mbopp]

My 3.55 Eco does just fine but our TT weighs 4800# empty and it's just DW & me.
Actually, with the non-max tow option the 3.55 and 3.73 Eco have the same tow rating. I asked Ford about what gave the Max tow the higher tow rating and they replied that the Max tow got a bigger radiator.
As soon as I see bunkhouse I have to ask - how many people, and is it a crew cab? If you can't find a max payload F150 I'd hold out for a max tow one.

[riven1950]

I agree with above. I traded TT in Nov.. I went from 4100lbs loaded to 5200lbs loaded. Can't tell any difference towing wise. I have a 3.55 XLT, not max tow or max payload. Tows circles around my old 2004 4.6 F150 3.73.

[tragusa3]

I can only repeat what you've already heard. I LOVE mine! I'm towing lighter than most, but have every confidence that a few thousand pounds more would hardly be noticed. I can tow 4k pounds almost as if there is no trailer. I can jump into passing lanes going up hill and pass with authority (although I don't).

I lock out 6th gear, and in a 6k mile trip, including the rockies, I don't think it ever downshifted. The brakes are great, the brake controller is great, the selectable transmission is great. Mileage was great too. 11.5mpg over the 6k miles. 36 gal fuel tank was a real blessing too.

At times I wished for more compression braking, but those were in places that you had to crawl either way.

I average 18.5 for my work commute on summer fuel and 17.7 for the last few thousand miles on winter fuel.

[Steeljag]

Can't comment on the 3.55 as I have the 3.73. Check the door sticker for CCC if you can't find an ECO with the HD tow package, to ensure it can support the people / pets / gear / and tongue weight of your TT.

I don't tow in 6th gear as the above poster does, with tow / haul mode engaged, I stay in 5th gear and avg between 9 to 11 mph. I think you would be best served to find the ECO with max tow / max pay load.

You will find what you need and when you do......you will like the ECO !

[MitchF150]

I've never driven an Eco with the 3.55's. I've got 3.73's in a Max Tow and they pull my #5000 TT very well.

My old 97 F150 had 3.55's and the 5.4 and it towed the same trailer fine too. At least I thought so before towing with the Eco! 🙂

Handling is pretty much the same. Power wise, the Eco walks all over the 5.4 and the 6 speed trans is so much better than that E4OD.

Whatever you do, make sure you get the integrated brake controller and the select shift trans. They both work great!

Good luck in the search.

Mitch

[Targa]

Watch the Ikes Gauntlet and see how the Ecoboost and F-150 handles a 10,000 lb load.....impressive is an understatement. If I were in the 1/2 ton market today thats the combo I would get and I am not big on Ford.

[EcoBullet]

MFL wrote:


If you, or your dealer does a search, you should be able to find a new 14 150, with the max tow on a dealer lot. This will get several items needed, including 3.73, the big towing mirrors, and integrated brake control.

Good luck in your search, new or used,
Jerry

The Max Tow package also gives you about 400 lbs extra payload. Nice to have for towing!

The Ecoboost is great at pulling hills without the need to downshift. At highway speeds, seldom will it need to go down below 5th gear. I swapped a 5.3 Chevy to get mine and pulling with is definitely as different as night and day.

[RedRaider44]

Thanks for replies...
MFL...you are right about used truck prices in north Texas. They are proud of them and I could probably find a new one for close to the same money.
My old F-250 5.4 triton, while a stable platform for pulling my TT, has always been on the weak side as far as the engine. I'm tired of sticking my foot into the accelerator, hoping to stay in third gear, while downshifting to second on the overpasses. I want a truck/ engine/ transmission combo that will allow me to tow with ease, and without the constant threat of every incline. I'm thinking the ecoboost fits that bill.

[steve-n-vicki]

I have a 4 speed auto and the difference in rpm between 3.55 and 3.73 , is 124rpm in 3rd and 85 rpm in OD ay 60 mph

[MFL]

I have always purchased new trucks, even though I could easily get by with a used 2 year old model. Not sure how it works in Texas, but where I'm at, you could buy new, for not much more than a 1-2year old same model. The year end incentives made new the best deal.

If you, or your dealer does a search, you should be able to find a new 14 150, with the max tow on a dealer lot. This will get several items needed, including 3.73, the big towing mirrors, and integrated brake control.

I do think you would notice the difference towing, with the 3.73.

Good luck in your search, new or used,
Jerry

[Tystevens]

I am thrilled with how well my EB w/ 3.55 pulls my travel trailer, which sounds like the same size as yours. It tows at 65 in 6th gear comfortably, up small inclines, and so on. I have a GM 5.3, so I know all about downshifting on an overpass, and the EB is leaps and bounds ahead as far as that goes.

The max payload is hard to find. Max trailer is easier (also 3.73 gears, I believe), and would be nice to have.

That said, I probably get slightly better mpg unloaded with the 3.55's as well -- I'm averaging 21 on the freeway. But let's also be realistic -- the mathematical difference between 3.55 and 3.73 is slight, so the advantages either way are going to be minor.