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Ford F150 EcoBoost

Quick_trip
Explorer
Explorer
I read all about the EB towing UP mountains, but never hear the owners of said trucks talk about how they handle and slow down on the steep grades!
Let's HEAR what the owners have to say!
12 REPLIES 12

Nebraska_Rambli
Explorer
Explorer
I have a 2011 Ecoboost Max trail package and tow a 7,000 pound trailer. While that is not a real heavy trailer. I have towed it out of Hill City South Dakota and from Nebraska to Idaho over the highest mountain on I-80 at Laramie, Wyo also coming down Wahsatch. It handles quite well. You have an option with the trans which to lock out a gear or when you brake coming down a hill "in tow mode" the trans automatically shifts down a gear until you push the accelerator again. Its about the trans not the engine. Ford planned for it to tow. Uphill for the motor and downhill for the trans. Cap that off with a correct gain of 6 on the trailer brakes and never an issue
2011 KZ Spree 310 RLS 6700lbs
2011 Ford XLT Supercrew Bronze V-6 Ecoboost Max trailer package. 2600
payload and 11,200 tow capacity. 6 1/2 foot bed with factory trailer brake, trailer sway control, rear camera.
Nickname Truck (Therma) Trailer (Louise)

Buck50HD
Explorer
Explorer
There's a good chance that the Ecoboost has better engine braking than a diesel without an EB.
New: 2014 F250 Lariat 6.2 Crew 4x4 3.73 156", 2725 lb payload
Old: 2012 F150 XLT ECO Screw 157" 4x4 3.73LS Max Tow HD Payload, 2171 lb payload
2013 Heartland Sundance XLT 285BH (7750/8800lb, 1400/1700pin, dry/loaded)

rhagfo
Explorer III
Explorer III
goducks10 wrote:
I love my EB. (CTD Exhaust Brake) 🙂


X2 🙂 🙂
Russ & Paula the Beagle Belle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 Aisin DRW 4X4 Long bed.
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS, 32' GVWR 12,360#

"Visit and Enjoy Oregon State Parks"

spoon059
Explorer II
Explorer II
I can't imagine its much different than towing with any other gas engine that doesn't have an exhaust brake. You have to know your truck and take speed in consideration as you crest the ridge.
2015 Ram CTD
2015 Jayco 29QBS

AlmostAnOldGuy
Explorer
Explorer
Less engine braking than my 8.1lL with a 4.10. On one specific long downhill run I could hold my speed with the 8.1 but have to use the brakes a couple of times with the EcoBoost. I do not consider this a problem. I am impressed with the tow haul mode which applies engine braking effectively to complement braking on modest hills and through turns. I went from a Suburban 2500 and Prodigy 2 to the F150 with integrated braking and overall the braking is vastly better.
2012 F150 HD/Max Payload (8200 GVWR, 2176 payload) SuperCrew EcoBoost
2008 Komfort Trailblazer T254S

EcoBullet
Explorer
Explorer
I haven't descended any Coloradoesque slopes with mine yet, but it did very well in the Ozarks of Arkansas. In fact, I was quite impressed that the tranny even knew what gear to stay in once I tapped the brake to get down to the speed I wanted.
Me 1954, Nana 1954, Grandson 2003, Granddaughters 2005 & 2008
2014 Keystone Bullet Premier 22RBPR
2013 F-150 XLT Supercrew 4X4 Ecoboost Max Tow

93Cobra2771
Explorer
Explorer
No problem going up or down for me. The engine braking works pretty well, IMO. Granted, it's not got as much mass as a v8 or diesel, but it works...
Richard White
2011 F150 Ecoboost SCREW 145" 4x4
Firestone Ride-Rite Air Springs/Air Lift Wireless Controller
2006 Sportsmen by KZ 2604P (30')
Hensley Arrow

goducks10
Explorer
Explorer
I love my EB. (CTD Exhaust Brake) 🙂

milo
Explorer II
Explorer II
13' XLT Ecoboost.....no problem ... Just downshift & apply braking if needed to keep from having to use those truck ranaway ramps to stop .. lol.
Janet & Milo ...47 fantastic yrs 2gether :B
Mona Yorkie & Buddy our beloved Beagle (both in spirit)
2013 F-150 Kodiak Brown XLT 4X4 HD Ecoboost
2014 Cougar 26sab

Living under the best Government money can buy ... Bob Brinker 😉

Goo
Explorer
Explorer
I've found that while towing, engine braking is almost nonexistent until it hits about 4000 RPM. For the bigger hills, I'd let the weight take it up to about 5000 RPM then apply the brakes to about 4000 again. Repeat as necessary.
08 Trail Cruiser TC26QBH
2012 F150 FX4 Screw MaxTow
03 4Runner Limited V8 (SOLD *sniff*)
Wife
2 Kids
Dog

downtheroad
Explorer
Explorer
Don't have one, but have had lots of trucks and have done a lot of towing...the EcoBoost shouldn't be any different.

Keep in mind that the trailer brakes are a big factor in your question.
....as well as common sense and speed.
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane."

Arctic Fox 25Y
GMC Duramax
Blue Ox SwayPro

Steeljag
Explorer
Explorer
Well, I've never experienced descending a steep grade, so I would have to assume just as well as any 1/2 ton vehicle.
2018 Forester 3011DS
2010 Flagstaff 26RLS (Sold)
2012 Ford F-150 Screw Ecoboost H/D 3.73
1930 CCC
Going where the weather suits my clothes !