2.7 EcoBoost for towing? Anybody have one and can comment?

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07-31-2019, 11:06
Martinjmpr

2.7 EcoBoost for towing? Anybody have one and can comment?

I know we have a "general vehicle thread" already so I hope I'm not violating forum etiquette by starting a new thread here, but I know there are a lot of "Truck guys" on the forum so I wanted to post this here:

Wife now says she wants me to get a new truck. We went camping last weekend up by Jefferson and she said she wanted to drive the truck and pull the trailer so I could ride my motorcycle, since she knows I don't get enough "motorcycle time" with all the camping we do.

So she drove the Suburban pulling the 3500lb camper and as soon as I got to the campsite she said "dude, you need a new truck! That one is a dog!" I think it was going up 285 from Morrison or maybe Kenosha Pass that did it for her - 30mph and straining in 1st gear!

This is on top of the transmission taking a dump in Utah in May, which cost us 2 extra days and nearly $4k for a new tranny. So yeah, I need a new truck.

So what is the general consensus on the F-150 2.7 EcoBoost for towing? There are some impressive videos out on YouTube of pulling a 7000# trailer (twice what I pull) up I-70 from Silverthorne to the Eisenhower Tunnel at 70mph with the 2.7. Apparently it's a beast!

Anybody have one? If so, how do you like it? Pros/cons?

One thing I really like about the F-150 is the ability to get a 36 gallon tank. Chevy/GM has already been crossed off my list because all their pickups have the pathetic 26 gallon tank - way too small for me (they have an optional tank but it's only available on the reg-cab models, not the crew cab, which I need.)

Other contender would be the Ram 1500 with the 5.7 V8. A more 'conventional' approach than the EcoBoost but still should do better on gas than my ancient Suburban.

Here's the video I was referring to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQQGYJCG65E
07-31-2019, 11:19
00tec

I have a 3.5 EcoBoost. I can tell you that pulling in the mountains or a heavy load will significantly reduce mileage. I got 10 pulling a 3000lb trailer (not very aerodynamic) from Brighton to Albany WY
07-31-2019, 11:19
hurley842002

2.7 EcoBoost for towing? Anybody have one and can comment?

No personal experience but my wife's Aunt and Uncle have the ecoboost F-150 and have towed a large Airstream camper all over the country, literally from coast to coast (Virginia Beach to LA), and have zero complaints.

ETA: theirs is the 3.5

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
07-31-2019, 11:28
Martinjmpr

Quote:

Originally Posted by 00tec

I have a 3.5 EcoBoost. I can tell you that pulling in the mountains or a heavy load will significantly reduce mileage. I got 10 pulling a 3000lb trailer (not very aerodynamic) from Brighton to Albany WY

10 is about what I get now so that wouldn't be a loss.

My understanding with the whole "ecoboost" deal is that it's either or: Eco OR Boost but not both. Which is fine with me, I'm just tired of struggling to get up the hills. Going up to the Eisenhower Tunnel if there is any traffic at all that keeps me from maintaining a speed of at least 40, my truck ends up dropping down to 1st gear and about 5,000 RPM. Max speed at that point is 35 and the engine is screaming.

I don't think it's so much the engine as the 4 speed transmission. I really need another pair of gears, one between 1st and 2nd (1st is too low and 2nd is too high) and another between 3 and 4.

It's too bad you can't get a half ton truck with a manual transmission anymore, but that ship sailed a long time ago.
07-31-2019, 11:48
sniper7

I?d look at the 1/2 ton diesel options if you do a decent amount of towing.

I just ordered the new 2020 3500 duramax, 10 speed tranny now!
07-31-2019, 11:49
Erni

Slap a turbo or supercharger on it. =) I am debating a wholy impractical suburan conversion with dual turbos.
But for real, coworker put a supercharger on his 2000 suburban and would do 85 up the grapevine in CA while towing his large ski boat.

Sorry. We now return you to your regurarly scheduled thread.
07-31-2019, 11:56
Martinjmpr

Quote:

Originally Posted by sniper7

I?d look at the 1/2 ton diesel options if you do a decent amount of towing.

I just ordered the new 2020 3500 duramax, 10 speed tranny now!

Diesel doesn't work for me for a number of reasons. This vehicle is also my DD and my short commute is likely to cause problems with a diesel, at least from what I've read.

For my uses, a gasser is better, the only question is to go with the twin turbo V6 or the NA V8.
07-31-2019, 12:05
Martinjmpr

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erni

Slap a turbo or supercharger on it. =) I am debating a wholy impractical suburan conversion with dual turbos.
But for real, coworker put a supercharger on his 2000 suburban and would do 85 up the grapevine in CA while towing his large ski boat.

Sorry. We now return you to your regurarly scheduled thread.

Supercharger!

Then I'd be all like....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxhwiAASMH8

Seriously, I kind of think that slapping a turbo or supercharger onto a 15 year old, 186,000 mile motor might not make for the best reliability. ;)
07-31-2019, 12:20
BushMasterBoy

Keep it cool

Whatever you decide, if it has an automatic transmission, it needs a larger transmission cooler than the factory one it came with. My 07 Silverado 2500HD was experiencing some really high transmission fluid temps. I added a deep sump cast aluminum transmission fluid pan that increased fluid capacity by 3 quarts. Then I installed a Tru Cool 40,000 BTU cooler in place of the factory cooler. Now the transmission temperature stays at least 50 F cooler than before and I never worry about over heating the trans fluid.
07-31-2019, 12:22
ChickNorris

Reliability schmiability... itd be a whole lotta fun.
07-31-2019, 13:07
colorider

You will have ample power to tow your trailer. Just keep an eye on the engine temps on long climbs. The twin turbos great a ton of heat when spooled up and the intercooler and radiators are a tad shy of being fully effective on some hills. You will be able to easily go the apps limit up all parts of 285 towing that trailer. I have a 2017 3.5 and lug 9000# of toy hauler and bikes every other weekend up 285 to Buena Vista. Just have to watch my temps when I have the AC blasting on hot days climbing the hills. This is my 2nd eco 150. Both have been great trucks and super fun to drive. Especially the 17 w the sport mode and 10 speed tranny.
07-31-2019, 13:16
FoxtArt

I assume they resolved the issues in humid climates... something to the effect of the intercooler condensing water, and the intake sucking that water leading to engine failure in the (wrong) combination of climate/speed/load/circumstances. I don't know much about them though, only drove a rental once and liked it quite a bit.
07-31-2019, 13:55
Gman

I'm a bit more partial to the 2019 Ram 1500 Crew Cab with the 5.7 Hemi, but I also own one. The Hemi is reliable and does pretty well without having to use tech like GDI to get pretty decent mpg. I recall FLT got worse mpg with the EcoBoost than the V8 Hemi on the Ike Challenge. The space in the back seats is pretty impressive and the floor is flat. Air Suspension may improve handling while towing, if that's important to you.

The ZF 8-speed is an amazing transmission and used by just about every automaker excluding Ford and GM, including Audi, Bentley, Aston Martin, BMW, Jaguar, Lamborghini, LandRover, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Toyota, and VW.

...and I really love the exhaust note of the V8.

Ram started production of the 2020 trucks this month.
07-31-2019, 14:03
ray1970

2.7 EcoBoost for towing? Anybody have one and can comment?

No real world experience with the 2.7 but for such a small engine the numbers are impressive. If it?s in the budget the 3.5 would be the way to go for towing.

Personally, I have a Dodge with the hemi and I love it. My first tow with it was from here to Grand Junction and back. Trailer empty was 3300 and I had three ATVs and some large ice chests and camping gear on it so probably total trailer weight around 4900 or so. Gas mileage was bad but running the posted speed limit (or above) was no issue.
07-31-2019, 14:10
BushMasterBoy

This report says it is finicky about oil type. My basic knowledge says this engine prefers premium gas due to high compression ratio using turbos. Has plastic oil pan. Sometimes prone to head gasket failure. I have read a lot about other Eco Boost failures. I'm a bitch about reliability. Nothing makes me madder than stuck on the side of the road, broke down. eff that...

http://www.motorreviewer.com/engine.php?engine_id=146
07-31-2019, 14:30
iego

I own a 2019 F150, 2.7 EcoBoost, 4x4, XLT, Sport, Crew Cab, Short Bed, but towing is not my main or anticipated usage. I didn't buy any special "Max Tow" packages, or the larger gas tank, etc.

I can confirm that, without towing anything, this thing flies up and over the mountain passes. I'm getting a little over 20 MPG combined city and weekend mountain driving. I have a bit over 2000 miles on it, so it is brand new to me.

My "Payload" sticker is listed at 1600 lbs. which is the total weight I can have in the truck including passengers, cargo, trailer tongue weight etc. This number changes on a truck by truck, feature by feature basis.

Here's a link to the 2019 F150 Towing Guide...

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content...F150_Oct25.pdf

It shows that theoretically with my 3.55 Axle Ratio, I can pull up to 7600 lbs. I am sure that is best case, and not mountain driving, etc. but as I understand it the real limiter (besides mountain driving) on what you can pull is the "payload" capacity.

Hope this helps even though I don't tow.

-John
07-31-2019, 14:55
SouthPaw

You'll never go back and say "I wish I went with the smaller engine."
07-31-2019, 15:20
Gman

I'll just add that if you look at the Ram option, opt for the 33 gallon tank. You probably don't need the towing package as the towing mirrors will exclude the option of power folding and 360 surround cam (you may not care about those, but I wouldn't go without them). The optional integrated trailer brake controller is all you probably need.
07-31-2019, 16:12
fright88

I have a 17 SuperCab 2.7 and while I haven't towed up the mountains it's towed a trailer with my Jeep and a couple uhaul moving trailers no problem. I really wanted the 3.5 Screw but it just wasn't in my budget. That said I am really happy with my truck and am suprised with the power. Although my last truck was a 05 5.4 that was a dog. I can get 25+ MPG no problem on my trips into town and average over 20 every tank which is kinda saying a lot because my town in tiny most of my drives are through residential streets stopping every block and under 2 miles.
07-31-2019, 16:33
Gman

The 3 liter PowerStroke can get 30mpg, although the OP said diesel was not an option. I've not heard great things about the latest little diesels from any manufacturer. They're not the low maintenance 'run it forever' engines that existed prior to these new emissions requirements.
07-31-2019, 16:34
MED

What is the axle gear ratio on your suburban? You might be able to fix your problem with a gear swap. The RPO in your glove compartment starts with an F, let me know. I can look it up. Unless you just really want a new pickup.
07-31-2019, 16:49
Gman

...and then you begin affecting highway efficiency when you're not towing, so there are trade-offs. The transmission still would be a concern. The OP didn't mention the model year of the Suburban or the engine. My guess would be 5.3l V8 Vortec. The engines are damn near bullet-proof, but they're not very good for pulling a load, particularly with the older versions. Summit Racing does have a number of performance upgrades for them, but they're not 'cheap'.
07-31-2019, 17:14
MED

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gman

...and then you begin affecting highway efficiency when you're not towing, so there are trade-offs. The transmission still would be a concern. The OP didn't mention the model year of the Suburban or the engine. My guess would be 5.3l V8 Vortec. The engines are damn near bullet-proof, but they're not very good for pulling a load, particularly with the older versions. Summit Racing does have a number of performance upgrades for them, but they're not 'cheap'.

It just depends on what he has in it, which is why I asked for the RPO. If it is higher than 3.73s, it won't pull a load for shit with a 4L60 trans.
07-31-2019, 18:45
Martinjmpr

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gman

...and then you begin affecting highway efficiency when you're not towing, so there are trade-offs. The transmission still would be a concern. The OP didn't mention the model year of the Suburban or the engine. My guess would be 5.3l V8 Vortec. The engines are damn near bullet-proof, but they're not very good for pulling a load, particularly with the older versions. Summit Racing does have a number of performance upgrades for them, but they're not 'cheap'.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MED

It just depends on what he has in it, which is why I asked for the RPO. If it is higher than 3.73s, it won't pull a load for shit with a 4L60 trans.

Current vehicle is an 04 Suburban 1500 LT, 4x4, 5.3 with 3.73 gears.

Currently at 186k miles. It's in decent shape overall and I've put a lot of work into it (mild lift, 33" tires, dual battery setup so I can run a refrigerator, stereo with Bluetooth and a big TruCool transmission cooler.)

The 5.3 is a reliable engine, no doubt, but in terms of power, it's marginal at best, especially when towing at Colorado altitudes. We camp 14 - 16 times a year and most of those trips require climbing a high pass.

I don't necessarily mind sitting in the slow lane when climbing a pass but when VW buses are whizzing by me it's a little embarrassing.

The 4L60 transmission isn't much help.

Much as I like the 'Burb (and I do), I really think it's time for a new truck. I bought this one 3 1/2 years ago with 136k on it but I really need to get something with low miles and then my plan is to keep it at least until I retire which is about 7 years away (and ideally longer than that.)

As I said, right now it's pretty much between the Ram 1500 with the V8 and the F-150 with the Ecoboost 2.7.

Funny, I used to be a Toyota guy but the Tundra doesn't appeal to me at all. Ditto for the Nissan Titan.
07-31-2019, 18:47
00tec

I agree that an aux trans cooler would be a recommended mod. I saw 220 degrees at one point last weekend. It will get a cooler before next trip.

As far as the condensation issues, I believe that any forced induction motor should get a catch can installed, especially the direct injection motors.
07-31-2019, 18:47
Martinjmpr

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gman

I'll just add that if you look at the Ram option, opt for the 33 gallon tank. You probably don't need the towing package as the towing mirrors will exclude the option of power folding and 360 surround cam (you may not care about those, but I wouldn't go without them). The optional integrated trailer brake controller is all you probably need.

Dumb question maybe but how can I tell what tank it has? I'm buying used, not new, so I likely won't have a window sticker. GM vehicles have RPO codes that show all the options the vehicle was assembled with, does Ram have anything similar?
07-31-2019, 18:57
BPTactical

There is no replacement for displacement.

Sweating fuel mileage while towing is an exercise in futility.
07-31-2019, 20:59
DFBrews

Force induction the suburban after a set of rings and some new bearings
you didn’t say what year but if its not a LS drop one in then repeat above and make it your tow pig.

Then buy a sporty little ranger with the 2.3 (which aren’t little these days it’s bigger than my taco)
07-31-2019, 21:09
Irving

The awesome gas mileage you guys are talking about in these new trucks makes me excited. Until I remember how much they cost.
07-31-2019, 21:54
ray1970

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irving

The awesome gas mileage you guys are talking about in these new trucks makes me excited. Until I remember how much they cost.

Imagine the kind of mileage a new mini van would get.
07-31-2019, 22:05
Irving

Only slightly better (28 mpg) but I bet for half the price used.

Anyway, trucks! That a 2.7 can tow 7,000lbs is bad ass.
07-31-2019, 22:07
Gman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martinjmpr

Dumb question maybe but how can I tell what tank it has? I'm buying used, not new, so I likely won't have a window sticker. GM vehicles have RPO codes that show all the options the vehicle was assembled with, does Ram have anything similar?

I think you can get the Monroney window sticker with the VIN. Most of the sites I'm finding right now want to charge for that. I swear I was able to download a copy of mine, but I can't remember if that was through the dealership website.

Wait. Just found this one and it pulled up my truck's VIN - https://removeandreplace.com/2013/03...ticker-online/
07-31-2019, 22:08
Gman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irving

The awesome gas mileage you guys are talking about in these new trucks makes me excited. Until I remember how much they cost.

[word]

...but the inside of my Ram pickup is much nicer than my Mercedes Benz was.
07-31-2019, 22:40
snichols28

Spend a little bit more for the 3.5. Yes, a 2.7 will probably do what you need, but a 3.5 will do it a little easier. It's not much more $ when you're looking at the total picture. Ecoboost F150's are very kick ass!
08-01-2019, 05:59
thedave1164

Let me know when the eco boost is regularly making the 300K+ miles that Toyotas are
08-01-2019, 06:53
ChickNorris

Basic info but I thought I'd post anyway.

https://www.cars.com/articles/2017-m...1420692719238/

https://www.cars.com/articles/2017-m...1420692743551/

My Ram says what size tank in the door jamb.
08-01-2019, 08:28
Martinjmpr

1 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFBrews

Force induction the suburban after a set of rings and some new bearings
you didn?t say what year but if its not a LS drop one in then repeat above and make it your tow pig.

Then buy a sporty little ranger with the 2.3 (which aren?t little these days it?s bigger than my taco)

Oh, you mean like this one right here?

Attachment 78527

Yep, had it for 3 years. Great little truck. Here's the deal, though: After almost 7 years of owning two vehicles, my "nice" truck + a "daily driver/beater" I realized that it just wasn't worth it to me to have to maintain, insure and park 2 vehicles.

My commute is 10 miles each way and I work from home 2 days a week so that means my total "commute" each week is ~ 60 miles.

It was fun having two vehicles, but anymore, it's just not necessary and when I sit down and HONESTLY crunch the numbers, it's a net loss.

What's worse, when I had 2 vehicles we lived in Englewood and had a huge driveway that could easily accommodate all our vehicles. Now we're in Columbine with a much smaller driveway on a corner lot which means that any "extra" vehicles would park on the street - just not something I want to have to deal with.

As far as the "upgrade to Suburban" idea, as appealing as it is on paper, in the real world it just wouldn't be a good idea for me. Even with a refreshed 5.3, it would still be an old-tech truck with a miserable 4 speed auto. Short of a full frame-off resto (which I have neither the time nor the skills to do) it's still not going to be as reliable as a newer vehicle would be.
08-01-2019, 10:19
SouthPaw

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFBrews

Force induction the suburban after a set of rings and some new bearings
you didn’t say what year but if its not a LS drop one in then repeat above and make it your tow pig.

Then buy a sporty little ranger with the 2.3 (which aren’t little these days it’s bigger than my taco)

He metioned '04 Suburban with a 5.3L. These LS engines LOVE boost.
08-01-2019, 11:51
Martinjmpr

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthPaw

He metioned '04 Suburban with a 5.3L. These LS engines LOVE boost.

OK, so assuming arguendo (<---- fancy word that means "for the sake of argument" and I like to use fancy words like that because it makes me feel better about still having student loan payments at the age of 57) that I wanted to go this route, some follow up questions:

1. Where would I find a shop that would/could put a turbo or blower on a 15 year old truck with 186 grand on the clock? and

2. What kind of warranty can I expect it to have? and

3. How much "out the door" are we looking at, cost wise?

Oh, and one more thing: Given that I've blown up 2 transmissions already, what are the chances that the new 4L60 in my 'Burb is going to last attached to a turbo or supercharged engine?
08-01-2019, 12:27
DavieD55

If I were seeking to tow anything of lite to moderate weight like 1000-7000lbs on the highways, I would more than likely opt for the 5.7L Toyota Tundra. Now If I were going to tow up in the 8,000-10,000 lbs range I would probably go for a 3/4 or even a full ton turbo diesel.

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