Quote Originally Posted by 00tec View Post
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.