2018 Ford F-150 10,000 Mile Tow Review - Airstream RV Travel

[@loramurray7954]

Paint it!

[@LuvSubbin]

Why would anyone paint a truck with the awesome name of "Blue Jeans"?

[@kevinwatsin5700]

You could possibly have the inside of that cap spray bedlined. Im currently looking at a 18 f150 xlt with the v8. Gonna be towing heavy with it but im thinking itll handle it. My current tow vehicle is a tundra with the 5.7. It handles my trailer great. Nice truck by the way and thNks for the honest review.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We now have over 66,000 miles on the truck and love every bit of it. The 5.0 V-8 has towed the Airstream great. We've only had one issue when the "Check Engine" light came on. The transmission auxiliary oil pump failed and was replaced under warranty. Gas mileage while towing is about 12.0 Safe travels.

[@VintageInsightPhotography]

We bought a F-150 for our Airstream too. 2022. We opted for the Eco Boost with the max tow package. 4x2 to save weight. 14,000 tow and about 3000 lbs payload. Thanks for being realistic about vehicles. 650 😂😂😂

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We've just clocked over 55,000 miles with our F-150 and continue to love it. It's a great tow vehicle.

[@ericwinter8981]

Hi there, Have you seen any oil consumption issues with your Coyote motor? I heard it can be an issue on 2018-2021 engines. Love your videos, Thanks! Eric

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! I probably put a quart of oil in every 3,000 miles or so under towing conditions. I'm not sure if that is unusual. It may sound weird but I don't have an issue adding oil at that interval as a fresh quart every now and then between oil changes probably can't hurt anything.

[@b.j.555]

Good video, I have a 2014 Ford f150 3.7 and I don't know it it is going to be able to make it in the mountains. My rv weights around 4k lbs. I have been traveling locally but there are no hills in the area where I live, but I'm planning to travel to the hills and maybe I could buy a truck with a 5.0 engine.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! The turbocharger in the Ecoboost should help at higher elevations so I'm not sure I would worry too much. Still, we now have over 44,000 miles on the truck and love the V-8.

[@brianbischoff8255]

What year is your airstream and length and model? I have a 2017 extra cab 2.7 turbo and considering an airstream 23'

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and sorry for the delay. Our Airstream is a 2002 22' International AS that weighs 4,860 lbs.

[@jeffyates4813]

You can pull out and turn around the head rest on the F150 if you are uncomfortable with it, I too wish it wasn’t so forward as well. You can spray rhino liner to the inside of the topper.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and the tips!

[@Calatriste54]

Respect your evaluations. Love our 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid.. Is killer for Boondocking.. plenty of power for our 2020 Airstream 20FB Caravel, bikes and Wienerdog.. Love Ford!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We saw a demo of the PowerBoost Hybrid at the International Rally and it looks like an amazing vehicle.

[@clintstinytrailerconversio5560]

where was your showing the truck off check list... item 10, watch out for water when opening side hatch.

[@LuvSubbin]

That's hilarious! I'm always getting drenched!

[@michaeltca3103]

Really nice setup. -- QUESTION -- We were just at a RV show and looked at Airstreams. I noticed that you have red numbers "1062" on yours which, for some reason, we like. Do you have to special order them? Also, any idea what the MPG would be with the 3.5 ecoboost - (I have heard that they do worse if towing but better if not towing) but I can't get a good video of someone towing aiirstream with an ecoboost.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! The BRN's (Big Red Numbers) signify our membership in the Airstream Club International. Each member has a number assigned when they join. When we joined, Cindy's parents had 1115. We requested 1114 or 1116 but both were already assigned. I then just asked for the lowest number they had (2 and 3 digit numbers are reserved for special purposes). 1062 was then assigned and we have grown to love it. I'm sorry that I can't quote you mpg numbers for the Ecoboost. I have the 5.0 liter Coyote V-8 pulling a 5,000 lbs. trailer with the 3.31 axle and I get 12.4 - 12.7 mpg towing.

[@michaeltca3103]

@@LuvSubbin very cool. Did not know that about the numbers.. I was thinking I could just stencil them in but wasn't sure what they meant...

[@tech5278]

You guys are very cute couple. Good Video.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and the super nice comment!

[@chickensnickers]

Nice review. Will check out your other videos. I have same year/engine F150 but Lariat crew cab. Nice to know one of the smaller airstream trailers is a good match for the truck, I will be buying a used 22-24’ one next year. Need to find length of yours on another of your videos

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Our Airstream is 22'. We think the F-150 is a perfect match. We like the V-8 but so many people like the Eco Boost that I bet both are excellent.

[@bluesm-gn1qu]

Just wanted to let you know that you can buy the exact same mirrors for 250 and it only takes 10 min per mirror to install yourself. Easy diy. I've had 2 trucks now that ive changed the mirrors on and they have been flawless.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and the great tip. Next F-150 (about 20 years from now), I'll do them myself.

[@bobfuhrwerk2869]

$300 mudflaps???

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! They work and I'm happy with them. The cost was high but I factor in the convenience of just having the dealership install them before delivery versus me doing it or taking it to my aftermarket place.

[@curtis1951]

Is it still burning oil?

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! It's not burning oil any more than any other truck I've owned.

[@rdsii64]

You need an F650 with a supercharged merlin v12. Just kidding, I couldn't resist. I just got a used 2018 STX 4X4. I love my truck. I traded out of a 2006 XLT that I drove for 15 years. The only reason I traded it was because I wanted four wheel drive. Mine has the 2.7L ecoboost and the 3.55 rear end. Driving it made me a believer and that 10 speed is the truth. I learned quickly you can have eco or you can have boost but not both.(chuckle) On the highway with the cruise set at the posted speed limit, it gets better mileage than my 5.4L triton in my old truck ever did. When the inner child in me seccombes to the temptation of twin turbo acceleration it drinks the gas. Lucky for me my wife is the adult in the truck. Other than temptation, I have no negatives about my truck.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Yes, that 10 speed transmission is amazing. I too had the 5.4L Triton and it was great but this new truck pulls without effort where my 2001 would struggle. Happy towing!

[@ralphalameda1381]

Another great video. My 1st F150 only took 40 years! Prior was 30 years with a Ranger. I too have an 18 in which I ordered for future towing. I went with the Lariat series, V8, 4x4, 36 gal, 20 inch wheels, Crew cab, 6.5 bed, trailer tow package, and a 3.55 axle. The mechanics at the dealership recommended the V8 over the turbo chargers too many issues. I love the way it handles on the road. I had the bedliner put in and placed a heavy duty rubber mat on top. I purchased a used 2014 trailer (1st) last month and the hitch you recommended (Equal-i-zer) will be here next Tuesday. The 1st road trip maybe at the end of April after I check the wheel bearings. The mirrors are like the ones that came with your truck I may change them down the road. I did like the truck cap you have and possibly that may be next on the list and your tip I'll get the carpet. My Maintenance on the truck is before a road trip or the 1st of the month. Thanks Stew A.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for letting us know about your F-150 story. I remember a KZbin video I watched as I was researching for this truck. The dealership's sales manager asked each of the 12 service mechanics "Which engine would you select for your personal F-150?" Ten said the V-8, one said the 3.5 Ecoboost, and one said the small V-6. That was enough for me... Our cap is an A.R.E. and it is great.

[@UncleTerry]

Have the same XlT same color too. But mine is the base model xlt crew cab no electronic seats no tow package no trans cooler. Love it just the way it is. If I decide to tow with it, would definitely add the trans cooler and pull out mirrors and would have to have a towing hitch added. I average about 21 high way with it in ECO mode with cruse control engaged

[@chrisolson7546]

Great video, thank you. Just bought the same truck and currently shipping for our trailer. "Don't ask" is right, spray on bed liner would work great on your cap.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and confirming that "Don't Ask" had a good solution. The more we tow with this truck the more we love it! You made a good choice.

[@donaldwright4742]

I purchased the 2017 used from Enterprise. I have been towing an Aliner popup, looking forward to towing an Airstream. Does the cap over the bed increase your gasoline mileage or just give more room for storage ?

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! My data is extremely limited as I put the cap on a mile 633.7 and only had one fill up prior to that. On 20 March 2019, I recorded 16.8 mpg. The cap went on 29 March. The next two mileage recordings were 18.5 and 19.2 mpg. It's not enough of a sample but I might conclude "Possibly...".

[@slmjake]

@@LuvSubbin sir I just found your channel and love your precise answers and research!

[@shockman2112]

Do u have the back up assist? We do on our 2018 f150 and we love it.

[@LuvSubbin]

I have to be honest. I specifically ordered it without the back-up assist. I'm sure it's great but I was not going to learn to back up all over again.

[@Becauseoftwojeeps]

Great video! Could you share your departure checklist?

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! All of our checklists can be downloaded at www.luvsubbin.com/checklists Have a great New Year.

[@armedmariner]

You guys love your truck. We love you guys. Nice video kids. Anybody from VT is ok by me. I have a 2017 with the Coyote. Best truck I have ever owned period. Best vehicle I have ever owned period. I got the big gas tank. What an absolute MUST. I fill it and it says 750 miles to empty. How cool is that. Love that you are towing. You didn’t comment about if you run transmission in actual tow mode or not. I was hoping you would and comment on that. Cheers folks. Happy motoring.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Yes, I always tow with the transmission in Tow/Haul mode. This truck was ALMOST perfect in that it didn't have the larger gas tank. Oh well. It's funny - so many of my fellow RV'ers tow with the Eco Boost but I just love that V-8... Cheers!

[@davidmatt904]

My wife and I have a f150 2017 xl 5.0 6 speed 3.31 gears extended cab soft top on the back, 36 gallon tank plus we carry 30 more gallons in the bed of the truck 980 mile range towing a 16rb airstream, airstream loaded out #3500, payload of truck #2065 the worst miles per gallon has been 15mpg up the mountains 6 % grades plus and down, tongue weight #410, never used weight distribution hitch or sway bar. Keep the payload of the truck under #1500 that includes the weight of the fuel and tongue also never once had any sway from passing trucks etc. Only thing done to the truck was add airbags to stiffen up rear end and eliminate 1 inch of squat only problem is on long flat straight free ways staying awake . All the KZbin channels with airstream trailers like yours the best always to the point very useful and practical info . May see you two some day out on the road my wife and I are west coast difters.

[@LuvSubbin]

It looks like you've run all the numbers and are totally dialed in with your rig. Even though we're on different coasts, with an Airstream in tow you never know when we might run into each other.

[@kevinheisey]

F650!! Haha thats funny. Very nice review. Beautiful truck. I agree with you on the V8. That turbo 6 is already maxed out before adding a trailer, no matter what Ford says. My concern over that is about longevity. I just dont think that eco boost will hold up under heavy load long term. Your transmission temp makes me a little nervous. I like it below 200. You might consider a larger cooler, although where you live you have the cold to consider. Like someone else commented, I would sure change it every 30,000. That said, I would buy a used car from you any day of the week!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and the nice comment. I'm not too concerned with the transmission temps as it runs consistently at 194 F when not pulling anything. I was actually quite happy with only an 8 F increase to 204 F. We'll see but I will certainly change it as per the manual.

[@bluestarindustrialarts7712]

Possible cap shard solution. Wear a mask, gloves, protective gear and using a very stiff bristle brush, brush down the entire inside of cap. You will be amazed at how much material (shards) comes off. Step 2: 1 or 2 coats of high quality f/g resin then if ya want to apply f/g paint. If ya can leave the cap well ventilated it will off gas quicker. I have used this technique on the inside of boat storage compartments...reaching in for gear in a bobbing sea would leave a bare arm full of glass shards. Now question.. I am looking at 3/4 ton trucks to pull a 27' Air Stream (7200# gvwr) I want a gas not a diesel. Is your Ford 150 capable of pulling the 27 or is it a stretch? I like the ride of the 150 better than the bouncier, stiffer ride of the 250. A couple I know from California pull their 30' International with the same truck you have, all over the U.S. and Canada. Put yer engineering cap on and advise a rookie. Hey I offered a fiberglass solution. :)

[@LuvSubbin]

Thank you so much for the reply. That's exactly what I was hoping for from ARE instead of "Sand it". I hadn't thought of f/g resin so this will be my course of action.

[@bryanthornton6787]

12.4mpg towing sounds awesome. I'm only getting 8.5-9.5mpg towing my travel trailer here in east Texas. I will have to check out that mirror upgrade too!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We're on the road right now and I'm averaging 12.1 with better mileage on the flat roads down south. The mirror upgrade was totally worth every penny.

[@gilblackburn7067]

@@LuvSubbin I upgraded my small Ford Mirrors with an after market extendable Tow mirrors byTrail Ridge from 1A Auto. It took a little bit of research to match the mirror features but well worth it. www.1aauto.com/search?q=ford+towing+mirror+set

[@shinersan6081]

How much oil have you burnt?

[@LuvSubbin]

Not much. I change the oil regularly and have only had to add oil a few times. I check before each and every tow...

[@shinersan6081]

@@LuvSubbin Thanks

[@BillUtah]

Wow. 12.4 mpg towing? I’d die if I could get 10! 😬 I had a 2015 Silverado 1500 4x4 5.3l 3.42 gears double cab 6.5 ft bed towing a Grand Design Imagine xls 17MKE trailer. Best I ever got was 9.5 mpg towing 60-65 mph. We upgraded to a 2019 Silverado 2500HD 4x4 6.0 l 6 speed 4.10 gears . Same double cab and 6.5 bed so I could use the ARE cap and other accessories from the old truck. Reason why we got a newer truck? We were out of payload with the old truck . It’s payload was 1727 and after doing the math after weighing it a few times we were over by a few hundred pounds. The new truck has within a few pounds of 3,000 so we are fine with that. And over all with 6,000 miles towing since we got the new truck our overall gas mileage is around 9 mpg. The old truck was under 9 average. Biggest thing I will say is the new truck runs much cooler in all temperatures. Our old truck would climb up to 220 with the transmission temps while climbing a good grade out here. The new truck has seen 182 max and most the time is in the 150 range. Both have towing packages so transmission cooler and power steering. The new truck has a engine oil cooler. And the transmission is amazing on engine braking! I’ve gone down 12% grades and the new truck will maintain 50-55 mph for miles without a brake application. But 12.4 mpg? Nice! I suspect your lower altitudes plus a much more aerodynamic trailer is a big reason for the mpg. Thanks for the detailed review! I love when people get down and dirty with details! Subbed to your channel 👍 bill

[@LuvSubbin]

Sounds like your new truck is an awesome tow vehicle. If you checked out one of our latest videos I've done the math on our payload and we're good. Like you, I'm amazed at the new transmissions. In Vermont we're always going up and down mountains and it functions perfectly.

[@rolandsorensen9628]

I've been a vehicle engineer on Class 8 trucks (Macks) and I used to set up axle and transmission ratios for the service they would see. I also did startability testing on the trucks as well as the Bradley Fighting Vehicle when I was working for GE. I was taught by an experienced engineer to determine the load and the grade that would be possible and match the engine power and torque points for highway driving in top gear while making sure the truck could start up a steep grade if needed. You both have 4x4 trucks. The Ford 10 speed has something like a 4.70:1 first gear in the transmission and a 3.31 axle ratio for overall ratio range of 15.5:1 for starting! The Chevy HD is running a 6 speed with a 4.03:1 first and axle ratio of 4.10:1 for overall range of 16.52:1 for starting. Actually pretty close. But!!! Both are 4x4s and I know the Ford has a two speed transfer case with a 2.64:1 low range. The Crawl ratio is found by multiplying all the ratios for the Ford: 4.70 x 3.31 x 2.64 = 41.1 Crawl ratio. So by getting a 4x4 with a two speed transfer case you can have unbelievable startability for towing up steep grades and still have a low numerical ratio in top gear with the 3.31 axle for getting great fuel economy on the highway. I'd have to look at peak torque vs. road speed as a function of tire size and ratios to really dial the ratios in but my feeling is get the lowest numerical ratio that they offer for towing and if startability is a problem just put the truck in 4Lo at the transfer case.

[@livingourdream9005]

We bought a 2018 Electric Blue F-150 XLT that we took delivery of in October of 2017, just a bit over 2 years ago. We also have the extended cab, Ford calls it a SuperCab. We did get an 8 ft bed that has hauled much of our kids furniture as well as some long lumber for projects around our house. We had a Leer cap put on that goes up higher than the cab and has a cloth finish, I guess it could be called carpet. It has the EcoBoost that is the standard tow package, I believe that is a 3.5 liter. The weight of the cap has cost me about a mile per gallon in town but seems to be about that same as before on the highway at about 22 miles per gallon. We thought we had things set to buy a trailer the following summer by using a 401(k) to pay off the house last winter, but the timing was bad for the stock market so still paying for the house. I saw a channel with an F150 towing a 30ft Airstream who gets less than 10 miles per gallon. I hope once we have something to tow it won't cut our milage that much, I was hoping for about 10 to 12 miles per gallon. We have had three in the back seat with plenty of room, so unless you need the Quad type doors, the SuperCab is great and usable for those few times it is needed. I did get a spray in lining in the bed as on our previous truck I had one similar to what you got. There are some good things to say about it but some things I miss so I guess it is one of those situations where you get by with what you have. I enjoyed your review. I look forward to how well it holds up for you as mine is so similar with the biggest difference being the engine.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! The 3.5 Ecoboost is a great engine and it was a close call for me. I'm more interested in how the aluminum body will hold up after 15 + years. I watched a video on the manufacture of the truck and they have replaced most of the welding with glue and rivets. My fuel mileage is a combination of having a trailer that weighs only 5,000 lbs. and the 3.31 rear axle ratio. The 3.31 gives better fuel mileage than the 3.55 or 3.73. The tradeoff is that I lose 101 lbs. of rated tow capacity and maybe a little less acceleration (though the 10 speed transmission mitigates that). Good luck getting that Airstream - it was the best decision we ever made!

[@chicoderock]

Thanks for pointing out the mirror upgrade. Do your new tow mirrors include features of the original (BLIS, puddle light, electric adjustments)?

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching. I opted for the "cheap" version. I can electronically adjust the mirror position from inside via the normal controls but I do not have the BLIS. Also, I have to manually push them in and out. The version I bought was $950 but the full electronic - if I recall - was over $2,000...

[@dontask8979]

Spray bedliner on the inside of the fiberglass. 👍

[@jimrumbo9486]

Great video! We have the same truck with the V8. We tow a 25rb international Airstream. Tows great. We have to watch our weights, but it is acceptable.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We love our truck. We just turned over 21,000 miles with 69% of that being towing the Airstream. No issues. The only thing I might have added was the 34 gallon fuel tank but otherwise it is perfect.

[@kennethritenour1534]

We went through 5 trucks in 10 years due to work travel. Had 3 ARE caps. First one had raw finish like your cap. Last 2 had carpet, what a great difference. The cap we have now has been on 3 trucks due to having same color each time. No mildew or any other problems. Needs new gaskets which I will charge this spring. 1st cap had sliding side doors, leaned the hard way to get opening side windows. Also got the drop & slide front window. Good video, hope this helps. K& J

[@LuvSubbin]

Thank you so much for watching and we really enjoyed seeing you guys this summer. This is only our second truck ever and hopefully the aluminum body will fare better with the salty Vermont roads. We didn't realize the inside of the new truck cap wouldn't be sealed like our old one so we didn't go with the "free" fabric option. We may try sealing it ourselves at some point.

[@fewminutesfame]

Good review....I am currently looking at low mileage pre-owned 2014 F-150 with the 5.0 coyote. I've always been partial to GM trucks, but the Ford has definitely peaked my interest. We purchased a lightweight travel trailer (4900 lb dry) and are in need of a newer tow vehicle without going broke in process.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! GM is a great truck as well but our last F-150 gave us 18 years of faithful service so I had to go back to them. The V-8 is awesome...

[@bobmartens1089]

I own a 2014 F150 5.0 3.73. Tow a 5000lb loaded TT 10,000 km towing from Canada to AZ and various trip and love it!!

[@ernieland2480]

This my kind of video! As Sargent Friday would say just the facts. You did the facts but it was entertaining also. Your confession that you were an engineer working in production I was a production line operator for Eastman Kodak and retired after 31 years so I was interacting with engineers often. Thanks for the video I enjoy traveling with you folks, Merry Christmas!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for the great comment! Yes, I spent 25 years as an engineer for a company that made watch and hearing aid batteries. Practically all of my maintenance skills came from watching and learning from the awesome mechanics, operators, and electricians at our plant. Merry Christmas!

[@adam-hd7kg]

I have a 2016 F-150 3.5EB super crew and it has been a good truck.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! It was a super hard decision between the 3.5EB and the 5.0 V-8. Both are great engines. I guess I'm more concerned with how the assembly of the aluminum body will last over the next 18 years...

[@st6795]

Get a bed rug , ordered one for my new F-150 F4X

[@kathyc1315]

The Donger had some time in the backseat of your first truck!

[@LuvSubbin]

Yes, The Donger was the best fish ever! We can't get another one just yet because the pet stores won't ship in the winter but we have Carl's carrier so we will be ready!

[@LuvSubbin]

This is only the 2nd tow vehicle we've bought in over 18 years! Having bought the truck in March of 2019 we have now towed over 10,000 miles on it. Because the tow vehicle is such an important decision we thought this review would be helpful. We hope you enjoy it and find it interesting.

[@adam-hd7kg]

Luv Subbin Ford makes a great truck!

[@LuvSubbin]

@@adam-hd7kg My 2001 was great for 18 years and hopefully this one will last as long. Thanks for watching!

[@dunerinaz]

Or, just do what any smart person would do and buy two 5 quart jugs of oil and save yourself some money and have oil leftover for the next oil change.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and good point! I just changed my oil a few days ago and that's what I did. As an engineer, it just irritates me that I have to estimate 8.71 quarts from two 5 quart jugs. If I was at Ford, the oil pan would take 9 quarts...

[@leardi58]

You can reverse the headrest try it see if it helps 👍

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and the headrest tip!

[@Fox40-MD]

So, my comment is that I have a 2018 Tundra 5.7 mileage is the same as yours. Column shift and glass cap ( with carpet). I too wish I had a bigger fuel tank, but in order to get that I had to get the shifter between the seats. I did see were ARE makes a cap with a center door that you remove your tailgate. That is something I wish I had gotten. Climbing in and out of the back is a pain. You have a nice setup though.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Yes, we had friends of ours with the ARE cap set-up you speak of. They had it on a GMC 2500. It was super nice and they loved it. Maybe next time...

[@wanderingfore2290]

Change to 5w30. 5w20 is the worste mistake ull make.

[@wanderingfore2290]

Sorry ur good only if it was the 5.4😉

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks! I'm just wondering what the problem was? My 2001 F-150 had the 5.4 liter Triton V-8 and I used 5W-20 every 3,000 miles or so for 18 years. The only issue I had with that engine was three cylinder coil failures.

[@maraudersr1043]

@@LuvSubbin Get away from Mobil 1 oil. It was great back in the day when it came out but you should consider newer mixes like Pennzoil Synthetic Platinum API SN. Also change your transmission and transfer fluid at 30K miles. Rear gear at every 60K. Ford was a real a@#$ for deleting the transmission dip stick in the engine bay. They also screwed up on the Oil dipstick like you pointed out.

[@LuvSubbin]

@@maraudersr1043 Thanks for watching and the comment! I will certainly do some more research on the synthetic oil. Funny you mention it, I haven't checked the transmission fluid level yet and didn't realize they had deleted it! I did that regularly with my 2001 once the line blew...