Ford F150 3.5L EcoBoost Engine **Heavy Mechanic Review** | The Best Towing Engine??

I Review a 2023 Ford f150 3.5L EcoBoost v6 engine as a heavy duty mechanic. This ecoboost engine puts out 400HP and 500 lb-ft of Torque. I put a heavy trailer behind this ecoboost engine and see how it handles under load. I talk about fuel economy, acceleration, power, torque and engine performance all while towing a heavy trailer. I also talk about why the twin turbo engine in this f150 has an advantage over a traditional v8 when towing
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3.5L EcoBoost FULL Engine Review - • Ford F150 3.5L EcoBoos...
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I hope everyone is having a good weekend. Today I had the pleasure of reviewing this ecoboost engine. It actually blew me out of the water how powerful this truck is. I was very surprised how well this engine performed when towing this heavy trailer
So this trailer was about 8,200lbs and I was expecting this truck to do well but this engine blew me away. It handles this trailer like it was nothing. Tons of acceleration even under load.
The beauty of having a twin turbo set up when towing is the on demand boost giving you more power when you need it. A normal Natural aspirated V8 like in the 5L would need to downshift to gain more power to keep the truck moving at speed. But with a turbo you can simply add more boost and gain more power without making the engine work hard with higher rpms.
This makes towing with this 3.5L v6 twin turbo ecoboost so easy and relaxing. The engine is quiet and does not give you any drama it just gets down to work and pulls the trailer without much issues. Whereas a normal V8 would more then likely need to be at higher rpms causing the engine and truck to have to work harder.
The downfall of this engine when towing is without a doubt the fuel economy. Because it is probably worse then a big displacement v8. This is because the turbos putting more air into the engine that air needs to be met with more fuel in order to keep the correct fuel air mixture and thus resulting in alot of fuel being burnt despite not running at higher rpms.
The good news is when you are not towing you’ll be able to save more fuel money there but when towing don’t expect to pass many gas stations.
Overall I think this f150 and the 3.5L ecoboost is the benchmark for towing when it comes to the 1500 pick up truck segment. It killed this towing course and I can’t wait to see how other engines follow suit.
Hope you guys liked the video!

[@sprint2648]

These 3.5’s are incredible! I was never a fan of them until I drove one.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Honestly I felt the same way. After towing with this engine I was like "yep I get it"

[@benmun9057]

This truck is a beast! I tow 34 foot travel trailer with. Trailer weighs 7500 wet. I thought my coyote powered f150 with 10 speed was a beast. Curious to see what Tundra brings to the 1/2 ton table.

[@gregnovik4259]

I agree, I was forced to pull my 32ft 9000lb trailer with my 19 and I can't believe how well it towed!

[@natgasf7236]

I recently lost my 13 super duty 6.7 diesel in a garage fire and can’t afford to replace for 90k plus. I was thinking 5.0 for reliability.

[@punnishergaming7066]

exactly how I felt, wasn’t a fan at all until I drove a brand new one and fell in love with

[@psualligater]

I really like that you’ve found a consistent way to compare each truck’s ability/performance with a consistent trailer and weight. I’d love to see some of these tests recreated with, say, a camp trailer, or a vehicle on a car hauler. Something like that with a LOT more wind resistance might show the trucks’ (mainly 1/2 tons) hit a little closer to their towing limits.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Iv thought about that also. The weight is great but wind resistant at highway speeds is also a large factor. It would be nice to find something like a camping trailer for that reason

[@257Tony]

I towed a fairly tall 5th wheel for 7 years with a 2014 F150, Max Tow, 3.5 EB. Pulled it with ease, and stopped it no problem also.

[@herb7877]

I had a 2015 Heavy Tow F150 3.5 ECO. 3.31 rear. It towed my 7400# trailer like a dream. Turbo's create torque ! Averaged 10.3 overall towing ~23k miles with a lot of hills & mtns along the way.

[@pablochacon40]

I just got me a new to me 2015 ford f150 3.5 ecoboost truck I hope I enjoy it for many years to come

[@TheGettyAdventures]

It tows like a dreams thats forsure!

[@homeofthebrave2554]

Can you tell me how you like it now and how many miles it has as? I'm considering getting one - 2015 3.5 Ecoboost 4x4 with 89K miles - and I'm wanting to know if you're noticing any signs of trouble at all and your maintenance routine to keep it running well.

[@pablochacon40]

@@homeofthebrave2554 I got my truck used with 67,000 miles and not she’s about to get 100,000 miles on her and the truck runs like a dream . I got to travel for work several times in the past two years and I got to drive several rental cars and suv and they all had low miles and my truck feels like it has more power and it handles better than the low mileage rental vehicles I got to drive . And the fuel economy on the truck is impressive for the size of the truck .

[@cliffh8486]

“Like a diesel” not so, you won’t have emissions issues like the diesels hahaha. I am a huge diesel fan however I am also incredibly cheap. On paper this one is a better choice for me than the diesels, I dont tow super heavy but I do tow in the New Mexico mountains so I want the turbos. Thank you Ford for building and marketing this concept into success ! Good job!

[@TheMacronical]

Beat everyone to it, well said

[@johnpeters9793]

​@The Macronical So the ecoboost has no known issues??

[@robmd3851]

We’ll said!!

[@Billybob50119]

Yeah instead will need cam phasers, timing chains, and turbos

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Yes no emission crap to deal with is a great benefit. This engine is not perfect but purely on a performance basis it crushes towing

[@freedomisntfree_44]

If you doubt an ecoboost then you haven’t driven one. Gotta maintain these well but if you do they treat you well for a long time. Hate the sound but these things tow like crazy. Go to a campground and you’ll see more f150s pulling 5th wheels than any other half ton By far

[@only1true540]

Hey what oil do you run I’ve been using liquid molly 5w30

[@freedomisntfree_44]

@@only1true540 I use Pennzoil ultra platinum or Amsoil. The 2 best there are

[@Shawn82185]

I run 5W-30 Volvoline premium full synthetic extended protection, and k&n or mobile 1 filter every 5,000 miles religiously. Lot of towing, hauling and spirited driving. 208,000 miles and runs strong with no engine work

[@ajw5743]

​@@Shawn82185 you change both the filter and the oil every 5k? I'm about to get one, and really wanna baby this thing... probably not gonna tow too much. It's a work truck with lots of tools everyday, but probably won't be towing often.

[@fredkelly4649]

Do you tow in tow mode always like to know?

[@bccmorgan984]

Great video series! Thank you for doing this. Ordered and received my 2023 F150 3.5L EB SC FX4 3.55 in June and had to double check my order and Ford towing tables after watching. Ford Towing tables show the 3.55 (max tow/max payload) as the top dog for towing. Additionally, my research shows the 3.5 as more reliable than the 5.0. I live at elevation (5200') and had a 5.0. You cannot beat the 5.0 for overall fuel mileage when empty, but at elevation it struggles to tow. 10% power loss for every mile of elevation, compared to 2% power loss with a turbo engine. The gas mileage at elevation on the NA engine is much better due to the lack of oxygen and significant power loss.

[@huntersmith1679]

Much love from Nova Scotia . Was watching these videos and then realized you said New Brunswick right next door. 🙏🏻

[@raylouie5282]

I own a 3.5L ecoboost F150 (3.73 gearing) and a 5.0L naturally aspirated F150 (3.55 gearing). I have not had any problems with either - both have some pretty amazing advantages. The ecoboost goes like lightning and has amazing low end power. Starting off the line and towing torque is unparalleled. The 5.0L, surprisingly, does much better in the winter. It seems to put the power down much smoother so I have less wheel spin and more stability. I push my plow with the V8 and it goes through everything. Another added advantage of the V8 is the weight - which makes it the far superior winter truck.

[@brandonmalloy3478]

Love your videos, brother! No one dives as deep as you do into these trucks, keep it up!

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Really appreciate it man! Thank you

[@dustinshepard2805]

I was concerned at first buying a twin turbo ecoboost. This truck floored me tows like a dream. I’ve towed with them all Ram , Chevy , Fords 5.0 . Power is unreal . Comfortable, truck does the work. Such a versatile truck

[@roblundgren5226]

My son-in-law bought a Toyota with the v8 was new got tired of multiple stops to lake Powell for gas traded it in for the f150 cannow go all the way no stops for gas the boat is a inboard used for wake skiing they fill the ballast full of water so it’s ready when they get to the lake truck pull better Than the v8 Toyota I was surprised he got the ford because he has always been a Gm guy but he is very happy with the f150 his daily driver now

[@agerardomp]

Hi Alex. I think the ecoboost engine is the best option for towing RV's. Because to tow at the limit of its capacity and daily; that is, for heavy work, there are other options to suit those who require it. I love the F150 Powerboost!! Thanks Alex; always EXCELLENT your work and COMMENTS! Big HUG from CDMX.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Thank you sir! Appreciate it as always and yes the ecoboost was amazing

[@kevingeezy5176]

Powerboost is my dream truck. I've got a 13 3.5 now, love it. My next I want to be 2.3 ecoboost ranger or hopefully ford drops a Powerboost ranger

[@gregberban7067]

I hauled my daughter to Indiana from Texas, 4500lb car on a trailer up hill down hill 80 , 85 , mph , truck is a beast on second one because I upgraded, zero issues with anything.

[@washingtonmatt7075]

I expected to hear some comments about engine braking. I have a 2018 3.5L and I'm always impressed how well it holds gears going down the passes. I think it's an important factor to consider when comparing engines.

[@nateg08]

I agree. Love the engine brake on my eb

[@thedroid4ever]

How do you use it? I don't own one yet ;)

[@user-ce9wg5hr3s]

The torque curve on this turbo gas engine or a turbo diesel, regardless of the fuel the engine burns, is a result of the turbocharger. A non turbo diesel would have roughly the same torque/power curves has a non turbo gas. (Of course we don’t really have many examples of non turbo diesel engines these days.) When you put a turbo on both those engines, they, respond similarly with low end torque available due to the large amount of air available to the engine from the turbo at low engine speeds due to the design of modern turbos. Love the performance of these modern turbo engines and really liking the testing you’re doing on your channel! More of us will see moderate hills than climb the Rockies!

[@kenphilpot1903]

3.55 rear end on 3.5 eco crew cab with max tow package is the highest you can get . Towed with my 21 eco / max tow across the country ( Arizona - New Jersey ) with me my wife , dogs and the 21 challenger on a trailer . I would guess 8500 on the trailer/ car and around 800 between people and gear . Average 11.8 mpg across the country

[@dumitrumalcoci7873]

As always, good job. Your channel is my first and main source of information as I am in the market for my first pickup truck.

[@gen-zeke-8571]

10 MPG isn't bad for 8,500 going up hill.

[@northwoodsfabricationllc]

I thought that too!

[@LindsayPeters987]

You are teaching me so much about big loads. Love that it's drama free too. I think I'm sold.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

The drama free loads are fantastic

[@DH-hp7nv]

Great to see you enjoying the 3.5. Like i said before this is my favorite ford engine with exception to 6.7PS. Talking fuel mileage Alex, i always revert back to you can’t have eco when ya boostin.

[@kevingeezy5176]

Eco or boost, never both lol

[@banana_phone4228]

I love how my rides even when towing, I towed 14k with my 22 with the v8 and honestly it handled it so well I was really surprised I am sure the 3.5 has a little better grunt but I love that v8 sound.

[@Chris-ut6eq]

if you towed 14k with your V8 F150, you were towing over the truck's rating. Glad it rode well. What's your wheelbase?

[@tomahawksteak6672]

The shape of the trailer makes a huge difference . My 3.5 hauls a open trailer real nice. My 18 foot enclosed trailer is a difference story. It pulls hard when it's windy out.

[@northlander4370]

Gotta agree with you on your comment , my 2023 F150 3.5 with 3.55 gears pulls my 22ft Rockwood camper easily but you do feel the wind !

[@meyer7312]

Listen, I was a V8 guy too... Had a 5.7 Tundra. Bought a 2021 3.5 Eco and I've never driven a truck this quick. This thing is a monster down low, But even on the highway... The way this thing pulls from like 70-90mph is un-truck like. I'll Never fear the passing lane again. Towing aside, I average around 18mpg combined. Keep in mind, I use full synthetic oil and run 91 octane

[@keithkrueger1609]

I have a 2017 f150 ecoboost. 123000 miles with 31000 miles of towing 9000lbs. it never skipped a eat and most of the time you would never even know it was behind you.

[@d3adk964]

Hopefully you get a 2.7 ecoboost to review and tow with eventually. That’s what I have paired to 3.73 axle and it tows my 8500lb camper wonderfully. With how impressed I was with 2.7 I can’t even imagine how well the 3.5 does with the extra displacement and power haha

[@gavinlee9478]

The 2.7 doesn’t have 14,000 lb capacity

[@d3adk964]

@@gavinlee9478 10,100 lb capacity when paired with tow package and 3.73 axle.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

It would have similar results since it’s a twin turbo V6. It may do better than the 3.5 but honestly I would rather get the 3.5 over the 2.7.

[@gavinlee9478]

@@atx-cvpi_99 the 3.5 is the towing engine between the 2.7 and 3.5, 2.7 ecoboost can only tow 10-11k max 3.5 can tow 14k max, have actually seen my dad tow 18k with his and it never checked up. Said he didn’t feel it back there either. 22 ft trailer

[@kuhndog-1196]

I finally got me a power wagon yesterday! Bought a 2017. I freaking love the thing. For how shitty people say the 66rfe is, man this thing is slick in shifts. Drives great. Can't stop staring at it lol.

[@dhsu04]

I just purchased 2018 with 3.5L that has over 150K on it. I towed my 3K lbs Toyota Prius from Kentucky back to Georgia. I averaged 17-18mpg, 2-wheel drive, at 60mph.

[@jasonforester4572]

I have a 2013 F150 LWB with the 3.5 Ecoboost. I pull our travel trailer with 7800 GVWR. We live in B.C. and I've used the truck to pull the trailer all around B.C., a few times into Banff Alberta and a few times down the Oregon coast. Pulls like a champ in the Coastal, Cascade and Rocky Mountains. One time even up the Roger's Pass in record breaking 42°C heat. Now at 146K kms. Most trailer towing has been done through the B.C. interior during summer months and to the Cariboo region several times in the fall hunting season. I have had to have the turbo cooling lines replaced. One, two years ago. The other a year ago. Should have just got both done at once. That's the only issue I've had. I am going to get a new truck next year and will definitely be looking for another 3.5 Ecoboost. It will be second gen 3.5 and a ten speed trans instead of my current 6 speed. So it will be even more capable than my current truck. I'm retiring in two years and will be doing alot more RV'ing. I am also going to consider the F250 with the 7.3 gasser for the extra capacity. I'm not terribly interested in the 6.7 diesel but am not completely dismissing it. I just don't want to deal with exhaust filters, DEF, higher maintenance cost and oh yeah, it's a further $10,000 charge for that motor. On the plus side, diesel fuel in B.C. is cheaper than gas. But still.

[@ronjohnson9032]

I regularly towed 10,000 pounds with mine with no problem.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

It was amazing how easily this truck towed more then 8,000lbs

[@JohnDiMartino]

Both mine towed my 13-14 k dump trailer so good it was scarey. I had 3.55 max tow , these 3.5 s pull like diesels. The mpg is bad towing but you’ve got big block/ diesel power no gas truck except the powerboost pulls like this.

[@plytme]

Great video thankyou. We're finally getting these back in Australia but information is still quite limited, thanks to you for your detailed reviews has made my decision easy, can't wait for delivery. Look forward to more reviews. Cheers

[@davidhillbrand2302]

Nice test - proves you can have Eco OR Boost but not both! Still a very impressive performance.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

100% correct. When the engine is in boost the fuel mileage is trash. But tons power

[@freedomisntfree_44]

The entire point of it literally

[@Rickv1960]

I towed a 3,000 lb car on a 2,000 lb uhaul trailer from Indiana to Florida with a 2017 Expedition. Same 3.5L turbo and it really was easy to tow. Got 13.5 mpg and was very impressed.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

these engines would eat 5,000lbs from breakfast. honestly so powerful

[@Greasyman.]

I have 334000km on my 2011 ecoboost. Only plugs and coils have been changed on the engine she's all stock. I tow a 8k 5th wheel. I did put 1900lb springs and 2k air bags on the rear and she spanks. Fuel economy goes out the window but I only tow a total of 1 month a year it's worth having a smaller truck. Oil changes every 5k and she's happy pappy. People talked sh!t since I've owned the truck 10 years now but the engine has proven itself. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

[@patmason7276]

Get a hybrid has even better torque . The truck is heavier and helps when towing. Super beast!!!

[@gavinlee9478]

Doesn’t have the 14,000 lb towing capacity though

[@justinandout]

It sucks that my 2018 Explorer got a Gen 1 3.5L TT, having those Gen 2 improvements would be super dope. Still love my 3.5L TT engine! Great videos!

[@FF-36]

I tow my SxS in eco mode and it helps by at least 2 to 3 mpgs with my '21 3.5. Seams like tow/haul mode drinks gas but its engine braking in this mode down hill is killer.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

The truck killed this run so badly I didn't even bother showing engine braking lol but that is interesting that tow haul mode drinks more fuel. Probably holding gears longer

[@atvrepairsandmore2482]

If you get the max tow package with 3.55 gears, you can hit that 14k pound capacity but it has to be on the bumper. You have to have the heavy duty payload package and max tow to get the 14k on a fifth wheel. My dad has a 3.55 max tow with the 6.5 bed. It pulls like a dream and is really stable for a half ton. I’d have no problem pulling at the 14k tow capacity with it.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Yep, I missed that. 3.55 can haul 14k lol just re-looked. Honestly these engines could probably haul more weight if the trucks could handle it

[@atvrepairsandmore2482]

@@TheGettyAdventures Would be cool to see them in a super duty but I’m not sure how they would handle heavy/commercial use. If you can get your hands on one, I’d be interested to see how the 2.7 does on your towing loop. I pulled a small car with one the other day and my friend and I were blown away. It really didn’t feel like much less power than the 3.5. The 2.7 definitely still outperforms the 5.0 in terms of towing in my opinion. I think the only thing really comparable to the ecoboost is the GM 3.0 diesel but personally, I’d rather own a gas truck so something like a ecoboost is perfect. The ecoboost consistently gets 20 mpg unloaded in my experience. I hated on the ecoboost forever until I started driving them and doing some towing and now that’s all I want. Really is the best all around truck for people driving to work during the week and pulling a camper or trailer on the weekends.

[@jasonbrushett2005]

​@@atvrepairsandmore2482 I have to agree,both 2.7 and 3.5 stellar performing engines

[@rudyperezjr4815]

Yep it gets the job done U should expect it drink drink fuel cause it’s working. No big deal. What’s most important it handles its load real good.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

My thoughts are the same. Fuel economy is not great but this engine pulls really well most importantly 👌

[@raymacke]

I went from a 2009 F150 with 5.7 - 6 speed - 3.55 ratio to a 2017 EcoBoost 3.5 - 10 speed - 3.55 ratio. (I now have about 60,000 on the odometer) Mainly tow a 8200 lbs boat but also a 7100 lb RV on the bumper. My towing fuel economy is about 1 mpg better with the Ecoboost and the boat is now usually about 10.5 mpg. I had hoped for better but that's what it is. Interestingly, the camper although 1100 lbs less usually uses .5 to 1 mpg more - wind resistance I assume. With the 5.7 I had to keep it out of overdrive and just let the engine scream on slopes as it constantly shifted (some hard hits) and I did the best I could with the gas pedal. With the 3.5 I just put it on cruise control and forget about it. It just torques its way through and occasionally shifts which is exceptionally smooth. It is a dream to drive while towing. Soooooo much better than the 5.4.

[@kona6451]

5.7????

[@darrylbaron5004]

Great vid. Thank you. Please do the same loop with the 5.0 engine as a comparison. I’m wondering how much performance would be lost and fuel mileage gained.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Im really excited to do this with the 5L and see the difference

[@gavinlee9478]

He said it had 8500 on trailer weight, that’s pushing the tow limit on a 5L

[@BushWookie603]

I love my '19 ecoboost. The v8 guys hate on it but the power and torque/performance speak for itself

[@gavinlee9478]

The only people who hate on the ecos haven’t drove one. My dad was full v8 and I was right along with him until we drove the 3.5 eco. Both have one now, he has the 16 with 6 speed and I bought the 18 with the 10 speed. Would love to have a 6.7 f250 but my ecoboost has mitigated the want for that. Don’t really need the f250 because I don’t tow over 14,000 lbs very often I just love diesels, sound and all

[@RyanChapman-em3xl]

Another great video!! I really appreciate the raw genuine reactions to the trucks! Keep up the amazing work!

[@TheGettyAdventures]

I appreciate the kind words sir! And ya I know fords may not be you're cup of tea but she pulled hard

[@RyanChapman-em3xl]

@@TheGettyAdventures at the end of the day thats all any of us truck guys want out of our rigs to know they will preform when and how we want! Thats why your test course with the trailer is such a great review to get some real world use out of them!

[@MidwestMechanics]

Came here because I need a good daily driver that can also tow up to 10k lbs. I was looking at diesels but I’m tired of paying for all the maintenance and diesel prices after I sold my last one. I think I found my next truck.

[@wdwilson397]

I've always been leery about a small engine with turbo boost wearing out sooner than a larger engine? I did rent a 3.5 Eco boost to tow a vehicle trailer from Reno to Los Angeles and it was great

[@MichaelCsikos]

A 20 foot shipping container on your trailer plus the concrete blocks would be an interesting test to increase wind resistance.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Haha that would be an interesting set up but the wind resistance would be a nice bonus

[@gen-zeke-8571]

Great point. Here there's no resistance aside from up hill of course.

[@4Urlv]

I swapped my F150 for a F250 V8 gas and 10 speed transmission, fuel mileage 9.5 miles per gallon. It pulls like Godzilla. I do miss my 2015 F150 Eco boost Dual turbos and 6 speed transmission.

[@MJ-sg8ov]

Generating power - turbo or not - burns fuel, but on flatter ground fuel economy is much better. I average around 17 on a two-way unloaded/loaded 700 mile trip towing a 6800 LB car trailer. Fully loaded I’m getting about 14. Around town/mixed driving just under 19. Pure highway - as long as you keep it under 65mph, around 20-21. Sinks like a stone above 65.

[@TheeAbstractHero]

That's better fuel economy than my untuned diesel with a comparable load.

[@rustycopeland4403]

I have a 2017 F150 twin turbo 3.5 just love it.

[@5302cvfd]

Coming from a 6.7 ram to a 2017 3.5 eco boost pulling power is awesome. I now pull an enclosed v-nose 21’ snowmobile trailer. It’s the wind and slick roads the get sketchy. I wish I had the weight of a heavy duty. As far as mpg, over 65 mph and it drops fast unloaded. Loaded at 70mph I get 7 to 8 mpg consistently. If the turbos are spooling it drinking fuel. I keep watching your videos to figure out which HD to purchase. With prices so high and all models having issues unable to pick one just yet. Thanks for your videos.

[@brucerodbro7188]

Educate me. Are the turbos not always spinning? Is spooling up and spinning the same thing? How do I know when my turbos are spooling up? I love my 3.5 eco boost- hauls my tt with ease and engine braking is the best. Thanks. Bruce

[@meyer7312]

Keep up the videos dude... Love them. Greetings from Southern California

[@j.need4qlife483]

The 3.5 ecoboost reliability is in question when towing frequently. The biggest threat is carbon and heat. Max tow package helps reduce stress on the engine, but following severe driving conditions maintenance schedule is best for helping engine reliability. Be sure to use full synthetic oil that has detergents that help remove excess carbon. When carbon collect between the piston rings, the heat may can the rings to stick and cause premature cylinder scoring. Keep the internals clean!!!

[@bigmountain7561]

Hi could you please use the 2.7 Eco Boost, that’s what I have and I would love to hear what you think of it.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Im excited to try that engine out as well

[@bigmountain7561]

@@TheGettyAdventures Thank You I have the 3.55 Tow Package not the Max and I was just wondering how it would feel

[@acacia987]

towing a 6500lb TT with a 17 expedition el with the 3.5 eco and 4.3 gears, never had issues maintaining speed or climbing hills. I think you will probably see payload or other limitations with the half tons before you see limitations due to this engine.

[@Captain-Awesome]

With a 2020 Ford Raptor, I towed a 2016 Chevy, crew cab, on a UHaul trailer from Florida to Texas. In total we thought it weighed around 8,500-9,000 with some gear. It towed it easily, it was actually kind of fun.

[@TheeAbstractHero]

A half ton? I doubt it was that much weight unless you had it filled with heavy gear. Half tons are usually around 5500lbs. My crew cab 6'6" box is 7200 fuel dependent, 9200 or so with an 18 foot steel car hauler.

[@gavinlee9478]

Glad it did good but the Raptors have the lowest towing capacity out of all of them mainly because of its long travel suspension and bigger, squishier tires it comes with, it is really a truck designed for speed and racing

[@nismomike3182]

Would like to see the panic braking performance. All of the current half tons can pull it, but stopping is equally important.

[@alkalk8938]

Mine 18' f150 3.5eb works very well in panic braking with my fifth wheel camper...my fault, perfect performance. Better than when I had to do the same with my 03' 2500 cummins, not my fault for this one.

[@jasonbrushett2005]

Mine has no problem braking with 6000lbs behind it

[@flintstone8263]

Great channel! One of the best real world towing ones out there. Question, however. Ford states in their towing guide that a WDH is required for towing over 5,000 pounds regardless of engine type, rear end ratio, etc. It DOES NOT say this in the F150 owners manual. (I read it online, I do not have a Ford.) I see you had not been using one. BTW Tundra says a WDH is required over 5k, but Ram does not. I don't know about GM. Any thoughts on this? Anyone?

[@Ohioturbos]

I have a ‘12 ecoboost. It’s a beast. Tows 6,000 lbs like it’s not even back there.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

agreed man, that 8,000lbs + I had felt like a walk in the park.

[@chadb8168]

I am getting ready to tow my 26ft trailer about 580mi with it at max (for the trailer tires) which is still altogether 4,000lb under the towing capacity.. and the payload will be 1/4 capacity.. but the two combined should be around 10,500lb.. I’m excited for this having watched your videos. I’ve towed the trailer 25mi here & there, the fuel monitoring system showed 16.5mpg for the short trip with the trailer.. but this will be the biggest haul for us.

[@chadb8168]

I think my improved mileage while towing was due to the upgrades to the towing/payload packages, as well as performance improvements.

[@jeromeboily]

Just my thought, but i’m pretty sure that the best gear ratio for the 3.5 is 3.55 tou tow the 14k pounds. That’s what i have on mine.

[@dmoss1285]

This is a gas motor not a diesel. Over 9mpg towing that kind of weight is a great number imo. I have this motor as well as a diesel. Both get about the same mpg. Towing that kind of weight is going to drink any fuel. Thats just the nature of the beast while towing period. I dont think any gas vehicle you test is going to blow that number away. One may do a little better here or there but you will sacrifice torque where its needed which is down low.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

You aren't wrong. But I guess it's interesting to see the smaller displacement engine drink that much fuel or be on pace with a much larger V8 when it comes to towing. Either way with that kind of performance fuel economy wouldn't bother me too much

[@dmoss1285]

@@TheGettyAdventures True, and I get your point about the smaller engine. At first I had the exact same thoughts and was surprised when I saw the towing mileage. But then as I thought about it more, yes the displacement itself is smaller, but you have 2 turbos forcing tons of air. When you force air you have to match the air rate with fuel to complete the burn or the formula just doesn't work. To your point, it doesn't matter if you are buying this to tow the sh.... out of something which is exactly what this little motor does. Yes it eats the fuel just like the larger V8 does, but it provides much better torque and it gives it to you at a much lower RPM than the larger motor. The larger motors and or naturally aspirated engines are the ones that have to get up in the RPM range before you get your maximum HP and torque. I pull a very heavy 20ft enclosed trailer with mine and it impresses me every single time. This little motor pulls like a diesel which you know now since you have experienced it for yourself. Great video. Thanks.

[@rodjbosch]

I've had 5.4L Ford,Chev 6L and 6.2L,and now my 3rd 3.5L EB. Towing literally the same trailer.....about 7500lbs wet. Mpg shockingly enough varies from 6 to 12 mpg.....for all of them. Wind and road conditions here affect mpg daily. Conditions are literally never the same. My original 3.5 EB was shockingly good at towing compared to the 6 speed 6L it replaced. The 6.2L Chev was good....but required premium gas....and I'll never buy another truck requiring premium. Overall yes I believe the EB is a bit harder on gas towing. Overall I completely think it's the best towing half ton engine made......performance wise. If I'm towing 10k miles a year the mpg may matter. But I don't. And most people don't. 80% of the kms I put on in a year are empty/daily use/routine hauling.

[@mpf44]

Great truck reviews, I especially like your analysis truck engines, maybe best on youtube.

[@seansullivan5071]

They don’t call it echo or boost for nothing lol. When they work though they’re untouchable but they’ll eat your gas up. The funny thing is when I’m not using mine for towing I actually get 22 to 23 and I can send you snapshots of three or four different screenshots. It amazes me and I’ve owned Chevys and Dodge’s I’ve never owned a Toyota or Nissan. This is my first 3.5 so was very surprised

[@grahamjensen7573]

I own one enjoying it pull a few trailers holiday trailer and enclose sled trailer no issues

[@fongvang935]

My 3.5 ecoboost with the 3.73 tows. It's best of both worlds, unladen with 20+ mpg combined, and 10-12 mpg towing my 6000lb 23ft fiberglass boat, with 5 adults and packed bed. Best of all, it has a 36gal tank, 300+ miles range when towing, and 650+ miles range unladen. It's mind-boggling that GM puts a 24 gals in the 1500 with no option to upgrade. Main reason that I did not buy a silverado 1500, in addition to their AFM/DFM bs lifter fails.

[@quentonmillstid850]

Yikes Watch the payload my guy. Passengers, boat, stuff in bed, larger gas tanks. Recipe for pushing the limit

[@chadgailey6832]

It is a fantastic engine to tow with. Fuel economy sucks when loaded, but honestly I don’t think any of the half tons do great on fuel with that kind of load behind them. I had an ‘18 with max trailer tow and max payload, so added leaf springs, 3.73 gearing, and 36 gal tank. My TT has its freshwater tank at the front, so tongue weight was often pretty high for me. I went to a powerstroke primarily for the engine braking and better control over my TT in the mountain passes of the northwest. I was never short on power with my EB.

[@lotdominguezcastellon6028]

Wow amazing, thank you for the great videos.

[@makwaphy]

Should have used a box trailer for full effect of wind drag. Mine tows great till it overheats on flat ground with headwind.

[@bansheerider619]

I get about 8 MPG with my 2010 FX4 5.4 towing my RV that weighs about 6500 lbs.

[@cboutdoorfun9955]

I have a 3.5 eco boost and one thing I can tell you is they are either eco or boost. Not both at the same time. I love mine but when you tow it drinks. To be fair people need to stop being shocked by how bad the fuel economy can be. It takes so much fuel to make 400+ hp and 500lbft torque it doesn’t matter how many cylinders you have

[@TheBostonstapler]

you should get a hitch with included scales to get the best tongue weight as close as possible, less guess work too. also it would be cool to see a timed acceleration run like TFL with a solo dl kind of thing so we can compare different engines. love these videos, keep em' coming!

[@TheGettyAdventures]

I mean yes that would be great and I'll probably get one. But I'll be using this exact load for each 1500 so ideally the tougue weight won't change now that I know how much it weights (I also mark the location of the concrete block on the trailer). And that's a great idea for acceleration!

[@alkalk8938]

Torque curve being flat should not be suprising, the 'tune' basically limits torque to its max output, and with all the available oxygen it can make that torque from 1700 up to whatever rpm the direct injection system cant keep up, that's when torque falls off. Whereas most engines are limited by available air, a turbo engine has to be limited by fuel because it literally has enough air burn enough fuel to break components. This is why you can gain immense power with just a tune...at the cost of longevity/ reliability.

[@calebferguson3930]

Gotta try the chevy 2.7 4 cylinder too then! Lol. Ive had 2 and loved them. Would prefer to pull the trailer with them over the 5.3 i had inbetween them all day long. I never did get to tow with the 2.7 f150 eco, but the 3.5 f150 eco i also had was definitely a beast. Powertrain wise, it felt stronger then my tuned 6.0 powerstroke f250

[@Tailwind1]

Looking forward to Gen 3 Tundra comparison.

[@alvoelkle]

ACTUAL gas mileage is 6.5 to 7.5 mpg for towing a box cargo trailer, not 10 as stated in the video. Read on.... I appreciate your approach to evaluating towing. HOWEVER, I own a 2023 F150 with the 3.5L ecoboost with a 3.31 rear differential, the same truck used in this video. And I thought I would offer an assessment for us Americans. Fort speed limits are often much higher in the US with 75 mph speed limits being common. So towing a trailer at 72 mph would be the minimum speed. Also the trailer used in the video is flat and doesn't offer much wind resistance: which is considerable and increases the load on the engine with every 1 mph increase. So, if pulling a trailer, the weight isnt necessarily the factor contributing to the load as is the wind resistance. A realistic mpg for towing an 8,000 pound box trailer with a V nose is 6.5 to 7.5 mpg on short up and down hills. So better get the 36 gallon tank to get a 175 functional miles out of a tank of gas. Into a 8mph headwind I was getting closer to 5.8 mpg. This engine and 3.31 rear end does give a city mpg of 17+ and not pulling a trailer of 22+ mpg on the highway. iI you want to tow a trailer a lot, get the better gear ratios. You will loose city and highway mpg. But you will end up with better mpg towing. FYI, the engine is a BEAST. There is no shortage of power. And it is a rocket when unloaded!

[@Fiterpilot]

After your experience here, has this changed what you think about some of the larger gas engines, namely the 7.3L?

[@discusdude35]

I had a '17 3.5 ecoboost and it was definitely a good towing engine. The only thing I didn't like was how much my 8500lb. travel trailer pushed me around on the interstate. I had a tight weight distribution hitch on it to help, but it just unnerved me. Tail wagging the dog. The fuel economy while towing was god awful as well. 20-21mpg empty and 7-8mpg while towing. I swapped to a 7.3 super duty and it is SO much more stable towing.

[@magneric]

My suburban was more stable towing my 7.5k lb trailer than an f150. I regret buying mine

[@Shawn82185]

10ply/ E rated tires make a night and day difference. Plus suspension assistance such as ride active, sumo springs, timbren or air bags. I’ve towed right around max 10,000 lbs and never felt less than comfortable. Also got better fuel mileage than my friends 2500 Hd at the same weight. He got 8mpg while I got 10mpg out of the 3.5 with 3.31 gears

[@Shawn82185]

Pulling 20 miles while gaining 1,400+ in elevation as well

[@gr8705]

This test reminds me of the old Ford commercial where they ran a F150 Ecoboost around an oval track for 24 hours with 10K pounds. There is a BIG DIFFERENCE towing an RV that weighs 8500 pounds as compared to a flat load. The F150 Ecoboost is good for up to a 5,000 lb travel trailer IMO. Any heavier and the turbos stay in boost for too long and will get hot. I know because I towed my 8500 lb travel trailer for 30,000 miles with my 2015 F150 Ecoboost. I recently bought a 2023 Super Duty to tow my trailer which should handle it with ease. My son has a 2021 F150 Ecoboost which he tows his 5,000 travel trailer with with no issues. There is no Eco to the Ecoboost when towing. Expect 7 or 8 mpg when towing 5,000+ lb travel trailer with the Ecoboost. And believe me it won’t like the mountains of New Mexico or Colorado. Just buy a Super Duty!

[@gavinlee9478]

Did you have the max tow package on yours? Makes a world of difference, I towed about 11k of roofing tin with a 20 ft bumper pull trailer and mine did absolutely fine, I didn’t feel the trailer a bit and it had no trouble at all. Had it in normal drive mode the whole time, never touched the tow and haul mode

[@LessonLearn-pe2go]

Thank you for the good info!

[@TheeAbstractHero]

5:10 - A flat torque curve is not all that surprising on a modern engine. It is common practice for turbo engines these days to be calibrated for high boost pressure at low RPM, and gradually decrease as it revs out.

[@brandonstewart7145]

Thanks for the video, very informative and seems honest. I do wish to know how the truck did on the downhill though, maybe you could add that into the next video?

[@TheGettyAdventures]

I shot some downhill but honestly the truck crushed it I didn't add it in. I'll make sure I add that in next time

[@brandonstewart7145]

@@TheGettyAdventures awesome, thank you sir. I hear lots of good things about those motors when it comes to towing 😁.

[@FullaBullz]

Don’t have one but friend does. Said it towes great but only downfall is when loaded it’s very thirsty.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Ohh ya she drinks fuel when it's loaded

[@dasveetm4379]

My 23 Lariat gets about 7mpg towing a 6800 lb travel trailer.

[@putz173]

the f150 tongue weight limit is supposed to be 500 lbs, 1120 or something with distribution hitch, not sure why their tongue weight is so low , atleast with the '22 tow package for 10,900 lbs

[@ajdizzle4shizzle]

These tow reviews are excellent!

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Really appreciate that sir

[@paublojaimes1128]

Awesome video. I’d love to see you do one for a 5.0 F150

[@TheGettyAdventures]

I can't wait to tow with a 5L. That upper end power is going to be cool to see

[@robmd3851]

I have a max tow equipped 5.0, with 3.73 as we have a 7500lb travel trailer. Tows it with ease it pretty amazing, worst fuel economy towing was also 19l/100kms also so very liveable.

[@idnld1588]

Great video. Which tuner is your friend running on his rig? No doubt, there are a lot of options. Just curious exactly which one he has.

[@johnfarney5328]

Nice review!

[@TheMacronical]

The hurricane engine won't hit 90% of peak torque until 2350 rpm. Even people who reviewed the high output version in the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, all said the engine has no bottom end. I'll just wait for the 2nd gen powerboost

[@TheGettyAdventures]

See that is odd because its an inline 6 and ideally should have tons of torque. But either way the powerboost seems to be getting alot of good reviews

[@jeremystone2016]

Excellent video. Thank you sir. I've had my truck for a couple months now but haven't had a chance to tow our 4000lb camper yet. Mine has the 3.31 rear end as well, didn't have one with a 3.55 on any of the lots 😑. I was wondering whether there'd be quite a bit of difference in fuel economy with the different rear ends while towing.

[@TheGettyAdventures]

I mean with having 3.31 you'll have better fuel economy on paper. But at 4,000lbs this engine will tow that with complete ease

[@scramjet4610]

I think this engine is what they use for pursuit in Police Vehicles.

[@mmholling87]

Great review. Not sure if you mentioned what octane rating of fuel you were running?

[@jordangiesbrecht05]

great video! would love to see a tow test with the lz0 duramax and compare it to this

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Im excited for that! Would be a great comparison

[@mcatlow8]

I’d love to have a TT 5.0 v8 in a truck like this one.

[@jacobstrutner8232]

Theres so many on these engines runnig around with 300k+ miles on them people just dont understand how reliable they are. You only get eco or boost thats the entire ppint of them.

[@WinningDeadlyEncounters]

I had an 18 for 14k miles loved the power then it blew the #3 piston skirt. Back to Toyota I went

[@TheGettyAdventures]

That is the concern with this engine - reliability

[@jasonbrushett2005]

​@@TheGettyAdventures there are loads of these on the rds,plenty reliable

[@Charles-pu1tx]

Nice truck video, does the truck have trailer brake controller or a trailering package?

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Yup it had a trailer brake controller! Worked great tbh

[@josipdolic6391]

Great videos man

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Appreciate it sir!

[@ShamusOGrady2]

I know this video is old, but the 10 speed was not co developed with GM. Ford developed the 10 speed in exchange for a 9 speed fwd transmission from GM. Ford didn't like the final design, so they made it into a 8 speed

[@TIREDOFEVIL]

I would like to see when towing what the boost pressure is, yes it seems to have the power to pull, but how much stress is being placed on the engine?

[@TheGettyAdventures]

Ya I like how the powerstrokes have a boost gauge. But these engines are engineered to run with these extra pressures on paper.

[@jeremystone2016]

You can configure the gauges to show boost from the settings on steering wheel, at least I am able to with XLT trim. Not sure about different instrument clusters with the other trims.

[@jasonbrushett2005]

​@Jeremy Stone I have a built in boost guage on my 19' Lariat 3.5