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Too much of a towed?

Yahoo Message Number: 97431
After much back and forth, we've decided to tow our 2012 F150 Ecoboost Supercrew behind our 2002 Intrigue 370ISL. Hooking up with a Roadmaster Black Hawk 2 All-terrain (rated 10,000 lb) and matched base plate. F150 wet is about 5,700 pounds and coach is rated for 7,000. Going with an Air Force One supplemental braking system. Alternative was our 2007 CRV. We love the F150, and want it for our "un-hooked" escapades.
Interested in the informed opinions of the folks on this forum as to whether or not we will have issues with power towing in the hills/mountains.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Ron and Terri

2002 Intrigue #11358

Ron Ten Haken
(321)258-7992

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97433
I have a very similar setup to yours. I pull a 2007 Chevy Avalanche behind our 2006 Allure. It also has a curb weight of 5,700 lbs (and I usually always have stuff in the bed).

I LOVE the Roadmaster Blackhawk 2, great choice! Our Allure has a 400 ISL, so not much different than yours. Honestly I can't really ever tell that I am towing something. I have towed it probably 9,000 miles the last 1.5 years, all over the West (and some east). I don't have any trouble in the mountains, up or down. The Jake brake is invaluable in the mountains.

I have a basic braking system (brake buddy) and it has been more than adequate. My coach weighs close to 45,000 lbs loaded up and ready to go, so the weight ratio is pretty low, even with a 6,000 truck.

I might notice a slight mpg hit, but certainly 1 mpg or less. I am very happy with the setup and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. In fact I am on the hunt for a 2015 F150, the aluminum one with a peppy little ecoboost.

Good Luck!
Dan

2006 430 Allure with tag
#31344

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97434
I would be interested to know how you are towing a new truck with an ecoboost engine. Ford representatives have been adamant in my discussions with them that the ecoboost cannot be towed. I have put off purchasing a new vehicle for that reason. They claim that during flat towing there is an engine part that would fail and would void the warranty.

Terry

08 Affinity #6837

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97436
Ron,

You should not have to much trouble going up, just down shift to 4th. Your difficulty will be going down grades. Use the same gear going down as you did going up. I tow a Ford Explorer that weighs close to 7000 lbs. If I down shift just as I hit the grade, I'm able to maintain 1800 rpm's. Depending on the steepness, I might have to downshift to 3rd.

Michael Title

05 Inspire #51381 / 400 Cat

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97437
Hi Terry, I have spoken to several people with the F150 Ecoboost that have had no issues flat towing. The procedure to flat tow is in the owners manual, and seems to work as advertised. I'll let you know if I experience any issues. As far as voiding the warranty, I don't know how Ford could do that, as the owners manual clearly states you can flat tow and has the procedure for doing so.

Ron

Intrigue #11358

Ron Ten Haken
(321)258-7992

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97439
Ford told me that all cars with the ecoboost engine where excluded from towing. I'll have to go back and do a little more research, looks like I got a bum steer!

Terry Ray

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97441
As far as the F150 goes, it has to be the 4x4. Don't know about other models.

Ron Ten Haken
321-258-7992

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97442
I town a 2013 4x4 f150 Eco with no problem. It does have to be a 4x4. You shift the transfer case to neutral by moving the 2x4/4x4 select switch back and fourth from 2 to 4 5 times in 7 seconds. Dash notifies you it's in neutral. Only reason I bought Ford.

Kelly Campion
2008 Magna 630
Ford F150 4x4
CVO Road King

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97451
You need to check with Ford for updates to the Owners Manual or any new TSBs

Mikee

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97454
Thanks to all for your advice and counsel.

Terry

08 Affinity #6837

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97455
Ron

I believe the C-9 400 hp in a 40 ft tag axle coach is underpowered. Just think, it is the same engine that they put in the single axle 40 footer which is considerably less weight. I used to gear down to get the RPMs up and I was getting excessive exhaust temp codes. CAT tech line said that the peak torque range is around 1200 to 1300 RPMs and that is most appropriate for pulling hard grades. I have added an AERO muffler and K%N filter and it does seem to help.

Dan 2006 Allure C-9 w/tag and its a dog.

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97468
Ford has never listed the Expedition as towable, has the new 2014 been made towable?

Terry

08 Affinity #6837

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97471
Terry, I only see the Explorer as approved for towing, not the Expedition.

Thanks, Mike 03 Allure 1st Ave. #308998

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97472
That's what I thought. The Expedition has never been towable except with a driveshaft disconnect. Does anyone had any experience with an Expedition with a drive shaft disconnect?

Terry

08 Affinity #6837

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97473
No, but I have towed a 2004 F250 Diesel with a shaft disconnect for 9 years, no problem.

John Beach

06 Allure 31309

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97477
Timely thread for us, as we are considering going to the F150 4X4 too. We think we'll go with the extended cab and longest bed available, and then add a shell with the side and rear access. We too have the ISL370, and as mentioned with the C9, I believe the ISL370 is working pretty hard just handing the 40' with tag. So expect to see it working more on the hills, both up and down:)! I keep going back and forth about adding the MP-8 to our CAPS ISL. If I go that route, I will do the cockpit control, and probably leave it set to zero for the bulk of the time. Engaging the MP-8 for hill climbs. I'd add a EGT sensor and gauge to the dash. And finally add probably the FASS to help feed the existing Lift Pump. We do have the Aeroturbine, but do not feel it was much of am improvement over the stock muffler, which seemed to be properly sized by CC.

We have the 2007 CRV EX-L that we have towed behind this and our previous coach for over 50K miles. It's an easy tow.

I wanted a bit more room to haul some larger items, as well as keeping our bikes under cover too. The CRV AWD has been OK for the dirt roads we have taken it on. Some were probably a bit tougher than the CRV should have been on. The real 4X4 of an F150 would get us the extra cargo space, a bit higher ride, and the ability to get off on a bit more of the off roads that we would like to explore - with a bit added safety to be sure and 'get out' as well as 'into' some cool places. (Not a real Off Roader, so no rock crawling!!!!)

I too like the lighter weight of the aluminum F150, so we'll be looking into this model year. Have not decided between the eco or the smaller V8 yet.

By bad luck, we lost our smaller weight capacity Sterling All Terrain when a pin came out, and one of the arms was bent. Used the replacement opportunity to move up to the 10K Lbs capacity unit - so we're good to go. I'll retain the US Gear braking system, as I've been very pleased with how it performs.

Best of luck on you decision, and if you go that route, please update us with your seat of the pants experience while towing it:)!

Smitty

04 Allure 31017 40' Tag, ISL370
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97488
I towed GM products (Blazer and now a 2002 GMC pickup) for nearly 15 years because all you have to do is push two buttons and the transmission is disconnected. You push one button and it is reconnected. Very simple. I pull one fuse and the miles are not recorded.

You can tow any of their trucks or SUVs including the Yukon, etc.

Gene Merryman
2006 Intrigue
 

Re: Too much of a towed?

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97489
Has anyone on this board towed an F150 2WD utilizing the Remco lube pump? I have a 2010 with less than 24K and would rather not trade if I don't have to. Thanks in advance.