Towing With the 3.5L EcoBoost: Here's What You Should Know

Are you considering getting a car or truck with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine? You're making an excellent choice - this powerful and efficient engine offers superior performance, towing capability, and fuel economy when compared to other engines in its class.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

  • Production years:2010-now
  • Average lifespan of 3.5L EcoBoost:190,000-220,000 miles
  • Fuel supply type:direct injection
  • Power range:310-660 hp
  • Fuel efficiency:average
  • Engine block material:aluminum
  • Engine reliability score:medium
  • The most common problems:intercooler problems, timing chain stretching, carbon buildup on intake valves, coolant and oil leaks.

 

3-5 ecoboost towing

The basics of towing - what you need to know before you tow

Towing is an art form. No two people will do it the same way. Sure, the basics are all the same: you need a hitch system, whether it's a towbar or trailer ball mount, some type of trailer connection, brakes for heavier trailers, and plenty of rope or clamps to keep everything in place.

But once you know the basics, there's room to get creative and customize your setup to suit your needs: kayaks? Bicycle racks? Extra-long lumber loads? You name it; someone has probably towed it! Before you embark on your biggest towing mission yet, make sure to pick up all the necessary components so that you have a safe and successful trip.

Towing with the 3.5L EcoBoost - what are the benefits

The 3.5L EcoBoost is a fantastic engine for towing, giving you the flexibility and power you need without making excessive demands on your wallet.

1) Payload rating

If you're in the market for a Ford car, make sure to take a look at the ones that have the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. For example, in Ford F-150, this engine option not only gives you better fuel economy and more horsepower but also the most impressive benefit of all -- a payload rating of 3,250 lbs!

It gets even better: the engine is paired up with a six-speed transmission so that you can get the most out of its pulling power by taking advantage of its 10-speed shift points. It's not often that you see such an efficient engine give you so much when it comes to hauling; this combination makes the 3.5L EcoBoost definitely worth considering if you want to tow heavier loads with ease on your next pickup truck purchase.

2) Towing capacity

Having the right towing capacity is essential for any successful towing experience, and the 3.5L EcoBoost engine can deliver on that front. This V6 engine offers an impressive towing capacity of up to 14,000 lbs, which provides plenty of power for you to bring along whatever your vehicle can safely handle. With the right set-up, this powerhouse of an engine answers all your toughest hauling needs without breaking a sweat.

3) Torque

If you're looking for powerful, reliable towing performance, look no further than the 3.5L EcoBoost engine featured in many Ford vehicles. This state-of-the-art engine is designed to provide maximum torque when you need it most, and it delivers up to a whopping 500 lb-ft of torque for tow-friendly capability and confidence behind your trailer.

Plus, since this engine features a wide range of sophisticated systems like direct injection and twin turbocharging, it's designed to deliver strength without sacrificing fuel efficiency or other important performance factors. A powertrain like this lets you make the most out of your adventures because you know that you have reliable power for whatever lies ahead.

4) Fuel efficiency

Best of all, you don't have to worry about sacrificing much in terms of fuel economy - as the EcoBoost comes with a host of features specifically designed to help reduce emissions and maintain efficiency, it's highly economical while still offering high performance. The 3.5L EcoBoost also gives you fuel efficiency benefits since its turbocharged design provides improved power with better gas mileage than similarly-sized engines.

With EcoBoost technology, you don't have to compromise on either towing capability or fuel economy - no matter the size of your load! All in all, the 3.5L EcoBoost is a great option if you want to maximize your tow load while keeping fuel costs down - something that all drivers should be thankful for!

What are the drawbacks?

When it comes to towing, the 3.5L EcoBoost is a great engine with plenty of power and torque, but it's not all sunshine and roses. There are some drawbacks that need to be considered if you're thinking about using an EcoBoost for towing.

1) MPG

While the 3.5L EcoBoost has good fuel efficiency, many drivers have reported that their MPG was too high when towing in mountainous regions. They claim that 3.5L EcoBoost will naturally burn more fuel when hauling a load, as compared to similar engines.

If you're considering towing with the Ford 3.5L EcoBoost, bear in mind that it may lead to a significant drop in mileage per gallon (MPG). The EcoBoost is a powerful engine, and the fact that its fuel economy does not suffer greatly when it's put to the task is commendable; however, this should be weighed against the known poor MPG when it comes to hauling capacity.

It is also worth taking into account that MPG ratings for larger or heavier trailers can prove unfavorable given the extra weight and could result in you having to fill up your tank more than you would have hoped. Keeping these aspects in mind before hitting the open road is highly recommended.

2) Costly maintenance and service

With the 3.5L EcoBoost-equipped tow vehicle, you may think you're getting the best of all worlds: power, fuel economy, and versatility in a single package. However, all that power comes at a cost - maintenance and service can be more costly due to the fact that this engine is larger and more complex than its competitors. Along with regular oil changes and tune-ups, it's important to stay proactive with preventative maintenance, such as brake inspections and coolant flushes, as these components are subjected to intense heat when pulling heavy loads.

Even if you're not a mechanic or car enthusiast, plan on spending some extra time researching for knowledgeable mechanics who specialize in 3.5L EcoBoost engines to ensure that your vehicle gets the proper care to remain reliable for many years to come.

So make sure you do your homework before making a decision or investing in the EcoBoost for towing!

Tips for avoiding common problems while towing with the 3.5L EcoBoost

Towing can be a great joy if you have the right setup and don't run into any issues while out on the open road. If your ride of choice is a 3.5L EcoBoost, there are several key things to keep in mind to avoid hitting any bumps in the road.

  • Use a trailer that's within the recommended tow capacity for your vehicle - no matter how fun or convenient it may seem, you may run into serious problems if you don't.
  • Check all connections before leaving - from the hitch connection to your mirrors and breakaway systems - as any failure here can put your whole trip in jeopardy.
  • Lastly, make sure that you're familiar with all of your safety systems, such as trailer sway control and brakes, so that if an unexpected incident arises, you'll know exactly what needs to be done to stay safe on the roads.

With these tips in hand, you should be ready for an enjoyable time out on the open road with your 3.5L EcoBoost!

Conclusion

Now that we've gone over the basics of towing and some things to keep in mind if you have a 3.5L EcoBoost, you should be ready to hit the open road with your camper or boat in tow. Just remember to take it slow at first, pay attention to your surroundings, and use caution when making turns.

With a little practice, you'll be an expert in no time. And who knows - maybe one day you'll be teaching someone else the ropes.

C
CarAraC Research

About the authors

The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Like this content? Subscribe for updates! And Subscribe to Our YouTube YouTube Channel!

Add comment