Ontario to Mrytle beach 1500km (~900 miles) towing 7000lb trailer with 2022 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost Max Tow

[Northguy]

That's a pretty impressive payload for a Lariat! 501 or 502?
My XLT 302 payload is 1,777....

Sorry for confusion - I have a XLT - 302 as well (thankfully in Canada the 302 comes with sliding back window AND bed lighting). 20" sport tires and 4*4. My truck details and the issues I went thru to get it are in my signature. I do wish I had some of the option u get with Lariat - namely the 4A.

I was replying to the post who asked why my payload was so high vs his/her Lariat.

Again apologies if I confused people.

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[kevdog0710]

Great looking setup. It looks like you have the WDH set up about perfect. Im looking forward too reading all the responses on this thread.

 

[780]

Sorry for confusion - I have a XLT - 302 as well (thankfully in Canada the 302 comes with sliding back window AND bed lighting). 20" sport tires and 4*4. My truck details and the issues I went thru to get it are in my signature. I do wish I had some of the option u get with Lariat - namely the 4A.

I was replying to the post who asked why my payload was so high vs his/her Lariat.

Again apologies if I confused people.

Nope. I misread. It was another person that went to a Lariat.
Yep. 4A is what I'd want the most from the Lariat. Just not worth the extra dough. But it would be great for Canadian winters. It's almost enough to push me into a Ram since you get 4A plus a heated wheel in the mid level trim. Plus they are coming out with an Inline 6 twin turbo....

 

[Northguy]

Great looking setup. It looks like you have the WDH set up about perfect. Im looking forward too reading all the responses on this thread.

Nice setup yourself - looks like you are well set up for kayak adventures. I better not show my wife your blue truck or I will have to replace my black one.

Yeah took almost a half day with WDH. First set it up per instructions to get it close as hitch ht of 2022 was very different from my 2010. Then made small adjustments to get wheel well hts to be where I wanted. Truck was perfectly level and trailer a slight pitch forward. For trip back I added 2 washers to the hitch to drop the angle slightly to get more of the trailer wt on the truck. I didnt feel any difference so may go back - pretty minor either way I guess. To be sure really need to go to a CAT scale to confirm but haven't taken that step yet. My friends Lariat has the bed scale which was very useful in setting up his new trailer.

 

[JohngaltinOC]

Yeah is nice that we have an option to have boost gauge on the dash. I like watching that - locking out 9 and 10 ran the rpm slightly higher but reduced the boost.

I hear you on longevity. I am considering getting extended warranty due to that concern before my truck hits a year old. I have never bought extended warranty on anything before but given tech in this truck am considering it.

U must love the power boost for camping. We stayed at several harvest hosts on way back and having trailer power built into the truck would have been great. I was just worried about payload perhaps too much so as now realizing what I gave up not getting the PB.

Thankful with the help of this forum I was able to spec my truck to ensure I had enough payload - 1843lbs because with my old f150 I was pushing or over the limit. My new truck with max tow and 3.55 gear ratio has a rating of 14,000lbs towing but reality is I would hit payload limit well below that even with my high payload rating.

As @Snakebitten highlights, options add up fast. You have a Lariat vs my xlt so you have a lot of payload eating options (though very nice to have when u aren't towing). For example - these are just high level estimates and are off a bit but on this forum there is a great list of payload hit per option
- Pano roof - 80lbs
- tailgate step - 45 lbs
- power running boards - 30 lbs
- navigation as part of copilot assist -8 lbs
- depending on stereo u got - 30 lbs
- adjustable gas/brake pedals - 8 lbs.

Any factory add on - bed liner, wheel covers etc also take away from payload.

So all the nice things you get with a Lariat do hit the payload but you get to enjoy them on a daily basis. As mentioned above I really regret not getting a few options that my Lariat owning friends have and highlight to me everytime I get in their trucks.

Because of this forum and having owned an under-payload truck before, I ended up learning a lot more of the details for this order which far exceeded what the salesperson knew and who quoted the 14,000lb towing capacity constantly! Also using Chandler's voice from friends - "Could Ford make towing calculations ANY MORE difficult?"

Lots of really good people on this forum know the calcs better than me and I am not giving recommendations but will share how I did my own if it helps (rightly or wrongly - lots will say payload is only an estimate that trucks can handle lots more or there are different ways to calc)

- 7000lbs *13% =910 lbs
- hitch - 100lbs
- wife and I plus a dog - 400lbs

Total before anything else in the truck is 1410 lbs. For us, that leaves 433 lbs for cargo in the truck - generator, bikes, luggage etc. For us that gives us lots of room. Again this is what I used and I am not suggesting it is the only way.

Hope that helps.

Thanks for all the feedback. I did get the 502a/Fx4/no power running boards/co-pilot 360 (same as copilot assist?) /max tow/2kw power in bed/the twin panel moonroof/the motorized tailgate with step (45lbs wow) /heated steering wheel (didn't even know, but super nice once you have it), etc,etc. So I guess that answers the weight question it sounds like. Truly amazing and now I feel less crazy/stupid to pay sooo much for a pu truck! And like someone pointed out, 99% of driving is not towing, so I enjoy that every day 24/7/365. I also NEVER have done extended warranty, but seems like these things are so much computer/sensor/electronic based tech, one thing going wrong can easily be $2-4k thought it would be stupid to not do it, got ford original warranty (not thru dealer for huge upsell!) 125k/8yr max coverage for $2500. Overall still in love 2yrs later. Look forward to towing TT someday & I'll have to get smaller lighter one as a compromise I guess. Lol

 

[DT444T]

As for longevity with the 3.5 Ecoboost....

When asked what has been the nature of the truck's use by the owner, it's amazing how often they describe the opposite of a babied life. Instead they are trucks that have been "worked", like farm towing or construction towing.

My brother's 2012 with 250,000+ miles with zero issues...

 

[Henfield]

Did you scale (weigh) the combination?

 

[Sneezy]

I also like to believe that folks that work their vehicles often pay closer attention to most maintenance needs? A bit of stereotyping admittedly, but I don't think it's a stretch to assume that folks that are asking more of their vehicle, especially when away from home, are also likely to err on the side of changing oil and air filters and transmission fluid and...... earlier and more frequently than

I’ll definitely vouch for this since I depend on my truck for my income. I average 60k miles per year so I get an oil change every month, the transmission and differentials and transfer case gets serviced every 6 months, and new tires every year. Plus whatever comes up in between. I generally get 80k-100k out of a set of brakes, but I have the fluid flushed annually. I do plugs and coolant once a year as an extra donation to ol’ Henry Ford at the 60k mark as well. Granted I don’t have turbos, but getting things up to temperature regularly is huge.

My truck is about 5 months old so I’ve only got around 25k miles at the moment, but I can personally attest to why Ford is number one in sales. They take their fleet customers seriously, they listen to feedback (just look at their presence on forums) and with proper maintenance it’ll pay you back

 

[Northguy]

Did you scale (weigh) the combination?

Not yet but is the plan. Between taking almost 10 months to get the truck (received in Oct) and Cdn winters, this was the first time I had the two together. I don't have any scales close by which is why I spent so much time trying to get it right thru indirect means. Do want to confirm the setup.

Appreciate any comments if what I've done todate misses something.

 

[Frank_N]

Comparing trip pulling 7000 lb trailer (6200lbs unload) this year with new 2022 max tow 3.5 EB vs last year with my 2010 F150 5.4L. Both with 3.55 gear ratio.

Conclusion
No comparison. While I loved the 5.4l for most things I hated towing with it. It was a real screamer - high rpm to get the torque required. The 3.5 EB was a real pleasure particularly in the PA "mountains". The torque vs rpm curve vs 5.4l (or the 5.0l coyote) is amazing - big fan of the turbos No issue in speeding up to pass even on the hills.

Details

Setup (Picture below)
- 27ft Jayco - 30ft overall length
- setup truck per WDH instructions (same WDH on both trips)
- trailer I-beam had 1/2" tilt forward and truck was completely flat
- increased pressure of truck tires by 10psi (5 psi below max rating)

Speed
- 100-105 k/hr (~65 mph)
- locked out 9 and 10 gears
- used tow mode mostly

Payload - 1843 lbs
- spent a lot of time ensuring good payload as was constantly at or over on my old truck. Use information gained from this forum to estimate payload of build when ordering. Was within 7lbs of actual payload
- really wanted the 20" sport wheels and the extra items from max tow (insurance vs absolute need). Those cost ~ 80lbs but ok with that. Also being in Canada 4 wheel drive was a requirement
- biggest regret (really really regret) was not getting copilot assist. The add-ons for an XLT are crazy and big miss on my part. Know from this forum people have added it and man I would pay to have it done to my truck!

Sway
- no issues with either truck. Was a bit worried with the lighter wt 2022 (both were short box) but didn't seem an issue
- we were lucky though no real wind except in hills of PA which we handled fine

Gas Mileage ESTIMATE
Going - 26.0 l/100km or 9 mpg
Back - 22.7 l/100km or 10.3 mpg

This is from truck meter. As an engineer with OCD I am careful not starting things (slide rulers and spreadsheets) that will send me down the rabbit hole
- only 5k miles on truck so not fully conditioned yet - that might have helped a bit on way back
- wind and speed differences would easily be the key factors here. The 3.5l was such a joy that i likely ran a bit fast particularly on way down vs last year due to the joy of towing with the 3.5l

My general observations is that on the flat and cruising at 65mph with 10 and 9 locked out to minimize the turbos, the gas mileage was significantly better than the 5.4l but in the hills due to the capabilities of the 3.5l to maintain speed thru them, it really sucked the gas and likely much worse than the 5.4. Observation based only.

Oh and I used the trailer backup assist quite frequently. While I have backed this trailer up frequently on old truck I loved the assist. Man it made it really easy getting trailer into spaces and kept my wife and I out of arguments.

I have a 2021 XLT 3.5 ecoboost and 3.55 gearing, and no max tow. I pull a 29' trailer that is 5800lbs dry weight. It tows great and the 3.5 ecoboost has great torque at lower RPM's.
I get a little better mileage but my trailer is lighter.

 

[LCMM55]

I have 2021 XLT 4WD SPORT OFFROAD Powerboost with only one outlet 2.7KW generator. 3.73 Locking rear, I Added AirLift air bags, 1619 payload capacity, 360 BLIS cams, spray in liner. Average around town 25-28mpg. highway not load 25-30mpg. Have not towed the TT yet on the highway. Class 5 Hitch wt capacity is 1160 LB, towing cap 11,000 LB, Trailer is a 2020 Coachman Apex RLDS 293 6500 empty, 7600 loaded, 2 AC units, 50 amp service(will run on 30 amp), very large tanks for boondocking. Hoping the 50 amp adapter will run one AC and the rest of the trailer when needed.

 

[minirx7]

Interesting setup.

I did a much longer trip from Toronto to PA, Washington DC, Virginial Beach through the Carolinas, then orlando florida (Disney), back through Pigeon Forge through NY back to Toronto last year for a total of 5600kms in 3.5 weeks.

I have a Lariat 3.5EB SCREW 4x4 with Max Tow, 20" wheels, and 2KW genny with 502 package. Payload is 1,729lbs. Towed a 267BHS (same length and similar weigth as you), but with 5 bikes in the bed.

No issues on the drive - in fact lane keep assist worked around 80% of the time. No sway (equalizer hitch). Overally completely comfortable ride.

Craziest trip i have every done in my life.

 

[Northguy]

Interesting setup.

I did a much longer trip from Toronto to PA, Washington DC, Virginial Beach through the Carolinas, then orlando florida (Disney), back through Pigeon Forge through NY back to Toronto last year for a total of 5600kms in 3.5 weeks.

I have a Lariat 3.5EB SCREW 4x4 with Max Tow, 20" wheels, and 2KW genny with 502 package. Payload is 1,729lbs. Towed a 267BHS (same length and similar weigth as you), but with 5 bikes in the bed.

No issues on the drive - in fact lane keep assist worked around 80% of the time. No sway (equalizer hitch). Overally completely comfortable ride.

Craziest trip i have every done in my life.

Wow. That is one good long trip.

I went and checked some of your posts. Great setup and very similar to my setup. I have a husky centreline wdh which is similar to your equalizer. Good to know you didn't have any issues on much longer trip with about the same setup.

I am impressed with your payload with a Lariat. Well done. The only thing I wish I would have done was gotten the copilot assist - would have gotten rain sensing wipers, adaptive cruise, front bumper sensors, and lane centering tech in a xlt (I already have 360 camera) for a small price. Really a no brainer now that I understand and frustrates me everyday I get in the truck. And no real hit to the payload. Auugghhh.

One thing I noted on your posts was you having a 2kw Anker powerpack inverter. I have been trying to decide if it is worth buying to help with harvest hosts stops (have been looking at the Jackery setup). Lighter and almost zero noise vs a gas inverter generator though more expensive.

I know you have the 2kw propower on board but by itself doesn't do much for a trailer (have to leave truck running etc). My friends Lariat has it and has similar issues you highlight. However with a 2kw power inverter station the propower would be perfect for recharging it while moving spots.

Thanks again for you post and information. Gives me confidence that my first trip with my setup isn't the exception.

 

[minirx7]

Wow. That is one good long trip.

I went and checked some of your posts. Great setup and very similar to my setup. I have a husky centreline wdh which is similar to your equalizer. Good to know you didn't have any issues on much longer trip with about the same setup.

I am impressed with your payload with a Lariat. Well done. The only thing I wish I would have done was gotten the copilot assist - would have gotten rain sensing wipers, adaptive cruise, front bumper sensors, and lane centering tech in a xlt (I already have 360 camera) for a small price. Really a no brainer now that I understand and frustrates me everyday I get in the truck. And no real hit to the payload. Auugghhh.

One thing I noted on your posts was you having a 2kw Anker powerpack inverter. I have been trying to decide if it is worth buying to help with harvest hosts stops (have been looking at the Jackery setup). Lighter and almost zero noise vs a gas inverter generator though more expensive.

I know you have the 2kw propower on board but by itself doesn't do much for a trailer (have to leave truck running etc). My friends Lariat has it and has similar issues you highlight. However with a 2kw power inverter station the propower would be perfect for recharging it while moving spots.

Thanks again for you post and information. Gives me confidence that my first trip with my setup isn't the exception.

Sorry i dont have the Anker powerpack. I am seriously regretting getting the 2kw propower as it adds batteries and alternators for a system that struggles even at 1600watts. From what i understand it drops voltage under load. For that weight its better to just carry a 2kw anker instead of the propower!! i only got it so that i can power the A/C in the hot summer at road stops but the 2kw propower cannot even though i spent $500 on a Micro-air soft start. very disappointedd.

but now i cannot carry the Anker becausse of weight .. my setup is at the limit of the truck (family of 5, bikes, gear, etc).

 

[KBCoggin]

- biggest regret (really really regret) was not getting copilot assist. The add-ons for an XLT are crazy and big miss on my part. Know from this forum people have added it and man I would pay to have it done to my truck!

I don't know about a '22, but with '23s (my 23 F-150 Plat and a 23 Super Duty Lariat on YouTube) the Lane Centering and BlueCruise are disabled when towing. I hope that makes you feel a little better for not getting it.

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