http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ive/index.html

 

One thing I don't get - new 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L and 6.2L are much more powerful than old Tritons (4.6L and 5.4L).

Yet, towing capacity is pretty much the same. How come?

 

Maybe they can't beef up the suspension enough to raise it without destroying ride quality expected from a half ton. Most people aren't towing that much on a regular basis, whereas the ride is noticed every time you drive it. People that are towing large loads frequently are more likey to opt for a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.

That's just a complete guess though.

 

I'd agree with that analysis Lee.


Towing capacity is more than torque or horsepower. The Raptor with it's 6.2 only gets a tow rating of 6000#.

A pre runner suspension is not set up for towing. Wheel travel is not a good aspect for towing.

 

So ... what was the point of introducing all new engines?

Heck, I would rather have 4.6L (292 hp version) than 3.7L and maybe even 5.4L instead of 5.0L.

Tritons were so reliable ... it doesn't get much better than that (I rented U-Haul Econolines few times with over 700,000 miles on the odometer). I'm not saying that 3.7L and 5.0L won't be reliable, but it's gonna take time.

 

If I were to guess, I'd say upcoming CAFE standards is the driving force behind it, along with spreading current engines among the full line up of vehicles to reduce production costs.

 

This is also a good article to read re: the new engine line-up. As a current F-150 owner, I'm really excited about these new options. This time a year ago, I wouldn't take you seriously if you told me I should trade my 5.4L for a V6. But after reading up on them, I gotta say, I'm liking the idea more and more.

 

Efficiency, acceleration, weight, commonality, bragging rights, growth potential, transaction cost,etc

 

Nice read, looks like it will grab another MT Truck of the Year.

 

There have been complaints from people about the 4.6 & 5.4 almost since their introduction way back what 10 years ago? They've always been at a power disadvantage against their pushrod counterparts from D & C. These engines squash that issue completely and confidently while maintaining or increasing fuel mileage. Its a win/win.

 

They had power disadvantage, but they had quality on their side. I think I read somewhere that F-150's 4.2L V6 engine was the highest quality engine ever introduced in a 1/2 ton truck.
I had 0 problems with 4.6L engine in my F-150 since I bought it brand new in 2005.

 

Yes, I'm not denying the reliability aspect of 4.6/5.4, just the output.