5,000 miles towing with 2021 F-150 Platinum PowerBoost - review

[desertlivin]

I have towed my trailer about 5,000 miles in total, across multiple trips. My most recent 1,500-mile trip really impressed me with this truck. We went camping in the backcountry at a lake about 20 miles from the closest store. On the drive up I turned on a dirt road and took the camper off-road for 9 miles. At the end of day 2 of the campground, the battery on the trailer was getting a bit low, we plugged into the 7.2kW onboard pro power and it worked incredibly easily. 2 hours later the camper was fully charged.

I had one critical meeting I had to attend. I drove 45 minutes to where the Hotspot had connectivity and joined a Microsoft Teams call, put up the virtual background and people were none the wiser. On the drive home, we ended up driving through Death Valley. 116-degree heat, pulling 5,000 lbs with the A/C on full blast, and the truck didn't flinch. I towed this up and down multiple inclines, 8% grades, other vehicles stopping and pulling over and this truck ran smoothly with no issues. The entire family was comfortable and well protected. This is what I bought the truck for and I am very happy so far.

 

[Slappy McGee]

What kind of trailer is that? Looks like an awesome trip and we’re in the market for a family camping setup that has some off-road capability.

 

[desertlivin]

What kind of trailer is that? Looks like an awesome trip and we’re in the market for a family camping setup that has some off-road capability.

It is a Rockwood GeoPro 20BHS, that comes with an off-road kit. Includes the 190w solar panel and you can see the tires are a little bit nobbier for off-road. I am pretty happy with it so far, we have taken it out on 5 trips now, including some fairly remote spots. Overall it's a nice setup for us, not too large where we can easily take it to a lot of different spots, including all National Parks. Many National Parks require trailers 23ft or smaller.

https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers/rockwood-geo-pro/G20BHS/5139

 

[Lippy]

Great looking truck, and it's comforting to hear it performed so well in hot conditions.

 

[toyko joe]

How has your mileage been over this trip with the PB engine?

 

[laujoyjoy]

How has your mileage been over this trip with the PB engine?

I am towing a similar trailer as the OP around 5000 pounds loaded. I just drove back from Ohio to NJ. Went through some hilly highway in PA. 550 mile and 11 hours (didn't shut off the truck because I am carrying our pets to keep the AC on). Resulting 11.5mpg. I would assumed mileage is comparable to a regular Ecoboost. The PB advantage I found was when I was "idling", the hybrid system would keep the AC going for quite a while as the engine is off. Potentially saving a lot of fuel.

 

[Steve2352]

It is a Rockwood GeoPro 20BHS, that comes with an off-road kit. Includes the 190w solar panel and you can see the tires are a little bit nobbier for off-road. I am pretty happy with it so far, we have taken it out on 5 trips now, including some fairly remote spots. Overall it's a nice setup for us, not too large where we can easily take it to a lot of different spots, including all National Parks. Many National Parks require trailers 23ft or smaller.

https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers/rockwood-geo-pro/G20BHS/5139

Appreciate the report. My power boost ruck is in transit and hope to do similar trips in the future.

 

[dantheman]

That looks like an awesome trailer! Thanks for the report.

 

[don.mullins]

Our trailer is a 30’ 7560# Lance 2445. We just came off a 16 day, 4300 mile trip to Yellowstone from Texas. Very pleased with how the truck performed.

My mileage was lower, but I also ran 70 MPH or the speed limit, if lower. I still need to crunch the numbers and try to break out towing vs. sightseeing.

 

[desertlivin]

I have a pretty heavy foot, even with a trailer. I have averaged about 10mpg when towing with the kayaks. Even when driving with just the kayaks and no trailer I have been seeing about 15mpg.

 

[Whiskey]

Awesome and thanks for the report. Hopefully, I’ll be off to Iowa next week to pickup my new Toyhauler. At 10,500 GVW I’m anxious to see how my PB does. Did you put air bags on your truck? If so what model number so I can get the right ones?

 

[desertlivin]

Great looking truck, and it's comforting to hear it performed so well in hot conditions.

Thank you, I was a bit worried I have heard towing bills from Death Valley can easily be about $1,500 but really impressed with just how well the truck did. I didn't need to adjust anything.

 

[desertlivin]

Awesome and thanks for the report. Hopefully, I’ll be off to Iowa next week to pickup my new Toyhauler. At 10,500 GVW I’m anxious to see how my PB does. Did you put air bags on your truck? If so what model number so I can get the right ones?

Thanks! Congrats on the new toyhauler, that should be fun. I am not using any airbags, just Max Tow with the 3.5L PB.

 

[PungoteagueDave]

Awesome and thanks for the report. Hopefully, I’ll be off to Iowa next week to pickup my new Toyhauler. At 10,500 GVW I’m anxious to see how my PB does. Did you put air bags on your truck? If so what model number so I can get the right ones?

I went with the Airlift 5000 air bags. That's a big toyhauler. I would definitely use a weight distribution hitch on that size trailer. I can't with my 9,750-pound boat trailer due to format, but would if I could. Look forward to 6-7 mpg. My turbo runs constantly when towing and the hybrid element adds nothing at that time. The generator is a huge add, and the hybrid works great when not towing.

 

[Whiskey]

I went with the Airlift 5000 air bags. That's a big toyhauler. I would definitely use a weight distribution hitch on that size trailer. I can't with my 9,750-pound boat trailer due to format, but would if I could. Look forward to 6-7 mpg. My turbo runs constantly when towing and the hybrid element adds nothing at that time. The generator is a huge add, and the hybrid works great when not towing.

Thanks for the info. I do plan on purchasing the weight distribution and sway bar tow package, and, a set of 5,000 lb bags before I pickup the unit. Saved a bit of money on the toy hauler by not adding a generator cause the PB has one already. Hopefully that will offset some fuel cost????

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