Ford F150 Powerboost?

[routlaw]

Considering a new TV and the Powerboost caught my attention yesterday. A 3/4 ton would be nice but just don't have the space to park it or the budget to own and keep one so still going with a half ton. I have had great service from my existing F150 3.5 EB but it is getting long in the tooth (2013) and I now have one major repair to do to the HVAC system (over $2K) with potential concerns for more major repairs in the future now that I am coming up on 100K miles. Other than this one repair the truck has been near faultless for well over 12 years other than basic maintenance. Given my tendencies to be far off the beaten path with #70 in tow reliability is becoming a concern.

I know there are a few of you who have been towing with the Powerboost F150 and wanted to check in with you to see how thats still going? MPG, towing range, or anything else you would like to share regarding its towing capability as well as day to day driving? 

Curiously what I see on dealer lots recently is the 5.5 beds vs the 6.5 foot beds. Not sure why, but not happy about it. I really like the longer bed length for a variety of reasons but maybe I could get used to the 5.5 foot bed length. 

Thanks

Rob

 

[topgun2]

Rob - 

I'm on my third 3.5 Ecoboost f-150.  I bought one the first year they were offered (2011) then a 2017 and now have a 2023.

Never a single issue with any of the three.  But, as you might imagine, I've not put more that 50,000 miles on the first two and now only have 12.600 on the 2023.

Given you have a 2013 I'd guess that you know what a beast the engine is.  Those twin turbos really make such a large vehicle fly!  However, I assume you also know that there are reports of serious engine problems with those early models that have over 100,000 miles on them.

The only other comment I have concerns the gas mileage - I had hoped for better MPG when towing (I get between 12 and 13 mpg on annual fishing trips from NC to the Rockies and back).  Not towing I get 22 on the highway - 65 mph on rolling Interstates here in NC and more like 17 around town.

Each of the three I've owned have had the 6.5 bed because I ordered mine each time.  I did ask about why the 5.5 seemed to be popular and was told that the foot shorter bed provided for easier driving around town and was about all most people needed to haul mulch and kid toys.

Bill

 

[STEVEnBETTY]

I ordered a 2021 f150 powerboost in December of 2020, took delivery in may of 2021, other than normal maintenance, the truck has been great. I currently have 61,000 miles on it and 33,000 of those have been towing our Oliver. Avg mpg 24, city and hwy, towing about 12, varies quite a bit. My favorite feature of the truck is the aux power in the bed, with the ac running, the battery runs the trl for 42 minutes of every hour, the engine is off for 13 minutes, runs for 2 to charge the batteries and shuts off. I plan on buying another one sometime before 100,000 miles.

[routlaw]

@STEVEnBETTY thanks for this info. Just about to close a deal on one. I do have one more question for you though. What is you normal assuming there is one, cruising range on a tank of gas. I understand the EV portion does nothing on behalf of towing and the tank is smaller by 6 gallons so your range between fill ups should be shorter and more frequent, right?

[routlaw]

2 hours ago, topgun2 said:

Rob - 

I'm on my third 3.5 Ecoboost f-150.  I bought one the first year they were offered (2011) then a 2017 and now have a 2023.

Never a single issue with any of the three.  But, as you might imagine, I've not put more that 50,000 miles on the first two and now only have 12.600 on the 2023.

Given you have a 2013 I'd guess that you know what a beast the engine is.  Those twin turbos really make such a large vehicle fly!  However, I assume you also know that there are reports of serious engine problems with those early models that have over 100,000 miles on them.

The only other comment I have concerns the gas mileage - I had hoped for better MPG when towing (I get between 12 and 13 mpg on annual fishing trips from NC to the Rockies and back).  Not towing I get 22 on the highway - 65 mph on rolling Interstates here in NC and more like 17 around town.

Each of the three I've owned have had the 6.5 bed because I ordered mine each time.  I did ask about why the 5.5 seemed to be popular and was told that the foot shorter bed provided for easier driving around town and was about all most people needed to haul mulch and kid toys.

Bill

 

Bill your results are very similar to mine in terms of MPG for towing but much depends on the wind out here in the west. I have gotten lower but also higher too under very ideal conditions. Good point regarding my older unit getting close to 100K and this more than anything has prompted me to make a move rather than getting in trouble back in the boonies and all that entails potentially. Otherwise the yes the 3.5 EB are surely a tech marvel, well the entire truck line is for that matter. Very close to closing the deal on new one as we speak. While the longer beds are a PITA in urban areas I still prefer them, but local dealer had very few on the lot but otherwise just about ideal. 

Thanks

[STEVEnBETTY]

I usually stop & fuel every 250-275 miles. The electric motor is constantly providing power to the drivetrain, but at 30 hp it obviously needs some help. I really like the concept of the dodge ram charger, in that the motion is provided by electric motors and the internal combustion’s engine just recharges the battery, similar to a diesel electric locomotive, but they haven’t released it yet.

[I M in KS]

Hello. I have a 2024 F150 Lariat Powerboost hybrid. I bought the hybrid to get the 7.2kW generator with the 30amp plug in the bed. I have not yet used the 30 Amp setup, but have used the 20 Amp outlets in generator mode. It's a bit quirky - you need to leave the truck "on" for the generator to power the outlets. It's not smart enough to turn off the radio and it stays bluetooth connected to my phone. I've used it to power a portable refrigerator (IceCo). It's probably good to leave the AC on in the summer, as the cab gets hot trying to keep the inverter cool.

I get between 9 & 10 miles/gal when towing the Legacy Elite 2. Wind direction affects mileage quite a bit. This is not much better mileage than I got with my 2006 Nissan Titan with a V8. 

Even when not towing the trailer, the mileage is probably about the same as you'd get with a regular V6 Ecoboost - probably due to the added battery weight. It doesn't run on pure battery very often. Only at really low speed on flat ground or downhill. Again, I didn't buy it for hybrid driving reasons - I wanted the big generator and 30Amp capability.

I believe the Powerboost ONLY comes in the 5.5ft bed and crew cab, independent of the trim line. This is why there are no 6.5ft beds on dealer lots.

I've had it 7 mo so far and like it. It is loaded with tech (most of which I don't need), but I really wanted ventilated seats. I'll post more once we've used the 30Amps for boondocking.

[routlaw]

@I M in KS actually the Powerboost does come in a 6.5 bed, have been driving one today, Lariat model. It's impressive and a cut above my older 2013 EB in every way. Truthfully I am not sure how much use I would get out of the 7.2 KW generator, maybe some but given our solar and LI-ON battery and how little electricity we use while camping  but its still a very nice forward thinking attribute and feature. I am surprised you are not getting better gas mileage though. Even my older eco boost gets on average much better MPG unless its severe windy conditions. 

Thanks for the info.

[STEVEnBETTY]

While towing with my 2021 powerboost I lock out 10th gear, keep the speed around 70 and on flat ground with no wind I’ll get 13 to 16 mpg. Fords 10 speed transmission has a double overdrive, keeping it in 9th is the first overdrive. If you’re really serious about fuel mileage run it in 8th, which is direct, no overdrive, at 60 mph and you’ll be amazed

[STEVEnBETTY]

One other point about the powerboost, is the torque added by the electric motor is outstanding, towing where you live will be noticeable, my last truck was a 2014 f150 with the 5 liter, no comparison.

[routlaw]

That's some very helpful and interesting information @STEVEnBETTY thanks for sharing this. Clearly I have a lot to learn about these new vehicles. Thus far on my test drives I have been truly impressed by the difference from the older units. I was starting to become a bit concerned regarding the reduced payload capacity at first due to the additional weight of the onboard battery but given how we travel I think the Powerboost will be fine. Ford is really hitting with some of their new features on these trucks but reliability might be a concern too, only time will tell. 

[Geronimo John]

On 6/27/2025 at 8:02 AM, topgun2 said:

I did ask about why the 5.5 seemed to be popular and was told that the foot shorter bed provided for easier driving around town and was about all most people needed to haul mulch and kid toys.

Roger all. 

On the 5.5 bed:  For those that need to store their vehicle in a Public Storage shed, having the 5.5' bed is the cat's meow for a 20 ' x 10" box.  Going with the 6.5' bed and you are now into the 30' stalls.  MUCH more expensive.  Also hauling pilots and flight gear up switch backs is easier with the 5.5' bed.  And 40 PSI in the air bags.

GJ

[Shawna and Scott]

I have towed our 2022 Ell with a 2014 and now 2019 3.5L eco boost. Both trucks XLT with tow package. The 2014 had a 6.5' bed and the 2019 has a 5.5' bed. Both tow the Oliver easily. We live in Ohio and have towed it to Alabama (rally), Miss, Tenn, KY and WV camping and have had zero issues.  Payload  was a learning curve at first but after loading and unloading stuff we never "used" vs stuff we take "in case" it became easier. I think the only issue with the Powerboost and some other options would be less payload capacity.

We are looking to move to a 3/4 or 1 ton truck this year to accommodate more extended trips. Getting away from the Anderson Hitch is a bonus for me, lol.

Scott

 

 

[DavePhelps]

On 6/28/2025 at 1:21 PM, routlaw said:

I was starting to become a bit concerned regarding the reduced payload capacity at first due to the additional weight of the onboard battery but given how we travel I think the Powerboost will be fine.

I've read that the PB Platinum models have a payload capacity around 1250 lbs. The Lariat will be a bit more, but not sure how much. Do your calculations and be safe! Cargo weight adds up in a hurry with just the most basic things (passengers, canopy, hitch/mudflaps, tongue weight...)

The 6.5" bed would be what I would pick for many reasons including the longer wheelbase, which will improve your ride.
Living in the great state of Wyoming, and the inter-Mountain West, if I was towing with only a 30 gallon gas tank, I'd for sure carry an extra 5 gallons in the back. My tank is 36 gallons and I have already needed it! Good luck and hope the new truck works well for you.

Dave    

[CRM]

28 minutes ago, DavePhelps said:

I've read that the PB Platinum models have a payload capacity around 1250 lbs. The Lariat will be a bit more, but not sure how much. Do your calculations and be safe! Cargo weight adds up in a hurry with just the most basic things (passengers, canopy, hitch/mudflaps, tongue weight...)

And pack whatever you can in the Ollie if you're running up against your payload limit. 100 lbs packed in there only adds 10-15 lbs to your payload. 

[routlaw]

1 hour ago, DavePhelps said:

I've read that the PB Platinum models have a payload capacity around 1250 lbs. The Lariat will be a bit more, but not sure how much. Do your calculations and be safe! Cargo weight adds up in a hurry with just the most basic things (passengers, canopy, hitch/mudflaps, tongue weight...)

The 6.5" bed would be what I would pick for many reasons including the longer wheelbase, which will improve your ride.
Living in the great state of Wyoming, and the inter-Mountain West, if I was towing with only a 30 gallon gas tank, I'd for sure carry an extra 5 gallons in the back. My tank is 36 gallons and I have already needed it! Good luck and hope the new truck works well for you.

Dave    

Thanks but for the record I live in Montana not WY but we often travel to and through WY, camp, hike and bike. From what I know the payload does differ a fair amount depending upon what other options are installed from moonroof to off road package. For the most part other than toys, ie bikes or kayaks we are fairly light travelers. Even over estimating our load with everything we might bring along I don't get anywhere near what the lowest payload might be on this truck. Future experience might prove otherwise, hopefully not. Like many others on the forum I have had great success with my previous eco boost engine pulling the Ollie for over 10 years. A 3/4 ton would be great for towing but just not in the cards for me for a litany of reasons. 

Once I have this new one in hand I will report back on all of the concerns we have all come up with. It's interesting how the Ford truck forums have so much vitriol for this one model of truck though, just on the issue of towing and none other. Almost funny how so many people get worked up over these issues. Oh well.

[Geronimo John]

On 6/28/2025 at 10:21 AM, routlaw said:

I have been truly impressed by the difference from the older units

It is absolutely amazing what a few mods to a truck design can do.   Like:

• Taking 700 pounds off the  truck (Conversion of body from steel to AL.)
• Having a near 400 HP Twin Turbo engine with a 10 speed

GJ

[routlaw]

58 minutes ago, Geronimo John said:

It is absolutely amazing what a few mods to a truck design can do.   Like:

• Taking 700 pounds off the  truck (Conversion of body from steel to AL.)
• Having a near 400 HP Twin Turbo engine with a 10 speed

GJ

Agreed these newer trucks are on a completely different level in performance as well as comfort, features and amenities. Approaching rocket science.

[routlaw]

On 7/1/2025 at 12:17 PM, DavePhelps said:

I've read that the PB Platinum models have a payload capacity around 1250 lbs. The Lariat will be a bit more, but not sure how much. Do your calculations and be safe! Cargo weight adds up in a hurry with just the most basic things (passengers, canopy, hitch/mudflaps, tongue weight...)

Finally received delivery on the 3rd, turns out my payload capacity is 1285. Not great but should be able to work with it. It has the moonroof, max tow pkg, and 4X off road pkg, came with factory tonneau cover all which add to the load. 

Now that I have installed Li-ON battery I would like to eliminate the charge for the new TV but there is nothing in the manual that specifically states what fuse and or relay fuse is used for this. On my older 2013 it was #9 & 21 for the relay and fuse. Anyone else know anything about which fuse to remove to eliminate the charge to the trailer? There are a few fuses related to the trailer but most them are marked for various lights, brakes etc the other noted as #8 just states Trailer Tow 1 rated at 30A. I suspect #8 is the one I am after but would like confirmation before pulling. 

Thanks in advance if anyone has insight on this.