Maybe a new vehicle this year

Stinny, Ford invented the rear opening side doors on the extended cabs

Hmm. Ford says otherwise.
All-New Ford F-150 Adds Tough New Snow Plow Prep Option Across All Cab Configurations | Ford Media Center
That release was from 2014 for the new 2015 f150.

Putting twin turbos on a v6 gives you good v8 type power, but better economy.

If I were to buy a new truck, it'd be a f150 probably with the smaller ecoboost v6, the 2.7 ecoboost. 325 HP, 375 tq. That's better power and tq than most motors twice it's size.

I've got a friend with the 3.5 ecoboost in a supercrews. It's really nice, and it's been zero issues for him. I think his is the first year the ecoboost was available in the f150, 2011.

 

Well Seasoned, be careful with the rams. There's a lot of rust issues on the newer used ones, depending on the years.

Watch for rust issues on the rams. Chrysler has gone backwards on paint quality since about 2002 or so. Wheel wells, pinch welds, body mounts ( lol I worked for a company that made them for RAM and there were a ton of quality issues with FCA).

The newer rams are great looking trucks, but they just need to be made better.

 

Well, there ya go, provin me wrong again! Guess that will teach me to post without doing my homework.
I guess I should have said "as of a couple years ago", we ordered a new truck at work and there was no plow package available on 150s then...the dealer said it was because the electric power steering couldn't take the additional weight of a plow...I dunno. I'm glad to see it is back though...I'm sure they had plenty of people squawkin about it. Best selling truck of all time...no plow package...LAME!

 

Your're a good man - Ford eh! I got a '15 2.7 ecoboost 4x4, 6.5 foot box, reg cab with hard factory tonneau . . . It's a beast. Weighs just a 100 lbs or so more than our old 87 Ranger with a fiberglass cap. That's where the similarities end. Amazing power when needed and awesome fuel economy the rest of the time. I've. had 400 cu inch Fords, 350 Chevs and so forth but this truck leaves them in the dust. Like the aluminum body, floor and bed. I had it sprayed at Krown (Canada's top rated spray) and will do it annually to ensure salt does not work into the seams and to protect the frame and steel parts underneath. Rust as we know it is a non issue. Our gallon is 20% larger than yours so take that into account but last fall we went on a 400 mile trip (95% highway) and averaged 36 mpg on cruise all the way. That would be about 29-30 U.S. gallon. Ford sells it with a factory plow set up. My #1 boss lady loves it. Granted its not a super cab or crew but still its a 4x4 with tons of power and amazing mileage. It has been flawless in every way so far. The quality is excellent. Cannot say enough good things about it. It actually is about the same fuel consumption as the Ram diesel. It will out pull the Ram diesel so unless you are pulling all the time the 2.7 ecoboost is an excellent choice. I know all the Ram and Chevy fanboys now hate me - had to be truthful.

 

I notice some posts question plowing with the 150. Others may question the engines' durability. From what I have learned if the oil is changed according to Ford guidelines the motor will be just fine. I talked with a friend who is a Ford mechanic and that is what he told me too. There are a few pieces on UTube that feature the larger ecoboost and how Ford has tested it under extreme abuse conditions and it passed with flying colors. As soon as the word 'boost' is used some of the big is better and 8's in a V are magic start predicting the end of the world. Top of the line Cadilacs now run a 3.0l twin turbo v6's putting out 400 hp. Volvo runs their large SUV with both turbos and a supercharger and they are renowned for their excellence. Most over the road transport trucks run turbo diesels. They've come a long way in the past 35 years. The high strength steel frames are pretty stiff now so rust may be the biggest enemy. If you plow lot's then a 250 will shine but if we were to plow here - 300 foot drive with 2 large parking areas - a 150 would be dandy. I have places to push the snow back each time so do not have to abuse the plow asking it to do the near impossible. Good luck.

 

Thanks Bob.
That's some good, hands on info.
Very little towing, and if I were to put a plow on it, it would be for here. I'm pretty good at saying no, if I need to.
I had a brand new '03 PT Cruiser GT with a 2.4L turbo. Slight lag, but it was fairly quick. The problem with that car was the weight. It was around 4200lbs. Stupid heavy for it's size. Never understood that.
The Jeep (an '03) is rated at 16 city and 19 hiway, but I can get 22-24 on a flat stretch. Drops to about 20 @70mph. Mid twenties or higher would be really nice.
I'm still wondering why Ford doesn't put that 2.7 in the Explorer.

 

Yah, did you see that?! Man, they flogged...I mean FLOGGED that thing! Link here...(20 minutes...worth watching!)
ford ecoboost torture test video - - Yahoo Video Search Results

 

I heard its going into the Fusion. (whew! bad azz for sure) I think it's in a Lincoln now. I would expect it to go into the Explorer. It's the most advanced mass produced engine of any of the current manufacturers anywhere. Very little if any lag and it shuts off at stoplights and then starts again as soon as brake released. When its called on for power it becomes like a big V8 and then reverts back to an efficient little v6 when just loafing along. Pretty amazing the way it works. I had to wait quite a while so Ford gave me 3 years of free service. The people at the dealership are sure good to us and I am a happy camper.

 

The 5.0 is good and powerful but do not discount the 2.7 just because its small and a 6. Time will tell but I expect the 2.7 will prove to be the toughest motor Ford has ever produced. I checked it out big time before buying and it is a bullet proof design with cooling where it matters and compacted graphite iron block for strength. The PCM is critical and Ford has lots of experience (good and bad) to draw on. The other makers just getting into turbos lately. Let's face it us old lads have been raised on big V8's are where its at. I would say willingly brainwashed. I still enjoy the reality car restoration and hot rod programs. But now we live in a world where change is rapid and innovation rules. Ford was smart when they brought Mullaly in from Boeing to run the company. They've never looked back since. Either one will meet our needs but must admit I like the 2.7

 

Good to hear what you have to say ranger bob. I'll be in the truck market in about 3 years, and I'm keeping a very close eye on how the 2.7 eco does until then. I've been regularly checking the F150 forums looking for common issues, but I haven't seen any yet. I think for those of us that haul air in our trucks 90% of the time the smaller ecoboost is the way to go.

 

In 3 yrs no doubt you will have a good idea how well the 2.7 performs. Even more likely in 3 yrs there will be a new version of the F150 and no doubt lot's more good things on the way. New transmission for sure boosting fuel efficiency and small incremental s/w improvements on the PCM. All told, even better economy and comfort. Good luck!

 

Bob, my Saab have had turbos for over 30 years.. I love a full size car 3500 lbs plus with a 4 cylinder putting out 220 horse power.. Really helps in Montreal ... Last one averaged 33 MPG.. Unfortunately GM bought them and messed them up. I saw the Ford eco boost the turbo design is very similar to volvo.. So the good thing is while it has been updated it has a good history to work problem out also..

IMO, European countries that have survived with 4 plus gallon gas for years are ahead of us on the fuel economy side.. But the new ford's trucks are closing the gap..

 

I am with you 100%. Ford is totally committed to turbo technology. The experience they are gaining positions them to continue to lead in this aspect of their business. Up here we know all about expensive fuel and this is a silver lining.

 

Truth. The new 5 liter is a monster. The ecoboost do have some turbo lag which is counterproductive to plowing. You need torque...right now...at very low RPMS when plowing. Waiting for the turbo to get lit will either cause you to spin the tires or go faster than you wanted to.

 

Great write-up. That just validates my thinking.

 

That coyote v8 is a beast. It's probably the best v8 of any manufacturer right now.

Ford is practically giving the 5.0 away in the f150. The last I saw, the 5.0 was less money upgrade than the 2.7 ecoboost was over the base NA 3.5 v6.

 

Yeah, they put it in the fusion and the edge. It hauls. I think they have a lot of 3.5 liter blocks on hand, the 2.7 is completely higher tech than any 3.5, and that motor is far from a slouch.