2016 Expedition XLT EL

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Bigfishfin

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So what do you think the difference is between the "heavy duty" rad and the regular one?

As I recall from my research a couple of years ago, I counted the fins or tubes on the so called "HD" radiator an my standard issue radiator had the same count. The fluid capacity was something like 1 quart more. Did not compute to me to be much more than marketing...My truck has never overheated!...
Are you saying you have the 3:31 Axel and it tows like that. If I get the 2016 without tow package and get a trans cooler from U haul I could be ok.

That is the ratio I have...One additional item is the 7 way plug...In my truck, the 10 gauge battery wire had been factory capped off in the loom just under the PB booster. Had to cut the loom, splice the wire and run it to the back. To keep things neat and protected I used flex conduit...Searching the forum will give you other insights to finding the EB loom, etc. which is plug in ready...
 
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Eric Wheeler

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Technologically, the Ecoboost is a great performer, but it comes at the cost of more complexity. The Ecoboost can suffer from timing chain stretch, which is like a 3 - 4K job, and turbo failure. Which I've read can run up to 8K. I think a lot of the maintenance needs depends on the driving conditions (city/highway, towing, etc) and frequency of oil changes. The F150 forum would probably be a better source of info on the maintenance since it's the top selling vehicle in America and there are more of them on the road. There are horror stores on F150 forum about blown engines and turbos after buying used Ecoboosts. No way I would want to get one of these things without a warranty. Example:

https://www.f150forum.com/f11/some-advice-ecoboost-blew-yesterday-124k-mi-396090/index2/

15k for a new engine. WOW. I’m sober now. That’s crazy. If I go that route warranty will be priority. That’s scared straight money.
 

Bigfishfin

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15k for a new engine. WOW. I’m sober now. That’s crazy. If I go that route warranty will be priority. That’s scared straight money.

Not wanting to influence anyone to make buying decisions, but consider the nature of "product insurance"...Insurance actuaries consider all cost/benefit aspects of a product when arising at market pricing for insuring a given product and the manufacturer of the product "never" loses in that insurance is also a product, with profit expectations!...In this case, if the Ecoboost engines or any other part of the vehicle were so highly failure prone, the premium/deductible costs would be so high that purchasers of the product, researching user experience and the huge premium/deductible costs of insurance would not purchase the vehicle in the first place. For what it is worth, I never purchase product insurance!

Let the discussion begin!...
 
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Eric Wheeler

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Not wanting to influence anyone to make buying decisions, but consider the nature of "product insurance"...Insurance actuaries consider all cost/benefit aspects of a product when arising at market pricing for insuring a given product and the manufacturer of the product "never" loses in that insurance is also a product, with profit expectations!...In this case, if the Ecoboost engines or any other part of the vehicle were so highly failure prone, the premium/deductible costs would be so high that purchasers of the product, researching user experience and the huge premium/deductible costs of insurance would not purchase the vehicle in the first place. For what it is worth, I never purchase product insurance!

Let the discussion begin!...

I love a good discussion. I see you point. But it's really piece of mind were are buying (To Me) when you think about it. Everyone want to have that rental car mentality when it comes to their car. If something happens I don't have to worry about it kind of thing. I really hate insurance, because it's no guarantee that you would be covered anyway. I want it to be reliable like a good hammer, always there when you need it. But that's not the case.
 

JExpedition07

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I tow with the 3.31 because I have a Limited 4x2. It's my first towing setup, but I have no issues pulling my 7,000 lb trailer. The Ecoboost pulls like a diesel, with lots of low end torque. Most of the time I tow it's running in 6th gear. Not sure how the 5.4 towed, but I've heard mixed things, from it towed like crap to it's ok with 3.73. Based on the difference in engine design, I'm sure the Ecoboost would be a worthwhile upgrade for heavy loads. But as I said, beware the maintenance.

Anyone who says a 5.4 tows like crap hasn’t done much towing with gas engines. It’s a heavy duty cast iron block with a 4.11” stroke and peak torque @3,500 RPM. It’s about as good as it gets for a torque curve on a naturally aspirated gas engine of it’s size. A low revver which is desirable when towing and the cast iron architecture is very durable through heat cycles. The Eco def is a torque upgrade, but it’s much better off in the package with the extra cooling. For ease of turn key service without mods at least.
 
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Bigfishfin

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I love a good discussion. I see you point. But it's really piece of mind were are buying (To Me) when you think about it. Everyone want to have that rental car mentality when it comes to their car. If something happens I don't have to worry about it kind of thing. I really hate insurance, because it's no guarantee that you would be covered anyway. I want it to be reliable like a good hammer, always there when you need it. But that's not the case.

Got the "peace of mind" concept, I struggle with that also, but I am sure I am not the only one who has broken a favorite hammer. Even with insurance, a broken engine is gonna inconvenience the owner. If the dice are rolling good (within mileage perimeters, covered item, etc.), maybe you win. If not, you spent a couple of thousand you could have thrown at the repair...
 
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Eric Wheeler

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Well I got the 2016 Expedition EL. The Door sticker has 3L as the axle code but not the HD tow package. They are going to add the 7-Pin trailer wiring, it only had the 4 pin. But the Cable is right there for it. I turned off the ESC and give the turbos a good punch a couple of times. It spun the tires and no hesitation. I also got the Extended Warranty for what it's worth.
 

rjdelp7

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2015-2016 have carbon build up issues. There is no easy/cheap fix for it and it triggers the CEL. Removing the heads is required. Don't walk away...run
 

Bigfishfin

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2015-2016 have carbon build up issues. There is no easy/cheap fix for it and it triggers the CEL. Removing the heads is required. Don't walk away...run

And you will of course provide real world numbers to back up your doomsday statement?...
 
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Eric Wheeler

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So here is a snippet from the window sticker. Class IV trailer tow pkg doesn't mean built in trailer brake or 7 pin connector. How hard or easy is it to add a OEM transmission cooler? Hopefully the trailer brake controller should be plug and play. I didn't check because they still have the truck to put the connector on.




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