Fuel grade required for the 2nd gen

[Heelfan1]

Main difference if the diesel is making peak torque at just above 1500 rpms 800+ lb/ft at the wheels vs above 3K rpms for the eco which also has half the torque at the wheels.

Interesting read though. Wondering how mine will tow as like you I will pull my Kubota a few times a year. Not that much weight but most likely around 9500 lbs.

 

[troverman]

Main difference if the diesel is making peak torque at just above 1500 rpms 800+ lb/ft at the wheels vs above 3K rpms for the eco which also has half the torque at the wheels.

Interesting read though. Wondering how mine will tow as like you I will pull my Kubota a few times a year. Not that much weight but most likely around 9500 lbs.

The diesel was peaking at 1800RPM (for the 2017 Powerstroke) and the Raptor EcoBoost is peaking at 3500lbs. That does help explain why the engine needed much more throttle input to get moving compared to the diesel. Not to mention the 6.7L V8 is making more torque off boost then the tiny 3.5L V6 is.

I think you'll be pleased overall at how the Raptor tows, but I would recommend running premium when you're towing that much weight, particularly if there are any hills.

 

[smurfslayer]

...One of the tasks my truck needs to do is tow a heavy load. I used a weight-distributing hitch and towed an 11,500lb load (heavy tractor on heavy-duty equipment hauler trailer). ...With premium in the tank, the truck pulled the load up the hill well. I was at 5k RPM and the truck was able to gradually increase speed.

Fast forward to a week ago; I needed to pull the same load up the same hill. This time, surprise, surprise. With the pedal to the floor, I could not exceed 50mph. What was the difference? I was running 87, and had run a couple of tanks through.

In both cases, the truck smelled hot although all temp readouts were very good. All fans were running. I left the truck idling while I unchained and unloaded my equipment.

So, during extremely heavy towing (for this truck) I believe the higher octane is important. This is a time where the truck will indeed see sustained high RPM, and the difference was noticeable. This summer, I was pulling the same load with my 2017 Super Duty dually diesel, which was effortless. The EcoBoost does not begin to move this load with the authority of the diesel, especially at low RPM. You can really feel the engine work, despite more horsepower than the current Ford diesel and nearly as much torque as a diesel of just 11 years ago.

Thanks for the real world feedback, good info.

 

[jabroni619]

That's a serious load for a Raptor. I think i'd be more concerned for the tranny than the engine with that much weight. With basic maintenance, engines these days seem to outlast anything you put them in. Good to know it can do it if absolutely necessary though.

 

[gryGhst17]

Went camping this past weekend up in Tahoe. I was pulling a 1200lb camper trailer. I normally use 87, but switched to 91 for the trip. I averaged 17.5 mpg according to the truck in tow mode. Not as extreme as @troverman, but I couldn’t tell it was there other than seeing the top over the tailgate...


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[troverman]

That's a serious load for a Raptor. I think i'd be more concerned for the tranny than the engine with that much weight. With basic maintenance, engines these days seem to outlast anything you put them in. Good to know it can do it if absolutely necessary though.

It's more than the Raptor is rated for, but keep in mind a 2018 F-150 with the *identical* 10-speed transmission is rated to pull 13,200lbs.

My theory is simple - when compared to the max-tow F-150, the Raptor has more engine, same trans, heavier-duty rear axle, beefed-up frame, and same brakes. So the towing limitation is the suspension.

 

[DrippinRaptor]

That's a serious load for a Raptor. I think i'd be more concerned for the tranny than the engine with that much weight. With basic maintenance, engines these days seem to outlast anything you put them in. Good to know it can do it if absolutely necessary though.

Yeah, hate to be the person who buys that beat up truck when he's done with it...

 

[troverman]

Yeah, hate to be the person who buys that beat up truck when he's done with it...

It won't be "beat up" at all. I keep my vehicles in excellent condition inside and out. All maintenance will be done on a 3,000 mile schedule and documented at the dealer.

What do you think will be harmed? I think my arguments are perfectly valid: the transmission is the same one Ford says can pull a 13,200lb load. I carefully watch trans and engine temps all the time, but particularly while pulling heavy loads. The truck is sitting more or less level and still has plenty of suspension travel remaining.

Finally, I'm only towing this load short distances. Very few towing miles with this weight will be accumulated. Keep in mind the Raptor is, at its core...a truck.

 

[jaz13]

It won't be "beat up" at all. I keep my vehicles in excellent condition inside and out. All maintenance will be done on a 3,000 mile schedule and documented at the dealer.

What do you think will be harmed? I think my arguments are perfectly valid: the transmission is the same one Ford says can pull a 13,200lb load. I carefully watch trans and engine temps all the time, but particularly while pulling heavy loads. The truck is sitting more or less level and still has plenty of suspension travel remaining.

Finally, I'm only towing this load short distances. Very few towing miles with this weight will be accumulated. Keep in mind the Raptor is, at its core...a truck.

I don't know what was the limiting factor when Ford rated the Raptor for a different towing capacity, but the more powerful engine and not the suspension could actually be the problem.

The guys at Raptor Assault said the rear end of the drivetrain was maxed out in this design and Ford cannot upgrade the engine without redesigning the rear of the truck. Slapping a more powerful engine on the truck at the same towing capacity could easily put the drivetrain beyond its design limits if the driver puts his foot into it. Ford could have lowered the towing limits on the Raptor to keep the more powerful engine from breaking the drivetrain.

 

[Truckzor]

I don't know what was the limiting factor when Ford rated the Raptor for a different towing capacity, but the more powerful engine and not the suspension could actually be the problem.

The guys at Raptor Assault said the rear end of the drivetrain was maxed out in this design and Ford cannot upgrade the engine without redesigning the rear of the truck. Slapping a more powerful engine on the truck at the same towing capacity could easily put the drivetrain beyond its design limits if the driver puts his foot into it. Ford could have lowered the towing limits on the Raptor to keep the more powerful engine from breaking the drivetrain.

Not really sure what you're specifically worried about. Obviously, his rear end didn't break. It's also highly unlikely that it got any hotter in a Raptor than it would have in a regular F150, so it won't wear out any faster. The softer, longer travel suspension is the reason for the change in tow ratings.

None of this is rocket science.