I have a 2012 F 150 with the 3.7. Pulls like a freight train, I have a 20 ft all steel dove tail car hauler. Full size 4x4 trucks are no problem to haul. In the hills it will climb up long grades no problem just let it work.
I have had a 3.7 since new, and I have found that higher octane gas helps a lot with low-end torque. I’ve done testing with 89 and 93 octane, and the timing advance is higher with more octane. It takes a little bit of driving with the higher octane before you notice a difference. I haven’t seen much of a difference between 89 and 93. With 89 the engine will lug and climb hills that would typically require a downshift, in the hot humid weather we have here in NC it really makes a difference. I average about 1 mpg better with 89, which offsets the cost. I have ran synthetic oil and mostly top tier fuel since new and I keep my tires property inflated. My best mpg was traveling to Morehead City from Greensboro, NC averaging 23.7 mpg. Typically it's 19-20 (mostly country roads and city) My truck is a 3.7 4x4 Supercab it has been the best vehicle I have owned.
What gears do you have in your truck? I have a 2013 3.7 with 3.55 gears regular cab and get 17.9 mpg according to car screen. Feels sluggish other videos say its smooth. Wondering if I need higher gearing.
@@elvism684 mine has 3.73 gears. I would think such a small change in gearing wouldn’t make a big difference. I’ve ran a MPT tune on and off it makes a world of difference in throttle response perhaps that’s what you need. I chose the PRX tune with stock shifting. I’m not running the tune at the moment I’ve just been enjoying the truck as it came from the factory.
I have a Supercab 4wd with 3:73 {towing package} and this motor tows excellent. Lock out 6th gear, 5th gear runs 2400 rpm at 70mph and does not need to downshift on rolling hills. Pulling a 16ft boat and ATV in truck bed I get 16.8 mpg. IMO they should have only offered this 3.7 with the towing diff axle ratio, its an all around excellent truck and is not slow.
I have a 2012 F150 XL, with a regular cab, long bed, and the 3.7 engine. It's been a great engine, it sounds surprisingly mean even with the nice quiet exhaust and it seems to really pull, especially if you let it spin. I haven't yet pulled a trailer (I have a 12ft flatbed I haul motorcycles or other stuff on) but I feel like if my 2010 Colorado could pull it, this F150 should have no trouble.
Friend of mine has this engine and uses it to tow a Jeep on a trailer. I was really surprised when it pulled away from my 5.4 F350 in the hills of PA on 81!
I am surprised as well, but depending on what year your F350 with the 5.4L is, the 3.7L may have more HP. As mine sits, it has 302 HP at 6500 RPM while the older 5.4L Triton (2003 and below) only had 260 HP. The newer 5.4L (2010 version) I believe had around 315 HP. The 5.4L is a very reliable engine, just not the most efficient or powerful. Thanks for commenting!
Great video!! I have a 6x12 inclosed trailer and haul 1500 pounds on average. I have been looking at a truck like this with the 3.7L and was concerned about the towing capabilities.
The truck was leased and I ended up turning it in at the end of the 3 year commitment in January of this year. Overall, I had no issues with the truck at all. It was maintenance free and very reliable, even in the harsh cold winter months of upstate NY. I used it as a daily driver and did tow with it a decent amount. I would have bought it out if it was a crew cab, the extended cab just wasn't big enough for my needs. How big is your camper?
What about a 2013 CrossRoads Sunset Trail Super Lite. Specs say dry weight is 3822 lbs. I looked under my truck and it looks like it’s definitely a hitch on the frame and not a bumper hitch. I’ve towed other things in the past. We towed our Honda Accord on a trailer, which I loaded the car down inside, packed to the max. I think it was way too heavy and I believe it was heavier than this 29 ft camper.
Yeah I got a 2012 f150 xl 3.7 single cab with 130xxx miles for 10k plus interest for 4 years.. it’s my first truck tho.. my brother got a 09 GMC Sierra single cab w like 140k miles when he first got it in 2018 for 9k
My Extended Cab 4x4 capacity is 6,100 LBS, I believe the regular cab 4x2 and 4x4 have roughly a 6,400 LBS tow capacity. Either way, the most I have towed is 5,000 LBS and depending on how far and the conditions, I personally wouldn't go much over that. I tow in areas with a decent amount of inclines and having over 5,000 LBS would really bog the truck down. If you are in a flat area with a consistent MPH I wouldn't have a problem towing 5,500-6,000 LBS. Hope this helps!
Hi, I'm considering a newer F-150 with the 3.7 V6, so thanks for the addressing the towing issue. How does the truck handle the trailer when braking? Do you use a brake unit? I know those hills so I was curious. Thanks for any info you can share and thanks for the review!
i also have a 3.7. im picking up a 1966 impala (just the shell. has no engine or transmission) from south dakota, im located in los angeles. do you think ill have trouble towing?
Not sure if you have picked it up yet, but, depends on a lot of variables. What kind of trailer are you putting it on? I assume you will be going through the Rockies? What is the dry weight of the Impala? I think it could do it - just know that it will take time to get up to speed on the highway and any mountainous areas will be a struggle.
Hey Thanks for the Video. I have a 2014 3.7 f150 too. I just got a 27 toot travel trailer, with a dry weight of 4600 lbs. Do you think I will have any issues pulling it. It said it could be pulled by a mid sized SUV, I would think this truck would be easier to pull it with than an Explorer. What do you think?
Definitely would tow better than an explorer but I would go with something bigger, your loaded up weight will really be pushing this engine. Either the Ecoboost or a V8 I would recommend. My best friend tows his 9K pound travel trailer with the 3.5 ecoboost without an issue.
Great review. Thanks. Please what's the actual mpg you get on highway and city when you not towing for the 3.7L. Looking at getting one and won't be towing anything. Thanks
@@gwheel3502 thanks. Been jiggling between the 3.5 and 3.7 but worried about the reliability. Still think a naturally aspirated is better. What's your take?
@@arcdeecee6190 If you aren't towing regularly and dont mind not having that get up and go of the 3.5 I would definitely go with the 3.7 for reliability. For something newer I wouldnt hesitate on the 3.3 if you dont need the power, thats what I would go with if I were to get a newer F150.
Tow haul is really meant to get up to speed and for very steep inclines. I usually pop it off once I am up to the speed limit, this helps improve fuel economy as well.
@@gwheel3502 tow haul mode also keeps the torque converter locked up longer, which is mainly benefits in reducing stopping distance. I've heard a Ford engineer babbling about 10% or something like that.
I've ridden with my friend while he towed with the 4.3, has slightly more power, nothing major though. It is a solid engine, I just don't like the new style Silverado's...07-13 were the Silverados best look in my opinion.
Sir , don't You mean Will the 4.3 keep up with it? 100more hp and 30 lbs ft more torque. They will be close but the Ford will always out work a chevy. You don't wear a bow tie to work
No, the EcoBoost for the 2014 was only offered on the 3.5L engine. Current model (2017) offers the EcoBoost on the 2.7L and the 3.5L. The engine reviewed in this video is no longer offered on the current model F150.
Overall? I have enjoyed it a lot - Its a great truck. Super reliable, easy to work on (engine compartment is very roomy and oil change/tire rotation is easy) and gets good MPG for a truck. I have the base model STX and its very comfortable to ride long distances (I am 6 feet 6 Inches tall so a truck is a must). The only thing I would change would be to get a crew cab (not offered with the 3.7L with 4x4) mine is only the extended cab and there isn't much room. Hope this helps!
Tow haul is really meant to get up to speed and for very steep inclines. I usually pop it off once I am up to the speed limit, this helps improve fuel economy as well.
The 3.7L V6 is also known as "Duratec 37," originally designed by Mazda in Japan back in 2007, and this is Ford's most-reliable V6 engine you can buy today. It is currently being phased out, however, because Ford is not making enough money on parts for it. Stay away from the Ecoboost turbo engines, they're not completely reliable, and you should move on to Chevrolet. Ford wish to make a lot of money on parts after their Ecoboost engines break down severely after 10 years or so, and they discontinue engines quickly if found too-reliable or not enough dealer service.
Thank you for commenting, Walter. I agree, in my experience this is a very reliable engine. I cant speak too much for the Ecoboost engines, I have known people with them that have had problems and others that have been fine with 100K plus miles. I am a firm believer that all manufacturers should be considered when looking to purchase a truck to meet your needs.
It's a Japanese engine, technically. Largely unchanged today. Ford modified it to its own specs, and added Ti-VCT (dual variable valve timing) later on.
I don’t know the Ford 4.6 was really reliable they put that motor in everything from the mustang, f150, and the crown Victoria. It was a great motor. made them from 97 to 2010
The 3.7 is designed as a naturally aspirated engine for a reason. Installing a turbo in a 3.7 is obviously possible, I have seen one on a mustang (poorly done), but a waste. The turbo alone will run $700-$1500 and that is not including installation. If you are looking for more power save yourself money, time and the headaches and purchase the 3.5L with twin turbos or the 5.0L.
Figured id mention in doing so you burry the timing chain. The 3.5l needs a 10hr job to change usually costing around 2500$. The 3.7l is probably 5 hours less without the turbo
Though the V8 would clearly tow better (my father has the 5.0 and tows all the time) I travel 40 miles a day with my work commute, the V8 MPG wasn't appealing. I average 19.2 MPG with this during the week.
I have a 2012 F 150 with the 3.7. Pulls like a freight train, I have a 20 ft all steel dove tail car hauler. Full size 4x4 trucks are no problem to haul. In the hills it will climb up long grades no problem just let it work.
I’m wanting to tow a lawn set up with a 16 ft enclosed total weight of the set up is about 4600 how do you think it would do?
I have had a 3.7 since new, and I have found that higher octane gas helps a lot with low-end torque. I’ve done testing with 89 and 93 octane, and the timing advance is higher with more octane. It takes a little bit of driving with the higher octane before you notice a difference. I haven’t seen much of a difference between 89 and 93. With 89 the engine will lug and climb hills that would typically require a downshift, in the hot humid weather we have here in NC it really makes a difference. I average about 1 mpg better with 89, which offsets the cost. I have ran synthetic oil and mostly top tier fuel since new and I keep my tires property inflated. My best mpg was traveling to Morehead City from Greensboro, NC averaging 23.7 mpg. Typically it's 19-20 (mostly country roads and city) My truck is a 3.7 4x4 Supercab it has been the best vehicle I have owned.
What gears do you have in your truck? I have a 2013 3.7 with 3.55 gears regular cab and get 17.9 mpg according to car screen. Feels sluggish other videos say its smooth. Wondering if I need higher gearing.
@@elvism684 mine has 3.73 gears. I would think such a small change in gearing wouldn’t make a big difference. I’ve ran a MPT tune on and off it makes a world of difference in throttle response perhaps that’s what you need. I chose the PRX tune with stock shifting. I’m not running the tune at the moment I’ve just been enjoying the truck as it came from the factory.
I towed a 19 foot camper and my truck did great. 2011 3.7 v6 185k miles. 3.73 gears. Love the truck. I live in NC to.
I have a Supercab 4wd with 3:73 {towing package} and this motor tows excellent. Lock out 6th gear, 5th gear runs 2400 rpm at 70mph and does not need to downshift on rolling hills. Pulling a 16ft boat and ATV in truck bed I get 16.8 mpg. IMO they should have only offered this 3.7 with the towing diff axle ratio, its an all around excellent truck and is not slow.
I have a 2012 F150 XL, with a regular cab, long bed, and the 3.7 engine. It's been a great engine, it sounds surprisingly mean even with the nice quiet exhaust and it seems to really pull, especially if you let it spin. I haven't yet pulled a trailer (I have a 12ft flatbed I haul motorcycles or other stuff on) but I feel like if my 2010 Colorado could pull it, this F150 should have no trouble.
Thanks for sharing!
Friend of mine has this engine and uses it to tow a Jeep on a trailer. I was really surprised when it pulled away from my 5.4 F350 in the hills of PA on 81!
I am surprised as well, but depending on what year your F350 with the 5.4L is, the 3.7L may have more HP. As mine sits, it has 302 HP at 6500 RPM while the older 5.4L Triton (2003 and below) only had 260 HP. The newer 5.4L (2010 version) I believe had around 315 HP. The 5.4L is a very reliable engine, just not the most efficient or powerful. Thanks for commenting!
G Weil 302 hp at the crank. hard to say what I makes at the wheels. I have the same truck but it's a regular cab.
Great video!! I have a 6x12 inclosed trailer and haul 1500 pounds on average. I have been looking at a truck like this with the 3.7L and was concerned about the towing capabilities.
Its good for towing. Just let it do the work.
Thanks for posting.
How is your truck holding up? Im looking to buy a used F150 3.7L to tow my camper. I'm curious to hear
The truck was leased and I ended up turning it in at the end of the 3 year commitment in January of this year. Overall, I had no issues with the truck at all. It was maintenance free and very reliable, even in the harsh cold winter months of upstate NY. I used it as a daily driver and did tow with it a decent amount. I would have bought it out if it was a crew cab, the extended cab just wasn't big enough for my needs.
How big is your camper?
What about a 2013 CrossRoads Sunset Trail Super Lite. Specs say dry weight is 3822 lbs. I looked under my truck and it looks like it’s definitely a hitch on the frame and not a bumper hitch. I’ve towed other things in the past. We towed our Honda Accord on a trailer, which I loaded the car down inside, packed to the max. I think it was way too heavy and I believe it was heavier than this 29 ft camper.
It’ll tow your trailer. With water and all your gear inside you will be around 4800-5000 lbs.
I pull my 30 foot camper with two super slide outs with no problem I love my truck
I have an f150 xl and want to tow 29 super lite pull behind. It says the dry weight is 3800 lbs. is that okay?
@@shadyfieldhomestead1974 Yeah it should do fine.
Towing capacity says 6,200 lbs I'm all for it but something tells me it's risky.. only an hour tow but idk.. thoughts??
It will do it all day in the heat.
Yeah FORD Baby!
What have you heard about the 3.5 turbo reliability? Would you stick with the 3.7 if you had a choice?
bought a 2013 f150 3.7L with 180K miles, no rust, for 9K. Good deal or no?
Yeah I got a 2012 f150 xl 3.7 single cab with 130xxx miles for 10k plus interest for 4 years.. it’s my first truck tho.. my brother got a 09 GMC Sierra single cab w like 140k miles when he first got it in 2018 for 9k
@@Vhifzvjif I just bought one with 87000 for 16000
@@Carreralena2k pretty good mileage , should last you a long time w proper maintenance
Have you towed anywhere near the 6,400 lb towing capacity? I was planning on getting one with towing more than 5,000 lb. Any tips? Thank for posting
My Extended Cab 4x4 capacity is 6,100 LBS, I believe the regular cab 4x2 and 4x4 have roughly a 6,400 LBS tow capacity. Either way, the most I have towed is 5,000 LBS and depending on how far and the conditions, I personally wouldn't go much over that. I tow in areas with a decent amount of inclines and having over 5,000 LBS would really bog the truck down. If you are in a flat area with a consistent MPH I wouldn't have a problem towing 5,500-6,000 LBS. Hope this helps!
I have told 7000 lb with my F-150 XLT 3.7 two wheel drive 10 hours no problem
..
THANK YOU for this vid! Very real world informative. Would love to see more hill pulling vids. That truck exhaust sounds sweeeet!
+coyote102076 Tried to get a hill towing video this weekend, hope to get one up soon.
Hi, I'm considering a newer F-150 with the 3.7 V6, so thanks for the addressing the towing issue. How does the truck handle the trailer when braking? Do you use a brake unit? I know those hills so I was curious. Thanks for any info you can share and thanks for the review!
Long overdue response I know, brakes well, trailer is light enough and truck is heavy enough that the truck stays in charge.
i also have a 3.7. im picking up a 1966 impala (just the shell. has no engine or transmission) from south dakota, im located in los angeles. do you think ill have trouble towing?
Not sure if you have picked it up yet, but, depends on a lot of variables. What kind of trailer are you putting it on? I assume you will be going through the Rockies? What is the dry weight of the Impala? I think it could do it - just know that it will take time to get up to speed on the highway and any mountainous areas will be a struggle.
Not at all
Hey Thanks for the Video. I have a 2014 3.7 f150 too. I just got a 27 toot travel trailer, with a dry weight of 4600 lbs. Do you think I will have any issues pulling it. It said it could be pulled by a mid sized SUV, I would think this truck would be easier to pull it with than an Explorer. What do you think?
Definitely would tow better than an explorer but I would go with something bigger, your loaded up weight will really be pushing this engine. Either the Ecoboost or a V8 I would recommend. My best friend tows his 9K pound travel trailer with the 3.5 ecoboost without an issue.
no issues I have 3.7 two wheel drive F-150 XLT and pull 7000 lb 10 hours it's a cap no problem 2 years gas and go
Great review. Thanks. Please what's the actual mpg you get on highway and city when you not towing for the 3.7L. Looking at getting one and won't be towing anything. Thanks
I no longer have the truck but I averaged 17-22MPG depending on the type of driving and time of year.
@@gwheel3502 thanks. Been jiggling between the 3.5 and 3.7 but worried about the reliability. Still think a naturally aspirated is better. What's your take?
@@arcdeecee6190 If you aren't towing regularly and dont mind not having that get up and go of the 3.5 I would definitely go with the 3.7 for reliability. For something newer I wouldnt hesitate on the 3.3 if you dont need the power, thats what I would go with if I were to get a newer F150.
@@gwheel3502 thanks alot for the feedback
Your lucky getting 17 mpg. I get an average of 12 in the city, 17 highway and that's babying it..
I have the 3.7 v6 in my 2015 dodge durango thinking about towing my 1988 monte carlo with it.. total with trailer about 5,000 lbs. What do you think??
Very different motor. It will be working pretty hard, but will do it.
Turn on Tow/Haul Mode! Shifts are better.
Do you have tow/haul mode? Have you ever used it?
Use tow haul mode, makes life easier for us all
Tow haul is really meant to get up to speed and for very steep inclines. I usually pop it off once I am up to the speed limit, this helps improve fuel economy as well.
@@gwheel3502 tow haul mode also keeps the torque converter locked up longer, which is mainly benefits in reducing stopping distance. I've heard a Ford engineer babbling about 10% or something like that.
Hows it keep up with that 4.3?
I've ridden with my friend while he towed with the 4.3, has slightly more power, nothing major though. It is a solid engine, I just don't like the new style Silverado's...07-13 were the Silverados best look in my opinion.
How about the 4.0 sohc?
G Weil 4.3l feels Weak in a Silverado i guess its the gearing
i had a 4.3 it sd a good engine but my 3.7 150 will out pull it and get better mpg
Sir , don't You mean Will the 4.3 keep up with it? 100more hp and 30 lbs ft more torque. They will be close but the Ford will always out work a chevy. You don't wear a bow tie to work
is this the eco boost version?
No, the EcoBoost for the 2014 was only offered on the 3.5L engine. Current model (2017) offers the EcoBoost on the 2.7L and the 3.5L. The engine reviewed in this video is no longer offered on the current model F150.
G Weil what's your overall opinion of the of this truck? I'm thinking of buying a 2013
Overall? I have enjoyed it a lot - Its a great truck. Super reliable, easy to work on (engine compartment is very roomy and oil change/tire rotation is easy) and gets good MPG for a truck. I have the base model STX and its very comfortable to ride long distances (I am 6 feet 6 Inches tall so a truck is a must). The only thing I would change would be to get a crew cab (not offered with the 3.7L with 4x4) mine is only the extended cab and there isn't much room. Hope this helps!
You should use the TowHoal mode
Tow haul is really meant to get up to speed and for very steep inclines. I usually pop it off once I am up to the speed limit, this helps improve fuel economy as well.
The 3.7L V6 is also known as "Duratec 37," originally designed by Mazda in Japan back in 2007, and this is Ford's most-reliable V6 engine you can buy today. It is currently being phased out, however, because Ford is not making enough money on parts for it. Stay away from the Ecoboost turbo engines, they're not completely reliable, and you should move on to Chevrolet. Ford wish to make a lot of money on parts after their Ecoboost engines break down severely after 10 years or so, and they discontinue engines quickly if found too-reliable or not enough dealer service.
Thank you for commenting, Walter. I agree, in my experience this is a very reliable engine. I cant speak too much for the Ecoboost engines, I have known people with them that have had problems and others that have been fine with 100K plus miles. I am a firm believer that all manufacturers should be considered when looking to purchase a truck to meet your needs.
It's a Japanese engine, technically. Largely unchanged today. Ford modified it to its own specs, and added Ti-VCT (dual variable valve timing) later on.
my dad's 2013 4x4 3.5 eco boost he has owned since new now has 80,000 no issues yet
I don’t know the Ford 4.6 was really reliable they put that motor in everything from the mustang, f150, and the crown Victoria. It was a great motor. made them from 97 to 2010
...cuz Chevy is "completely reliable" these days. ??
I'm thinking about turbo charging my 3.7
That would not be a wise mechanical or financial decision.
why not?
The 3.7 is designed as a naturally aspirated engine for a reason. Installing a turbo in a 3.7 is obviously possible, I have seen one on a mustang (poorly done), but a waste. The turbo alone will run $700-$1500 and that is not including installation. If you are looking for more power save yourself money, time and the headaches and purchase the 3.5L with twin turbos or the 5.0L.
thanks yeah I saw it done on a mustang on youtube so that's what got me interested. notice much improvement with the tune?
Figured id mention in doing so you burry the timing chain. The 3.5l needs a 10hr job to change usually costing around 2500$. The 3.7l is probably 5 hours less without the turbo
Joe rogan podcasts?
lmao should have bought a v8
Though the V8 would clearly tow better (my father has the 5.0 and tows all the time) I travel 40 miles a day with my work commute, the V8 MPG wasn't appealing. I average 19.2 MPG with this during the week.