Powerboost, Tire Size, Lariat vs XLT Question

[dirtwinston4prez]

I was comparing cost of ownership of 4wd XLT/302A vs Lariat with 3.5L powerboost based on DOE fuel cost calculator as personalized for obnoxious CA gas prices and 70% city style driving. Most persons here are probably familiar with this calculator, but it case not, the link is www.fueleconomy.gov

With CA fuel prices, the improved city mpg of the 3.5L powerboost engine causes break even cost of the Lariat versus 2.7L 4wd XLT/302A+ after 7.5-8 years and 6-7 years versus 3.5L 4wd XLT/302A+. Also assuming mild inflation over those years. And also depending on how fast CA ramps up its carbon fuel taxes.

But I have great fear of the powerboost drive train reliability, and wonder if it is a bad choice for semi-mild off roading. I hope some persons have experience with these powerboost concerns and can help with these questions:

1. Is it unwise to off road on somewhat muddy dirt roads, snowy and muddy dirt roads, gravel, and/or sandy trails in the mountains, national parks, friend's farm, and desert ? Maybe 300-400 such miles per year.

2. Has Ford diagnosed the various Stop Safely Now problems and come up with a good fix ?

3. Are there any backdoor tricks to get a Lariat factory equipped with 18" wheels instead of 20's ? I am not so keen to put aftermarket 18s on the truck due to possibly screwing up the computer's control of the drive modes and 4A mode calculations. Maybe other issues can arise as well.

Sadly, Tremor does not have the 3.5L powerboost option. Maybe that answers question 1 ?

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[HammaMan]

SSNs are fixed in software updated vehicles. All of the 20" wheels come with same tires. Don't get a package where you pay for upgraded wheels and just find some 18s.

 

[ColoradoHunter]

I use my 21 PB off road a lot, no issues. I get 6-8 MPG better gas mileage with it than I did with my 2015 F150 with the 3.5.

 

[Samson16]

I was comparing cost of ownership of 4wd XLT/302A vs Lariat with 3.5L powerboost based on DOE fuel cost calculator as personalized for obnoxious CA gas prices and 70% city style driving. Most persons here are probably familiar with this calculator, but it case not, the link is www.fueleconomy.gov

With CA fuel prices, the improved city mpg of the 3.5L powerboost engine causes break even cost of the Lariat versus 2.7L 4wd XLT/302A+ after 7.5-8 years and 6-7 years versus 3.5L 4wd XLT/302A+. Also assuming mild inflation over those years. And also depending on how fast CA ramps up its carbon fuel taxes.

But I have great fear of the powerboost drive train reliability, and wonder if it is a bad choice for semi-mild off roading. I hope some persons have experience with these powerboost concerns and can help with these questions:

1. Is it unwise to off road on somewhat muddy dirt roads, snowy and muddy dirt roads, gravel, and/or sandy trails in the mountains, national parks, friend's farm, and desert ? Maybe 300-400 such miles per year.

2. Has Ford diagnosed the various Stop Safely Now problems and come up with a good fix ?

3. Are there any backdoor tricks to get a Lariat factory equipped with 18" wheels instead of 20's ? I am not so keen to put aftermarket 18s on the truck due to possibly screwing up the computer's control of the drive modes and 4A mode calculations. Maybe other issues can arise as well.

Sadly, Tremor does not have the 3.5L powerboost option. Maybe that answers question 1 ?

I would stay away from the PowerBoost. It can smell fear and you described a great fear. Tacoma is a safer bet.

 

[Bobray]

The Tacoma is not the same category as the F-150. It is ranger size.

 

[nomarhits400]

The Tacoma is not the same category as the F-150. It is ranger size.

That was sarcasm I think….

 

[mxwrk]

I daily drive my PB in SoCal, and when it had less than 8K miles on it I took it on a trip from Big Bear to Las Vegas without touching any pavement (over 300 miles) of varying terrain. Day 1 getting off the mountain and into Johnson Valley we averaged 12mph. It was very rocky and technical. I experienced no issues, however I had upgraded the suspension, wheels, and tires. Since then I have racked up 20k miles with numerous other off-road trips and had no issues out on the trail. I've had a couple repairs done under warranty like others, but I'm not concerned about going off-road with it. The 7.2kwh power is an amazing tool to have while camping (induction cooktop, lighting, charging batteries, power tools, etc)

 

[Davexxxx]

I bought a PB, because it is a natural, for towing a travel trailer.

I bought a Lariat, because I wanted cooled seats and the better transfer case.

I bought the 501a Lariat, in order to keep the 18" wheels, for reduced weight, since every pound of available payload was important to me.

Last I looked, 24 Lariats, all come with 20s.

Whether thats a dealbreaker for you, is yours to decide. Cooled seats are quite nice. Might look for a 2023?

As for off roading a PB, there are a LOT of cooling lines that could be vulnerable to serious damage, with anything like the off roading I used to do.

So, were it me, I'd have to decide which activity is more important. Towing a TT with the 7.2KW at your fingertips, or playing in the mud and rocks.

You could lift it I suppose but almost universally, thats gonna cost a couple MPGs, throwing off your main mileage calculations, that are the foundation of your question.

 

[Cooder_Graw]

Tacoma lol . That guy is in the wrong place .

I have a 22 Xlt powerboost zero problems . I love it . Running an icon 3.5 to 4.5 lift and 33s and still get 21.5 . Wouldn’t trade

 

[Beagleman]

SSNs are fixed in software updated vehicles. All of the 20" wheels come with same tires. Don't get a package where you pay for upgraded wheels and just find some 18s.

I can attest to this and the SSNs were fixed with a software update. The service department also confirmed the appropriate OTA provided the update. I haven't had a repeat of the situation since last November.

 

[SingleSpeed427]

I was comparing cost of ownership of 4wd XLT/302A vs Lariat with 3.5L powerboost based on DOE fuel cost calculator...

But I have great fear of the powerboost drive train reliability...

1. ...muddy dirt roads, snowy and muddy dirt roads, gravel, and/or sandy trails in the mountains, national parks, friend's farm, and desert ? ...

2. Has Ford diagnosed the various Stop Safely Now problems and come up with a good fix?

3. ... 18" wheels instead of 20's ? ....

Quick comments (in a meeting. lol);

Considering fuel savings in relation to $70K+ light-duty vehicles? Go look at cheaper vehicles.

Reliability the highest concern? 5.0 V8

1. It's still a truck, but see previous statement about reliability if you're really concerned.
2. Yes, disable it.
3. Just pick up a used OEM set (maybe even with tires) for cheap.

 

[dirtwinston4prez]

Thanks so much all for your ideas and thoughts. Sounds like the powerboost troubles were mostly resolved with software updates. Awesome.
Nice truck pic Cooder. I like the carbonized grey and hoping that fits into my purchase. Looks like Old Glory near your fender badge. Very Cool.

Powerboost seems like a great fit for my vehicle usage and budget. And yep - the power outlets are really nice to have for road tripping and camping.

Will look into 2023 Lariats for the 18" tires - thx Davexxx. And also investigate if 20" tires on the 2024s can at least be deflated 7 - 10psi without causing problems. And probably RCI skid plates for a decent peace of mind.

And while the Lariat's 4A mode, ventilated seats, and sound system are very nice to have, an XLT powerboost with better off road features is an awesome set up too.

Many thanks again all.

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