Green Versys

Paleez... Let's hope not! Notice I said "their" envelope... not "the" envelope! And there are still people saying they should stick to the way they've been making bikes forever...

I don't think this is anything new to a manufacturer that puts out a redesigned series of bikes (Rushmore). And I would bet that HD expected this to some degree. I was one of the guinea pigs to Fords new Sync system and that was a nightmare. Two years later I bought another Ford with the same system and it works great. I own an HD Rushmore (2014) and I love it. I wouldn't have considered an HD prior to the upgrades.So I commend HD for pushing their own envelope to produce a more current technology product. Until something really bad happens (engine failure) due to the newer models, I'll remain a happy customer to HD.

I run down the road doing 60 mph @ 2200 RPM out of OD. Normally my truck runs around 1750 RPM @ 60 mph in OD and not towing. Will climb to 3500 RPM when pulling a long grade if I want maintain 60 mph. I don't agree that I'm killing the truck. I use it as a commuter truck 95% of the time hauling nothing but myself around . The service I'm using the truck for in not nearly as severe as others use a truck. BTW, I've passed plenty of diesels pulling grade with 5th wheels that can't do more than 45 mph during my travels. Not picking on them, just my observation. A diesel is not for me (not that I wouldn't want one!), but a twin turbo-charged 6 cylinder producing 420 lb.-ft of torque at 2500 RPM, absolutely.

Can't argue with you. I'm sure I would be happy with a bigger truck for the +/-1,000 miles a year I tow but the other 19,000 miles would be a waist for me. I've been towing with this truck for 4 years now w/o any adverse breakdowns (yet ) as a result of towing.

Do you tow with it? If so what and how does it do?

BTW, don't look at the 5th wheel toy haulers. Some of those are crazy nice inside and are unbelievable. Your other half may not settle for anything else. Don't take her to an RV show like the one at the IX Center. You'll be buying a 1-ton and a 5th wheel in no time! But on the otherhand, you can write it off as a business expense...

By "bumper pull" I assume you mean not a fith wheel. The hitch receiver is mounted to the frame and does not effect the bumper. Definitley too heavy for a bumper. I don't have any problems getting around even in gas stations. Just need to allow for a little more room. Most campgrounds are acccomodating larger rigs these days, but I haven't gotten "stuck" yet. And, the longer they are the easier they are to back-up into a spot. The only problem I have had was backing into a spot that was perpendicular to the main road and the road and asphalt parking was only about 10' wide. I tried to keep off the grass (as I normally do) but gave up as I couldn't swing the front end of the truck in the narrow space. Gave up and used the grass and had no issue. Can't argue this. Good brakes on the trailer and a really good brake controller (again don't go cheap!) are only as good as they stay cool. Coming back from Gettysburgh a couple years ago I accidenlty got on the Lincoln Highway over the Aleghanies and the BRP (stupid GPS ), that was pushing it as the grades are VERY steep. There were two passes. The first I went over and was pushing too hard. I'm sure my exhaust headers were red hot after that one! The second pass I got behind a logging truck that had pulled out in front of me at an intersection thankfully. He got on the far right of the road going up the pass doing 20-25 mph. I got behind him, kicked it down to 2nd gear and just putted up the pass behind him. No problems that time and the truck did great, just slower. A twin turbo charged ecoboost F150 is in my future but not now. That truck I would have not problems going out west in.

I'm on my second travel trailer with my 2007 F150 w/ 5.4L and 3.53 gearing. Last trailer was 6,800 empty - 33' long and the new one is 7,600 empty - 37' long. Your always gonna have people insisting you need a 3/4 or 1-ton truck . My "experience" has been, invest in a good weight distribution and sway control system. I have the Equalizer and it is very good. 18 wheelers I barely notice even going in oposite directions on 2-lane roads at 60 mph. I have no desire to take this rig out west into the mountains, but have towed to the OBX and to Boston/Cape Cod last year w/o any problem maintaining 60-65 mph while getting 9-10 mpg . Even while passing larger rigs while climbing grades. Yes, the truck will run to 3,500 rpm while climbing some grades in 3rd gear but that's what it's supposed to do. For the 5% of the miles I tow total for a year, I can't see spending the extra $ in payments and gas the other 95% of the time. Plus the 1/2 tons ride better (IMO). Good rule of thumbs, take your towing capacity and buy a trailer the is 80% of that weight empty. You should also deduct for your toys since you are buying a Toy Hauler. If you buy new, expect to get 30% off of MSRP. That's a good buy. If you can get more then that's a really good deal. Now who is this "Dyno Brian" others have referenced:confused:?

I'll have to call Enterprise and see what they have. How would they know if you towed with it? Did it include unlimited mileage?

Wow, you did good on the Explorer. I traded in my wives 2011 Limited with every option except tv's and rear buckets back in March and got $34k on a new Honda Odyssey. They sold me the Honda for $2.5k under invoice so I was happy. I know I would be really happy with the Ecoboost for towing. That's why I won't visit the dealers!

Everything I've heard/found is that trucks do not come with unlimited mileage, so that could add up quickly. I could see paying someones truck payment for a month or so for 1-1/2 weeks of use. Any Ecoboost owner takers?

Yea, but they only rent "small" trucks that cannot tow my 8,000 lb. trailer. I'm sure, but I would really like to know what it's like to go without a truck payment for a while BTW, if anyone is on the market there is a dealer in Canfiled that does 25% off of sticker on all F150's in stock and thay usually have over 60. Everything from $25-$55k I've thought about this, but I really need it for a thousand miles of travel. So longer than a few days.

I haven’t had any luck searching the internet. But does anyone know of any rental companies or dealers renting pickup trucks? Not the ones you can rent from Home Depot to bring supplies home, but one that can be used to take on a trip. Particularly I would like to rent a Ford F150 Crew Cab with the EcoBoost engine. I’d like to take it on a trip towing my trailer to see how it does before buying one. –Thanks.

I was out on 534 Wednesday past Cold Cork Springs but was heading north to Harpersfied Bridge. Can't say I've seen another Versys in these parts so if it wasn't me, good to hear their may be another out there

Never had any complaints with my Toshibas.