Getting around f150 ecoboost limitations in remote/challenging environments?

[BigH2OChief]

First Newb post/question...

As much as I love my 15’ f150 ecoboost (MPG is bomb!) I’ve realized the intercooler presents mechanical constraints for mounting recovery gear -- particularly a winch. By any chance are there any others here who have figured out a work around or recovery solution which does not include re-locating the intercooler? I realize winch use is situation dependent, but in my lifetime I’ve find myself in ‘that situation’ three times. Ttwice someone else needed help and once myself. Thoughts, suggestions or a azimuth to reference material are greatly appreciated.

Best- MW

 

[Catzuk]

There are a few companies that address that issue. This is one
https://www.stage3motorsports.com/2011-2014-F150-EcoBoost-Off-Road-Bumpers.html

Warn and and ARB are developing bumpers for the f150 eco as well.
What I have built in the past for similar issues on customers trucks, was a simple hitch and a portable winch cradle. Then they could remove it for highway and store it in the bed of truck, use it in the rear factory receiver for rear pulls and in front for front pulls. I always suggest using winch rope over cable rope for weight reasons. Can get heavy depending on winch selected.

 

[Cort]

This is what I use:

http://www.baileysonline.com/shop.axd/ProductDetails?item_no=17435&utm_source=googlepla&utm_medium=cse&id=346713063533&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw9nUBRCTARIsAG11eietT3U6_3Oc7NEtufr7TqfDuf2RgOxdY4UL2vefvZAn-ZGnkr0NA8saAs4nEALw_wcB

Not as fast as a winch but the thing is a beast and I can use it in the front or the rear.

 

[Jason Jackson]

I have a 2011 with the ecoboost as well - did you ever make a choice in a bumper? I have been thinking of moving the intercooler....

 

[Whiteout]

First Newb post/question...

As much as I love my 15’ f150 ecoboost (MPG is bomb!) I’ve realized the intercooler presents mechanical constraints for mounting recovery gear -- particularly a winch. By any chance are there any others here who have figured out a work around or recovery solution which does not include re-locating the intercooler? I realize winch use is situation dependent, but in my lifetime I’ve find myself in ‘that situation’ three times. Ttwice someone else needed help and once myself. Thoughts, suggestions or a azimuth to reference material are greatly appreciated.

Best- MW

Check out these guys. https://www.full-race.com/store/ecoboost/f150-raptor-gen2-ecoboost-2017/2015-f-150-ecoboost-freakoboost-intercooler-cac-upgrade-kit/ ...When I save up my beans I'm getting one.

 

[chrishesselden]

I have had the same problem as well. However, thinking about where the license plate is located on the 2016 F150 the intercooler is already blocked ( downside to living in a province that requires a front plate) so what is the difference in putting the Warn HDX bush bar with winch tray?

 

[Desert Runner]

I have had the same problem as well. However, thinking about where the license plate is located on the 2016 F150 the intercooler is already blocked ( downside to living in a province that requires a front plate) so what is the difference in putting the Warn HDX bush bar with winch tray?

Bull Bar Bumpers like the ARB, HAVE A DESIGNED IN .....cooling channel behind where a license plate is mounted. A plate will block about half of the area, but still allow air flow. You can also get a plate farm that snaps into a roller fairlead.

I live in the desert. And I bought the ARB for my 2003 Duramax. I did a review, and followups on it on Amazon. Basically I saw no adverse affects on mileage and more importantly.....overheating. my temps stayed consistent like before the install.

PS:.....(follow up)........The Silverado plate position is ARB's standard plate mounting area. That open channel behind it allows air to reach the inter-gooler and lower radiator area. The state plate position on the fair-lead is a removable piece to stay compliant with state law, by a roller clips backing plate when the winch is needed.
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[adv.fam.4]

Bump. Lets talk new Ecoboost/Powerboost! What has everyone found?

 

[MidOH]

Put the winch in the rear bumper.

You're using it to get unstuck, not to winch up a mountain, right?

I dont recall ever needing to winch forward only, ever, in a camping oriented truck. Winching backwards would have unstuck me all the same. And less shoveling.

Wheeling my Jeep yj? Sure. Winched up hills it couldnt climb. Truck? Nope.

I would miss it only for winching chainsawed trees. (Making up words today) But you can still drag trees with a chain. No big deal there.

It's lame that Fords intercooler isnt just a core ahead of the radiator like in a semi truck. Theres tons of room, it doesnt need to be low mounted like a sports car's.

Wouldn't this intercooler do the trick and allow any decent bumper to fit?:

2015+ F-150 EcoBoost FreakoBoost Intercooler / CAC Upgrade Kit - RPG Offroad

www.rpgoffroad.com