Greetings. I own a used 2011 f150 EB. Recently took my family on our first camping trip towing a 3000# trailer. While going uphill the truck started shaking and the check engine light flashed. When I reached the top of the hill everything went to normal. Happened again on the next hill. Flat driving the remainder of the trip with no issues.

Took the truck to a mechanic and he found no codes in the system. He said it might be bad gas? Filled it up on premium gas the return home. The truck did not repeat the issues above on the same hill. I found that by locking out 6th gear the drive seemed more stable, but it still sputtered a little bit going up hills.

Smooth driving when not towing. Truck has 74,000 miles. Is this a spark plug issue? If so, is there a preferred plug for vehicles that tow? Driving all through the Rocky Mountains next year. I need the performance to be there when I need it. Thank you.

 

Change the spark plugs. Use the OEM Motorcraft and gap them to .028. Change them at least every 40k.

Ford does recommend premium gas when towing with the EB.

 

When towing on a hill, aren't you more likely to get some condensation in the intake from the increased use of the turbo?

 

That's a separate issue - condensation in the intercooler, which happens on relatively cool damp days.

 

I'll betcha GLC is right on the money. Surprised you got that many miles out of the plugs. The 11 and 12s are know from leaving the factory with inconsistent gaps. Grab some Motorcraft SP534s and gap them to .028 and enjoy your truck again

 

If you have 75k on a set of plugs you really do need to change them. You will have a new feeling truck!

What's happening is when you're running under lots of boost up the hill the higher cylinder pressures blow out the weak plugs and cause misfires. The CAC shouldn't be present since most of the time mountains are pretty dry and you're pulling a trailer which will keep the boost up and the intercooler dry.

EDIT: You'll love the EB in the Rockies. I'm on my way there now.

 

We are going in october.. Can't wait to try the Eb out in the mountains. Wonder what the record is climbing Pikes Peak in a street truck ?