Semi Syn or Full Syn when pulling a trailer.

[Klotz1]

Hello,

Pulling a 17ft all aluminium enclosed trailer with a 2011 Ford XLT Eco-boost truck. Going to change my oil before we leave, my question is would a semi synthetic be better then a full synthetic pulling a trailer for 1,300 miles?

What oil would you recommend, I was thinking of a Valvoline semi synthetic?

Thanks!

 

[JHZR2]

So youll likely be under igh boost for extended times when pulling?

Id want full syn with high flashpoint.

I'd want an oil that meets the Ford spec and is robust.

Id probably look at the M1 AFE oils, not sure if they meet all the requirements, but IIRC they have a pretty robust basestock.

 

[05foresterXT]

It doesn't matter if you use synthetic or conventional for towing. Some auto manufacturers do recommend higher viscosity for towing. Follow the owner's manual recommendation for towing as far as viscosity is concerned.

I can't see any reason why conventional or semi-synthetic would be better than a full synthetic for any purposes. Towing generally makes more heat in the engine. Synthetic oils are generally better at handling heat in a given viscosity range.

 

[semaj281]

Not all synthetics are created equally, and a good dino (or semi syn) could outperform some synthetics.

IMO, if your owner's manual doesn't make special recommendations for heavy loads, any oil that meets API specs and is in the recommended viscosity range will do. You might change the oil a bit earlier when it sees towing though, if you're worried about wear metals.

 

[synthetic_crazy]

I think it would be 'better' to use a full synthetic. The extra heat durability of the full syn would make me use it in your truck.
I'm assuming the factory specs are 5w-20, so pour in some Mobil 1 5w-20 and all will be well.

 

[Oregoonian]

Are you really asking this question?

Lets get real....for a few $$$ more....wouldn't a full-syn make sense (common-sense)?....when towing a heavy 17' trailer.

 

[eljefino]

Was reading some abuse test and when flogged the ecoboost MPG dropped considerably, in the interest of self preservation.

Might consider running 80% throttle on long hills even if it means you loose a little speed. Would be better for the whole driveline.

 

[Eddie]

I'd be using Fords best oil & filter. The owners manual will be a good thing to read.

 

[addyguy]

Personally, I would'nt use anything BUT a full-synthetic on a twin-turbo engine.

 

[dave1251]

Originally Posted By: Oregoonian
Are you really asking this question?

Lets get real....for a few $$$ more....wouldn't a full-syn make sense (common-sense)?....when towing a heavy 17' trailer.


Really synthetic protects that much better? Please are you some kind of synthetic base stock seller?

Back to the original post use any 5w30 the meets Fords requirements and change at 5K to follow Fords severe service maintenance requirements. Any one who states that synthetics are the ultimate and the only way to go is very wrong. The difference between conventional and synthetic in 2012 is so close and unless you are required to use synthetic oil by the manufacture or willing to extended your OCI beyond the recommend you OCI set by your manufacture there is no need nor any benefit to use synthetics.

 

[volk06]

Originally Posted By: synthetic_crazy
I think it would be 'better' to use a full synthetic. The extra heat durability of the full syn would make me use it in your truck.
I'm assuming the factory specs are 5w-20, so pour in some Mobil 1 5w-20 and all will be well.


Wrong. The ecoboost requires 5w30.

Due to twin turbos and being DI I'm using full syn in my ecoboost. I'm using an oil that meets Hondas HTO-06. Ford does not require anything other than a conventional oil but I look for that spec because those oils have been proven performers in high temp operations.

 

[Ursae_Majoris]

That would be my suggestion. Towing a heavy trailer means truck will be in boost. Google the web for pictures of engines that ran non-turbo approved oil for a long time. Turbos shear the oil much more than non-turbo engines.

If it were my truck, I would look for the synthetic oil that was HTO-06 approved.

 

[BeerCan]

I agree with volk06. I also have an EB and I would use an oil that meets HTO-06. PP, PU and Kendal GT-1 full syn are good candidates (among others). Follow the OLM monitor but if I do a lot of heavy towing miles I would change at 5k. Make sure you use 5w30.

 

[fxrider]

QSUD 5.1 quart jug for $20.57 @ wal-mart would be my choice.

 

[thereed]

^^ I totally agree with these guys. I would focus more on specs that were designed for high temp situations, than the oils base stocks.
I would look for something like QSUD or PP which I believe meet the ford specs, and are also GM 4718 (I know its obsolete now) & HTO-06 approved. Plus both of these oils are only a few buck more per 5qt containers than there conventional/semi-syn counter parts.

 

[Smokescreen]

For me, the choice of semi-synthetics never enter the equation in any application. Its either conventional or full synthetic.

In this case, PP or QSUD would get my vote every time

 

[MuzzleFlash40]

People have been pulling things for decades with Dino in the crank case with no problems. But if I had to choose a syn oil it would be PP or QSUD.

 

[hypervish]

I'd probably go full synthetic, it'll stand up better with high temperatures.

 

[Boss302fan]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
Personally, I would'nt use anything BUT a full-synthetic on a twin-turbo engine.


I agree 100%... If it was not a turbo engine then I would say any high quality conventional oil(PYB) would be fine...

 

[oilmaven]

Ford is betting the ranch on it's Ecoboost technology. It appears to work well from a power standpoint (milage seems dependent on how much you "get into" the turbos)...it'll be interesting to see how they hold up over the long haul. My hope is that Ford has done it's homework on these engines.