Looking at getting a new '25 F150 and I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion on the V8 or the powerboost.

Currently drive an '18 with a V8 and have had no problems with it, but I do like the idea of having a built in generator. Especially given my frequent power outages in Houston.

Anyone own a powerboost and how has it been?

I have a '22 PB with 115k on the clock now. Have not had any issues other than recall/minor warranty work. The gas mileage is heavily dependent on metrics such as tires, payload, etc. A bone stock boost, empty, with stock tires and the right conditions can get 30+ mpg. I have 10 ply Cooper ATP's on mine because I pull a gooseneck horse trailer with it for my daughter's rodeo hobby and I average 18.5. I do have a transfer switch for my house and the soft start for the A/C system (you will need it or the truck will continually kick off generator mode due to instantaneous power pull). There is a group on FB for PB owners with lots of good info as well.

Thanks. That FB page is a good resource.

I've got a '23 PB and have really liked it. Very responsive and fun to drive, and a definite improvement on mileage as well. Upgraded from a Hemi that on paper has similar performance specs to the Ford 5.0l. No complaints about the V8, but I've been impressed with the performance upgrade. I'd say it's worth the test drive.

Go for the bigger generator if you can find it, but I personally wouldn't recommend the PB solely for the generator. It's a nice feature, but you can buy a 7kW portable generator for pretty cheap.

There've been a few threads here on the PB and the response from posters is mostly positive.

Is the 2018 4wd? Regular cab or Supercab?

Yes. It's a 4wd superduty. I will miss it, but getting up there in miles and we're driving to CO this summer.

The vacuum IWE blew out on our road trip to Michigan and scared the crap out of me so the truck had it's road trip duty revoked.

I live in Houston and use the pro power on board for power outages. Powers one A/C, two fridges, and deep freezer and some lights. Have to install a transfer switch at your breaker. $500-$700 ish.

I rarely use it for anything else however (generator).

The convenience of running the PB vs traditional generators should be taken into account as well. The PB will run for days on a tank of gas and you can monitor everything from your phone, no running outside to fill up a traditional generator (unless you have a propane/natural gas plumbed generator).

Is the Powerboost the fastest F150 engine besides the Raptor R?

New 5.0s have cylinder deactivation.

Come drive both. Contact info in profile.

Woof. Thanks for that heads up. I'm out on that. This all started because my wife wanted a new GM big suv and I learned about that disaster.

Diamond Dogs said:

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The convenience of running the PB vs traditional generators should be taken into account as well. The PB will run for days on a tank of gas and you can monitor everything from your phone, no running outside to fill up a traditional generator (unless you have a propane/natural gas plumbed generator).

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I can get just under 3 full days on a full tank power f what I mentioned above. About noon of the 3rd day I go fill back up as a precaution.

Seriously thinking about one of these. Time to get back into a truck.

I don't disagree - they are nice features and I'm really glad to have the setup. And everyone will have their own unique circumstances that may make more or less sense. Just meant as food for thought.

Yes

I went from a 2014 5.0 to a 2022 PB. Literally within a month I was using the PB to run my house after a hurricane. I ran my fridge and two air conditioners for two days and used less than 3 gallons of gas ... without the annoying sound of a gas generator. Just be sure to get the 7200 watt version for Pro Power Onboard. It gives you a 240v receptacle in the bed.

The PB has the same get up and go my 5.0 did, but the mileage is a lot better. My real concern was towing because I had heard a lot of doom and gloom about towing with a PB, but if I lock out 9 & 10 I can still get 15 MPG towing my teardrop vs. about 12 MPG in my 5.0. You do lose a little bit of cargo capacity due to the weight of the batteries, but if you aren't hauling big loads of stuff in your bed all the time, that won't matter.

I am not a performance geek, but from an everyday driver perspective, I don't notice any lesser performance when I changed to the PB. My next F-150 will probably be a PB.