Burning plastic smell while towing

[Dixie]

I towed my 14’ enclosed trailer for about 100km this weekend with 1 quad in it and came across a bit of an issue. Right near the end of the trip, I smelled a bit of a burning plastic smell. When I stopped, I popped the hood and noticed some smoke coming from the drivers side turbo area. I figure the turbos got red hot after leaning on them while towing, I just couldn’t see anything that melted. Im going to mention it when it’s in for an oil change, but In the meantime, has anyone else had a similar issue? It’s a 2.7 4x4 lariat screw

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[Sundancer330]

Those turbos get a real workout towing. We towed our #4500 trailer on pretty flat highway and I displayed the boost gauge up on the dash. Normal driving not towing the gauge doesn't move much, when towing they are running from 50-100% most of the trip, something must get hot under the hood but I didn't smell anything.

 

[Egilson1]

I’ve noticed the same thing after towing. But wasn’t able to verify what it was. Got a PowerBoost and was running in tow/haul mode.

 

[samj]

I’ve noticed the same thing after towing. But wasn’t able to verify what it was. Got a PowerBoost and was running in tow/haul mode.

Ethan, I have the same problem with my F-150 Powerboost 2021. Took it to the dealer and they told me not to use the towing mode unless for a very short period, which doesn't make sense. Were you able to resolve that issue for your vehicle?

 

[Doublet]

Ethan, I have the same problem with my F-150 Powerboost 2021. Took it to the dealer and they told me not to use the towing mode unless for a very short period, which doesn't make sense. Were you able to resolve that issue for your vehicle?

That doesn’t sound right, I would be careful listening to them in the future. Could someone correct me if I’m wrong.

 

[samj]

Update: I took it to another dealership this morning and explained the strong propane/ natural gas smell and what the first dealership told me about not using the towing mode. They said that doesn't make sense (no more BS like the first dealership). They had two technicians (junior and senior) coming with me on two separate short drives to demonstrate the issue. They both noticed the strong natural gas smell. Then they took the truck inside their service garage. They checked everything and found a loose hose somewhere which they tightened. I did another test drive with the senior technician, but still, the smell persisted. They told me that they have to get in touch with Ford's "hotline" and expect to hear feedback within 48 hours. I will keep you posted.

 

[PungoteagueDave]

My truck runs with the turbo-boost way up almost all the time with the biggest of our boat trailers in tow - I did not notice any smell from the engine bay, but plenty from the trailer brakes, and a couple times from the truck's brakes. Surge brakes cannot be adjusted and do their thing whenever engine or foot braking puts any rearward pressure on the trailer, so I expect a certain amount of smoking from the trailer disks/pads, was surprised that the truck brakes had issues with a trailer weighing 9,750 pounds. I hope the dealer finds your issue. Please report back.

 

[MANDO2021]

Update: I took it to another dealership this morning and explained the strong propane/ natural gas smell and what the first dealership told me about not using the towing mode. They said that doesn't make sense (no more BS like the first dealership). They had two technicians (junior and senior) coming with me on two separate short drives to demonstrate the issue. They both noticed the strong natural gas smell. Then they took the truck inside their service garage. They checked everything and found a loose hose somewhere which they tightened. I did another test drive with the senior technician, but still, the smell persisted. They told me that they have to get in touch with Ford's "hotline" and expect to hear feedback within 48 hours. I will keep you posted.

Any more Updates???

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