The Real truth is Ford, and other MFG's, spend millions testings. The 2.3 is a great engine. Your real limitation is how much cargo weight in the truck, before you attach a trailer. 4 300lb humans will eat most of you payload, and tongue weight. Weigh your truck empty, then again with all...
I have a 2025 2.3. I live in the Denver area and travel up to the mountains regularly. The 2.3 should be fine. My advice is to slow down 55-60 and keep an eye on your oil temp, I think the oil cooler is a little undersized.
The nutzerts I have do not fit the mounting points. I would need to drill the holes out, but that would compromise the holding strength of the mounting points.
Just finished installing mine. I will state, there is so much aftermarket crap, these panels are not in that category. Exellent fit and finish. Very light, but when mounted they feel very strong. Very Little bed space is lost, IMO, bed space will be gained using things like QuickFists...