Mayberry

So, from what I am reading, the 3.5L ecoboost provides no real advantage over the 5.0, since no one seems to recommend pulling more than 8,000 lbs with any 1/2 ton truck, no matter the "towing capacity". While it may be a fine engine, if gas mileage is relatively the same and it provides no useful advantage in pulling power, why get it over the tried and true V8?

atwowheelguy

That seems like a lot of weight and length for an F150. The highest '15-'16 XLT 3.5EB or 5.0 Supercrew payload I have seen in the POST YOUR PAYLOAD thread is 1919 lbs. The lowest is 1632. Make sure you check the payload sticker on the truck you are looking at. My '13 has a payload of 1607, so I am envious of the new truck payloads.

That being said, here is a comparison of the power curves for the '11-'14 engines. Sorry I don't have data for the newer model years.

Pick a spot and compare numbers. At 2500 rpm, the 5.0 makes 150 hp, the 3.5 makes 200. Another way to look at it, if your rig needs 275 hp to get up the hill at the speed you want to go, the 5.0 will be turning 4000 rpm, and the 3.5 will be turning 3500 to produce the power.

I like the low rpm power which produces a quieter tow. As far as tried and true, the 5.0 Coyote and the 3.5EB both debuted in 2011, so they both have the same time on the market. My 3.5 has 75k miles with no problems. We'll see how it goes.

11screw50

The 'EB tows better' argument is because it makes more torque across the board than the 5.0. The 5.0 will tow up to its rating (and probably quite a bit beyond it ) just fine, it will just use the transmission more and it will rev higher as a result.

Not sure why the guy with the chart is talking power, it is all about the torque.

So the advantage to the EB is more torque, fewer downshifts and if altitude is involved, the torque advantage is magnified.

Not sure about the new trucks but it seemed like the previous gen 5.0's were doing a little better on mpg's while towing (but since it was anecdotal evidence and not head to head comparisons using the same trailer and route, who knows). The numbers seemed close enough to me to be a wash.

Mayberry

Thanks for all the replies. I have found a consistent reply when asking this question: all salesmen state the Ecoboost is better. But, I have spoken to multiple mechanics, namely 2 Ford dealer mechanics in the past day, and they both stated that the Ecoboost is great, but the most worked on engine in their shop. They said the 5.0 is near perfected and they rarely see mechanical issues out of it. I have no evidence to support, but both Ford mechanics said they would, hands down, choose a 5.0 over a 3.5 Eco, every time.

RkF150_PM

My opinion, I had a 2013 FX4 5.0L 3.73 max tow pkg pulling at 35' TT 9100lbs and 850lbs on hitch. Now I have a 2016 Lariat EB max tow package with 3.55.
The 5.0 is truly an awesome motor. On flat and downhill roads this truck is as smooth as it can be. The only downfall is going up hills.. Here in Canada we can see 15% grade over a couple of miles.. Then this is where 5.0 loose its shine... It will downgrade to 3rd and sometime 2nd gear at 4500rpm+! Puts a lot of strain on motor and barely can keep a "safe" speed without being pushed by 18 wheelers you passed earlier screaming at you!!
Now with EB, on those same hills, will barely downgrade 5th below 3000rpm average...and even picking speed...What a piecefull drive difference and less nerve racking ...
5.0 or EB affected by side wind... Same. TT sway barely by both. Fuel economy so far, a bit better with EB.

hellrzor

I had the exact same experience

Had a 2011 xtr screw 5.5 box 5.0l

Great motor - great truck. Towed my 28' tt great , but when towing through the mountains would gear down to 2nd and 3rd all the time. You could tell the motor was working really hard

Now have a 2016 3.5eb lariat 6.5 box and wow what a difference - I have driven a lot of diesels and the little eb pulls like a diesel

raisin

Agreed, I have '14 5.0 3.73 pulling 6K and love it. If I had anything larger I would have got the 3.5 boost as I love the mountains. Even pulling my son's 29' 7k trailer into strong headwind means 4th gear. Nobody ever complains about having too much power in the mountains.


I would think about E-range tires, rear sway bar and heavy duty rear shocks. Works for me. Of course great hitch with sway control and property setup trailer is a must...

Boulevard

Turn around, go back to Nissan and pick up a Titan with the 5.0 Cummins diesel. The specs and options on these trucks are phenomenal and you will get max dollar for your trade in. DO NOT let anyone bull**** you into thinking that the 3.5 ecoboost will pull like a 5.0 Cummins.

homeskizzle

That extra 135lbs of torque the Titan XD has gets eaten up when you consider the XD weighs at least 1500lbs more.

4B11TX

Maybe he doesn't want truck that ugly!