grommit

Hello I am looking at ordering a new F150 and am a little confused by the various build options, and could use a little advice. I will be using my truck for some farm work, towing and of course transportation We have Grandkids and dogs so a Screw looks good. My trailers are a two horse bumper pull less then 5000 pounds loaded, and a 27 foot (overall) TT with a GVWR of 6500 pounds. The TT is a Ultra light version so it is low for a TT, all of the other trailers are smaller. We will be perhaps be towing about 10 percent of the time. I am still torn between the 3.5 EC and the 5.0 V8, the local rural dealers really seem to be pushing the 5 litre as the best choice. I am from Canada so gas (and trucks!) are expensive and I travel long distances on rural highways to get anywhere.

From the ford.ca site my choices so far are:

Screw long wheelbase XLT 4X4 302 package with Max Payload and the 5 litre. Questions How is the ride with the beefier springs and LT tires? Would the the 3.73 rear end make for a noisy highway drive and poor MPG?
or
Screw long wheelbase XLT 4X4 302 Package with the Max Tow package, LT tires and 3.5 EB Questions What springs and rear end would be on this configuration? From doing research I think Ford offers 3 spring and rear end sizes.

One other question Is it worth going to a Lariat to get the AWD function, I know friends with GMs and they drive in AWD all winter. Winters up here can be long!

Thanks for any insights you can provide I tend to buy a new truck about every 10 years so I want to get it right.

mhamershock

I'd do the 3.5 LB Lariat, LT C rated tires, Max Tow. I'd seriously consider the HDPP as well. Max Tow gets you a 3800lb rear axle. HDPP gets you the 4800 lb rear axle with higher rate springs. With the HDPP you can load that bad boy up and never worry about being overloaded. This is the spec I ordered (with most options) and I am very happy with the decision.

The EB never has to rev to get moving. I rarely see 4000 RPM. The Gen 2 EB is an awesome motor.

Lariat has some nice adds. I use the AWD whenever it's raining/icy/snowing here in Oregon. Wife likes the heated/cooled seats.

jtnuge

I can not help with the towing part, but the awd is a nice thing to have. This is my first truck with it. I like it a lot. Have only turned on 4wd a few times. I use awd when the roads are wet or snow covered.

Bluetoy

If you want 302A XLT or a 502A Lariat you cannot get the HDPP. The Max tow doesn't give you only 3800 rear it gives you 4050. 3.73 is a great gear for the 5.0 but not necessary. If you want 3.73 with the EB then you have to get the HDPP. If you want max tow then you must get the 3.5 EB and 3.55 gears. The 5.0 will tow any of your trailers with no trouble as well.

Jkarsch

If you're looking at 2018s the 5.0 will have the 10 speed auto - that last OD gear puts your overall ratio at ~2.35 - if it is a 2017 5.0 with 3.73 it would be ~2.57. Pretty good difference considering a 2017 5.0 with 3.31 overall in 6th would be ~2.28. That 10 speed auto with a .63 10th gear OD is pretty awesome.

I love my 2017 3.5EB with Max tow and the 3.55s - tows like a dream! Also has the bigger tank which is nice too.

grommit

Thanks for the help. So if I get the Max Tow with the 3.5 it comes with a 4050 rear axle, aprox. what would the door sticker be for weight rating? (assuming a Screw long wheel base XLT) Would the rear end be the larger 9.75?

How would the numbers for the 5 litre compare?

Maybe it's a traditional rural thing but around here the 3.5 is not as popular as the 5 litre.

Jkarsch

BigDozer66

I agree with the comparison of the 3.5L EB and the 5.0L. You can't go wrong with either ad the differences will be +/- either way.

My payload is 1778 on mine listed my signature.

Fx2.7

The EB is a better tow vehicle. It makes power at lower RPMs especially if you pull at elevation a naturally aspirated engine looses 3.6% of its power every 1000 feet. For no more than you are pulling the 2.7 would do just fine and if you drive like I do get you 20+
MPG.

BertaPower

If you live in a high elevation area, forced induction will help as well.

If you really want the best of both worlds I would just get the max tow. Hdpp is an incredible truck but with 5k/regular payload(I'm sure it would be your bail hauler) most f150s w/ either of the motors you're looking at will work fine.

RWD is quite good in winter if you have decent tires and keep your wits. Sure AWD is better but if you're not accustomed to it, I don't know that I would spend an extra 10k+ on a lariat.

Not saying I didn't want a lariat 502, I did, but my 301 has everything I need for the price.