I have an ‘18 F350 diesel that I love but no longer need the diesel. So I’ll be trading it in later in the summer.

My towing might be an occasional U-haul helping family move from one house to another.

I live in Florida and will take 2-3 trips a year to the DC area and back. In my more mature years LOL, that trip is a lot easier in a larger truck than our Honda Pilot. I’d like to get the Platinum trim with those creature comforts to make that trip as easy as possible.

That narrows the choices down to the 5.0 or the 3.5. At first I was all in on the 3.5. But I saw 2 YouTube videos yesterday that caught my attention. I’m sure you’ve seen them. June of ‘17, a you tuber did a poll at a Ford dealership and asked all the mechanics and service Dept.
people that if they bought an F150 then, what engine would they choose. Overwhelmingly the choice was the 5.0 because of the V8 aspect and reliability. So that caught my attention, but thought that it still might be early in the 3.5 usage.

There was another you tuber that did the same poll at a different Ford dealership June’ 19 so fairly recent.
This poll was even way more decisive in favor of the 5.0, something like 17-3. These again are the mechanics that work on them.

I am aware of the TSB thread below. I’m assuming Ford has fixed that issue. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say these polls highlighting the reliability of the 5.0 didn’t have an impact on my thought process. I still have some time. The mpg’s are a part of the process but they appear within 1-2 mpg as being the same. The huge towing numbers of the 3.5 are not a factor or I would keep my F350. It’s the reliability factor. This should be my last truck in retirement and repair bills don’t work on my fixed income. Yesterday I was all in on the 3.5. But not so sure now.

I’ll have to order because I want a Platinum trim with no moonroof and a 6.5’ bed— a unicorn that doesn’t exist in Fl. I’ll continue research but at some point it’s paralysis by analysis. My biggest decision may be 2020 or 2021? What would you do?

 

I have a 5.0, but I would not hesitate to buy a truck with either engine. I preferred to go with the V8 just because they're a reliable, proven engine, but the 3.5s sound pretty nice, too, and have a bit more power. I was mostly concerned with longevity of the turbos, but that was mainly based on my lack of experience with them.

 

I would get the 3.5, click the max tow box, and be done with it.

 

Towing not a big concern as I mentioned in my post.
I’d be more interested to know which engine offered more longevity and reliability.
Picture some old codger now driving around in a beat up 1998 F150. Hopefully that’s me 20 years from now with this next truck I buy.
I had a Tundra for 12 years before I bought the F350 and that’s because I bought it to pull a fifth wheel.

 

Those videos are useless. I don't really care about the opinions of a bunch of lube monkeys. Both engines have their issues... the recent 5.0s are known for oil consumption problems, the 3.5s for the cam phaser/timing chain stretch. The 3.5 will tow better as any turbocharged engine will. Neither engine is simple... the idea that the 5.0 is "simple" is laughable.

Drive both, buy the one *you* want.

 

I'm not opposed to the 3.5, but it would be of no advantage unless you plan to tow heavy or plan to drive a lot at altitudes above 7000'. But with the Platinum trim you greatly reduce payload. While on paper the 3.5 might be able to tow more, you won't be able to handle much tongue weight on a Platinum trim truck. It is the payload that will limit your towing and either engine should handle about the same payload.

On the other hand, while early 3.5's had some growing pains and early 5.0's earned a reputation as bulletproof up through about 2014, I've read of more issues with the 5.0 in 2018 and newer models.

I bought my 2014 used in 2016 and just like you was on the fence. Reliability was something I considered, but it wasn't the only factor. Since I was buying used my choices were more limited. I could have gone either way, but ended up with the 5.0 simply because on the used market the truck I bought was the one that came closest to what I wanted at the best price. If that truck had had the 3.5 in at the same price it I would have still bought it. FWIW 2 of my wife's brothers have 3.5's and are happy with them, a 2016 and 2014. Neither has had a single issue. Nor have I.

I realize I've probably only confused you more, but there it is.

 

have you seen or researched the 2.7L performance and reliability and the great MPG's that it yields....and with a 3.73 gearing with max tow it will be the perfect fit for your needs...... even if you drop the max tow you will still be golden.....just sayinnn....

do no discount the 2.7L my any means, in my opinion, it is one of the best engines Ford has ever produced.

Sandan

 

Confusing maybe, but still good feedback.
Thanks, Marshall.

 

2.7 not an option with Platinum trim— either 5.0 or 3.5

 

First thing I'd do is drive them both. Personally after driving both I couldn't resist the 'fun factor' of the 3.5, all that low end power is awesome.