kehyler

Hi guys,

TLDR: I need help deciding which F150 for a daily driver with a worst use case of towing a heavy jeep wrangler with 4 adults in the cab 2-4x per year for hundreds of miles. I think this leads me to believe I need a tow rating of ~7000 lbs and a payload of ~1900 about 4x per year, daily driver otherwise.

Questions I need help with:

• Is the 2.7 ecoboost with payload package "enough" truck to be safe for my use case? (See above and below for details.)
• Assuming the answer to the above question is yes, is the extra safety/capability of 3.5 ecoboost with HDPP valuable enough to justify the extra $10k cost it brings?

This is an update to this thread, with new numbers. I'm considering if a bare bones XL/XLT 2.7 ecoboost with payload package, 4x4, supercrew is sufficient if I buy a lighter trailer. Such a truck can have a tow rating of 8100 lbs and payload of 1960. (The reason that I am reconsidering this is that I estimated the cost of a 3.5 ecoboost with HDPP to be significant if considered over the lifetime of the truck. Fuel + opportunity cost of initial purchase price may exceed $10k.)

Desired tow rating: >= 7000 lbs

• 5000 lb jeep
• 1350 lb 14' aluminum trailer
• 400 lb allowance for random gear stored on trailer

Payload: >= 1895 lbs

• 810 lb for tongue weight of trailer (=6750*.15*.8)
• 625 lbs for human weight
• 160 lbs because we'd probably bring the dogs
• 100 lbs for weight distributing hitch with anti-sway
• 100 lbs for options I want
• 100 lbs allowance for extra luggage

Sources/calculations:
https://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?...00%2B100%2B100

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas...load_SB_v5.pdf

http://www.ford.com/services/assets/...stalCode=17406

Indy2015

Any of the engines available will tow the load you described. The question is, how fast do you want to go from point A to point B. A 85hp riding mower engine will tow your load all day long, but at a much slower pace than the 6.7 powerstroke with 925 ft/lbs of torque. Both are capable because the only job they do is to move the load, and with proper gearing they'll move any load you want straight up a mountainside.

Things that are much more important are brakes, suspension stability in the form of spring and shock rates, sway bar tuning, frame strength, transmission and rear gearing, tire/wheel type and placement. All of these and a few more are actually more important than the motor because these are the things that will effect your towing ability and whether you can actually comfortably control the load. Historically, most vehicles meant for towing have been (seemingly) way overbuilt in these areas, yet, for example, they have small 185hp inline sixes in them.

kehyler

^

I agree that those are all important considerations, and I am trusting that so long as I am under the stated capabilities of the truck as per the J2807 standard, that I will be reasonably safe.

Out of curiosity, do you know any reason to doubt J2807?

http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/tow...-the-standard/

kehyler

TTT, would be nice to hear from more than just a handful in the poll. I'm sure other people may have a similar situation as to mine.

ecoboost clark

I would go for the 2.7 , As long as you had 3:73 rear you would be fine.

Ifallsguy

5.0 for cost and longevity.

Rendrag

I went with the 5.0 V-8 as I got 2,312 pounds of payload compared to 1,850 for the 2.7 V-6. Neither one had any suspension upgrades or options. Almost 500 pounds and very little cost.

White Elephant

I tow the same load with my 2.7 Screw FX4 with 3.73's. Pulling and stopping are no issue including through the mountains. The only issue could be tongue wieght. You can easily reduce tongue weight by moving the jeep around. My tongue weight is 500-520 lbs. Truck is very stable and I often forget what's behind me!

kehyler

Mind sharing the specs of those two trucks? I'm surprised by the payload difference.

kehyler

Thanks for the personal experience - what does the door jam say for payload?