I'd say 2.7, but keep in mind unless you get the 2.7 w/ payload package - your GVWR will be reduced and thus payload. 4 adults in the truck is going to eat up ~800lbs. Just make sure you have enough leftover for tongue weight and whatever you carey in bed.

 

No offense but this is about the worst place to ask for "which engine" advice...you're going to get very polarized views.

It's all about your needs. I like the ideas others have had about the 2.7 but if you're going to ever grow the business you might like the extra tow capacity the 3.5 will give you...

This is just my opinion...but if you're looking to also achieve some sort of gas mileage optimization get a diesel.

 

My advice: wait.
For the new all-electric F150. Better torque than any gas engine. Little maintenance. Since you don't take long trips, plugging it in at the end of the work day will give you plenty of juice for the next day.

 

 

It is going to take quite a bit for me to get on the EV bandwagon...

 

the amount of power it takes to charge a model S is crazy .. i can't imagine what it will take to charge a battery big enough to charge an F150 .. one thing nobody talks about with EV's is how much power it takes to charge them. Some tesla owners have solar and battery backup but it takes about 78kw to fully charge a Model S and most tesla owners charge on the grid because their battery backup can't handle fully charging cars