Hey guys, in the coming months I am going to be purchasing a low-mileage F150. From my budget and what i've found on the market, it will likely be a 2016-2018. It needs to be crew cab, 4x4, but I do not have any requirements outside of that.

With the new transmissions (6 spd vs 10 spd), eco boosts (2.7 vs. 2nd 3.5), I was hoping for some guidance on what I should aim for. I drive a good bit annually, will plan to level it with all terrains, and have a 22' boat i tow regularly. Any feedback is appreciated

 

Welcome to the forum, and congrats on the sh*tstorm you've unknowingly brought upon yourself.

I have a 2016 5.0L 6spd and I have no complaints. I would tow your 22' boat without hesitation. I would also suggest you place a lot of consideration on gear ratios and be sure to get a 3.55 or 3.73, particularly if you're going to increase your tire size with those A/T tires. My truck has 3.55 gears and a tune, but before I tuned it, shifting was dodgy. I would prefer 3.73 gears despite the fact that I don't tow much.

 

As far as engines, the pecking order is 2.7EB, 5.0V8, and 3.5EB, at least from a cost perspective. Having said that, from this forum, the 2.7 seems to be the least problematic of the bunch, and typically is said to have enough power for most owners. The more problematic seems to be the 5.0, since besides the common cam phasers and timing chain issues to both 3.5 and 5.0, the V8 has serious oil consumption issues on many engines. That's what kept me from getting one. However, if you buy a 2017 or earlier version, the V8 seems like the best engine to have. So think about that . You also need to pay attention to axle ratios, and the features you want. You'd pay a lot less for them than new, so get the best trim you can afford. Good luck.

 

 

I have a '19 XLT Screw with the 5.0L V8 and it tows my (heavy for it's size) 19' boat over all kinds of terrain like the boat's not even there. Even with the 3.31 gears it's really a nice tow vehicle, and generally fun to drive. No oil consumption issues, either.

I drove similar trucks with the 3.5L EB engine, and they seemed nice, too.

I bet either engine in a nice newish F150 would make you quite happy.

 

I drove them all before I purchased my 17 4wd SuperCrew with the 2.7, 6spd, and 3.55 rear end. I originally was leaning toward the 5.0 with a 10 spd, but with the oil issues on the 5.0 and the 10 speed being relatively new I shied away. I found a nice low miles 2017 with factory warranty and so far I love the 2.7 "I had a turbo seal replaced under warranty". I don't pull very often, but I know that it will not have a problem when I need it to pull a boat or ranger xp.

 

the 18+ 5.0 is the best engine you can have on this truck .. period

 

Oh no it isn't, the 3.5 is, because I've got one.

 

you're right