Hello.

I have been researching for quite some time on which truck to buy. I feel confident that the F150 is the direction I want to go, however, I have a few things I was hoping someone on here could help me decide if what I am looking to purchase will suit my needs.

First, a little background. I currently drive a 2009 Honda Ridgeline and love it. But I purchased a camper last year that was approaching the max of 5000lbs for the Ridgeline towing capacity. So I feel I need to go with something bigger.

So now to my questions...

I'm still debating between the Crew and Super Cab. We are a family of 4 and both my children are young at the moment. My wife has a CRV which is our normal family car but when I tow the camper and UTV the truck will be used. I'm personally leaning towards the Super Cab for financial reasons.

I only bring that up to provide more information on my next question. I have read a lot, including a 15 page thread, on the 2.7 vs 3.5 debate. I am leaning towards the 2.7 as I don't feel my towing needs require the 3.5. What is considered "heavy towing" that would push me to need the 3.5? Fuel economy is a desire but I would like some power to have fun. I test drove a 2.7 and I could see my fun being had with the "sport mode". The truck I am considering has the 3.55 "regular axle". That is what the window sticker says. Is that a positive or negative versus the limited slip axle? Bottom line I guess is will the 2.7 ecoboost with regular 3.55 axle sufficiently tow my camper?

Lastly, is there anything I may not be considering that I should inquire about?

I appreciate any comments.
Thanks

 

the 3.55 is an open diff the other option is open w/electronic locker. There are no Lim-slip diff offerings.

It sounds like you're a pretty good match for the 2.7L. Here's a couple thinking questions.

1) Will you be keeping that same sized camper for the life of the truck? Or will you be upgrading as the kids grow?

2) Will you be needing the Screw space as the kids grow? Or for carrying a pet?

If you plan to keep the camper for the life of the truck then I'd say go with the 2.7L Screw if you can get the weight ratings needed BEFORE purchase. If you plan to upgrade trailers to slightly bigger than the Scab will give a little more room for growth if optioned correctly.

If the trailer is going to be upgraded every 2 years then you'll be needing the 3.5L to grow into. Probably the Screw as well due to growing space.

If you're light on truck options, the 2.7L with the 2.7 Payload Package could be a good fit for you.

 

Crew vs. SuperCab depends on whether you mind opening the front door to open the back door. With the 180 degree suicide doors, that's the main issue (they used to be 90 degree doors). Second issue is space - the Crew cab has another foot.

Next issue is bed size, which impacts length. A Crew with a 5.5 foot bed is the same length as a SuperCab with a 6.5 foot bed. Many of us want the longer bed.

Last issue is driving and parking the size truck you get. Many garages can barely fit a 232 inch truck, and can't fit a 244 inch truck.

Towing an under 5,000 pound (loaded) trailer should be a non-issue. You may want/need a weight distribution hitch as you approach 5,000 pounds depending on tongue weight, and will need one if you exceed it. The PAYLOAD sticker on a truck will give you the info you need, and the Towing section of the forum has tons of posts explaining how to calculate the max you can tow.

What "limited slip axle"?

 

Welcome!

Great job on using the site search and doing a lot of research on your next vehicle.

For your needs, the 2.7L and 3.55 should be plenty.

The 3.5L is a great engine, but doesn't really have any 0-60 or 1/4 mile advantages from a "having fun" perspective, and the 2.7L will return a little better fuel economy overall.

The 10 speed is good for towing, but since you aren't spending most of your weekends towing, I just don't think the extra cost for the 3.5L and 10 speed would be worth it to you.

The axles are I believe either the regular open axle or one with an E-Locker, maybe I have missed it every time but I don't think they have a limited slip axle. The limited slip is handled by the traction control system through braking.

Anyway, the E-Locker is nice to have, but I would only consider it a high priority if you were frequently launching a boat or doing a lot of offroading with mud or hill climbing. For occasional snow and dirt roads it won't have any significant impact beyond what 4x4 already does.

Good luck with your choice! Be sure to really explore rebates and all that with the SuperCab vs SuperCrew. That Crew gives you so much room, and if you don't need the longer bed you get with the SCAB, it's nice for when the kids grow more to give them that space and still be able to throw some stuff back there with them.

 

I was in the same position a few weeks ago. I ended up buying a used 2016 XLT Super Crew (3.5 Ecoboost RWD) with 21K miles for only $26,100. No sense in buying brand spanking new when there are plenty of great used trucks with all the extras you want without the killer new truck price. Happy hunting

 

Wow...I'm truly amazed by the response. Thanks to you all. I definitely found the right forum.

I apologize for the terminology in regards to the rear axle. Is it safe to say the the "regular axle" is the open axle and the upgraded is the open axle with electronic locker...which as I understand the responses the "regular axle" will full fill my needs.

I don't foresee my family purchasing a new camper anytime soon. We purposely upgraded to my current one to have for quite some time. (Include slide outs and technically sleeping for 8...small people....lol)

As for the Screw vs Scab...I personally like the Screw better and I don't necessarily need the bigger bed. My only issue with the Screw is the financial aspect of it...I'm still really considering this.

Sixshooter...I'm not sure what you mean by "weight ratings before purchase". Can you elaborate?

Thanks

 

Making sure that the payload of the truck supports the weight of your camper you intend on using.

 

So if the sticker says GVWR 6500lbs payload...is that the number that I need to compare to?

 

GVWR and payload are tremendously different haha. Payload, depending on setup is about 1500-2200 lbs.

 

I bought the supercrew last year and it is great with the kids. The dog can even lay on the floor all spread out there is so much room! As they grow, you will definitely appreciate the extra space!