stormsearch

Unfortunately I lost my beloved '09 in a crash last weekend. So in search of a new one. I have everything nailed down except which engine. I have read just about everything I could in a week and really doesn't look like I can go wrong either way from 5.0L or 2.7L. So posting this today hopefully get one last insight before I go to a couple dealers in next couple days. Here is what I had before:

'09 5.4L FX4 Screw, 3.73 w/ 33" tires and 1.5" level, fiberglass cover and 200lbs of extra payload.
I had two vehicles while I had my '09 so it was more of a weekend use or bad weather days. My next one will be my DD. Will either have 3.55 or 3.73 in XLT Screw.

I tow about a dozen times a year 200 mile round trip with a 3500lb boat (including payload), fairly flat with just highway overpasses. My previous truck I averaged 18mpg and I drive like an old lady. New truck will also have the same type of setup with wheels, level, cover and payload.

My criteria in priority
1 - Business of shifting, noise while towing
2 - MPG only while in DD mode
Off those two points the rest are much more insignificant:
3 - Performance
4 - Towing mpg
5 - Muffler sound

I had a '97 5.4L that was noisy and constantly downshifted while towing and many times just locked it into 3rd gear. '09 truck I could tow in 6th vast majority of time not in cruise. I want the same or better experience.

Will I see a significant difference in mpg based on my daily work commute and setup between the two? From what I've read it looks like with going to bigger tires and level I might be better off with the 5.0L. However, new truck will be my DD and my work commute is mainly crusing a 50 - 62mph.

Obviously I like the V8 rumble but it is a very low priority. My last rig was completely sound proof via audio install so I prefer quietness. Not concerned about reliability, plan to keep this truck 10 - 12 years, perform self maintanance. Thanks.

Scrappy Doo

iTrader: (1)

2.7

Billy_Jack

Love my 5.0 and glad I have it. That said, I rented an Ecoboost last week for out of town work and thought it was great. Plenty of power and blew my gas mileage away. Not sure which Ecoboost it was though.

Glen1027

3.5L Ecoboost all the way. It will tow any thing you want and in sport mode its a giant sports car.

zx12-iowa

5&1 contradict each other no? The 5.0 may shift a bit more than the 2.7 with same gears. Which will Be louder and also have a nice muffler noise...

The 2.7 should easily beat the 5.0 in mpg. Either way I'd get the 3.55 or 3.73 gears.

big_ole_truck

If you won't tow anything more than 3500lbs, it makes sense to get the 2.7L for the better fuel economy when not towing.

Ford dealers are saddled with lots of 2.7L F150 on their lots and I'm sure you'll find the right one not far away. Trucks with 5.0 engines aren't as numerous but there's a good selection.

ecoboost clark

2.7, Plenty of power and alot better fuel mileage than the 3.5 I came from.

stormsearch

Thanks much for the info. Looks like I'll be looking for a 2.7L. I found one 2.7L that fit my criteria just now but with several additional options. I am seeing alot more 2.7's on the lot vs. 5.0's. See if the dealer can help me more than my insurance. If not, will put one on order.

Geist1911

Why do you say 3500? I know the 2.7 can tow up to twice that give or take, is 3500 the cutoff point for something?

GhostriderI

That is what he is towing now, not the max he can tow.