I know the MPG questions have flooded the threads for years. But I have a specific question about it. I will probably be getting a '21 XLT 302A before too long and would like to hear from those who have owned AND towed with both the 3.5 EB and 2.7 EB.
I don't tow all the time...other than my bass boat (when I get a chance) . But when I do tow...it is usually for a long distance and pulling a 5x8 boxed in trailer. Sometimes these round trips can be 2500 to 3000 miles.
So my question is...for those of you who have towed with both engines...is there a significant difference in MPG between the 2.7 and 3.5 while towing ? I know the 3.5 is better over all for towing heavier loads because it doesn't have to work as hard (theoretically) .
But with a smaller trailer such as the one I will be pulling...would the MPG hit be significant enough with the 2.7 to warrant moving up to the 3.5 ? I had a 3.5 EB in my '19 (and loved it), and my current '20 has the 5.0, but would like to give the 2.7 a try in my next truck.

I know a lot of us say "I didn't buy a full sized F150 truck for gas mileage"....but....when towing 2500 - 3000 miles it would make some difference . So was just wanting to get some opinions from you guys who may have some experience with this.

Thanks.

 

No.

Not a chance that it's cost justified.

 

I never towed a camper with my old 2015 2.7 but I did haul a uhaul car trailer through the mountains in PA and got about 9 mpg. FWIW I get 9-10 mpg towing my camper on my current 3.5. It really won’t make any difference and I would get whichever you prefer.

 

You are towing a boxed 5 X 8 trailer with no weight provided or how tall the trailer is. Nor are you telling us if the trailer has a square front or a more aerodynamic V-Front. We also do not know if you will be encountering steep grades on your trips. A boxed trailer that is taller than the rear of the truck is like dragging an anchor. I love my 2.7 and am a big fan of the 2.7, but suggest going the 3.5 route as you will stand a better chance of keeping the turbos quiet more often which really drops MPG. If you were towing a 5 X 8 utility trailer that fit nicely height wise behind your tailgate or topper, the 2.7 might squeak by better than the other two. My opinion is you will be happier with the 3.5. Since you have towed with the 5.0 and the 3.5, how do those compare in MPG?

 

This is an interesting data point, take it for what it's worth.



In your case, I would take the 2.7 every time. It's a better overall package for lighter loads. While the towing FE delta is minimal, when combined with the "normal" driving FE delta, it begins to add up. And there is no sacrifice to performance in either situation. Win-win.

 

Towing fuel economy better in a 3.5 than a 2.7 because of less 'dipping in to the turbos'? I don't think so.

HP requirements will be the same with either engine. 3.5 will always have more frictional and pumping losses than the 2.7 no matter what. A 78" tall 5x8 trailer will get pulled by the 2.7 like it's not even there. No way a 5x8 trailer can be close to the towing capacity on any 2.7 truck.

 

The trailer, if small should be sufficient if I am guessing.

Only thing worth considering is how much additional time will be spent on the turbos. More turbo use means more heat. While MPG may be nearly the same, you may end up running the truck at a higher heat level for a longer period of time. If you climb a mountain, I doubt the are differences in heat as both motors are going to turbo to get you to the top.
Normal driving conditions that would not otherwise warrant the extended turbo use are situation I'm thinking of.

 

If a good percentage of your driving is towing the 3.0 PS might be a consideration if you don't mind the extra coat and care of a diesel. They aren't for everyone. My '17 5.0 got single digit mileage when towing a 7,000# trailer with 80 square feet of frontal area. All of the Ford engines are good but the 5 gasoline options are going to get great mileage when towing. Do your research and make your best choice.

 

Not quite apples to apples, but I've towed the exact same route with my '19 5.0L and now my '20 3.5L. MPG was honestly the same. Similar weather conditions, same trailer and weight, etc...I pull a 6x10 enclosed V-nose with a track bike and gear. Not real heavy, but its a sail for sure. Avg for both is right around 10-11 mpg.

 

Thanks guys for all of the replies. Sorry I didn't give more info. The trailer is a rounded front enclosed 5x8 aluminum trailer which probably weighs 1000 lbs or less. The front is rounded....not V shaped.