jp2012

I have to agree with everything that's been said so far. You've received some very good advice.

I would add that the 2wd will ride and handle differently from 4x4, and I think everybody would agree that the 2wd is a smoother ride with better handling. I would say it's a very noticeable difference, while some others might find it less significant. Around these parts, the resale value on a 2wd is significantly lower than the 4wd. It's probably worth checking to see if that's the case in your area as well. The 4wd F150 is still an extremely comfortable ride. I frequently forget that I'm in a pickup truck.

The 2.7 ecoboost engine has amazing power for such a small engine. Honestly, I think all of the engines are good choices depending on your needs. Sounds to me like the 2.7 would be fine for you. It will definitely haul and tow when needed, as will all of the engines.

There are a few reported issues with some of the 2015-present trucks, and they are much-discussed on this forum. Like many others, I haven't experienced any issues at all, so these reported problems are hit-or-miss and not generalized. But the potential might be there.

For a used truck, I would make sure I could get complete and accurate service records as well as a CarFax (or equal) history. A lot of guys love to modify these trucks... and from reading posts here, it's evident that a lot of trucks get modified in a less-than-desirable way. Some get damaged in the process. There are also some very talented guys who do awesome, top-quality modifications to their trucks. You just need to be careful.

Don't be in too big of a hurry to buy. If a deal seems really awesome, it may indeed be too good to be true. I'd advise anybody who isn't very familiar with these trucks to have a more knowledgeable person look the truck over.

I hope that's of some help...

2015rubyFX4

I feel the ride and handing is amazing for such a large heavy vehicle. And I love it. Very quiet and no rattles. In fact my 2015 with 6500 miles feels tighter then my wifes 2017 Honda CRV. The super crew is amazingly huge inside. Limo size, in fact

Florida_F150

I also agree with everything said above. I have a 2015 and I love it. I think the ride is amazing, btw.

The only thing I would suggest, being you're a first-time truck buyer, is to be aware not only of your needs *now*, but of your potential needs in the *future*. Just as examples, right now you feel you might not tow anything big, so you can choose among all the engines. Who knows what the future holds? Maybe one day your family will love camping and you'll want to tow something bigger. As for 4x4, you may not need it now... who knows where life will lead you. Maybe some time in the future you'll live in a climate where it's more necessary. Or maybe once you see how capable a truck is, you might get into off-roading as a hobby. I learned this the hard way. My first truck was a 4x2 Ford Ranger. I LOVED that truck. I bought it for the same reason as you... occasionally throwing something big or dirty in the bed. Then one day I took it on a trail and fell in love with off-roading. The 4x2 Ranger XLT can't be lifted easily, and obviously can't be converted to 4x4 for any reasonable price (you do better selling it and buying a 4x4). I enjoyed that Ranger until I recently sold it, but I always regretted limiting myself because I didn't anticipate my future needs. Just a thought. You may very well be served excellently with a 4x2 V-6. Just wanted to plant the seeds about the future. I have a 2015 4x4 V8 F-150 now and I love everything about it.

Good luck!

DrHorrible

Thanks all for your feedback! I'm going to look at local 2017 inventory to see if there are any leftover deals. I'll have to drive some to see how I feel about ride quality/necessity for things like V8 or 4x4.