trexid

Good Afternoon, I'm currently looking at trading in my;

2014 XLT Eco 3.5L 2WD 6.5box SCREW /w Max Tow (40k miles)

I tow a 23" 3,500# (dry) 5,500# (max) travel trailer

I've really loved the 2014 w/ the 3.5 and I've had absolutely no problems at all with it since I bought it used in 2015. I towed slightly overweight at 6,000# fully loaded from California to Washington (1,200 miles) up many grades with the truck and it performed beautifully. So I'm confident in the 3.5eco and towing my setup. However, we've just moved up to the Pacific Northwest into a region that gets snow and I'll be making trips up to the mountains for skiing so I'm looking at trading up for a 4x4 2017 and taking advantage of the year-end clearance prices and financing.

There are so many options on these trucks now that I'm at a loss and trying to figure out if I should stick with the 3.5eco and possibly go with a 10-speed or go w/ a 5.0L V8 and stick with the 6-speed. They both seem great. I know this type of discussion comparing the engines is highly contested and I don't want to start an argument.

I found a;

2017 XLT 4x4 SCREW 5.0L 3.55gear 6.5box w/ Max Tow the truck is marked at around $37,900.

This seems like it should be an easy decision and I'm going to talk to a couple of family members that have a lot of experience towing and w/ trucks. I guess I'm just looking for folks that have the 5.0L 6-speed to share their experience.

I'm going to go test drive it on Saturday this weekend, but probably not going to be ready to buy until Mid December. I'm expecting it to be slower off the line due to the lack of the turbos. Thanks for any advice here! Cheers.

tvsjr

I'm sure there will be plenty of people coming by to make this an EB vs. 5.0 thread. That said... both engines will confidently pull that weight. The big advantage to the EB is the torque curve, imparted by the forced induction. The power you're used to getting by leaning into the throttle a bit may require more throttle input and a downshift or two with the 5.0. Won't hurt the 5.0 - it's designed to rev.

Personally, I prefer the towing experience of a forced-induction motor, but I wouldn't even hesitate to hitch your trailer up to a 5.0 and tow it across the country.

zx12-iowa

this is really spot on. its not that the 5.0 cant do it but it will drop 2 gears and be screaming compared to your 3.5 eco. some say they like to hear all that engine noise and have it rev, some prefer the quiet loafing power of the eco. A test drive will show this to you...

Id take the 10 speed transmission any day over the old 6 speed.

Rontbeamer

I tow heavy a lot all over the country. Bar none, the 3.5 eco is the best motor I have ever had in a truck for towing or anything else for that matter. The only motor that came close was my 65 step side with a warmed over 390.

BadAV

The 3.5 eco is made for towing. After being used to the 3.5 I doubt you would be happy towing with the 5.0. You could honestly consider the 2.7 for your stated tow weight; it would be the better choice over the 5.0..

Joe Tom

Change it up and get the 5.0 this time.

5.0 is a tad less power overall and isn’t the best option to always be pulling heavy especially at elevation.

5.0 is has less technology and sounds better.

Don’t miss the good deal and transfer over your cap if it fits (different bodies are you aware?).

chiefdave

I think either the 3.5EB or 5.0 would pull your trailer comfortably with 3.73 rear gearing.

SilverSurfer15

if you go 5.0, make sure you get the 3.73s as stated. I wouldnt even consider any other ones in the mountains. Normally I would say, either, but I think being in that part of the country you will like the EB more.

But the 5.0 might show a little more mpg, since the EB will likely be in boost often due to the elevation changes.

Eduskator

I'd get a 5.0, but it won't come with the 10sp so it might rev...

trexid

I just got a response from my local Leer cap dealer, sadly, that is the case. Since the 2014 and 2017's have a different body style my current cap won't fit on a newer model vehicle.

The one I'm currently looking at has a 3.55.

My current F-150 2WD 3.5L EB is only running 3.31 and does well enough. I don't have enough towing experience with multiple trucks to really know the difference. But, I have done a bit of research to know that the 3.73 is best for towing.


Gotcha, yeah, I'm hoping the test drive will help with that decision. I'll see if I can find some hills to drive and get a sense of it.

Excellent advice. Thank you!

And thanks to everyone, this definitely helped me. I know this might sound odd but I might deprioritize the motor and instead prioritize the other features that I need. It sounds like both engines will do fine, I've really enjoyed my EB but always been curious about a 5.0 V8.

This will open up more available trucks and potentially better bargaining power at dealers. In looking for a V8 it's been interesting trying to find something available with most of the features I need. Going to email a half dozen dealers this morning with a new spec list to see what they can find for me in both 3.5L EB and 5.0L.