Canon101

Brother is looking at either an 18 or 19, majority of the trucks in his area come with the 2.7L. He is looking to tow a 6500lb trailer and is wondering if the 2.7l will do it or will he be beating it on a constant basis? Already chatted about the 3.5 and 5.0 but the 2.7 seems to be the most popular engine in his area on the lots. Just want to make sure he is not buying the wrong tool for the job.

Napalm

He's well within limits - bigger question is he going to want to tow more later?

I've towed 7000 or so with mine twice and it handles it just fine. I don't know that I would want to do it twice a week for 5 years with it though.

So if this is for a job or something he might consider moving up a tick.

If occasional use - it's going to be great.

dalola

Is this a flatbed equipment trailer or a TT? Aero drag should be considered. Either way, well within the 2.7's capability. However, if this is a TT and any mountainous terrain is in the cards, I'd seriously consider a 3.5 truck, especially if towing with frequency.

Canon101

For his TT, does not tow it often but would probably be doing 4 to 500 mile trips each way a few times between June and Sept and then some smaller trips in between.

KWS 2.7

Is the 6500lbs loaded weight? The 2.7 in a Screw is rated for 7600lbs and can tow it just fine even in the mountains but I would not want to do that very often. If its just a few 1000 mile round trips a year and an aerodynamic trailer front I wouldn't have a problem with 6500k loaded as long as it gets regular maintenance. I will be looking for a TT around 4500-5500lbs since its just me and the wife. Don't need or want anything bigger.

If think there is any chance of upgrading the trailer I would go with the 3.5 eco. If 6500lbs is the dry weight I would also recommend the 3.5 eco or 5.0. (3.5 would be better for mountain travel).
Just don't like pushing the limits much.

dalola

I'm in a similar situation, I only tow 4-5 times a year (~5K), and placed the priority on performance/efficiency when not towing. Even still, my 2.7 is stellar while towing as well, tho I'm not handling as much weight or aero as your friend.

phsycle

Personally, I would go 3.5. For the 7k lb GVWR.

If he goes with a 2.7, I would get the Payload Package.

ModularFord

5.0 or 3.5, the 2.7 is a powerful enough engine for towing but where the problem lies is cooling capacity and equipment. The V8 and bigger Ecoboost have the bigger 9.75” axle and more engine/trans cooling. If you find a 5.0 I’d recommend 3.55 or 3.73 gearing and they are great. 3.31 or anything higher numerically will be good for the 3.5 Ecoboost with the low end torque.

phsycle

The 2.7 Payload Pkg does add 3.73 and 9.75” gear set.

But I would still go 3.5 personally.

White Elephant

Canon, I had the same question for similar use 3 years ago. I went with the 2.7 and have no regrets for my current use. With the gen 2 2.7 and 10 speed, it will be even better as long as you have at least a 3.55 axle and proper tow package.
Many will suggest the 2.7 payload package, but that is a unicorn that can only be had with a long bed and lower trim levels.
Towing regularly at high loads the 3.5 is better because it can handle the higher temps created from a boosted engine. For occasional use at those loads, 2.7.