Hey guys need a little help.. I have a 2016 5.0 f150 screw 4x4 with 373, I have had alot of little issues with truck,, one that cant be solved I'd a vibration from 75 to 98 km per hr/ 50 to 65 mph. Took it to my dealer many times and they agreed there was a problem, long storey short many parts changed, problem never fixed, dealer says nothing can be done and it's just the way it is. Anyhow I tow a tt that weighs 7000lbs, my 5.0 pulls it but on hills I have no power left for passing, it will barely hold speed. One hill I pull is 8% and my truck is 2nd gear 5000 rpm and wont hold speed limit. I have no confidence in having the ability to pass if needed on hills, I am looking into EcoBoost trucks now for towing and I'm torn between 2.7 and 3.5. I tow maybe 6 to 10 times a year during camping season, other than that the truck is my daily and family hauler. I have read the 2.7 is great, pulls good and good fuel mileage running empty, the 3.5 is a freight train and have read alot about it, but is it over kill?

 

If you're pulling 7000 lbs 10 times a year, I say go with the 3.5.

The 2.7 is an awesome engine (ask me how I know), but 7000lbs is pushing the limits of that motor.

I'm sure it would pull it fine, but if you're on the fence, my advice would be go 3.5

 

I agree with the above.

What trim level are you considering? Asking because only the 301a and lower offer the payload package with the 2.7 and it would pretty much be necessary for towing that weight safely with the 2.7.

3.5 trucks have a higher GVWR as the base starting point.

 

I have a 5.0 and love it. But wouldn't want to pull over 6000 lbs with it. Probably closer to 5000. The 2.7 is rated for about the same as the 5.0. You'd not improve anything when towing, but would see better fuel mileage when not towing. Seems like a no-brainer, you need the 3.5.

 

The 3.5 will definitely fit the bill better for your needs. The 2.7 lacks the towing capacity and would be maxed out with that trailer.

 

I've towed the IKE with a near 7K trailer in a 2014 3.5 EB with 3.15 rear end gears. Pulled like nothing was back there. Needless to say, 3.5 is the way I would go.

 

Thanks guys, I figured the 3.5 would be the way to go but have been on the fence. My current truck is a xlt sport with the 301a. Love the truck except how if feels when trailer hooked up. When I bought it I figured the 5.0 with 373 would be a good fit ( bought the truck first before the trailer) made sure when I bought the trailer that I was well under max tow for my truck, ( according to Ford is 10800 lbs) and was surprised at how under powered my truck feels even with a 5 star tow tune in it. I'm not new to towing by any sense but I am new to towing with a half ton, knowing what I know now I should have gone straight to EcoBoost, unfortunately for me and I'm sure many others I didnt trust the new technology, 232 cubic inches with twin turbos just doesnt sound like a pulling motor lol. I have pulled 4800 lbs with my truck before and it did awesome but there is no possible way I would ever consider putting even close to 10000 lbs behind my 5.0, not even sure about that kind of weight behind an EcoBoost, after all it is just a half ton.

 

"Even close to 10,000 lbs" is a hell of a lot for any half ton truck.

Before you even consider a 2.7 check the actual payload ratings of trucks equipped the way you are considering, and compare that to your tongue weight and all the payload you'd ever want to put in the truck.

Then just get the 3.5. If you're getting a 301A or similar and considering the 2.7 payload package, why not just go 3.5 with heavy duty payload package and max trailer tow. Nuke it from orbit, it's the only way to be sure

 

If you feel that the 5.0 has too little power, my suspicion is that you'll feel the same way about the 2.7.

 

Idk, the 2.7 is at least as quick and benefits from the perception of power that immediate torque everywhere provides, and without having to make it Rev

But they are pretty damn close whne run flat out and the 5.0 benefits from the great sound