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I'm on my 2nd ecoboost truck now but would really like to get a 2018+5.0 next truck for nothing more than something different and I'll be keeping it for as long as possible.
My only fear is that I will really miss the low end torque of the EcoBoost when towing and just everyday driving.
I will be towing a travel trailer about twice a year that will weigh 6k lbs wet/fully loaded and that will be up and through at least 8k elevation with multiple mountains.
Anyone else with a new 10 speed 5.0 tow in simular conditions? Or any year 5.0 for that matter and how do you like it?
I understand the ecoboost will tow better that's not the question and if I planned on towing a lot more often and more weight I'd probably go that route again or a diesel.
For the record I have to admit I have a little bit of ecoboost PTSD from my old 2013 3.5 and it's endless dealership visits for warranty work, so that is a big part of wanting a 5.0 next truck.
I currently have a 2017 2.7 which has been great but it's more of a get me by truck because I just had to get rid of my 2013 due to all the issues.
If I do go with a 5.0 it will definitely have 3.73 gears and will be tuned.
Thanks for any input I appreciate it.
The 5.0 will do fine with 6K lbs and 8K elevation.
That's what I'm hoping .
Seems like not many people with the 5.0 do any significant amount of Towing, at least it's been hard for me to find anyone who does. The ecoboost on the other hand there's all kinds of people towing often
It will do OK, but you may be a little disappointed after towing with the EB as the 5.0 will be screaming under the same conditions and will not have as much power as you would be used to. Where the EB would be between 2500 and 4500 RPM, the 5.0 under the same conditions could be between 5-7K RPM. Other than that, I see no reasons not to go for the 5.0. If you never towed up mountains with the 3.5EB, you wouldn't know the differences and would be quite content with the 5.0.
It will do OK, but you may be a little disappointed after towing with the EB as the 5.0 will be screaming under the same conditions and will not have as much power as you would be used to. Where the EB would be between 2500 and 4500 RPM, the 5.0 under the same conditions could be between 5-7K RPM. Other than that, I see no reasons not to go for the 5.0. If you never towed up mountains with the 3.5EB, you wouldn't know the differences and would be quite content with the 5.0.
That's something I was thinking about also, I towed just a couple times in the six years of owning both my EcoBoost up to the mountains. Before the ecoboost all I've ever owned is V8 trucks so I'm hoping with the power difference between those old trucks and this new 5.0 I'll be content.
Went from 2011 4x4 f150 5.0 6 speed 3.55 gears, to a 2018 4x4 f150 3.5 10 speed 3.55 gears.
Towing a travel trailer a bit over 7k pounds a couple observations. The 10 speed really helps both models moving forward. Lot tighter band width between gears going uphill. Going downhill while the transmission still helps some I favor the 5.0 for engine compression. While it’s not hugely an issue on smaller hills I do find myself using the brakes more frequently on the 3.5.
Fuel mileage while towing is similar with a slight edge going to the newer 3.5. Not towing though the 3.5 really shines. Consistently in town I see in the 17 range and freeway under 70, 22 mpg range. My older 5.0 rarely saw above 15 city/19 Hwy.
as to ability to pull the rigs the 3.5 definitely will get up to speed a bit faster. I looked for a 5.0
Went from 2011 4x4 f150 5.0 6 speed 3.55 gears, to a 2018 4x4 f150 3.5 10 speed 3.55 gears.
Towing a travel trailer a bit over 7k pounds a couple observations. The 10 speed really helps both models moving forward. Lot tighter band width between gears going uphill. Going downhill while the transmission still helps some I favor the 5.0 for engine compression. While it’s not hugely an issue on smaller hills I do find myself using the brakes more frequently on the 3.5.
Fuel mileage while towing is similar with a slight edge going to the newer 3.5. Not towing though the 3.5 really shines. Consistently in town I see in the 17 range and freeway under 70, 22 mpg range. My older 5.0 rarely saw above 15 city/19 Hwy.
as to ability to pull the rigs the 3.5 definitely will get up to speed a bit faster. I looked for a 5.0
good info thanks.
Last edited by Sirikenewtron; 07-15-2018 at 02:29 AM.
I have '14 5.0 with 3.73 gears. I've pulled my 6k 24ft tt thru Colorado and Utah twice. There was a few times I wanted more power but it was no big deal. I was over 10k alt. several times. This motor runs quiet at hi rpm compared to old V8's. I was more concerned with going down hill.
With '18 and a tune you should be much better.
I just returned from a 300+ mile trip towing about 5,000 lbs, with my 20' travel trailer fully loaded. Our 5.0 is 3.55 and 6 speed. There were several long, steep hills, though not a lot of elevation. My home is at 600' and getting up from 200' on one steep hill coming home it was at about 3,000 RPM in 2nd. Staying at 60-65 on the trip it rarely went above about 3,500 RPM, except for when in Tow/Haul mode going down as steep hill at 30-35 when you use the brakes it downshifts to slow on compression, it got up to 4,500 RPM. I watched the gear indicator, and most of the hills at speed it was in 4th. We got 10.5 mpg going, 11.2 on the return trip.
I have '14 5.0 with 3.73 gears. I've pulled my 6k 24ft tt thru Colorado and Utah twice. There was a few times I wanted more power but it was no big deal. I was over 10k alt. several times. This motor runs quiet at hi rpm compared to old V8's. I was more concerned with going down hill.
With '18 and a tune you should be much better.
Thanks for the input! Sounds like about simular weight I'd be pulling but I'd be a slightly lower elevation most of the time.
Good info
05-20-2018, 06:18 PM
2018 F150 5.0 towing In high elevation/mountains
