Arachnyd2

Hey all! Looking to buy a newer truck, likely 2015+ f150 or 2011+ superduty

What engine would you recommend for someone who leaves the truck sitting a whole lot, months at a time?

I might drive 1000 miles pulling an RV.. then park it 3 months before I do it again. I'll drive the truck daily in the snow but during summer, just in rv trips. And a twice a year trip to put my boat in the lake and take it out at the end of the season.

I do approx 5k miles a year, but in chunks and normally under load.

My gut says I want a 5.0 gasser... But a friend insists the diesel is more durable. Or do I want an Ecoboost?

Which engine type is best for sporadic usage?



Previously had an 08 f350 6.4l diesel with 200k, which I replaced when I freaked out over repair costs awith an 05 5.0 v8 f150, which I sold when I had a head gasket leak at 240k. Thinking my new one will probably be a 2015+ lariat with about 75k-100k miles. Plan on keeping it at least 3 years.

RL1990

Enterprise truck rentals.

SteveLord

I was going to say the same thing, a damn rental.

JS2003

A rental truck would start to get expensive for his daily winter driving...

To answer the question, I don’t think it really matters. Sitting around for several months shouldn’t hurt the engine.

Arachnyd2

Lol.

appreciate the help but I'm not renting a truck every weekend over summer during camping season lol.
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I do three long trips, drive daily for 2 months in winter, and 12 weekends or so over summer, but we only camp a few miles from home with one big week long trip, and two bigger trips with the boat.

So I drive weekends to four months, sit three months, drive 2 months, sit three months. When the weather is nice I drive fun cars.

I've done this happily for more than 10 years, don't plan on changing now.... Just trying to figure out if I should have a turbo, naturally aspirated, or diesel. Two of those weren't really options a couple of years ago!??

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kenv47

I would think that any engine that you keep maintained will be fine for what you need. I have a `13 Mustang GT with less than 3,000 miles on it & my `15 KR 3.5TT has less than 7,000 miles on it & they are both fine.

dmd

Big question.. Details on the RV you pull. That will answer a lot.

Arachnyd2

​​​​​​that's fair enough. I just don't trust turbochargers yet but the Ecoboost seems to hold up ok.

Super light. 5400 lbs plus gear... Currently about 6200.

NASSTY

Any engine will be fine, but you may want to invest in a Battery Tender for when it sits for months at a time.

Arachnyd2

Thanks! Currently I use to the same protocols I use with my show cars... Overinflate tires, fuel stabilizer, and install a quick connect battery maintainer. Would gladly hear other tips. I don't fog the motor usually but can if I need to.

Found a local 2016 Ecoboost that really catches my eye.