tsduke

I've narrowed it down to a Lariat Super Crew but just can't decide between the 5.0 and 3.5 ecoboost. I have a camper but it's parked in a seasonal campground and won't move much. I do have a 19' Lund fish and ski that I will pull often. I'm pretty intrigued by the 3.5 power/torque and just can't decide if I should be worried about whether it's a higher reliability concern. Help me decide.

Also, does the suspension change in the max trailer package make for a stiffer ride?

Eduskator

Both engines are just fine for towing. However, the Ecoboost will provide you with better capacity. How long are you planning on keeping it? Even if there are members with 200k miles ecoboost that had zero issues since day 1, and based from what I'm hearing everywhere I go, I would not have one for more than a few years.

Reliability is still a concern for Ecoboost engines, in my opinion. However, much less than the previous generation.

Max tow package will provide you with an upgraded front stabilizer bar, 3.55 or 3.73 gear ratio (don't remember), transmission oil cooler, trailer brake control. The HD payload package will provide you with upgraded shocks & other components.

If you tow once a year or a few times a year and don't need the extra towing capacity on a regular basis (you don't seem to), I'd say get the V8 with the tow package that's included when equipped with 501a or 502a.

JCR 56

If the 5.0 won't pull it you don't need to be hooked to it, simple as that.

tsduke

I keep leaning towards the 5.0. It is hard to get passed the truck is supposed to be a V8 mentality. Plus the V8 grunt.

If I can help it the camper will never get pulled unless I trade and pull in a new one. I'll make long trips with the boat and would like something that pulls a little better than my 14' 5.3L with 3.42\6 speed. It's not awful but wonder if the 5.0\3.55 and the 10 speed wouldn't be better.

I want to keep this truck several years. My wife may kill me if I don't. Been trading every 2-4 years. I've stayed GM for many years and just have the itch for a Ford. If not for the "more to go wrong" and potential of more expensive issues I'd love to give the eco a try.

XBeatzX

I was watching a youtube video recently, one of the Ford Dealer floor salesman randomly went into the service bay and asked every technician which engine they would choose if ordering a new truck today. Of the 15 or so, all but 1 picked the 5.0 without thinking about it. That says something to me, and I have an eco.

sierrafast

Both engines are very capable and will tow just fine for what most people need. Since you are keeping this truck for several years your best bet might the 5.0.
Did I mention you will also love the sound of the V8.

BCMIF150

Oh Goodie, another one of these threads.

65% of F150's sold have an EcoBoost engine, 25% are V8, the remaining 10% are the NA V6. If the EcoBoost was unreliable, people would not be buying them.

Drive the truck and buy what you want.

tsduke

Maybe unreliable is the wrong word. Cost of ownership over several years if kept for long term would be my concern. For those that have made the jump to the turbo world maybe you no longer think twice. Going with the turbo over the ecoboost for me is much harder than my decision to leave GM have many years and multiple trucks.

I don't want to start 3.5 vs 5.0 wars. Just looking for info/advice from those more familiar F150's to help me make my decision. Obviously the decision is mine but whatever feedback I can get is appreciated.

BCMIF150

There should not be any difference in cost of ownership. Both engines have the same maintenance schedules and fuel mileage is not far from each other.

tsduke

Have turbos come so far that their life expectancy will last as long as the truck?