Towing 2.7 vs 3.5
 

I am sure this has been hit 5000 times but here goes. 2200 trailer plus 2 atvs so around 3600 pounds, so 4000 at most. I have a tacoma that does the job but my next truck is going to have more power and torque. Need a crew cab for family. Obviously the 3.5 would be the best but do I need to dump the $$ on that vs the 2.7. Does the new transmission 10 speed make a big difference? Going up the north shore of Lake Superior, wawa etc and it's not flat. Gas milage while towing cause limited gas stations on trips....ie if travelling after 9 pm you better have lots of Jerry cans. The boss wants an expedition EL so she can cruise with the other super hockey moms...I just want a truck

10sp makes a difference. Keep in mind payload. Figure 10% tongue weight from your trailer assuming you don't have a WDH, so knock 400lbs off the payload for your truck, then subtract weight of passengers and cargo. Towing mpg is going to be a tough one. Technically the 3.5eb will not have to work as hard to tow that weight so it SHOULD use less fuel than the 2.7. Especially on hills, with the 10 speed.

I'd say an Screw 4x4 3.5 ecoboost in XLT guise will give you the most payload with good creature comforts and easily handle your towing load.

Buy a Supercrew, add a cap and you'll forget about the Expedition and spend a LOT less money. The supercab just isn't enough room.

Based entirely on others who own the 2.7 and post here I think it'll easily do what you want to do. Don't confuse the little hills around Lake Superior for mountains and elevations above 10,000' like you'd see in the west.

If you think there is a chance of upgrading to a heavier trailer in the future and towing up truly steep mountains at high altitude then it would probably be cheaper to just go with the 3.5 now rather than having to trade trucks in a few years.

Fuel mileage, the 2.7 impresses me. It seems that the 3.5 doesn't really do any better on fuel than the 5.0 V8. The 2.7 by all accounts is the only option that really gets good fuel mileage. While towing there probably won't be 1 mpg difference between any of them. But you don't tow all the time and the 2.7 easily beats the others at that. Get the 36 gal fuel tank and you can drive a long way even when towing.

The idea that the 2.7 is somehow underpowered is a myth. In 2011, the most powerful gas engine Ford offered in the F150 was the 5.4 Triton. Compare its power numbers 360HP and 380 lb-ft to the 2.7's 325HP & 375 lb-ft of torque.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...4-50-v8-review

(Btw - the 2001 Triton only made 260hp)

For anything that doesn't need a WDH (<5000 lb), the 2.7 will tow it like it isn't there.

if that's all you're pulling the 2.7 is plenty of grunt. 3-4K lbs is nothing.

I am almost certain the Fast Lane truck guys did a test with around 7000 lbs (it was more than the 2.7 was rated for).

The 2.7 was actually quicker than the 3.5 and used less gas.

Great point


I towed close to 5,000 pounds from a Texas to New England in 1999. Along the way, I had to spend hours going up/down the mountains/hills of Tennessee. My tow vehicle was a 1999 Silverado with a 4.8L v8 that made 255HP & 285 ft-lbs of torque.

My only problem - There is no radio in the middle of nowhere TN & Virginia. Bored out of my skull.

Let the numbers speak for them selves.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...922/gOuD15.jpg
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Typo? The last year the 5.4 was used is 2010.
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Yes.