Howdy from the Colorado Rockies. Looking seriously to upgrade to a proper tow vehicle in either the F150 or F250 crew cab format as a workhorse towing a 6k boat and trailer throughout the Mountain West. High elevation, and many vertical feet ascended and descended are the norm.

Per below pic, currently under gunned with a Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L, which has done a more than admirable job at altitude and with heavier loads on up to 2k mile tow trips.

Looking for a much more stable, safer, properly spec'd rig for the job.

Based upon recent lurking here, I'm a bit concerned by the 2015 F150 bouncing/sway/tow struggles folks are having despite seemingly being within proper tow load and payload ranges. The F250 would be the easier to do if it weren't so damn big, either vehicle would be relegated to the street vs. the garage which is new for me. Given above, leaning towards a 2013 or 2014 F150 screw short bed, possibly with 5.0L rather than the EB, not sure.

Looking forward to the board's input on this and many other things. Cheers.

 

Welcome from another board noob. If ya lean toward the 2fiddy diesel, you won't be disappointed. I love mine. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to let it go

 

pretty sure the EB does better at altitude than the 5.doh, no?
either will be fine, from my reading, boat trailers have less tongue weight than a travel trailer for example, so payload should be OK.

Lots of good info in the towing section, happy reading!

 

Certainly if the vehicle is being purchased primarily for towing, and money isn't a factor, the Superduty is the tool to go with. It has a much higher payload rating, and is more built from the ground up to haul and tow heavier loads. You will never regret having too much payload capacity while towing.

That said, if you decide to go with an F150 it can certainly hold its own while towing. It will certainly be a big step up from towing with an SUV!

Personal preference comes into play here as well, but the Ecoboost is better for towing both on paper and in the real world. Low-end torque is your friend and the EB has plenty of it. The 5.0 is a respectable motor though and can get a load down the road just fine.

Point of emphasis on the payload rating. It varies greatly between different models and is the single biggest limiting factor on what you can tow. When making your decision, refer to that number frequently to get the best "tow-rig" you can.

 

My dad has a similar sized/weight boat and pulls it with his 3.5EB with no issues at all. (haven't tried my 5.0 yet). Granted we aren't much above sea level, but the words from his mouth were "Wow this pulls it better than my F250 did!"

 

You'll be loads happier with an F250/350 with a diesel.

The EcoBoost, at your altitude, as stated by another, will be far and away the best choice.

Forced induction engines don't lose their asses when they're high up in thinner air like N/A ones do. The 5.0L will suffer at 5K' just like your 5.7L is. The EcoBoost will be just as happy at sea level as it is up high. It also will have "diesel like" torque - lots of it, and down low in the RPM range.

5.0L to 3.5L mileage will be very close, but the 3.5L is the better choice for towing in the mountains. 5.0L owner here. You also won't have to rev as high to make decent power.

Super Duty won't have the sway issues the F150 will, and the payload and max towing will be loads higher. All around heavier duty truck. 100%.

In short, F250/350 with a PSD if funds allow it, or go for an EcoBoost.

 

Thanks folks. 10-4 on the EB over the NA 5L at altitude. Need to go drive one. Will post some questions in the tow section about the F150 including upgrading hitch, tires, other for HD towing.

Had the chance to drive, ride and tow in a buddy's 2014 F250 Platinum Screw Fx4 with 6.7PS the past two days. Could not have been more impressed, though it is a huge vehicle. Had all the power and stability expected, but included unexpected creature comforts, fit & finish, and quiet & smooth ride of a luxury vehicle.

 

If you are serious about an F150 ecoboost, arrange a test drive and bring your boat.

 

^Good advice to bring the boat and trailer. Never imagined a truck could be demo driven with a haul. Makes sense.

Have seen a few posts suggesting the F150 HD Payload is either delayed or unavailable, is that correct? If so, would it be fruitful to scrounge around for a 2014 with HD Payload?

 

None made in 2015...