mgidaho

Hello everyone. My wife and I are planning to upgrade our current '05 XLT F150 extended cab 4.6l V8. We are looking into getting something that is a crew cab for sure. We have a 20' camp trailer that comes in somewhere around 5000# loaded. My current truck does "OK" towing this trailer around but it sure would be nice to get a bigger engine if we're looking at upgrading our truck.

My question for everyone is if the 5.4l engine is all that much better or should we look into diesel? I know getting a diesel is a bit of over kill but I have heard from a few people that the 5.4 doesn't do all that great towing a travel trailer around and up hills??? In the area which we live in now there is not a whole lot of price difference in getting a F-150 Crew cab or an F-250 crew cab with a diesel. Obviously most F-150s here have more options and a few less miles than the diesel for the same dollar.

So any help would be greatly appreciated! Please be honest and sensible in your replies. I don't need any stupid replies from anyone.....I KNOW that the 5.4 will do better than the 4.6 overall....I just want everyone's experiences and opinions. Thanks!!!

conman365

If you don't mind the some 10k additional cost upfront, get the diesel. The new ford scorpion 6.7L has been raved over.
Or... You could get an f250 with the new 6.2L, a sweet motor. (I'm not sure but they may offer the 6.2 in 150s as well.) 5k lbs is not motive enough to spend 10k extra on a diesel for me, but its your personal decision. (but diesels are pretty damn cool )

idriveanevo

dont be afraid of a diesel with "high" miles... if you got the time and money, just do a 12v cummins swap into an f150 (thats my answer for all power issues with the f150 lol)

jazar10

lmao

if u really want to go bigger, but keep the same size truck as you got, i say go to your local ford dealership and buy yourself the new 6.2L Raptor. Which uses 16 Spark Plugs loll

rockymtnrider

If you're buying new, take a look and the new 6.2L gas. I think they only put it in the F150 Raptor and F250+. Will you be using the truck for everyday driving when you're not towing? 250's have a rather stiff suspension that some people don't like in their daily driver. Diesel + 5000# = overkill and awesome. But we're Americans and that's how we roll. But seriously if you're just looking for a little bit more power then the 5.4L is an excellent choice. I was torn between a 250 diesel and the 150 when I bought mine, and I have no regrets with my 5.4L.

VanoFord

You can always get the 5.4L supercharged. That would be enough to handle the trailer.

idriveanevo

16 plugs at about 30 doll hairs a plug!!! by my mathing thats at least.... 20 dollars!

GATORB8

The Raptor has a lower towing capacity due to the modified rear springs. The 6.2L should also be available in the HD, Lariat Limited, and Platinums if current reports are correct.

I think it all depends on how often you tow, if its a full time deal, I would think the diesel would save you on fuel efficiency and overall reliability. Of course it's not only the upfront cost that hits you with diesel, maintenance, parts and labor are also significantly more expensive.

GeraldJ

My 5.4 tows my 5000lb boat great. Its when I get the 8000lb stock trailer loaded that the motor has to work a bit harder. Im also still on 3:55 gears but not for long.

rick99601