I presently have a 2013 F150 5.0 L. I plan to upgrade to a newer (to me) truck and I'm looking hard at the 2.7 or the 3.5 EcoBoost. This will be a daily driver and also used to tow my 3800 (dry weight) travel trailer. Loaded up I'm probably at 5000 lbs. Is there a big difference in the 2.7 and 3.5 towing this weight? Thanks in advance.

Harvey

 

Either will work just fine. I have the 3.5, I like it, but I feel the 2.7 is the better engine. Find one with a tow package, and I really like my 36g gas tank, especially when towing.

 

Either engine is more than capable for what you specified. Yes 3.5 has more power, but not drastically so. In my opinion, the 2.7 is the more reliable of the 2. The threads on here about cam phaser issues with the 3.5 are endless. I was always a 5.0 guy and figured I always would be. Then when I upgraded to an 18, the rebates were so much better on the 2.7 that I had to consider it. Let me tell you, I had to swallow a lot of pride buying that “little” 2.7. After pulling a 4,500lb trailer in the black hills, I can honestly say that I’ll never go back. If I were you, I would make sure that you get the 10spd transmission. Those started in 16 for the 3.5 and 17 for the 2.7. Either engine will be night and day different than your 5.0.

 

Had both and like the 2.7 better all around. 2015-16 6 speeds.

Neither was dedicated to towing heavy.

I think any F150 with a factory tow hitch and motor above the base NA V6 would be competent for your needs. Installing a factory brake controller is so easy as well.

 

The 10 speed didn’t come till 2018 for the 2.7 and 5.0. (2017 for the 3.5) I personally like the 6 speed better in my 2017 with the 2.7. I drove a 2021 2.7 with the 10 speed about 1500 miles and it was much more clunky, and way less smooth as far as shifting was concerned.

That’s just my opinion though. They’re both great and I wouldn’t be swayed one way or another if I liked the truck.

Op definitely the 2.7. It’s a great choice. I tow my Airstream that weighs about 4500 wet and, it drive almost like it’s not even back there. Besides the fuel economy hit.

I can get about 25 MPG’s highway in the summer with cruise at 72. Towing, I get about 15, which in my opinion isn’t bad. I do wish I had the extended range fuel tank and if I were you would try to find a truck that has one.

 

My 2020 2.7 tows my loaded ~7000lbs tt without any powerplant concerns, easy to accelerate and engine brake works well on any grade here in eastern TN. Watch out for lower GVWR on the 2.7 versus the 3.5 (~6600 vs ~7050 4WD) which translates into a few hundred lbs lower payload sticker. If you're looking at high trim you may want to go 3.5 because your payload will suffer greatly on a 2.7.

 

I have had a good and bad 10 speed.

I believe he is looking used so will get a chance to test drive. The 10 speed is a step ahead in performance.

I say this but I am selling my 10 speed super duty because I want to drive my 2017 and the 17 has a 6 speed.

 

IMO the 5.0 needed the 10 speed in the F-150 more than the 2.7 and 3.5 Eco Boost did!! IMO the 10 speeds 1st gear ratio is kind of worthless behind the Eco Boost engines with the Torque they have the 6 speed was fine IMO!!

 

Folks, thanks for your input, it certainly helps.

Harvey

 

2.7 pros: better unloaded mileage, more reliable by a long shot, no common problems.
2.7 cons: less payload. Rated to tow less than the 3.5 and 5.0. The first gen 2.7 had leaky oil pan gaskets, but it was so common that its almost a guarantee that it would have been replaced by now.

3.5 pros: higher payload and towing. Most common issues are resolved now.
3.5 cons: notorious for overheating and cam phasers. Worse mileage.

Overall the only engine arguably more reliable than the 2.7 is the 3.3. The 2.7 has more than enough power in stock form to tow anything that a sane person would ever hook up to.
The 3.5 cam phaser issues are supposedly resolved now. But since you specified "new to you" that means you have a very good chance of getting a 3.5 with bad, or will be bad phasers.
I personally wouldnt even consider a used 3.5 unless the phasers were updated to the new design. Replacing them is a big and costly job.
The overheating problem isnt an engine issue, its a result of an undersized cooling system.

As far as the 6R80 vs 10R80, that wouldnt be a factor in my decision process.