k-stater88

I thought about just loading everything in the trailer, but at that point, is it worth it just to gain 1-2 mpg? The more I think about it, the more I think the 3.5 is probably the way to go regardless if I tow or not. It's not uncommon for me to get wood for smoking or 33 cartons of new flooring for a project i'm getting ready to do (~940 lbs.). Again, with those examples, the 2.7 could do it, but is flirting with the max yet again. I really wanted the 2.7L to work, and you could argue it would with careful planning, but I don't think one person that's weighed in would say go for it over a 5.0 or 3.5.

BarmanBean

iTrader: (1)

chimmike

Exactly. IF you're concerned about mpg's.....don't tow a trailer, don't drive a full size truck.

SquareHeadLights

My '14 3.5 EB SCREW 6.5 bed gets 14.5 mpg city. With the 6 speed and 34" inch tires, 3.31 gears. I would assume with the 10 speed and a lighter truck with no lift will do much better than my 14.5 mpg.

k-stater88

It's really comments like that that discourage people from saying anything. It has nothing to do with towing mpg, but everything to do with sacrificing mpg when not towing. Why throw money out the window? Nobody expects these things to get 4,000,000 miles per gallon. But if that 2.7 is going to get 3-4 mpg better than a 3.5 real world, then it's worth the gamble. If it's more like 1 mpg real-world, then the 3.5 is worth the investment. With that I'll figure it out. Thanks to those who provided good feedback.

i2oadi2unnei2

At the end of the day, you'll need to find that balance of how many times you'll be camping and not camping and start crunching numbers in excel and see which is the best savings for you. I bought our TT, truck, and all the stuff I need to bring with me to make sure the whole camping experience is pleasant for everyone and first and foremost safety, therefore a beefy XLT w/o the bells and whistles is what I have to compromise. I"m not too old yet so I don't need all those fancy schmany heated seats, steering wheels, sun room, etc. Furthermore, I have kids too and both just turned 5 & 7 and i know what you mean about them growing fast. Don't wait too long cause memories and time waits for no one Good luck with what you choose and safe travels!

chimmike

Comments like what?
Even if you get 3mpg better than the 5.0, how long is it going to take to recoup the THOUSANDS spent on the new truck versus the one you already have? Think about that for a minute...then if folks are discouraged from posting, that's fine... they can use the perfectly suitable search feature to find the exact answers to their questions.

k-stater88

I will say that, in terms of the 3.5, even if the 3.31 gets 1 mpg better than the 3.55, the max tow package saves $1,000 (if you add the tank, e locker, brake controller, and tow package a la carte). Assuming 12k miles a year at 1 mpg difference at current gas prices, the 3.31 MIGHT save me $655 a year, and the more city driving I do, the closer they'll be (i'm assuming in wind as well), so really it would save me anywhere from $345 to $1,000 over 5 years by stepping up to the max tow. Worst case scenario, if you don't count the e locker, my out of pocket expense is $185 over 5 years of ownership. I'll take that all day long. So at this point, I'd say it's either going to be the 2.7L 3.55 test truck or the 3.5 max tow. One extreme to the other, lol, but really Ford priced it that way. I swapped out trucks this morning for a lariat 3.5 eb with 3.31.

chimmike

You'll be happy with the 3.31's despite some folks not understanding the 10sp is the great equalizer. I have the 3.31s with 4x4 and 17k miles since June of '17...it's been great every single mile.

k-stater88

I'd agree. Despite towing issues with mine, my 5.0 3.31 is surprisingly effortless for what it is, I was impressed by what the 10 speed can do on even the 5.0 I test drove last week.