Jeff1024

I have not owned a 5.0 so I can't give you a fair comparison, but I can tell you that the 3.5 EcoBoost is a towing beast. Tons of power down low, it pulls our 7,000lb boat up 6% grades out of the maria without breaking a sweat. I have noticed its not the best at engine braking, the trip down the 6% grade into the Maria is usually spent around 3,500RPM while the engine is trying to help slow down. The 5.0 having a bit more displacement may be a bit better in this regard.

Towing at elevation the EcoBoosts will have an advantage over the 5.0

Excluding the 3.3L V6, 4,500lb shouldn't be a problem for any of the engines in the F150 lineup, go drive a few and see what you like best. Hell best of both words buy the 5.0 and put a whipple on it.

acdii

I tend to agree, any of the engines(except the 3.3, only because it is hard to find, and usually in low trim/optioned trucks) will tow what you have with ease. I lean toward the 3.5EB only because of the Max Tow package, that and have never had an issue with it in any of the vehicles I have owned, seven to date.

sholxgt

I think this video says it all. The EB motors will cost you more in fuel when towing, but even the 2.7EB tows significantly better than the 5.0. There is a replacement for displacement...it's called boost.

DarrinT04

that was a good, reasonable test!

Bullwinkle58

The ecoboost had 3.55 gearing, while the 5.0 had 3.31. Also that was the 2.7 ecoboost.

I would assume if the 5.0 had 3.55 gearing it would pull a little better, and the mpg would drop a little. I still doubt it would pull as well as the ecoboost, even though the max torque and horsepower are about the same. The max torque is about 1,000 rpm's earlier with the ecoboosts.

I will say that compared to my previous trucks with V8's, the ecoboost will lose a little more speed at the beginning of an ascent if you're not already in the turbo's. It's really nothing to scoff at, just an observation, because it has all the power you need.

Drix

I went with the 3.5 and 3:55 gears, We have a 5.0 in our work truck and the engine feels sluggish. Looking back at how well the 2.7 is doing now I would have probably gone 2.7 if it had the 9.75 rear.

marshallr

As long as you get 3.55 or lower gears the 5.0 won't have any problems with that load. The 5.0 with 3.31 or higher gears struggles. Nor will the 2.7 EB. The 3.5 EB will certainly pull it with ease, but unless you plan to pull heavier loads and/or at higher elevations you don't need it.

The 2.7 is the least expensive engine followed by the 5.0. The 3.5 will cost you more, the 2.7 will get the best fuel mileage and still do what you need to do.

2019STX

I was looking to do the same as you....Some told me the 3.5 was overkill but I'm happy I went with the 3.5 Eco with Max Tow. Buy what makes you happy!

DarrinT04

4500 lbs is nothing for a new f150 with ANY engine besides the 3.3

nixamousa

I have a trailer about 5000 lbs loaded,and have been towing it with a 2013, 5.0 for several years now. Last big trip was from Missouri to the Grand Canyon and back, a distance of almost 5000 miles driven. It pulls really good, even in the mountains, but does rev in the 3500 rpm range to get its pulling torque. Fuel mileage averaged 10.8 mpg. I have had no problems with the truck other than a leaking rear driveshaft seal, replaced early on in warranty. My truck has the six speed transmission and I always tow with 6th gear locked out. I use the cruise control a lot on open stretches as it seems to know which gear is best for optimization.