Towing specs and suggestions for 2018 3.5 Ecoboost and 5.0 V8 needed
06-01-2018, 03:43 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Towing specs and suggestions for 2018 3.5 Ecoboost and 5.0 V8 needed
Hi everyone -
I am getting closer to ordering a 2018 Ford F150 with 3.5 Ecoboost or a 5.0 V8 engine.
I would like an education on what 'gear ratios' are all about in regards to setting up my truck for optimal use for my mild needs.
While I won't be 'towing' anything 99.75% of the time, I do have a John Deere Subcompact diesel tractor. Here are some stats on the weights involved with the tractor:
I am getting closer to ordering a 2018 Ford F150 with 3.5 Ecoboost or a 5.0 V8 engine.
I would like an education on what 'gear ratios' are all about in regards to setting up my truck for optimal use for my mild needs.
While I won't be 'towing' anything 99.75% of the time, I do have a John Deere Subcompact diesel tractor. Here are some stats on the weights involved with the tractor:
- Tractor weight: approx 1,600 lbs (without implements attached or 'ballast box' hanging on 3 pt hitch)
- Front End Loader weight: 541 lbs
- Ballast Box weight: 700 lbs
- 60" Mower Deck weight: 325 lbs
- MAXIMUM COMBINED WEIGHT IF ALL IMPLEMENTS ARE ATTACHED = 3,166 LBS
- 18 FOOT TANDEM AXEL FLATBED TRAILER WEIGHT = 1,110 LBS
POTENTIAL COMBINED TRAILER AND TRACTOR WEIGHT: 4,276 LBS
I know that the first response will be: Why don't you go with the 2.7 Ecoboost; it would be more than adequate to serve your purposes.
Well, I already test drove the 2.7, 5.0, and 3.5..... and it will really come down to either the 5.0 V8 or 3.5.... and I am leaning 3.5 because I felt it had the best of all worlds and then some if my needs ever changed. PLUS... I am betting that resale value is better on that engine than the others too.... Didn't care for the 2.7 setup. I felt like it had a noticeable turbo-lag and had a very 'lunging and surging' throttle response....felt very uncivilized to me. That is just my test drive perceptions - - and you are welcome to disagree.... but then, this isn't an engine debate thread either. ;-)
So.... given what I have posted. What might the best gear ratio be for the 3.5 (or 5.0) based upon my weight requirements... and also having some extra wiggle room if I need to tow something heavier down the line.
Looking for a good combo of weight handling and fuel economy.
Also, something that would fit the torque band and transmission of each.
I know nothing about how gear ratio's work.... so an overview would be very appreciated. Thank you kind people! And, Happy Friday. :-)
I know that the first response will be: Why don't you go with the 2.7 Ecoboost; it would be more than adequate to serve your purposes.
Well, I already test drove the 2.7, 5.0, and 3.5..... and it will really come down to either the 5.0 V8 or 3.5.... and I am leaning 3.5 because I felt it had the best of all worlds and then some if my needs ever changed. PLUS... I am betting that resale value is better on that engine than the others too.... Didn't care for the 2.7 setup. I felt like it had a noticeable turbo-lag and had a very 'lunging and surging' throttle response....felt very uncivilized to me. That is just my test drive perceptions - - and you are welcome to disagree.... but then, this isn't an engine debate thread either. ;-)
So.... given what I have posted. What might the best gear ratio be for the 3.5 (or 5.0) based upon my weight requirements... and also having some extra wiggle room if I need to tow something heavier down the line.
Looking for a good combo of weight handling and fuel economy.
Also, something that would fit the torque band and transmission of each.
I know nothing about how gear ratio's work.... so an overview would be very appreciated. Thank you kind people! And, Happy Friday. :-)
Last edited by Joe Friday; 06-01-2018 at 04:00 PM.
06-01-2018, 04:36 PM
#2
With the 10-speed it hardly matters. Especially with the weight you're talking about and I think it really comes down to preference. I tend to like lower gears, so if it were me with that trailer I'd go 3.55 with EB or 3.73 with 5.0. But you could get away with higher gears too (lower numbers) and maybe get a little better unloaded MPG on the highway.
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chimmike (06-01-2018)
06-01-2018, 04:36 PM
#3
Senior Member
For towing :
3.5 ecoboost = 3.55
5.0 = 3.73
Some will say the lower gears are not needed on the 5.0 with 10 speed for towing but that hasn't been two of my friends with 2018 5.0's experience whatsoever, unless most of your towing is flat lands
3.5 ecoboost = 3.55
5.0 = 3.73
Some will say the lower gears are not needed on the 5.0 with 10 speed for towing but that hasn't been two of my friends with 2018 5.0's experience whatsoever, unless most of your towing is flat lands
Last edited by Sirikenewtron; 06-01-2018 at 06:31 PM.
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Joe Friday (06-02-2018)
06-01-2018, 05:23 PM
#4
Senile member
FWIW, I have the 3.5eb with 10sp and 3.31's, and it does great towing. Keep in mind the ratios with the 10sp are different than the 6sp. 3.31s are effectively like 3.55's or better on the old 6sp. Really, I wouldn't go any higher than 3.55 with either motor. Not necessary with the 10sp.
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Joe Friday (06-02-2018)
06-01-2018, 07:27 PM
#5
Scoundrel
For what its worth I tow a travel trailer that weighs a little over 4,000lbs when I'm loaded up with water and gear. I bought a used 2015 F-150 with the 5.0L 4x4 with the 3.55 locking rear axle. Of course its a 6-speed and not the 10-speed, so not exactly apples-to-apples. But even in tow/haul mode pulling my camper it shifts into 6th gear while on the flats. Tranny temps in the upper 190s to low 200s F. I would guess that if most of your towing is on flat terrain either engine will serve you well. If towing at higher altitudes the 3.5 Eco would be the better choice.
Good luck in your purchase..
Good luck in your purchase..
Last edited by HangDiver; 06-01-2018 at 08:20 PM.
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Joe Friday (06-02-2018)
06-01-2018, 08:30 PM
#6
For the EB 3.31 or 3.55, and for the 5.0 3.55 or 3.73. I would decide on which one based more on your overall use rather than the towing since the 10 Speed more than compensates for the final drive. If you do a lot of highway empty, then the taller gear would be a better choice so you can save a little in gas, but if you do mostly towing then the shorter gear would be the choice. The weights you spec are nothing for either engine, the 2.7 would handle that without breaking a sweat.
What you want to avoid are 3.73 for the 3.5EB, as it will put the engine way out of its power band and will make the MPG suck.
Honestly if you could go 3.15, that would be ideal, the EB with the 6 speed had no problems towing 6300#. You would have to go 4x2 for that though. If you can find it, a 3.5EB with max tow package is the ideal setup you are looking for.
What you want to avoid are 3.73 for the 3.5EB, as it will put the engine way out of its power band and will make the MPG suck.
Honestly if you could go 3.15, that would be ideal, the EB with the 6 speed had no problems towing 6300#. You would have to go 4x2 for that though. If you can find it, a 3.5EB with max tow package is the ideal setup you are looking for.
06-01-2018, 09:32 PM
#7
As many have said, I dont think you will have a problem with either choice. We just bought a 2015 /w the 3.5 and 3:55 rear end. Towed a 7000lb boat up a boat ramp and around the rolling hills of Kentucky, EcoBoost didn't break a sweat. We don't tow a lot, I am seeing about 18-19mpg unloaded.
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Joe Friday (06-02-2018)
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06-01-2018, 10:32 PM
#8
Scoundrel
Forgot to mention above.... I chose the 3.55 rear end (even though 3.73 would be a little more effective towing) because the 3.55 would provide a little better gas milage when not towing. Gear ratios explained here: http://www.hotrod.com/articles/how-gear-works/
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Joe Friday (06-02-2018)
06-01-2018, 10:43 PM
#9
Senior Member
Another thing about the 10 speed transmission is there's not going to be a significant amount of difference in milage between the gears... Except maybe 3.15's
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Joe Friday (06-02-2018)
06-02-2018, 11:30 AM
#10
Was 3.73 an option for the 3.5 before the 10 speed? I know you cant option the 3.5 and the 3:73's on a new build. As you said based on where the EcoBoost makes power those gears would put it way out of its sweet spot.