New to me F-150?

[Dsj12]

Long time lurker, need advice. Looking at a 2017 F-150 2.7l crew cab or 2018 5.0l Super cab. We have small 20 ft camper only 2 of us minimalist. We usually have 2 lawn chairs a couple of biscuit sticks, a fire poker, couple tiki torches, you get the picture. We’re older and don’t plan on getting a bigger camper. Price is only about a 100 difference. Only camped in TN, NC, SC, Va so far, been camping about 20 years. Which would you go with?

[Jfkmk]

Consider the payload and towing capacity of each. Does either have the 36 gallon tank (it was a must for us).

[Dsj12]

No standard tank size. We don’t usually stray too far from home, usually2 hours or so.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Dsj12

Long time lurker, need advice. Looking at a 2017 F-150 2.7l crew cab or 2018 5.0l Super cab. We have small 20 ft camper only 2 of us minimalist. We usually have 2 lawn chairs a couple of biscuit sticks, a fire poker, couple tiki torches, you get the picture. We’re older and don’t plan on getting a bigger camper. Price is only about a 100 difference. Only camped in TN, NC, SC, Va so far, been camping about 20 years. Which would you go with?

As was said, you want the one with the most payload, as either can pull your trailer.
Look at the driver's door yellow Tire and Loading sticker for the payload. It'll say "Occupants and cargo should not exceed xxxxlbs".

[Dsj12]

I’ll have to go look at the trucks, dealerships wasn’t open today. This will be a daily driver as well, pros or cons of each motor? Also 2.7 is 6 speed. 5.0 is 10 speed if that would matter

[Jfkmk]

From what I’ve read, the 2.7 is incredibly reliable. The 5.0 has had some oil consumption problems, but is otherwise reliable as well. I believe the 2.7 equipped trucks have a slightly thinner frame, and a quick glance at the f150 towing guide shows the 5.0 has a greater tow capacity.

That being said, you still need to look at the individual trucks for their particular numbers and see how they are equipped.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Dsj12

No standard tank size. We don’t usually stray too far from home, usually2 hours or so.

No, he's talking about if either has the Max Tow package, which gets you a 36 gallon fuel tank and OEM brake controller. You'll appreciate having another 10 gallons, when your gas mileage is 9mpg.

[Jfkmk]

Originally Posted by bikendan

No, he's talking about if either has the Max Tow package, which gets you a 36 gallon fuel tank and OEM brake controller. You'll appreciate having another 10 gallons, when your gas mileage is 9mpg.

Was anything but the 3.5 available with Max tow in 2017 & 2018?

You’re right about the extra 10 gallons. Our old tow vehicle got about 150 miles before I had to seriously look for gas. Twice I pulled into a station only to find out I had to back up to get out. No fun in a gas station pulling a trailer with cars behind you. So much easier getting to our destination, unhooking and going to the gas station sans trailer.

[Dsj12]

Lol. Thanks. You’re talking to a female that knows enough about cars to do a lot of repairs but not a lot about types and specs and such.

Edit: found window sticker for 5.0. It has the max tow package thus the 36 gal. Tank. Couldn’t find sticker for 2.7

[Jfkmk]

Originally Posted by Dsj12

Lol. Thanks. You’re talking to a female that knows enough about cars to do a lot of repairs but not a lot about types and specs and such.

Edit: found window sticker for 5.0. It has the max tow package thus the 36 gal. Tank. Couldn’t find sticker for 2.7

I would definitely lean towards the 5.0 then. Good luck, let us know how you do!

[Boomerweps]

The 2.7EB is a great engine but one year newer 5.0 and 10 speed transmission will pull even better.
In 2019 & 2020, you had to get the 3.5EB to get the Max Tow package. I THOUGHT the same was true for 2018. You sure it says Max tow and not towing package on the sticker?
The sticker would list the 3.55 rear axle and 36 gallon tank, even stating Max Towing. 2.7EB never got Max Tow. SuperCab normally gets a 20 gallon tank, the Super Crew get a 26 gallon tank.

[clarkbre]

Originally Posted by Jfkmk

From what I’ve read, the 2.7 is incredibly reliable. The 5.0 has had some oil consumption problems, but is otherwise reliable as well. I believe the 2.7 equipped trucks have a slightly thinner frame, and a quick glance at the f150 towing guide shows the 5.0 has a greater tow capacity.

That being said, you still need to look at the individual trucks for their particular numbers and see how they are equipped.

Not sure where you're sourcing your info but an F150 frame is the same thickness across all powerplants.

Also, while the 2.7 may be reliable, the 5.0 is probably one of the more tried and true engines on the F150 platform in the last 10 years. It may not get the absolute best fuel mileage, but the trade off is it's simplicity as a naturally aspirated V8.

The ecoboosts are very nice, small and powerful engines; however, any fuel savings over the 5.0 can be easily washed out with a repair to the turbo system and anything related to it. While they tow like small diesels, they need repair$ like small diesels.

Are the GVWR the same for identical trucks with the 5.0 and 2.7?

[Dsj12]

Just going by the window stick shown on dealer website, it states 3.55 axle, 7050 GVWR, 36 gal fuel tank, trailer tow package for the 5.0.

I did find a 3.5l, may look into it, but the price seems low so it makes me wonder what’s wrong with it. Lol

I’m not an impulse buyer, I research to death.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Dsj12

Just going by the window stick shown on dealer website, it states 3.55 axle, 7050 GVWR, 36 gal fuel tank, trailer tow package for the 5.0.

I did find a 3.5l, may look into it, but the price seems low so it makes me wonder what’s wrong with it. Lol

I’m not an impulse buyer, I research to death.

Probably doesn't have the Max Tow package. Does it have the OEM brake controller?

[clarkbre]

Originally Posted by Dsj12

Just going by the window stick shown on dealer website, it states 3.55 axle, 7050 GVWR, 36 gal fuel tank, trailer tow package for the 5.0.

I did find a 3.5l, may look into it, but the price seems low so it makes me wonder what’s wrong with it. Lol

I’m not an impulse buyer, I research to death.

Could you post a pic of the window sticker to help us decipher it?

[BigH]

Originally Posted by clarkbre

Not sure where you're sourcing your info but an F150 frame is the same thickness across all powerplants.

..

Probably got his information from Ford because according to Ford's 2018 Spec sheet (on page 35) they use a .087, .10, and .11 thick frames. I used page 35 from 2018 becasue it was the one I just looked at but its been that way for years.

At one time the thinner frame was only available with the 2.7 but the 2.7 didn't guarantee the thinner frame depending on package selection and chassis.

[Jfkmk]

Originally Posted by Dsj12

Just going by the window stick shown on dealer website, it states 3.55 axle, 7050 GVWR, 36 gal fuel tank, trailer tow package for the 5.0.

I did find a 3.5l, may look into it, but the price seems low so it makes me wonder what’s wrong with it. Lol

I’m not an impulse buyer, I research to death.

The 36 gallon tank can be added as an option without the Max-tow package.

[Jfkmk]

Originally Posted by clarkbre

Not sure where you're sourcing your info but an F150 frame is the same thickness across all powerplants.

Also, while the 2.7 may be reliable, the 5.0 is probably one of the more tried and true engines on the F150 platform in the last 10 years. It may not get the absolute best fuel mileage, but the trade off is it's simplicity as a naturally aspirated V8.

The ecoboosts are very nice, small and powerful engines; however, any fuel savings over the 5.0 can be easily washed out with a repair to the turbo system and anything related to it. While they tow like small diesels, they need repair$ like small diesels.

Are the GVWR the same for identical trucks with the 5.0 and 2.7?

BigH answered your question about frame thicknesses.

I always get a chuckle over the argument of the “simplicity” of the 5.0 verses the fear of the overly complicated and expensive turbo systems. First, no engine these days is “simple”, including the 5.0. Second, turbos have been around forever on all kinds of applications. While it may be true that IF a turbo were to fail it will cost some money, the chances of that happening are slim at best, and unless a manufacturer becomes well known for them failing, it is certainly not a reason to avoid them.

[Boomerweps]

Originally Posted by Dsj12

Just going by the window stick shown on dealer website, it states 3.55 axle, 7050 GVWR, 36 gal fuel tank, trailer tow package for the 5.0.

I did find a 3.5l, may look into it, but the price seems low so it makes me wonder what’s wrong with it. Lol

I’m not an impulse buyer, I research to death.

GET IT! One year newer and that is a towing machine. I have the same in a 2019 Super Crew except the much coveted (by me) 36 gallon tank and 7000 GVWR. My load capacity is 1990#. You essentially have a 5.0 version of the Max Tow without a couple of changes to the hitch receiver. Edit: Max Tow gets the trailer brake controller, otherwise it’s mostly optional separately (like on mine).

[JimMorrell]

I have a 5.0 L F 150 and tow a 32' TT. You don't need the extra cylinders. The Eco Boost would easily pull my trailer and is far more economical. Buy it!