New to me F-150?

[SailorSam20500]

Not answering the OP's question, but a recommendation to him. If haven't heard of it, do a search of Forscan. This is a free (for non-commercial use) program that runs on a Windows computer. With it you can change a number of behaviors on Fords. I have disabled the horn honk that happens when you get out of the truck and close the door with the engine running, enabled having the high beams and fog lights on simultaneously, changed the display to show actual trans oil temp, etc. The Ford F150 forum has an extensive thread and large supportive user base for using this great tool.

[Dsj12]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I’m continuing to look. I go back and forth about what I want so I need to make up my mind completely. Thanks for the Forscan suggestion.

[Karbean]

I have owned and towed with 3 different EcoBoost trucks. A 2011, 3.5, a 2016, 2.7 and a 2019, 3.5. Each had their + and -s. However, for your application, the 2.7 is more than adequate and you will love the MPG you get as a daily driver. My 2016 was factory stock with 3.31 gears in the rearend and I towed a 2014 23' Fun Finder @ 4800lbs dry. Put 40K miles on the trailer/truck combo without a problem. My only complaint is that at 160 cubic inches, the 2.7 hasn't enough volume to provide effective downhill braking when in tow/haul mode. My solution was to swap out the factory disc rotors with vented aftermarket ones. Probably never really needed them but I felt better as I crossed Wolf Creek pass et. al.
As for the extended range tank.....while I have the 36 gal tank on my current 2019, I didn't have it on either my 2011 or 2016. I never needed the additional capacity despite 3 trips from Alabama to the west coast. At our age, we like to stop every 3-4 hours to stretch the old bones and give the dogs a break so it coincided with a fuel stop. We got an honest 11.5 mpg towing average across a 10K mile trip. Disconnected, it jumps to 23. I deliver Ford trucks for my local dealership and can tell you, getting a 5.0 to deliver over 20 mpg around town is unlikely.
I think all the discussion about payload is probably moot in that your trailer of choice won't tax either of the trucks in question. It becomes personal preference.....take the best deal and enjoy

[eddy67]

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?

5.0 will get better mpg while towing. I've had them all. Currently have 3.5L in my 2018 F-150 2.7 gets thirsty under load.

[Tundra 2014]

I would go w/ 5.0 to get the 10 speed, bigger gas tank and no turbo to replace in the future. It is a much simpler engine to maintain w/ higher payload at the expense of milage when not towing. You can buy a lot of gas VS the expense of replacing a turbo. It was $5K on the turbo we had replaced, 10 years ago

[Semperfi24]

Having owned the 5.0, and 2 with the 3.5 EB before upgrading to a Super Duty, my opinion on them would be that I would choose the 3.5 EB first, the 5.0 second, and the the 2.7 EB third. I would avoid any naturally aspirated V6 as a tow vehicle (I think it was 3.3 liters).

After saying I would choose the 3.5 or the 5.0 (with preference to the 3.5), both will do the job. My tie breaker would be if only one had the 36 gallon tank, I would lean toward that one.

Both Ford tow packages have the integrated trailer break controller (doesnt need to be Max tow to get that). Other things that I would consider important when considering, in no particular order:
- do either of them have tow mirrors
- rear gear, I would want the 3.55 option versus the 3.31 option (max tow is 3.73)

[Jfkmk]

Originally Posted by Semperfi24

Having owned the 5.0, and 2 with the 3.5 EB before upgrading to a Super Duty, my opinion on them would be that I would choose the 3.5 EB first, the 5.0 second, and the the 2.7 EB third. I would avoid any naturally aspirated V6 as a tow vehicle (I think it was 3.3 liters).

After saying I would choose the 3.5 or the 5.0 (with preference to the 3.5), both will do the job. My tie breaker would be if only one had the 36 gallon tank, I would lean toward that one.

Both Ford tow packages have the integrated trailer break controller (doesnt need to be Max tow to get that). Other things that I would consider important when considering, in no particular order:
- do either of them have tow mirrors
- rear gear, I would want the 3.55 option versus the 3.31 option (max tow is 3.73)

Agree with this, but would point out Max tow has the 3.55 gears.

[rlocicero]

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.

I like the 5.oL 10 speed. Had 2 of them.

[flyflotrtim]

Go and drive them both. Dealerships may even let you take each home overnight. Which seems most comfortable? Lots to consider, same mileage, prefer one color, interiors? 2.7 will pull the trailer fine. Have you ever thought to yourself "I wish my vehicle did not have so much power" or "sure wish I got several mpg more"?

[IvoryHemi]

I’d go with the 5.0

[Boomerweps]

Originally Posted by Semperfi24

Both Ford tow packages have the integrated trailer break controller (doesnt need to be Max tow to get that). Other things that I would consider important when considering, in no particular order:
- do either of them have tow mirrors
- rear gear, I would want the 3.55 option versus the 3.31 option (max tow is 3.73)

Nope.
TBC is only included with Max Tow, extra with Towing Package. Paid $275 extra for mine.
For 3.5EB & 5.0:
Towing Package comes with 3.31. $995 for package
Max Tow comes with 3.55. Paid extra for mine. $470 for 3.55
Heavy Duty Payload Package comes with 3.73.
In 2019, for sure, Tow Mirrors were an extra for any package.
Max Tow was under $1300, so if you want the 3.5EB anyways, it was a bargain with slightly upgraded towing package, 3.55, TBC, & 36 gallon gas tank. $1740 for that separately WITHOUT the big gas tank!

[rsdata]

Also 2.7 is 6 speed. 5.0 is 10 speed if that would matter

The 5.0 is a good engine and the 10 speed would be a plus when towing... I have an 8 speed RAM and the difference from my old 3 speed with overdrive is night and day... the larger gas tank is a real plus also needing fewer fill-ups on a daily basis.

[Semperfi24]

Originally Posted by Jfkmk

Agree with this, but would point out Max tow has the 3.55 gears.

jfkmk is correct. I got ahead of myself I suppose. The payload package, not the max tow package is the one that comes with the 3.73 gears

[Mountaineer1954]

We are retired; so just the two of us. We have a 2017 21' Wolf Pup Limited and tow it with a 2018 Ford F-150 4x4, 5.0l, 10 speed, crew cab, 36 gallon fuel tank with a trailer towing package, OEM trailer brakes, and the Pro Back Up Assist, 3.31 gears. Hardly know it's back there.

[Lillypad4two]

I can't speak to the Eco-Boost, but I love my '18 5.0L w/ the 10-speed tranny. I pull a 21' MicroLite. While the fuel economy drops to 9.8 mpg when towing, I can get 22 - 23 mpg on the highway with the ECO transmission setting. Using TOW mode when pulling the trailer provides smooth shifting and much appreciated engine breaking when slowing/stopping.

[XLTShaker]

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

Max Tow is only available with the 3.5 eco-boost. The one you are looking at my have all the extras of the Max Tow but won't be rated the same as the Max Tow. Dealers order trucks with the Max Tow components because they make more money that way. If you order Max Tow, it is quite a bit cheaper than ordering everything separate.
Personally, I have a 2016 XLT, 3.5 eco, Super crew with 6.5 bed, 36 gal tank and MaxTow. In '16, the 36 gal tank was extra, now it is part of Max Tow pkg. I have been very happy with my truck although since getting the MH, I don’t tow with it any more.

As to your question, I would go for the 2.7, but it depends on how much your trailer weighs. Ron

Sorry, guilty of posting without reading the whole thread, I just repeated what many have already posted. When I hit "quote", it skipped over the other posts without me reading them. Ron

[Rick J]

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.

The 2.7 does not have a thinner frame. The frames on all models wIth the Heavy Duty Payload Package Are thicker steel.

[Rick J]

Originally Posted by Tundra 2014

I would go w/ 5.0 to get the 10 speed, bigger gas tank and no turbo to replace in the future. It is a much simpler engine to maintain w/ higher payload at the expense of milage when not towing. You can buy a lot of gas VS the expense of replacing a turbo. It was $5K on the turbo we had replaced, 10 years ago

The turbo failure talk is overstated. They are Borg Warner turbos and last forever if you use the right oil. Synthetic. My first gen 2014 3.5 has 388,000 kms on original turbos. I've only replaced an alternator, throttle body and spark plug tube gaskets other than tune ups. You WAAAY OVERPAID if you paid 5k.

[Usernamenotavailable]

February we picked up a Apex ultralight 245bhs from Kentucky - with tongue we are at 27 ft long. Weight is under 7k loaded, closer to 6 empty.

Drove 2017 Ford F-150 2.7 from Florida to Kentucky at times getting close to 26 mpg normally around town I get 21/22 driving like a sports car.

Previously had a 2014 F150 3.5 no eco was a lemon had everything replaced on that I mean they ran outta parts to replace except for the computer. Was a certified POS!

This was our very first trailer ever, talk about a learning curve driving back from Kentucky. The truck is a 2wd with a rear differential lock. It didn't come with larger gas tank or trailer brake, paid $150 to get that plug n play installed. I was a professional after side detour to Gatlinburg to visit a distillery. White knuckled going through Smokey Mountains with ice and snow on the road.

The smartest thing we did was purchase the sway bar, keeps the truck from sagging, it's level looks good, and tows well feels secure.

We have taken some longer trips but primarily only travel 2-3 hours from the house the 2.7 ecoboost works perfect note we are in south florida it's pretty flat. Even still going driving from Kentucky home there were zero issues with power. Maintaining 75 felt like nothing was behind me, this was part of my learning curve. First truck we passed.....well you get the picture now 60-65 is plenty fast and mpg improves significantly. We average 9-10 mpg

We will eventually upgrade trucks to a F250 for 4 reasons:

1. Larger truck bed, tired of trying to get 4 bikes to fit in a 5.5 bed

2. Folding center console, 3 kids, wife and 2 large American Bulldogs require more space.

3. Larger fuel tank

4. Main reason additional weight. I do not like the feeling of wind or vehicles passing me, can feel trailer pull a little. Not too much but enough to make me want a larger truck.

Right now with 70k on the truck paid off, trailer paid off, and camping at least once a month within 3-4 hours from house the need really doesn't out weigh the want.

The 2.7 ecoboost we have is a great commuter and gets us safely to the next campground.

Good luck on your purchase and enjoy camping!!

[clarkbre]

Originally Posted by Rick J

The turbo failure talk is overstated. They are Borg Warner turbos and last forever if you use the right oil. Synthetic. My first gen 2014 3.5 has 388,000 kms on original turbos. I've only replaced an alternator, throttle body and spark plug tube gaskets other than tune ups. You WAAAY OVERPAID if you paid 5k.

Overstated or not, the wastegates on my '11 failed at 71k miles causing the turbos to build heat, warping the exhaust manifolds. Used full synthetic and towed a trailer weighing a max of 7500 (weighed) that was well within the 9k+ tow rating. Having all that documented helped my case with the service manager.

Ford couldn't determine why/how it happened and the technical term for it was a "doozy of a problem" and they couldnt tell me with confidence that it wouldn't happen again. The fact that both sides did it simultaneously was suspicious.

The extended warranty did cover it but that kind of failure at a low mileage without explanation was enough to make me lose confidence in the higher tech engines.