Ford F-150 2.7 or 3.5 EB best for towing a 5.0TA??

[padlin]

I have the 3.73,no complaints, it was required for the heavy payload. Have the max tow too.

[Tom and Gay]

Originally Posted by salmo7000

What would be the drawback of the max payload package with the 3.73 rear end?? Would you order the max tow package instead of the max payload?? Thanks, all this information has been tremendously useful -

I didn't see the 3.73 as a big disadvantage but read how others reported some impact on milage and that it was most helpful for V8's and heavier towing needs. The 10 spd provides low enough gearing that my 3.31 together with the 3.5eb seems fine towing the 5.0TA.

The 2.7 payload package is necessary for the extra cargo carrying capacity...you won't get that with the max trailer tow package. There are pros and cons of all these options based on your needs and preferences so I'm glad others are providing input as this is all new for me so keep asking and learning.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Tom and Gay

The 2.7 payload package is necessary for the extra cargo carrying capacity...you won't get that with the max trailer tow package. There are pros and cons of all these options based on your needs and preferences so I'm glad others are providing input as this is all new for me so keep asking and learning.

I agree. It depends on whether payload or towing capacity is the more important need. In the case of towing an Escape or any other lightweight trailer, the max towing package may not be as helpful as the payload package.

[emers382]

We love our 2.7 (2015) with the six speed, the tow/haul mode is great especially in the Rockies, we went right out to Vancouver Island this year. However I didn't realize the payload was low when buying the truck should have checked the door sticker, only 1484 lbs think. We have the Supercab with 6.5 ft. box. We would have issues if we filled our back seat with passengers as although we have the old single axle 5.0 our pin weight is high due to a wonderful but heavy memory foam bed plus the heavy B&W Patriot hitch which I am glad we have due to its design.

I would think the 2018 with the 10 speed would be even better than our 6 speed. The mileage non towing is very good as well, not quite up to Robert's 25mpg but usually up to 23, the super cold weather is driving that way down, but it would with any vehicle. Glad we're not at home in MB tonight as it's going to -34C but a little warmer here near Lake Superior.

Adrian

[advenas]

I very much appreciate this thread. I'm thinking of selling my current TV truck so I can get something more fuel efficient. Like the OP I was trying to decide between the 2.7L and the 3.5L. I need an eight foot bed though for a pop up truck camper that I sometimes use. Only weighs 1,000lbs but think I'll need a high payload. Need to research a bit more. The discussion here helps tremendously.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by advenas

I very much appreciate this thread. I'm thinking of selling my current TV truck so I can get something more fuel efficient. Like the OP I was trying to decide between the 2.7L and the 3.5L. I need an eight foot bed though for a pop up truck camper that I sometimes use. Only weighs 1,000lbs but think I'll need a high payload. Need to research a bit more. The discussion here helps tremendously.

I own a Ram 1500 which is a nice truck but if I was looking for payload capacity , I would definitely go with Ford
To be perfectly honest Ram's & Toyota's payload capacity is not in the same league as the Ford F150 plus Ford offers more options so you can tailor your truck to your towing needs.

[BCnomad]

So Ford is offering the larger gas tank as an option on all variants or only some as years past?

[gocamp]

10 speed i find interesting too. as to towing do folks tow in 6th gear? I wonder our of 10 gear what is recommended for towing

2018 with the 10 speed VS 6 speed

[padlin]

If they are still the same, I tow in 6th with my 2012 6 spd. The Ford has/had no limitation like my GMC had. I do keep it in Tow/Haul when towing.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by gocamp

10 speed i find interesting too. as to towing do folks tow in 6th gear? I wonder our of 10 gear what is recommended for towing

2018 with the 10 speed VS 6 speed

The recommendation, as far as I know, would be to tow in tow/haul mode and let the transmission decide. We do that with the 6 speed, and will do it with the 10 speed come March.

[Tom and Gay]

Originally Posted by BCnomad

So Ford is offering the larger gas tank as an option on all variants or only some as years past?

Yes, the 36 gallon tank is available on all F150's.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Tom and Gay

Yes, the 36 gallon tank is available on all F150's.

Reducing payload, I suspect.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Tom and Gay

Yes, the 36 gallon tank is available on all F150's.

And is a No Brainer. Best option we got. 900 mile range not towing? Sheesh! Now that I've had it for 3 years, I wouldn't own an F150 without it.

[BCnomad]

One wouldn't have to fill the tank to the top on all trips...

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by BCnomad

One wouldn't have to fill the tank to the top on all trips...

Yep. It's gotten to the point where I'm surprised when I have to get gas. Made 3 camping trips this fall, all within 75-80 miles from home, and never stopped at a gas station.

[War Eagle]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

And is a No Brainer. Best option we got. 900 mile range not towing? Sheesh! Now that I've had it for 3 years, I wouldn't own an F150 without it.

Ditto what Robert said. With the extended range 36 gallon fuel tank, we can pull our camper 4 hours to the beach and 4 hours back without ever having to pull off the road for gas if we don't want to. Bathrooms, yes. Food, yes. Fuel, no. Our 2016 F-150 has payload to spare (#7000 payload option), so why not use some of it for extra on-board fuel and the luxury of the increased range. We haven't done it yet, but if we wanted to or needed to, we could drive clear through the night without ever having to pull off and look for fuel at some dark, sketchy interstate exit.

[Fox hunt]

Ok I agree with most of what has been said I have the 2.7 extra pay load and 35 gallon gas tank love it. I got the 5.5 bed good for me because I wanted less length and no issues towing the 5.0 but it's a small bed so if you want to haul a lot of stuff it might be better to get the longer bed. It was the right choice for me I got the large back seat which I wanted. It's a nice option that you can easily fold up the back seat to haul more stuff or dogs.

[Fox hunt]

Ok I guess it's a 36 gallon tank!

[gbaglo]

To make you guys feel even better, my RAV4 has a 15.9 gallon fuel tank and I only get 15 MPG towing. ( all U.S. numbers ).
Wish EPA numbers were real.

[cpaharley2008]

With 2 dogs in the back, when we stop they get anxious and we walk them, plus we use the bathroom, so we stop every 3 hours anyway. May as well fill up, whether we need it or not.
Just seems odd to stop at a gas station, use their facilities and then not purchase gas. With 1000 mile ranges on vehicles the little gas stations will disappear and only truck stops will proliferate.