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Old 11-18-2017, 12:38 AM   #1
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Best pickup to buy for escape 5.ota

I'm a Boomer woman needing all the help I can get! Gotta buy a pickup to go get my new Escape. Thinking to buy a Ford 150 Eco. Plan to haul it over mountains so need good performance. 5.OTA owners - I'll appreciate your recommendations!
Thanks, Rachel Frazin

Email is rachelfrazin01@gmail.com - prefer email response if possible as the Escape web site baffles me! But you can reply here too and hopefully I'll find it!
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Old 11-18-2017, 02:02 AM   #2
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Hi Rachel,

Another Boomer here. I tow my 5.0TA with a F150 V6 Eco Crew Cab with short bed. I have been very happy with the towing. No problems with grades, etc. Most of the time, I forget the trailer is back there - rarely feel it. I have a B W Patriot 5th wheel hitch.
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Old 11-18-2017, 05:55 AM   #3
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I don’t know which is the “best”, I have a Chev Silverado 1500 with tow pkg/ 5.3 engine. I have towed over the Rockies and have driven with the trailer approx. 35,000 miles and I really love the combination. As was said above, no matter what the conditions I barely know it’s there. I also get pretty good gas mileage towing.
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Old 11-18-2017, 06:49 AM   #4
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I traded a GMC for the Ford before I got the Escape, liked the ride and comfort of the GMC better but wanted the power of the then new Ecoboost. Chances are unless you get a lemon you'll be happy with the Ford, of course you'd probably be happy with a GMC, Dodge, or Tundra. With the right options I think they'll all do the job.

I have the 3.5 Ecoboost, there was no 2.7 at the time, it's great going up mts, plenty of power. I have the 8' bed but if I was to do it over I'd get the 6 1/2'. Get the extended range gas tank, and if possible the heavy payload and towing options, don't know what truck configurations they can be had with these days though.

I hear good things about the 2.7 Eb so it's an option to think about. Personally I like having more then enough power and will take the hit at the pumps for it. Others are happy with the power of the 2.7 and get better mileage. You could also go over the top and get a Raptor, it's 3.5 has even more power. Of course you pay for it in $.
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Old 11-18-2017, 07:07 AM   #5
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Hi Rachel, welcome to the site.

I would highly recommend getting used to navigating this forum, as it is a wealth of information from a whole lot of knowledgeable and helpful folks.

While the Ford EcoBoost was my choice (3.5 litre), there are other very capable pickups that have the capacities as well. As long as it has the towing capacity (and any 1/2 ton will) and has the cargo capacity to carry the hitch weight and all other cargo (a few fall short here), along with not being too tall, you should be fine.
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Old 11-18-2017, 08:17 AM   #6
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I tow our 5.0TA with a GMC 1500 and love the pickup, I just don't love the fact that it's a short bed. Although I have enough clearance, my recommendation is to get at least a 6.5 ft bed. Also pay close attention the payload ratings for the pickup you buy. They are posted on the drivers door jam. Good luck.
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Old 11-18-2017, 08:28 AM   #7
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Just to echo what others have said, if I was considering a full size truck to tow a 5.0TA, I would get the 6.5' bed, not the short bed. Other than that, as has been mentioned, there are alot of trucks that will do the job well. I'm completely sold on the F150 with the EcoBoost V6 though, and admit my bias. Marry that up to their 10 speed transmission and you've got a real winner - albeit a pricey one.
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Old 11-18-2017, 09:15 AM   #8
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If I was buying new......diesel..... torque (never worry about a mountain pass), mileage, and longevity....There’s a couple options...Dodge 1/2T with the 3.0L or Chev/GMC Colorado variant with the 2.8L....
Hey, I could have suggested 3/4T with a full size diesel, just didn’t want to hear the complaints of overkill......
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Old 11-18-2017, 10:24 AM   #9
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Many excellent responses. I would echo what Bob said for the most part.

My own two cents is go rent a truck that you're thinking about to get a feel for it. Also Nissan with the Cummins would be a strong contender, meaning all tow package 1/2 tons are suitable chariots

Is this a dedicated towing vehicle?
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Old 11-18-2017, 11:28 AM   #10
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I was not a Ford buyer before, but I am now, having had a 2012 F150 first generation eco boost and now the second generation 2017 eco boost with the 10 speed transmission. 470 foot pounds of torque means you will always have enough power on the hills yet the economy of a 6 when not hooked up...if you keep your foot out of it. Love the engine so much we also bought an Explorer sport for the wife just because it also has the eco boost.
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Old 11-18-2017, 07:50 PM   #11
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Our ride is a Toyota Tundra 5.7 litre with full tow package including an optional manual shifter. Double cab with a 6.5 foot bed. Demco Hijacker Double Pivot 16K hitch. Smooth ride with exceptional power. Have to remind myself that there is a trailer behind me. Enough said. There are lots of good choices out there. Pay a bit more for a hitch as it is a critical part of the package. Good luck
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Old 11-18-2017, 08:13 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by padlin View Post
Get the extended range gas tank, and if possible the heavy payload and towing options, don't know what truck configurations they can be had with these days though.
I also recommend the heavy duty payload package (not towing package, althought you might have to buy both). However, I found it impossible to find a truck with this option on a dealer's lot (you had to order it). The extended range gas tank is great too.

Quote:
Originally Posted by t-twnbob View Post
Also pay close attention the payload ratings for the pickup you buy. They are posted on the drivers door jam. Good luck.
Definitely look a the weight numbers in the door jam. Those number will be specific for that truck's configuration. I found it impossible to come up with these numbers by looking at the manufacturer's specification sheets.

The payload weight is most likely your biggest concern with a "half ton" truck and a 5.0 TA. If it are just two of you and you don't carry a lot of stuff, they you should be fine. But, if you take along some friends, stuff in the truck bed, and a fully loaded trailer, then you may be near, or over, the max payload limit of your truck.
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Old 11-19-2017, 03:31 AM   #13
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Thanks to everyone who posted re: pickup 5.OTA!

I really appreciate the time and effort you all made to help me sort through the options. Now I'll go try vehicles out -- without the RV though. In answer to one question - no not dedicated vehicle and purchase and mileage costs are important to me! So I'll look for a 2015 or 2016 so vehicle to save money. Definitely 6.5 ft bed based on consensus. And likely a Ford 150 V6 Ecoboost although I'll try out several of the other vehicles mentioned as well. Thanks again to everyone!
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Old 11-19-2017, 05:36 AM   #14
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If you see a truck with under say 1400 lbs of payload you might double check that it's enough for your intended camping style before buying it.
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Old 11-19-2017, 11:44 AM   #15
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You need to look at GCWR, which hopefully is in the owner's manual that may be in the glove compartment on a new vehicle, or look it up on the Internet. Also need to look at GVWR and towing capacity. You should know the basic numbers and how they add up for any vehicle you are considering. They are not difficult numbers to figure out.
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