Thinking about a new truck......

Tony_G

Tony_G

Member #077
GCC Member
Location
O'Fallon
First Name
Tony
Last Name
Goebel
I currently have an 07 F150 with the 5.4 in it. It has about 185,000 miles. I want a new Ford but having a hard time choosing between the 3.5L Ecoboost and the 5.0L. As you can see I tend to hold on to my vehicles for a while. I’m concerned how the Ecoboost will do in the long run. I really want the 5.0 but afraid I’ll regret not having the towing power. Then a service writer recommended the 5.0 for the towing. He said he gets lots of guys complaining the Ecoboost doesn’t tow like they thought it would. I’ve driven them both and everyday driving I would like the 5.0 better. They both have great power but the Eco takes a second to get going. But once it does it goes like hell. I don’t know what to do. May just keep driving my 07 till the wheels fall off. That might not be too long. It’s making a noise up front now. So you guys with some miles on the Eco how are they holding up? Any guys running the 5.0? How’s it tow for you? If I choose the 5.0 I want to get the 2020. The 2021 is going to cut cylinders out when not needed. Like GM does.
 
Same concerns I have about the Ecoboost. How is the thing going to hold up after a 100,000 miles. I have the 5.0 in my truck, almost to 100,000, no issues with it, doesn't use any oil. It gets almost the same milage as Tim's Ecoboost. If I find a good used one, it'd have to be 5.0.
 
You cannot best the towing capabilities of the 3.5 Eco. I'm hearing 70,000 in 5 years of driving with 0 issues with the engine. The OTHER electronics is a different story from a speaker cutting in and out, to my folding mirrors not working occasionally or not adjusting. As I've said before, the towing is better than the diesel I had, but, it was the 6.2 which was a crappy diesel. My 2021 will be another ecoboost. With the 10 speed, could get better mileage, but, I'm thinking I'll go with the hybrid, 29 mpg
 
Rich do you know what gears you have? The 331 and 355 are pretty common but hard to find the 373. If I could find the 373 in the trim I want I think that’s what I would get. But only finding 355 in the trim I want.
 
Tim you’re braver than I am. I couldn’t do the first year hybrid. I would have to wait a few years.
 
I went from a 5.4 in my 2010 to a 3.5 Eco in my current truck. Very pleasantly surprised by how well it tows. The real benefit isn't the highway mileage but the around town mileage. My 5.4 ran 20 Highway/12 town. My EcoBoost runs 20 Highway/17 town. With a 36 gallon tank, I am rarely at a station.

Paul
 
Tony, I thought I wanted 3.73 as well, but the 3.55 has been fine. Multiple long trips to Arkansas have shown 21 mpg while running 75 and with ac on. I don't feel the higher heard would be any benefit to you regardless of you choose the 8cyl or 6cyl. Wait for kent to chime in on the battery/hybrid. Oh, and regarding the hybrid, people told me the exact same thing about the Ecoboost
 
Stay away from the 3:73 gears, no need at all unless you plan on towing 10,000# loads. Off hand I don't know which are in mine, most likely 3:31?
 
Ok good to know about about the gearing. Thanks guys. That makes one decision easier.
 
Mine is geared at 3.55. Going to a 3.31 would be OK if you never pulled a trailer. You'd see slightlty better gas mileage but you definitely loose towing capacity.
 
Definitely will go with the 355.
Paul how many miles are on your truck? Tim’s is still new with less than 70,000 miles.
 
One thing that you need to take on to account... How many times a year will you tow? Even when I was doing the track days plus Supercruise, it amounted to 5 times a year. You will be driving the truck daily, so, buy for that, not the towing necessarily.
 
All good advise, if you are only towing your cobra in a trailer I would not put a lot of thought into the towing aspects of your truck. Look at the daily driver, but if you are thinking of towing campers like I do you need a bigger truck. Not talking the motor but the whole truck brakes, suspension and frame to carry the weight. Happy shopping
 
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