Hello, this is my first (introductory) message, sorry for the long post.

I joined up today after reading through way too many posts looking for more information on the 2012 F-150. I am currently (and historically always have been) a GM truck owner, and now that it is time to trade, I have been looking seriously at changing over to the Blue Oval: It seems that Ford P/U engineering is just so much more advanced these days, compared to the truck competition.

Anyway, the primary subject of my research, and main reason for signing up to the Forum, is to compare the EB 3.5L, and the 5.0 V8, engines offered in the F-150 models as a step-up from the base 3.7L V6.

I am planning to order a F-150 in Regular Cab, Long Box, 2WD XLT trim - just a basic truck with a few options incl. Convenience Pkg and Tow Pkg. My hauling/towing needs will be only about 10% of total miles, with combined (up to) 1000# loads in the truck bed AND up to a 5000# trailer on the hitch, across some hilly terrain. The remaining 90% will be as a "daily driver," unloaded vehicle commuting in city and highway traffic.

My research tells me that I could possibly use the base 3.7L engine most economically, but I still feel the need to have a bit of reserve under the hood, to add a bit of "confidence" to the tailering/hauling "experience."

Everything I read (here and elsewhere) seems to say that, if driven somewhat gently out on the highway, both the EB and the 5.0 will turn in about the same ~20 MPG; and for trailering, the 5.0 will give me all I need (and more) for pulling power against that haul/tow loading.

Economy is a big concern to me, given the high (and rising) cost of petrol, and I have over the years developed a pretty "mild" driving habit. So do you more experienced F-150 owners concur that, for the conditions I have explained, (even though the EB engine might be "sexier"), the 5.0 engine might indeed offer the best economical MPG vs haul/tow power solution for my new soon-to-be-ordered F-150?

 

In a 2 door truck, both motors will be plenty for your needs.

For motor choice, do the research yourself and make a decision. It just starts a pissing match on here.

 

this is pretty opinionative. however a friend of mine bought the eco and then traded it as he wasnt happy with the fuel economy. his 5.0 he says is much better and you have less moving parts...turbos and such to mess with. I cant speak for for my own experiences though.

 

Thanks for the quick replies.

I have of course driven all three powertrains and the base 3.7L engine does a remarkable job in an unloaded-truck test drive around town. As I said, I will have a bit of moderately-loaded driving in some hilly terrain, and I *think* I will appreciate a bit of reserve power over that provided by the base engine, even though the 3.7 will probably be more economical in most situations.

Given that the EB is somewhat more complex (i.e. more to go wrong) than the normally-aspirated 5.0, I am leaning toward the more conventional V8; again with my understanding that out on the road, with a moderate/reasonably gentle driving habit, both of those engines will probably turn in about the same MPG numbers.

As was said, each individual owner can (and will) argue the merits of his/her own powertrain set-up, and my goal was not to "kick the nest," but to confirm what I believe that my research has already pointed out to me in the relative performance differences of these engines.

 

i have the 5.0, am nothing but pleased with it's abilities and it tows my ~6k lbs excellent w/ pleanty of power in reserve.

i forgot you mentioned the 3.7 in your original post, i was replying that either the 5.0 or EB will do the job excellently. I'd question the 3.7's towing w/ 5k lbs behind it.

 

I would say get the truck that best suits your needs because all the newer trucks get pretty good gas mileage

 

I do a lot of highway driving and have 25,000 on my 5.0. It would be my choice again. I get up to 23 mpg on the highwy and in mixed driving have averged 19.5 for the 25,000 miles.

 

Oh, its a Screw with 3.55s.

 

...and I learned this week that a "5.0 Bonus Cash" rebate has just now gone into effect - that is pushing me even more toward the 5.0L engine...

 

The 3.7L is no slouch for what it is. 302hp / 278tq... those numbers are better than that of the mid-90s 5.0L V8. If you went that route and opted for 3.73 gears, you should have plenty of power. The newer trucks also have a 6-spd auto which is another feather in your cap. (compared to the 4-spd of yesteryear)

The choice is yours (obviously), but I don't think you can go wrong with either powerplant provided you select the right gearing.

It looks as though the 3.7 w/3.73 is rated for 6,100lbs

The 5.0L would afford you some extra towing capacity @ 9,800lbs with a 3.55 rear end.

 

Couple weeks ago I picked up a new STX X-cab 4X4 5.0 3.55, STX Décor Package (requires 5.0L engine) includes
18" machined aluminum wheels, P275/65R18 OWL all-terrain tires (4x4), 5" chrome cab steps (SuperCab), fog lamps, air, cruise, power mirrors/windows and bed liner for $25,000 . Recieved $10,000 off window sticker with 6 rebates

 

I don't think you can go wrong either way under these circumstances.

 

Yeah, I wouldn't look further, especially if they're knocking even more money off a great powerplant (5.0)

 

I have a 5.0 screw with 20s and 3.55s. Plenty of power, avg of 17.2 in daily and I have seen as high as 21.5 hand calculated on the highway. My dad has the sma etruck just with 18s and an ecoboost and he is getting about the same.

 

On the regular cab / long box / 2WD configuration I'm looking at, the 5.0 comes standard with 3.31 gears and the usual 17" wheels. If I can keep my foot out of it unless I need the pulling torque (but what fun is that?), I think I should be able to get pretty good highway mileage, in the low 20s, not too much apart from that being seen in the 3.7L and EB 3.5 setups.