I have a 2010 f150 XLT 5.4L V8 Supercrew with 27,500 miles on it. I saw a 2010 Platinum at the dealer for basically the same price, swapping one truck for the other. The Platinum had 10,000 more miles on it. We're getting a travel trailer next year. I don't want the dealer's opinion, I want some real truck enthusiasts opinion. Go with the Platinum or stick with my XLT?

 

What is the engine size and gear ratio of the platinum? 5.4/3.55? If your looking to buy a trailer, one may be better equipped to haul it. Id consider that.

Also, with the platinum, you're basically going to get a fancy interior with overall more options (not sure how base your xlt is). If that's worth it for you, and it won't cost much cash, and you don't care about 10k more miles then do it.

 

If you are going to be towing, I'd use the one that has the highest payload rating on the door jamb sticker. I have a feeling it may be the XLT.

 

There's not going to be a justifiable difference. If it was a 100% "straight up" swap, I'd say do it because you'd be getting a nicer truck. However, I know that's not the case, so I probably wouldn't do it.

If you're seeking more towing ability, I'd get a new(er) (2011+) Ecoboost max tow or a 3/4 ton. No sense in swapping 2010 for 2010 from a towing standpoint.

 

THAT is very true - even the 5.0 tows better than a 5.4 and gets better gas mileage, an EB will tow circles around a 5.0, especially in the mountains.

If you are getting a trailer next year, hold off, the trailer you decide on may well dictate a Super Duty to do it right. No sense in limiting your trailer purchase to fit a 1/2 ton truck. When I travel, I see the vast majority of travel trailers are being towed by 3/4 ton and bigger trucks.

 

I agree with glc about knowing what the future trailer is going to be before buying or considering another truck. But if you know what the trailer is and the weights involved and a half ton is THE truck, I'd trade it in on a new 2014. Great deals to be had and at zero percent interest on some models. The 5.0 or 3.5EB will pull a trailer far better than any 5.4 thought about pulling.