I'm looking at a 14 Lariat 2x4 extended cab with 18,000 miles, 5.0L, tow package, 7100# GVWR package, and 3.31 electronic lock rear end. This will be mainly a town and highway vehicle, but will be towing a 5750# camper a few times a year. I take a few long haul run every year, from Georgia to northern AZ/NM, with and without the trailer.

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this type of setup, what mpg they see and how this would be as a tower. I'm looking to replace an '07 XLT 4x4, 5.4L 4 speed extended cab. I don't need a 4x4 anymore since I don't run an airport in northern MN, and really don't off road.

And can anyone tell me how difficult it is to change the standard mirrors to the OEM powered tow mirrors?

 

It will tow at least as well as your 5.4, but the 3.31 gears may be a bit rough in the mountains.

If it doesn't have one, get the OEM brake controller. It integrates with the vehicle electronics.

 

How high up in the mountains will you be going? GA to AZ is mostly flat with a few long steep grades in TN and AR but are doable easy enough. I suspect that locking out 6th and maybe 5th gear when towing will be better in the small hills and rollers. Once you get very high though the 3.31s and N/A will make that truck pretty sluggish off the line. The 5.0 needs to rev to make its power and the 3.31s make it harder to do that. However, around town and unloaded you should get good mileage.