Ive had my '06 4.6L STX for a little over six years now, but it's time to move on. For the last couple years Ive been towing 5000lbs with it (boat trailer) and although it gets the job done, I want a more suitable tow vehicle. The roads here in Alaska aren't all paved and flat like in the lower-48 and there are times the truck struggles.

In the 6 years of ownership, the only problem I had was the IWE's that went out at 80K miles. Other than that, its been extremely reliable.

Been toying with the idea of buying a diesel but frankly I enjoy having a low-maintenance gas engine. I also don't want a new truck and all the emissions problems that come with them.

Looking into a 2013-2014 F150 with either the 3.5L Ecoboost or 6.2L. I don't have the luxury of going to a dealership for "warranty issues" so I want to buy another RELIABLE truck, but one more capable to suit my towing needs.

Been looking at newer GMC's and Chevy's but my Ford has been rock solid and I want to stay with one. Any thoughts?

 

Don't discount the 5.0 - it is perfectly capable of towing 5000# and has an excellent reliability record. 6.2's are hard to find unless you buy a F-250.

 

X2 on 5.0L.

 

X3 on the 5.0. I had a 2011 and now s 2014.

 

Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying not to buy an Ecoboost - just mentioning that the 5.0 is also capable of doing the job you want. It will run circles around a 4.6 or a 5.4.

If you can find a good F-250 at the right price with a gas 6.2, I'd recommend it highly. The stronger chassis etc. in the 3/4 ton truck would be beneficial with your conditions.

 

Just curious, but why the 5.0 exactly?

On paper, the Ecoboost its far superior in terms of HP, torque, economy and towing ability.

 

I have a 2014 Eco and it has been very good. Pulls my 4 place enclosed sled trailer better than any other half-ton that's pulled it (Chevy's, Dodges, other fords and a Tundra). I've had zero issues, but it only has 25k miles on it.

Some don't like the eco as they don't like turbos or forced induction or a V6. The only thing that I would say is "extra" maintenance are the plugs should be changed at 40-50k instead of 100k as recommended by Ford.

IMO, the 5.0 and 6.2 are really good motors, the 5.0 is the best V8 Ford ever put in a F150. 6.2's are rare and hard on Gas, but if you can find one, they are a heck of a score. I ended up with a Eco because it was in a truck that was optioned out (including color), the way I wanted. If the next one happens to have a 5.0, I'll drive it off the lot with zero regrets. Although, I'll likely put a blower on it, lol.

I would suggest taking them all for a spin and deciding which you like best. the low-end torque of the Eco is addicting, but so is the sweet sound that the 5.0 and 6.2 make. For either the 5.0 or the Eco, the 13's and 14's are the best. Both had updates that are worth spending the money on over the 11's and 12's.

Good luck and you'll be very impressed with how far they have come from your current rig, regardless of the engine option you choose.

 

I've got a 13 Eco Max Tow and tow a #5000 TT with it. Towed the same TT with a 97 F150 with the 5.4 and it towed fine at that time, but the Eco makes that old 97 seem like a slug in comparison.

I go up the grades in 4th gear, pulling around 2500 rpms and going between 55-60 mph and it's barely even sweating. The 97 pulled the same grades in 2nd gear at over 3500 rpms to do the same speed and it didn't have much left...

Anyway, love the Eco. Never drove the 5.0, so can't compare. 39,000 miles and no issues.. Other than having this grin on my face every time I drive it!

Good luck!

Mitch

 

Again, I'm not saying the 5.0 exactly, I'm just saying don't eliminate it from your search. The only engine I wouldn't tow 5000# with is the base 3.7.

 

I think this is the best post

The 5.0 is no slouch and it should pull your load without a problem. As said they're all good choices, take one of each for a ride and pick the one you like best.

I have a 13 5.0 and absolutely love it. I haven't towed a whole awful lot with it (the heaviest I towed was a dump trailer with a hair over 2 tons of gravel) but it towed great. It really does blow the 3v 5.4 out of the water, not to mention the 4.6.

I'm not trying to sell you on the 5.0, just my experience.

 

The 3.5 EB is a great choice. I have 65000 miles on mine and it's done everything I have asked it to do.

It tows great, low end torque is amazing when climbing hills. I can head up a 6 percent grade pulling 6800lbs 70mph at 3k rpm in 4th and it pulls it almost effortlessly at half to 3/4 throttle.

Fuel Mileage is good, on most highway trips I can pop off 20 to 22mpg everytime. In town 14 to 16 unless I'm really running it hard and then it's more like 13

It's also my weekend drag race vehicle when I decide to go to the track. It runs super strong and it takes all I give it and asks for more.

 

I've owned trucks with both engines. An '11 Lariat with the 5.0 and a '13 Platinum with the 3.5 Ecoboost. Both are great engines except the 5.0 needed to get the rpm's and speed up to get a load moving. The 3.5 on the other performs like a diesel and gets the load moving almost instantly. Fuel mileage for daily driving is close but the Ecoboost is slightly better...maybe 1/2 to 1 mpg. Whatever you choose try to find one with the 3.55 or 3.73 if you can. Good luck with your decision!!