I work in the construction bussiness and tow job trailers around sometimes. Mainly use an 01 duramax to do that with. I also am looking g at getting a 28-30 foot camper. the reason for upgrading is right now i have a 1997 gmc k1500 z71 5.7 vortec ext cab. And we are welco.ing are 3rd kid in April of 2017 time to get a crew cab. I'm looking g at 2009-2012 f150 but don't know if I would want the 5.4 or the 5.0 my towing dutys aren't everyday but when I need to tow I want to be sure I can do it. Any pointers on which engine to get. Truck will be the fx4 supercrew. Dont care foe the chrome to much but want the consol shifter.Thanks zach.

 

F250

 

I would but I don't like the looks of them.

 

If you want to tow that big a trailer, you need a 2011 or 2012 with the Ecoboost and max tow package if you must get a 1/2 ton truck.

 

Are mind is not made up on a camper yet. May end up being smaller and the lowest trip it would take would be around 60 miles. It would be Manila flat ground towing very few hills. The wife likes the 27 foot jayco jay flight

 

Stay away from the 5.4 engine unless you feel like tearing into the timing components and replacing Cam phasers, tensioners, etc...

The 5.0 tows just fine, but the ecoboost is the torque monster. Personally Id just stick with the 5.0; I love mine!

So you need to look for a 2011-12 FX4 with the 5.0. If you want the ecoboost, then a lot of FX4s got them as its considered the premium engine, so it shoudl open your options on trucks a little bit more

 

I just can't get my head around a v6 lol. Thank you for your input the truck I'm looking at is a 2011 fx4 5.0. Supercrew short bed. Has 55000 miles on it and they want 19500 for it.

 

I tow a 31' camper with a 2012 ecoboost with max tow. It pulls great.

Get in an ecoboost and test drive it before you decide. The torque will amaze you.

 

Hey Im right there with you, I HAD to have the 5.0. Drove the eco and it just didnt do it for me. That sounds like a steal too on that truck with those low miles. excellent find

 

Watch out for your payload ratings ! A 28 foot loaded travel trailer will give you a 800 to 1000 lb tongue weight before you put anything in the truck. The Max Tow package will give you some extra cooling and payload as well as the 3.73 rear end and if you can find a truck with Heavy Duty Payload, that would be ideal for towing heavy.

You won't appreciate the low end torque of the Eco unless you have a heavy trailer hitched up. Unloaded, you just can't beat the sweet sound of the 5.0. Towing with the 2009+ 5.4's and 5.0 (with 6 spd transmissions) will not be significantly different and you will see why if you compare the torque curves on the two motors. I would be more concerned about getting a truck with the most available payload for the best price and the options you want.

 

I disagree with this point.

There are many times that I am driving up a hill or overpass grade and the truck never downshifts. I expect it to downshift after years of driving the 5.4 V8 but it just keeps on cruising.

There are many times you appreciate the torque in the ecoboost

 

I am not a fan of the eco-boost either, but my brothers 2016 will plant you in the seat off the line and smoke the tires right through an intersection.
It may not be on my first choice list, but it would make it on the list if all the other options I wanted were checked off, after riding in my brothers truck I have warmed up to them a little more as an option.