new ecoboost

Also check the Ford towing guide. You will find that an EcoBoost with the same rear gear as a 5.0, is rated to tow more than the 5.0.

You might try looking at some of the Ford (or any other make) owners' forums. You'll find a lot of people with a lot of experience.

Just pulled in this evening after a 5,680 mile tow. Yes, there were some miles without the trailer, but less than 500. Total mpg for the whole thing = 10.5. This includes Rte 14 through the Bighorn Mountains, over the Donnor Pass an CA, a hairy up and down from 101 to 1 in CA, and interstate through Cour d'Alene in Idaho. Pulled my ~8,500 fifth wheel without issue through it all. I generally kept to 5 mph below posted speed. Always could keep up to full speed going up any hill, if I elected.
The manual does not require premium for towing, but does suggest you get 10% better milage if you do use it, which I have found to be true. I generally did on this trip. On shorter tows previously, I would get premium if the cost was less than 10% more than regular. Odd that in CA, although gas overall is higher, premium(ethanol) was only 10 cents more. Here in Minn, the price diff for same is over 40 cents (more than 10% over regular. The computer management does a great job of adapting to whatever is currently in the tank.
Make sure to get the Heavy Duty PAYLOAD package, along with the Max. Tow package. Big increase in payload capability. I'm near it with my current fifth. With a regular trailer, even very big, you would be in excellent shape.

For your load the base 302 hp V6 3.7 would tow your trailer much easier and better than your current 4.6.

Supercrew 3.7 2wd all have the 3.73 rear gears and 6400 lb tow ratings and the 23 highway mpg isn't too bad a deal either.

Between the 5.0 and the EcoBoost, personally I would go with the 5.0

Forced induction is nice but I like the power off the line a N/A motor gives. Just personal preference here. No major issues with the EcoBoost.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Lynnmor, the owners manual does state that, but it has not been my real world experience. I got 12.1mpg on an 1100 mile tow using 86 grade. No perceivable loss of power.

Some EB F150's have a problem with water condensing in the intercooler, which causes a lot of coughing, spitting, sputtering, and serious loss of power when you put the pedal to the metal. Ford's gone through a few fixes for it, the last one on mine was to add a deflector plate and re-flash the computer. So far - so good.
I do love the way it pulls though.

The Eco-boost requires premium fuel when towing. Using regular will result in lower power and gas mileage. Just one factor to help you make a decision.

Openrange, will you please explain your reasoning on why it is******you're hearing? What was it about your experience towing with one that is different than most other owners?

No issues at all with my ECO boost. I pull the TT in my signature without issue. Came home today after spending three nights at a state park. Pulling at 65 mph.......2000 RPMs.

My mileage has varied while pulling out TT. I seem to vary between 9.8 and 10.2 mpg.

Very smooth ride and very good power!

There is always "someone" who "knows someone" who "knows someone" who has had issues with the EB. I have yet to meet those with problem EBs. Not saying they don't exist, but I make it a point to speak with EB owners at campgrounds, each and every time.

Do be cautious and check both gearing and payload when looking at the trucks.

Good luck......hope you find something your happy with!

If it were me, I'd get the new 1/2 ton Dodge Diesel. I'm sure it would give the best fuel mileage (and durability) both towing and not.

Chip