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DoberGirl50's avatar
DoberGirl50
Explorer
May 12, 2018

3.5L V6 of 5.0L V8

I recently bought a 37 ft. Grand Design Reflection TT that's 8600 lbs dry with 11,000 GVWR. I can't imagine any scenario in which I'll load it down to the full 11,000 capacity. My beloved Ford Explorer isn't going to cut it. My fiancé drives a gazillion-ton HD Chevy that can pull it without blinking, but I don't want a big bulky truck for myself. I'm looking at the Ford F-150 and am thoroughly confused about whether a 3.5L V6 will do the job without struggle or if I need to go with the 5.0L V8. I'm not married to Ford, but I do like the brand.

Recommendations?

148 Replies

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  • 2112's avatar
    2112
    Explorer II
    May 12, 2018
    My previous TT was 2'shorter and 1000lb lighter than yours. It was white knuckle driving at times with my F150. The engine wouldn't matter. The truck is too light for that trailer. You need a heavier tow vehicle to keep from being pushed and pulled around by that trailer. Being passed by 18 wheelers at highway speeds and sidewinds were a nightmare.

    My shorter FW of the same weight tows so much better
  • drsteve's avatar
    drsteve
    Explorer
    May 12, 2018
    A 37 foot trailer that will be pushing 10K lb when loaded? I'd want an HD truck too. An F-150 with max tow and max payload options might do it OK, but forget the V6.

    On edit: Oh wait, we're talking about the Ecoboost, aren't we? Plenty of power there. I'd still want an HD truck for that big trailer.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer III
    May 12, 2018
    I agree, I would use her truck as a TV and buy the 150 for yourself as a DD.

    If you already have the TT then I would load it for a trip and weigh it. Find out the real weight as well as the tongue weight . Go from there.
    To be honest, it seems like a big TT , I'm not sure I would want to tow something in the 10,000 range with 1200-1400# of TW with a 150 no matter what engine. But that's me .
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    May 12, 2018
    I'd suggest to keep the Explorer and buy a used 3/4 or 1 ton to pull the trailer. A new F-150 may get the job done but an F250 or bigger will be a better hauling combination.
    For engines, the 3.6 has plenty of power and offers good MPG when used as a commuter. You'll need HD payload and the trailer packages, as has been said. The 5.0 is a reliable engine and well regarded for towing. I have the 5.4 modular and it's also a reliable engine, I have 200K on the counter.
  • DoberGirl50's avatar
    DoberGirl50
    Explorer
    May 12, 2018
    coolmom42 wrote:
    You need to read carefully in the Ford towing guide before selecting a vehicle. You will need the HD package at least, and you may be pushing the limits there.

    F150 brochure

    Ford towing guides


    Yes, I have read it. That's where I'm coming up with 3.5 vs 5.0 - it's what the conventional towing matrix showed. My fiancé thinks the 3.5 will do the job - if I travel at 40 mph without heavy braking. He thinks the 5.0 is best. It's all very confusing, IMO.
  • DoberGirl50's avatar
    DoberGirl50
    Explorer
    May 12, 2018
    patperry2766 wrote:
    You should just use hers to tow it with.

    I have a 2013 5.0, and while the `18's have more HP & torque than mine, I'd go for the 3.5L. You're gonna have to find one with max tow/payload package.


    We both need to be able to pull it for various reasons that are too boring to go into here.
  • patperry2766's avatar
    patperry2766
    Explorer II
    May 12, 2018
    You should just use hers to tow it with.

    I have a 2013 5.0, and while the `18's have more HP & torque than mine, I'd go for the 3.5L. You're gonna have to find one with max tow/payload package.

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