bbweasel wrote:
Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences and opinions. The max tow EB is tempting especially for the price (35k) but I am also searching out a 5.0 crew with 3.73's. I think one of the responses asked what I would be towing .... looking at a Jayco X18D that I estimate would have around a 600# hitch weight.
Have you test drove either truck before?? I don't think you'll be disappointed with the 5.0L. I test drove several 5.0L w/3.55 axle and several Ecoboost trucks w/3.55 axle and can say that I don't find the Ecoboost holding any advantages in driveability. It is quieter and less busier or less response to throttle for downshifts. That's likely by design as it has more torque under 'certain' circumstances. That being when in upper gears, where the engine can load up and create more exhaust, for more turbo boost.
However, the 5.0L didn't feel weak as it was always in a gear to provide optimal power. The Ecoboost was lazier downshifting, therefore under certain circumstances, didn't have the thrust that the 5.0L did when in a better gear. The Ecoboost could be forced to downshift by giving it quite a bit of throttle though. I just liked the 5.0L's ease of downshifting under light throttle, very responsive. Don't get me wrong, the Ecoboost was quicker at accelerating but it wasn't earth shattering.
My problem with the Ecoboost was the normal turbo behavior that I don't like. The turbo lag, then the rush of boost, and the loss of traction from spinning tires. I hate that, but under more careful throttle manipulation, you could get a good compromise. I just like the instant response of the 5.0L, to the delayed response of the Ecoboost.
When the condensation intercooler issue is added to my dislike of the turbo response, a V8 was the clear choice.
The Max Tow adds a few things: It added a stronger hitch receiver that is rated for 1000 lbs towing and 100 lbs hitch weight, more. It adds the Trailer Brake Controller, Tow Mirrors, a larger Radiator over standard tow package, and a 200 lbs higher rated rear axle.
I bought the TBC for $230 and the Tow mirrors for $400 from my dealer for my previous 2010 5.4L F150. The only thing I missed was the higher rated rear axle that some trucks already come with, even if they don't have the Max Tow package. Mainly on trucks with the 20" wheels.
After having the mirrors, I really didn't like them. They stuck out more (in the pushed in position) than GM, Nissan, or Toyota Tow mirrors and they liked to vibrate out. They also didn't have the self dimming feature on the drivers side that I really like on the standard mirrors. They do include puddle lights that the mirrors don't include, but I honestly found that of little use next to the loss of the self dimming. While I do have the factory TBC on my 2012, I didn't buy the tow mirrors again. I did by Cipa's custom mirrors that slide over. I like them a lot as they allow me to see down the side of the trailer even better than the OEM Tow mirrors. PLUS I don't lose my self dimming on the regular mirror.
My payload on my truck is a higher 1582 lbs thanks to the 5.0L higher 7350 lbs GVWR opposed to the Ecoboost's 7200 lbs GVWR. If you get the Ecoboost, you really need to get the Max Tow just to get the higher GVWR of 7650 lbs.
BTW, my dealer didn't have any 5.0L trucks on his lot with the 3.73 axle. All had the 3.55 axle. My dealer had to do a dealer trade to get the truck with a 3.73 locking axle. It was everything I wanted so it worked out well. I've always done dealer trades, I hardly even buy off the lot and never has a dealer ever tried to charge for the extra work they did.
My 5.0L w/3.73 axle tows excellent.Good luck on your decision.
