The power curve on that little motor is awesome with so much low end power. It will get a trailer moving no problem. Only issue I've seen with this motor has been the intercooler issue that Ford seems to have fixed for the most part. I've personally owned a 2010 with the ancient 5.4 motor and can say that the rest of the chassis and transmission are solid from experience.
But Weasel, you never noted what you're planning on pulling. The issue with half tons are typically more to do with "Whoah" and stability. Power is seldom an issue with a modern half-ton truck. Looks like you're going for a standard Max-Tow package at 1776 pounds. The 7-lug package can get you over 2,000 lbs and give you more buffer. Unfortunately you'd be limited in wheel jewelry, but as with most things in life there's a pro and con to everything.
Also, Ecoboosts produced in 2012 and after have a different turbo I believe. Ford actually up-sized the turbo chargers on the engine.
