Need help choosing new tow vehicle

I see lots of recommendations for the 2.7 eco boost. The reason I came to this place is to get honest answers about the Ford eco boost engines. I have heard conflicting stories about timing chain problems in particular the 3.5 eco boost.
I would consider a 2.7L eco but would like to know more about their long term reliability.

I just had the same dilemma wanting to downsize from a 3/4 ton. (2015 Chevy 6.0 was a great truck and towed my TT effortlessly, but the 13 mpg solo was a killer.) Decided on the 2017 Ford F-150 XLT with 3.5 Ecoboost and Max Tow. The power and torque of the 2nd Gen 3.5 eco sold me and the 1780 lb payload is more than adequate for my application. The power of the eco engine is something else and the 21mpg is pretty nice. Haven't towed on a long trip yet but expect no problems. A friend has bascially the same rig as I do and he has no problems towing whatsoever. By the way, our TT's weigh-in right at 7600lbs. I do agree with Groover on the 2.7 eco. Enjoy whatever you decide to get, I think any of your truck choices will do just fine.

I agree that the 3.5L Ecoboost overkill for that much weight. It generally competes with higher powered towing engines like Ram's 5.7L and GM's 6.2L. As stated before, the 2.7L is a better competitor to the other two engines, but it will still overpower both of them when towing while returning the worst fuel economy.

The Ecodiesel will give you the best fuel economy by far while sacrificing some pulling power compared to the 2.7L EB. This is just a preference on what is more important to you. Be aware that not all diesels are the same so not all cost the same in maintenance and other items. Some cost more while others cost less.

The Pentastar is a good engine especially when mated to the 8 speed. It will pull the weight you need, but at higher rpms with with less pulling power than the other two. Although it does really compare to those other two engines and is closer inline with the Ford 3.3L and GM 4.3L.

Spend some time fully evaluating your need for a diesel. They generally pull very well at lower RPMs, but they are also more expensive to purchase and operate and they are more particular about how they want to be treated in very cold weather. You really won't be pulling that much weight and a gasser might give you better service overall.

For that light of trailer the 3.5 EcoBoost is overkill, I would go with the 2.7 Ecoboost. I think that you would find it to have plenty of power and fuel economy approaching that of the eco diesel. The actual cost per mile of the 2.7 may be less than the eco diesel around here where diesel costs about 15% more than gasoline plus you also need to include the cost of DEF. Of course, that depends on relative fuel costs in your area. I would expect it to be easier to start a gas engine in norther Ontario certain times of the year. The EcoBoost engines run fine on regular gas so use that in your cost comparisons. I have the 3.5 and I tow over 11,000lbs with it with no trouble. From what I have heard the 2.7 is nearly as powerful and gets better fuel economy.

The best, in terms of towing performance will be:
1. EcoBoost
2. EcoDiesel
3. Pentastar

All 3 are great trucks, up to you and your budget as to which one suits you.
Any of them should pull a light TT like that no problem.

I pull a 3500# GVWR 17' Hybrid TT with a Chevy 5.3L V8 and I wouldn't want much less power. It's the wind resistance and the lowly 4 speed auto that kill my performance.

I would suggest a 2.7L EcoBoost F150 be added in the mix.