Forum Discussion

FLtoAZ's avatar
FLtoAZ
Explorer
Nov 20, 2016

Newbie needs help with tow vehicle

I don't own a travel trailer (yet), but first things first....a truck to pull it. I'm looking at getting a smaller trailer, maybe something in the Jayco Jay Feather line (GVWR about 5-5.5k).

I live in Phoenix AZ, and the reason for the trailer is to get out of the desert and up into the mountains. Change in elevation would be 5-6k ft with inclines in the 6-7% range. I've never pulled a trailer up into the mountains, and I would like a truck that would not labor too much. It is also doubtful that I would get near the GVWR.

I'm looking at the 2016 F-150, and the sales person claimed the 2.7L V6 (3.55 rear axle) "would do the job", but I don't think he is right. I would rather not get a V8, so that leaves me with the 3.5L V6 Ecoboost w/ 3.55 axle (of course with the tow package).

Would I be unhappy with that truck pulling 5k lbs up hill?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Tow Vehicles
  • kw_00's avatar
    kw_00
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2016
    3.5 would be a great match for you. I know the 2.7 would also do the job without any issues, but I would want the larger 3.5 personally. Also check TFL trucks on YouTube. They did a test on both of those engines and the 2.7 did really well. So far the ecoboost series engines have done very well. I would also recommend the dodge with the eco diesel. I am not aware of any issues with them but somebody just said that there was. Still check into that truck though, and while your at it look at the GM Colorado truck as well. Even though it's midsized, they offer a 2.8 duramax diesel that looks good. TFL also did a test on that model as well. Good luck keep us posted!
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2016
    Bionic Man wrote:
    Any of the base NA V6 engines would do the job for the trailer you are talking about. Either of the Ford EcoBoosts would do very well with that load. 5000 pounds just isn't much of a load.

    If I were in your shoes, I would look at a RAM EcoDiesel.


    I'd steer clear of the injection pump in that engine, and the Rams tend to run a little lighter than the GM or Ford when it comes to towing/hauling. Just my opinion but I think the Ford is better in that class truck, especially with the new 3.5.
  • Bionic_Man's avatar
    Bionic_Man
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2016
    Any of the base NA V6 engines would do the job for the trailer you are talking about. Either of the Ford EcoBoosts would do very well with that load. 5000 pounds just isn't much of a load.

    If I were in your shoes, I would look at a RAM EcoDiesel.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Nov 20, 2016
    I would just get the 3.5 Eco and be better prepared for trailer purchase. This is why many say, buy the trailer, and get truck after, for towing it. The 3.5 will still make a good commuter when empty, and a better tower, if you find the perfect trailer, that is a little larger/heavier than you planned.

    Jerry
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2016
    I'd definitely opt for the 3.5 if you're going to be towing with the truck. I don't think there's a better half ton tow vehicle. It's a half ton so you need to keep the weight and lengths in check, so if you're considering upsizing at some point you might look at the HD trucks. They don't really cost any more up front and they tow and haul a lot better.
  • mbopp's avatar
    mbopp
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2016
    If Ford had the 2.7EB when I bought my F150 I probably would have gone with it. But since I have the 3.5EB I don't think I could take a a step backwards. I'm sort of half-looking at a new truck but all the F150's on the lot seem to have the 2.7.
  • FLtoAZ's avatar
    FLtoAZ
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2016
    Funny you mention the "Daily driver" concept, because that was one of the reasons I originally looked at the 2.7. My only worry was going up in elevation for 2+ hours. Although the truck will be used to pull the trailer, it will be my everyday drive, too.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Nov 20, 2016
    You'll get 100 different opinions on this and one persons comfort level and preferences is different than another's.
    I've never driven a 2.7 Eco so can't speak from direct experience, but your intended use should play in to the equation. Daily driver most of the year, few camping trips, I'd be more inclined to "skimp" on the towing ability and work the truck harder for that in favor of better fuel mileage year round.
    Seeing as you're towing at altitude, you're one the right track IMO. A NA V8 will give up a lot of power at altitude, whereas the Eco boost brothers will pull about the same at 7kft as they do down on the valley floor.
  • rjstractor's avatar
    rjstractor
    Nomad
    Nov 20, 2016
    The 2.7 would more than "do the job". With 325 hp/375 torque it has more hp and torque than my old 2005 2500HD, which pulled 5000 pounds easily. Having said that, people rarely complain about too much power so if you can get the 3.5 do it. FWIW, the 3.5 will outperform the 5.0 V8 at higher elevations so don't feel like you are shortchanging yourself by getting a V6 instead of a V8.

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