Get the eco boost with the MAX tow package. If you keep from spinning up the turbos the mileage is not bad when towing a boat.

Test drive them both- get what you want, pay attention to payload- most loaded out crew cabs have low payload numbers. Throw 2 people in the cab, junk in the bed and you’d be over payload pulling a 7500 tractor on a trailer- that’s a 10k total load so 1500lb tongue weight, most of the trucks that’s the total payload.

If you keep trucks long . go with a real 8 cylinder and no active fuel management.

I had a customer ask me what I drove while recommending 6-7 years of payments. At the time, it was a 1991 T-Bird.


If I was behind a desk. Asked today. I'd point to the triple black, SS convertible Camaro out back. Something played like a trade in.


Drove trucks a bunch in life. Always like the low and leaned back feel more.


Bank fisher point of view.

11 mpg. Uphill or down.

I have that one kind and it does great. If I had it to do over again I’d either do the same thing or maybe something different.

That load won't really make a difference between the two engines. I'm on my 3rd Ecoboost and haven't had a problem but I trade them off a little after 100k or so. Get the one you like daily driving the most.

I prefer the V8. I like the power and sound of my 2017 F150 5.0L motor and I like that there is more mass creating that horsepower than the smaller ECO motors regardless of the torque.

I ordered it new in 2017 and ordered the Lariat with heavy duty towing package with 4WD, 3.55 rear. The Ford chart for 2017 claims it can pull 9,000 lbs. with a GCWR of 14,400. There are other important numbers to consider when towing. Cargo weight, GCWR, etc.

One thing I am sold on is that the 4WD front axle makes a huge difference in the "feel" of the front end steering. I test drove a 2WD and a 4WD for comparison and the 4WD axle on the front just seems to add stability. Also have the 20" wheels to fill the wells nicer.

I tow an 18' Triton, a 30' Travel Trailer (with Blue Ox weight distribution hitch) and it pulls fine. Gas mileage does suck when towing with the V8 as well. I get around 11 pulling the TT. Still, cheaper than Diesel.

I was thinking of trading up for an F250 HD gasser. But there was not one to be found on a Ford lot back in October of last year. They said I would have to order it. Sheesh, I just wanted to look at one.

Good luck in your quest.


Here is a towing chart from 2017

no replacement for displacement

So a little more background.


I'm tight, squeaky tight. Also retired and fixed income.

I've come across a 2022 5.0 about $5K off window sticker. New truck. I've been looking for about a month and had about decided I wanted a 3.5 eco-boost.

I've always owned GM ( have a 2007 Sierra 1500) and Toyota (1998 Toyota Tacoma 4x4). Gonna step off to the Ford Dark Side.

I have a diesel now. My next will be gas and no turbo

The difference between the 3.5EB and the 5.0 towing is the 3.5 makes way more torque down low and will hold gears better. Fuel economy towing is only 1-2mpg.

Ive never owned an eco boost. But, Ive loved my 5.0 from longevity standpoint and mechanics seems to think highly of them.

That's something everyone should do. Ask to ask the head mechanic his opinion. Don't buy it unless the request is given. Not some service advisor. The actual human that's going to be repairing your ride under warranty.


This is you money. You paid for that warranty. If you sign the papers.

I have a 2012 Ecoboost and have towed a 20 bass boat. Under 60, decent mileage, (13-14 depending on conditions) anything above mileage goes down 2-3 miles pg. No issue with towing though.