Big Block V-8 vs. 3.5 Eco Boost

[bwinger73]

Originally Posted by mre

I agree, however, DW feels she can drive an F-150 and not an F-250. So this is the parameter I have to work with.

My DW said the same thing but I asked her would she rather learn how to drive the 2500 and be safe or drive the F150 and possibly have an issue. She choose to learn. To be honest neither of us could she tell too much of a difference between driving the two. The Ram 2500 just sits a lot taller. Length is not that much longer. Both fit in the garage the same. They just seem bigger. Take her out to the car lot and let her test drive both. Safety to us matters most.

[IBDAGRIZ]

Originally Posted by mre

I agree, however, DW feels she can drive an F-150 and not an F-250. So this is the parameter I have to work with.

My DW is 5'2" and absolutely loves the SD. She normally drives a Mercury Mountaineer, so likes taller vehicles over cars.

If your DW is a car girl, it is a bigger vehicle, but so much safer rolling ahead of 9000lbs of TT.

Griz

[MTK46]

Maybe you should wait and see what the new F-150 with a diesel is rated at.

[bfisher003]

We pull a 31’ overall, 7,500 GVW (~6,500 trip loaded) travel trailer with a 2013 F150 Platinum Screw 4x4 3.5 EB with Max Tow and 3.73 EL rear using a Blue Ox Sway Pro hitch. It is a sweet set up and very relaxing to trip in. Last summer we pulled from Florida to Alaska and back and have been to Colorado and New Mexico a few times. Plenty of power and very stable set up. Having said all this, I would not want to tow anything longer or heavier. Love this truck, but I lust for a F250 or F350 diesel. Only thing stopping me from getting one is because my wife said if I did she would bury me in it sooner than later. LOL. BTW, I do all the driving with the truck.

[vito.a]

When you compare engines for towing, look at the torque peak and torque/RPM curve, not the HP. You want a broad flat torque curve with good low end (below 2000 rpm) torque.
IF you were towing less than 10%, I'd say maybe the EcoBoost engine would work.
I just don't think you are going to be happy with the smaller truck after you have owned a heavy diesel pickup.
Another issue you are not considering is the brakes. Even though your trailer brakes help, the big brakes on the diesel pickup are several times more powerful than a lightweight 1/2 ton.

The factor that is most intimidating to drivers is the longer wheelbase trucks. They are tough to park and just feel big. I'd take her to a dealer and let her drive a new short wheelbase 3/4 ton diesel pickup (non-dually).
Best of luck!

[Freqz]

Originally Posted by twinboat

The 3.5 may have nearly the same HP as the 6.8 but you will probably need a 10 speed transmission to keep it in the HP range.
You need to look at the HP and torque curves.

Lol.

[twinboat]

I don't see the 6.8s torque curve.

Probable because it's pretty flat, starting at 1200 RPMs.

[Freqz]

Originally Posted by twinboat

I don't see the 6.8s torque curve.

Probable because it's pretty flat, starting at 1200 RPMs.

It's not-- at least not compared to a turbo.

[smurfsofwar]

The 6.2 in the GM is nice. The truck itself likely has a bit more heft to it as well. You'll still need the WDH and likely sway control with a 30 footer.

I'd gravitate to the GM if you aren't brand loyal. More weight to it in front of that trailer and I think they have some pretty stout axles too which is a number to watch. I am open to correction if I am wrong.

[JMynes]

Originally Posted by mre

I agree, however, DW feels she can drive an F-150 and not an F-250. So this is the parameter I have to work with.

In my recent (2 months ago) reading up on Ford and GM trucks I'm pretty sure I read that the F-150 and F-250/350 all use the same cab. I could be wrong, but that thought is sticking in my brain for some reason.
Granted, the Super Duty sits higher, but length and width will be comparable depending on bed length.

[JMynes]

Originally Posted by smurfsofwar

The 6.2 in the GM is nice. The truck itself likely has a bit more heft to it as well. You'll still need the WDH and likely sway control with a 30 footer.

I'd gravitate to the GM if you aren't brand loyal. More weight to it in front of that trailer and I think they have some pretty stout axles too which is a number to watch. I am open to correction if I am wrong.

Compare identical trucks and I think you’ll find less payload capacity if equipped with the 6.2 vs the 5.3

My previous 5.3 Chevy was at max RAWR towing the camper and loaded with stuff. I thought 6.2 would help, but I actually would have lost a couple hundred lbs capacity.

For me it was all about RAWR. Now I have plenty.

[smurfsofwar]

Originally Posted by JMynes

My previous 5.3 Chevy was at max RAWR towing the camper and loaded with stuff. I thought 6.2 would help, but I actually would have lost a couple hundred lbs capacity.

For me it was all about RAWR. Now I have plenty.

Yeah that's the number I watch as well over the others, and tire ratings- I don't really bother with payload. I thought they had put a heavier axle in the 1500s with the 6.2 and towing groups now, but I must have been mistaken.

[WA Larry]

"Nobody has ever complained about having too much truck." is a quote from the forums that I'll never forget. To me, that seems like a hell of a lot of weight for a 1/2 to be handling for the majority of its life. I wouldn't trust the longevity of the powertrain. I'd want to bump it up for sure if it's me. Good luck with your search and in your dealings with the DW.

[tuffr2]

I am going to wait until the 2019 Ram and Chevy are out this summer. Both are redesigned with more High Strength steel and some aluminum. I will then compare them to the 2018 F-150.

But unlike you, my towing need is going to be way less than what I do with my diesel dually.

I will be towing a 25' 7,000lb trailer and a waverunner. At least that is the plan. I like towing this trailer with a dually truck. The wide back end acts like sway control. I just hook and go. No weight distribution, no sway contol.

My knee jerk reaction to your needs. It will be a stretch for any 1/2 ton truck. You might not be happy. I am thinking you will need a 3/4 ton truck to be happy. Ram makes a 6.4 litre engine, Ford uses a 6.2 litre engine and Chevy a 6.0 litre engine.

You already have the dually same as I do. I do not care if I drive the dually to tow the tiny waverunner or not. I am going to wait for a sweet deal. Just keep the dually and continue to do all the driving until all the new 1/2 ton trucks are out.

Oh, I give the Eco-boost 3.5litre engine two thumbs up. Agree, Ford is too busy putting it in lots of other vehicles to put it in a motorhome.