New tow vehicle?

I have a niece and her husband looking to buy a new truck. They think they will want to pull a boat at times. They don't have a lot of hills in north Texas but heavy traffic is an issue. The dealer is recommending the 2.7 liter v6 over the 3.5 liter. They both seem a little small to me. My last Ford Wes the 5.4 triton. They are looking at pulling a big bass boat or sometimes a 22 to 24 ft ski rig. Both are pretty heavy to pull with a v-6 in my experience. Would anyone like to chime in on their experience so that Uncle Jeff doesn't end up looking like an idiot. (I just drive em. Don't fix em)

They need a bigger truck.....stopping is more important than pulling

I've pulled with several bass boats with Triton motors and they pull great! Our Expedition has been the best pulling vehicle ever better than my truck! V8 for sure.

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Originally Posted by "G"

They need a bigger truck.....stopping is more important than pulling

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X2!!

Whi needs to stop? Surge brakes, no issues.

those v-6's sound like ecoboost motors. ie 6 banager with twin turbo's. I hear the 3.5's do pretty good on fuel economy unloaded but lose a good bit in towing. they seem to have a pretty good track record so far. I have heard mostly good things about them.

they need a big chevy diesel 2500 HD

mine tows anything I hook to it, and drives great when in town, 17mpg all the time unless I stand in it

The 2.7 liter v6 ecoboost would better for towing I suspect than the conventional 3.5 V6, as turbos are generally better for towing, especially if higher altitudes are involved. My vote if for the 2.7 liter. Also, if this is the aluminum F-150, the lighter weight will make up for the smaller engine.

I just looked it up and the 2.7 has 8500lb towing capacity and the 3.5 has a 7600lb towing capacity. That's plenty for towing a boat.

The 0-60 run for this 2.7 is insane. gas mileage is pretty good, too.

With all this said, I'm not a Ford fan by any means, but they're headed in the right direction.

I own a 2014 F-150 4x4 Super Crew(4 door). 3.5 Eco Boost, 3.55 rear end. Pulling power no problem, fuel mileage SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!! Empty 13.5, pulling my Alumacraft Pro 175 REALLY SUCKS. Awesome ride, quiet, smooth. The 2.7 Eco is supposed to be quicker, but not as much torque.

I'd go with a 3/4 ton and a V8. 3/4 ton HD is better, they have heavy duty shocks, etc. and stand up to towing better. A 24 ft. ski rig will be heavy.
Money is the bottom line, no idea what the finances are like for them.

There's no replacement for displacement!!! Go big or go home

I have a 2015 Dodge 1500 4×4 with the 6 cylinder diesel. It pulls like a dream and averages 25 mpg around here.

tell them to get a silverado like us Jeff :biggrin although yours is a 2500 and im a 5.3 1500 lol

I have the same truck you do Ryan.
I know I originally asked about the Ford, but input on other makes are welcome. My brother drives a Tundra that does a great job with his boat. I am sure that my niece ant her husband will want to stay with the 1/2 ton gas version due to everyday driving considerations. They really will only be boating as weekenders.

I love my Ram 1500 Hemi. Unloaded highway I commonly get 19 and pulling the boat is still 11-15 depending on hills. I have the 6 speed in mine and i hear the guys with the new 8 speeds LOVE them.

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Originally Posted by stratosverian

I love my Ram 1500 Hemi. Unloaded highway I commonly get 19 and pulling the boat is still 11-15 depending on hills. I have the 6 speed in mine and i hear the guys with the new 8 speeds LOVE them.

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I got a 2014 Ram with a Hemi. I average 22 empty and 19 pulling my boat. Love it.

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Originally Posted by jigfisherx

I have the same truck you do Ryan.
I know I originally asked about the Ford, but input on other makes are welcome. My brother drives a Tundra that does a great job with his boat. I am sure that my niece ant her husband will want to stay with the 1/2 ton gas version due to everyday driving considerations. They really will only be boating as weekenders.

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For what it's worth, I just sold my 08 Tundra Crewmax. It had 135,000 miles at the time of sale and I drove it fairly hard. Never had a single issue, ever. nothin - zip - zilch. Just changed fluids and brakes, etc etc. I would not hesitate to buy another and am sure I will in the future...just had to go back to a SUV per the boss's orders.

Friend of mine has the same truck as Bassin_53. They sold him on the echo-boost and he is not happy with it at all as a tow vehicle. Daily driver it is ok but not what it was touted to be. Chevy 5.3 or Dodge Hemi.

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Originally Posted by Tn Johnboy

I got a 2014 Ram with a Hemi. I average 22 empty and 19 pulling my boat. Love it.

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Maybe I need to quit driving like an idiot! 22 would be awesome! BUT I like hitting the load button a little to much. She just sounds so good! :biggrin

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Originally Posted by stratosverian

Maybe I need to quit driving like an idiot! 22 would be awesome! BUT I like hitting the load button a little to much. She just sounds so good! :biggrin

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I like mpg. lol.

My neighbor has a Ram. He keeps having issues with shorts in his tail/brake lights.
Turns out the wiring has insulation made from soybeans and mice really like it.

My wife finally decided I could use a new tow vehicle. She had been truck shopping while I fised the Crappie Masters tournament this weekend. Picking up my fathers day gift tomorrow to pull the Ranger with. Attachment 207153

Awesome!

What a great wife you have to treat you to such a fantastic Father's Day. :ThumbsUp:ThumbsUp

Yep...I'd say she's a keeper:biggrin