Hey folks,
My little girl is graduating from high school and heading off to college in North Carolina. My wife and I are giving her a gooseneck two horse trailer (Dreamliner, all aluminum, 3500# plus two 1200# horses) and a Ford truck to pull it. Lucky girl, I know.

I believe the new F-150 will pull it easily but I am not exactly sure how to equip it. Ecoboost or V-8 (no diesel on what we have set aside)? What equipment to add (Tow Boss, locking rear, higher rear)? I had planned to buy her an XLT but by the time I add bucket seats and a few odds and ends it seems like I am up to the Lariat price which was not where I hoped to be. I can not seem to find a 5th wheel option from Ford. Really?

My daughter has asked for an extended cab, 4 x 4 with bucket seats. I am supportive of the bucket as it keeps her friends from riding three across.

 

The 5.0L V8 and Ecoboost V6 both should tow with little fuss. Between those two engines in the end its just going to come down to which ever one she perfers. I suggjest letting her test drive both and then let her make the final choice on which one she gets.

Personally I'm opting for the 5.0L V8.

 

I'd also go 5.0, at least for now. Once the EB is out for a few years, and proven, I'll consider it.

 

Both engines can tow that load. The proper hitch is very important.

 

I'm not trying to push you away from a F150 at all, but have you given any consideration to the 6.2L F250 in Ext Cab form? That truck will be equipped pretty much perfectly from the factory, and you'd only need to fit a hitch.

Personally, when I have children, I'm going to want to put them in something I know can do the job, keep them safe, etc. IIRC there are some pretty nice incentives on the SuperDuty's right now too.
Just my $.02. Your daughter is one lucky young lady...with obviously great parents.

Happy hunting!

EDIT:
I just did a quick build on the Ford site. A F250 SuperCab 6.2L XLT 4wd with the 5th wheel package, center console with buckets comes out to be about $4k more than a similarly equipped F150 SuperCab 5.0L XLT 4wd.

 

She's one lucky girl for sure. I agree with Chandler's comments here.

 

So far im loving my 2011 5.0. lots of power!

 

I'm available for adoption...

 

Best of luck to your daughter!

 

What % of time will she be towing?
Is non-towing gas milage a concern?

 

I agree, 5th wheel, F250, not F150.