That is a dilemma then. Not many choices other than to go with something other than the 6.2 or get a travel trailer instead of 5th wheel. I never understood the point of a light and short 5th wheel wheel anyway.

 

The 6.2 is just a "bridge" motor for all the people out there who still think they need cubic inches to get power. I see the demise of the 6.2 in about 5 years.

Ford will offer the 3.5 ecoboost as the base engine in the superduty at some point and I can see them making a larger displacement ecoboost to fill the gap between the 3.5 and the diesel.

The paradigm has shifted folks, the days of big V8's are gone. Every car maker will eventually go this way, Ford is just leading the pack.

Mark

 

We could all step up to something bigger (F250, F550, etc -- I've had them), but that misses the point. The point is: Ford wants to act like the 6.2L engine is available in the F150, yet they restrict the availability to a very narrow market -- that won't work for most. Why? That's why I started the thread. From the answers above, apparently the CAFE standards have perverted the free market to the point where Ford has no choice.

Suppose Dodge dropped their Viper engine (600hp 8.4L V10) in a Dakota -- amusing thought -- right? Then they advertised they had the fastest, badest truck around -- 9 second quarter mile times, 0-60 in 3 seconds, etc; BUT then they wouldn't sell it to anybody. We'd all see that as disingenuous and deceptive -- right?

A friend of mine bought a new F100 in 1965. The other old guys reading this, will remember that a 352 was the biggest engine available that year; but my friend wanted a 390. The dealer told him, "Hey, no problem" -- they jerked out the 352, dropped in a new 390 -- and away we went -- fantastic truck in it's day -- used to dazzle the folks at the Pomona Drags. I don't suppose it's that easy any more.

 

The point of a light short 5fth wheel is to be easier to tow and maneuver, for use in short trips. It is just the opposite of a heavy, long 5fth wheel.

 

Ford says you can tow 9600 pounds with a 5.0L; and 11,300 pounds with the EcoBoost -- time will tell if those light weight aluminum engines will live up to those expectations -- or, if they're a bit optimistic.

I hope it works; but in the mean time, many of us would prefer to stay with the proven heavy iron, until the results of the real world tests are tabulated over the next couple years. If there was a "gas guzzler" fee or something -- many of us would pay it.

Chevy probably thought the paradigm had shifted when they built the Vega.

 

100% agreed

 

You're right, not that easy anymore. 40 years ago you could order anything in the catalog, from what I understand.

Too many electronics these days that don't carry from one engine over to another. I personally don't mind the electronics, although I would like to have a real throttle cable back again. DBW lag is a beeotch.

But back to topic, the 6.2L was offered, in my eyes, by Ford to throw a bone to the die hard V8 guys. If you have the amount of coin needed to get into the truck trimmed out with a 6.2L, then it most likely won't be a work horse (short bed being fine for this) and probably won't see any off hwy duty (20 & 22" wheel options). They really don't want the 6.2L to be a top seller, but they would be lost in the marketplace without a large displacement V8 in the lineup.

Like someone else said, you gotta pay to play.

And for your towing, wouldn't you rather have more than enough truck (F250) than just enough (F150)? Remember that we're talking about your loved one's safety here. Family, dogs, gear, toys. I'd rather have too much capability.

 

I agree with you except for the 3.5L EB in the superduty. I think it would net worse MPG's then the old 5.4L did. That would be counterproductive. But I think you're correct in saying that a small displacement EB engine will be the base engine in the SD.

 

Ford offers more configurations than GM and Chrysler combined, and it still isn't enough for everyone. You can't get a crew cab with a 6.5' bed with the other brands, with any engine! I'm nostalgic with big engines too, but lets face it. The 6.2 doesn't have much of a future. Plus I can buy any old truck and get a massive engine. If I were buying a new one, it would definitely be the EcoBoost.

 

Very true plus the F-150's and the superduty's do a nice job of complimenting each and completing the options circle for Ford.

 

It was a pretty smart move on fords part to make minor changes to the E150 to up up the GVWR which is now 8520. This means its exempt from CAFE standards and less stringent regulations it helped ford overall. Maybe we could hope the F-150 goes that way , probably not but we can wish.

 

Well not really. The "minor change" they made to the E150 was to eliminate it and put E150 nameplates on the E250 The E150 GVW had been 7200 and it now has a truck tires, E250 axles, springs, and brakes, and weighs 500 lbs more or something like that for a GVW over 8500. And it rides like a 250 with these changes. I have driven 5-lug vans with car type tires for 25 years, sometimes as daily drivers, and would not want an 8 lug van for my use as bicycling support vehicle, Boy Scout troop carrier, etc.

Again, if you need a big GVW pickup or want a 6.2 for towing, get a Super Duty.

George

 

...why the concern for the future of the 6.2L? I bought mine, I now own it and love it and couldn't care less if Ford stopped production of this engine tomorrow. I already have mine and will drive it hard for many years to come. It tows my travel trailer (27ft) like a monster and the gas mileage is better than my previous 5.4L. What more could you want in a 400+ horsepower truck.

As for resale, I believe there will always be a market for this kind of engine.

 

I've flown jets (military & commercial) for almost 40 years; so I'm pretty adept at assessing risk and running a safe operation. Trust me -- my dog will be just fine in an F150.

And speaking of my dog (since you brought her up), she too thinks it's dopey to only offer the 6.2L with a 5.5' bed and a crew cab -- pointing out that it's obviously not a weight or wheelbase issue.

Pretty smart dog -- hey? Let's hope Ford's marketing department catches up to her thinking.

 

I'm not concerned, I was just stating my opinion. It was more about other people saying Ford doesn't currently offer enough options.