We are planning on buying a 2011 F150 with all the rebates and specials. A lot of the dealers are offering deals on the Screws with the 5.0 and tow package but I really like the idea of getting the 3.5 EB also. From what I've read here there isn't a bid difference in fuel economy and we will be towing a camper @ 6500lbs so the 5.0 towing would be more than adequate. My question is have any of you experienced any problems with either of these engines.

 

Welcome and congrats on your decision to buy a new truck.

The 5.0L is a very stout and capable puller, makes a great sound for those concerned about it's growl and she'll net you some decent MPG's. I'd be very proud to own one. There have been minimal complaints if any on the 5.0L. I would recommend you visit the 5.0L forum here on FTE.

The 3.5L is being marketed by Ford as it's flagship engine for the F-150. She'll pull like a large V-8 and offer the MPG's of a V-6. I love mine to death. It pulls like no other vehicle that I've ever owned and I'm averaging 22+ on the freeway and 17-19 around town. It seems that most of us here are pleased as punch with our Ecoboost trucks but there are a few that are not getting the advertised MPG's. Again, I recommend you visit the 3.5L forum and have a read.

Most importantly, an extended test drive of either truck is highly recommended before you lay your hard earned money. Good luck and keep us in the loop.

 

Tim what gears are in your truck?

 

Tim I disagree with the EB being the "flagship" motor, how quickly we forget that the 6.2L Big block is offered exclusively for the Raptor (I get that this is marketed as a separate model) the Harley-Davidson edition and Lariat-Limited trucks. A really good example is Mercedes-Benz for example which offers in their range topping AMG brand a normally aspirated AMG 6.3 (really a 6.2L V8) and a "twin-turbo" (Bi-turbo) V12 motor. While the V12 adds roughly another 20-30 hp as well as a bump in torque it is not nearly as "fun" to drive, nor does it sound as good as the normally aspirated V8 models sold in the same bodied car. The Normally aspirated V8 just sounds meaner and more raw, where the twin-turbo V12 is just silky smooth, whisper quiet and fast. The V12 ends up being a few ticks faster but I would rather have the normally aspirated V8 any day of the week just because of the raw stock NASCAR-like sounds, easier maintenance and lack of added complexity.

I personally would have opted for the EcoBoost if a combination of two of three criteria was met at the time of purchase 1) Three or more successful years of reliable service in the F-150 platform, I don't care if Ford has used the motor in cars for a few years prior. 2) I could have found a white one just like my 5L , 2wd, XLT, dealer only had odd combinations and colors of EB's two months ago when I needed a truck. 3) It sounded like a real truck and less like a 4L Ford Ranger.

Back to the OP's original question, I've got 2800 "hard" miles on my new 5L truck. It didn't really get a smooth break-in as it's my work truck. The day after I got the truck I had the bed sprayed and then loaded up all my tools, gear and started using it for work. That said everything still feels drum tight, the motor isn't burning any oil, I'm getting 18-ish mpg wise on the highway and around 13 in town. I've had zero problems with the motor, the only issues with the overall truck are a blown rear speaker possibly from the factory, I fixed myself for $20 rather then losing money from work and a day off by having warranty replace it, I've got the yoke-bump issue that comes & goes, I'm just waiting for a chance to drop off for warranty. Other than those minor things truck has been rock solid. Most of the minor issues with the '09+ trucks are trans, suspension-vibes or SYNC glitches that can happen wether you have a 3.5, 3.7, 5.0 or 6.2.

As far as the 5.0L V8 it is far superior to any motor I've had in any previous truck and I've owned them all (About 14 new trucks) over a six year period, and everything from GM, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan, this is only my second Ford but I feel like I'm sold for life on the brand.

It is smoother, more efficient, sounds better lol and pulls harder. Look at it like this, even if Ford never made the EcoBoost the Coyote would still be the best V8 available in any new 1/2 ton so either way you are good to go

 

I have the 3.31 axles.

I should have been more clear on my meaning perhaps. My point is that the EB is much more heavily marketed by Ford than any of it's engines which would lead me to believe that this is Ford's crown jewel.

As for your comment on the 5.0L, I agree 100%. This one hell of a V-8.

 

Thanks for the advice. I will now research the 5.0 and 3.5 forums. Again, many thanks.

 

i have a 2011 F150 King Ranch 5.0 it burns 1q oil every 1000 miles does any on else have this problem

 

Something is not right with that, my 5L does not burn any oil as far as I can tell and I drive it pretty hard. I also switched to fully synthetic oil at 1500 miles though like I do with every new vehicle I buy so who's to say. My truck just rolled over 3400 miles and the level is the same as when it was changed at 1500.

 

1quart of Oil every 1000 miles is a big issue...I don't have that problum with my 5.0L, I run 50/50 Motocraft Synthetic Blend in mine.

You should take it to the dealer.

 

johngeorge, I have 7,200 hard miles on my 5.0 4X4 Lariat without a problem. 3.73 gears, full synthetic Ford oil. 13 MPG around town and 17 on long trips. From the factory the 3.5 pulls stronger. I picked the 5.0 in case I wanted to add a little more power aftermarket.
Good luck.

 

Good honest review, thank you sir.

 

I would vote for the 5.0L since you are looking for a tow vehicle. While fuel economy empty is similar between the engines, the 5.0L gets somewhat better fuel numbers towing due to the power (fuel) enrichment used with the ecoboost when under heavy load. Also less money up front when buying for the 5.0. Nit picking here, both good options.

 

How many qts of oil does the ECO BOOST hold. The 5.0 holds 8 qts.

 

I think it's six quarts.

 

Can you have the 5.0 with the 36 gallon tank?