I'm almost there on a decision, but would appreciate some opinions on the following.
Here's what I have now: 1998 Ford E350 conversion van (10K towing cap, curb weight 6400lb) with the 6.8L V10, with 190K miles, pulling an 18' twin 3600 lb axle Pace cargo trailer, frequently at capacity. I also have a 2005 Ford Escape limited V6 2WD with 90K as a DD. The combined annual mileage of both vehicles is slightly less than 10K.
I'm considering combining the duties of both of my current vehicles into one vehicle. I'm not a pickup guy, so I am looking at the 2014 Expedition or Expedition EL with the 5.4L V8, or a 2015 Expediton or EL with the twin turbo V6. Either vehicle would be equipted with the factory towing packages. Either the Expedition or EL would be smaller in internal space, gross weight, & towing capacity than my E350. I live in the south so 4WD is not a necessity, but could be beneficial in the new vehicle. Neither of my current vehicle have 4WD.
A difference I notice between the Expedition & the EL (besides the larger gas tank) is the rear axle ratio, which is 3.31 in the Exp and 3.73 in the EL, I think this is the same on 4X2 & 4X4. Is one ratio better than the other for towing?
One of the most annoying things about my E350 (that I would like to eliminate in a new vehicle) is, I can't effectively use the cruise control when towing, as the slightest hill or headwind causes the AOD 4 speed to down shift out of overdrive, and not shift back to OD until the road is level or down hill again. I am told that the 6 speed Ford transmissions have a built-in adaptive trailer towing program that would minimize or eliminate this problem. So here are the questions: Expedition or EL? V8 or V6? 2WD or 4WD? What do you think about all of the other systems that weren't even thought or when my E350 was new. For example, the Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control, Controll Trac (4X4), AdvanceTrak with RSC, SOS Post Crash Alert System. Which ones really make a difference when towing? Thank you for your input.

 

with the V6.. there will be MORE gear changes... not less.

and for towing... 3.73 is better than 3.31.. mechanical advantage .

4wd gets less gas mileage... weight and parts spinning. and COST of ownership.

and OD is for flat running.. not hills. its OVER DRIVE. mechanical disadvantage

best of luck with your search... research is key.

 

Thanks for your input. When you say more gear changes, do you mean compared to the 5.4 V8 w/AOD6 or compared to my V10 w/AOD4? or both?

 

both.. horsepower and torque...

for the V6 to work.. pulling weight.. it needs to spin. and that means changing gears more .. to keep engine is the proper power range..

search for tongue numbers for the V10, V8 and V6...

 

I am not a fan of turbos, but they do turn the V6 into a towing beast. Without actually looking up the numbers, I'd wager the V6 turbo has more low end grunt than the 5.4. Additionally, the 5.4L has issues of it's own.
If you get by without 4WD now, I see no reason to change that. Stick with what works for you.
3.73 is a better gear for towing, but the difference between that and 3.31 is not so huge that it would be a show stopper for me. Neither gear is particularly short.
With the conditions you are describing, I vote for the 2015 Eco-beast!

 

I'd think a twin turbo V6 would shift alot less than the 5.4 V8. The EcoBoost is all about low end grunt and has been compared to diesels when towing (except for the fuel mileage).

 

EL EcoBoost would be my choice for towing. The EB produces less peak torque (420 vs. 457) but does so at a far lower RPM (2500 vs. 3250) than the V10 and produces a much flatter torque curve.

 

Well, I dont want to start a flaming war on which engine is better suited for towing. I can tell you from personal experience (After owning a V10 for the past 8 years) and Recently driving an EB for a while.

The EB has gobs and gobs of power. Fast as hell out of the hole and a great gas mileage unloaded. Loaded up it tends to sink a little bit, but not terribly.

The V10 on the other hand lays down the power, regardless of the load and is nearly static in fuel economy with, or without a load on. The engine does not seem to work any harder to tow my camper than it does empty.


Just my .02.



G

 

I'd like to hear more opinions on the EB, my neighbor got one a couple of months ago in the Explorer model, but he doesn't do any towing. Looks like some of the 2015 Excursions 2X4's (not the EL's) with 3.5 V6-EB have a 3.15 axle.

 

This is all true, however, the OP is considering the V6 eco boost or the 5.4L v8.
The V10 he already has is on the way out the door.

 

In the F150 the EcoBoost is a far superior engine to the 5.4. When towing 4000 lbs or less I use all 6 gears. Over 4000 I lock out 6th. The truck does very little shifting. I wouldn't even consider a 5.4 again.

 

What is the difference in rpm @ 60MPH in 6th vs: lockout, by lockout I assume you mean 5th gear? What is your rear end ratio?

 

My son has the truck down at school right now so I can't do a test. The RPM's at 60 in 6th are low, about 1,500. Lock out 6th the RPMs won't jump much maybe a 300 RPMs. 5th & 6th gear are both overdrive gears. I have the 373 rear gear.

 

Thanks for your prompt response, getting closer to pulling the trigger!

 

I had a 2010 F150 with the 5.4 3:73 and it towed good with the 6 speed trans and got descent MPG. the tt v6 eco boost pulls good as well but its gas hungry when towing. the eco boost is just that its either eco or boost but not both at the same time. hope that helps