Here's my situation...2-3 times per month I haul a 3500 lb payload in a 3500 trailer. Distance is around 3-500 miles round trip. Other than that, I drive about 1000 hwy/ city miles per month. The F250 6.7 Powerstroke has plenty of power, but may be overkill for city/hwy miles, plus some parking garages won't hold it. I hear the 3.5 EB has towing power nearly equal to the F250, but would like some experienced opinions.

 

Well, the 3.5 EB will pull that load without breaking a sweat, that's no issue. It'll get worse towing fuel economy, and better unloaded fuel economy.

Some folks need a diesel, but doesn't sound like you are one of them.

 

A diesel would be great but really overkill for your needs in my opinion. First of all you have that 8500 dollar initial outlay for the engine plus a 250/350 is a few more bucks over a 150 though they too can real expensive if you lose your mind on the option check list. As far as parking garages - a short bed, 250/350 vs a shortbed 150 is minimal these days. Then the diesel costs more to run as fuel is more costly along with oil changes (~$30 vs ~$100) doing it yourself plus fuel filters -$15 vs $60. You will get more bucks at trade time at 100K miles with a barely broken in diesel then a well worn gasser.

Of course, if you really want that honkin' 6.7, 440 Hp, 925 lb ft torque diesel ---- go for it as they are fantastic

 

Just pay attention to the truck you get. If new make sure it has the HD tow package with tow mirrors and the TBC. Be sure it has LT tires on it.

 

The 6.7 is overkill for what you plan on towing. The EB would handle it, but I really think you should consider a F-250 with a gas 6.2L. I think it would handle that weight much better than an F-150 will. Also, if you ever need to tow anything much heavier, you'll be glad you got the 250.

 

I'm very pleased with our 3.5EB. Unloaded it'll avg. 24 mpg, mostly hiway driving. Loaded, 8K enclosed car hauler plus about 250 lb. of gear in bed, I'll avg. 10-11 mpg. Tows effortlessly. We're very pleased with the F150 3.5EB, does all we need it to and then some.. and looks good too.

 

Keep in mind the 1/2 ton truck is limited by weight int he bed. This includes tongue weight from the trailer. The EB will tow that with no problems but forget heavy stuff in the bed at the same time.

 

Well, before you make ANY decision on a truck; you may want to think about future needs/wants. I had a 150 with tow package, and the biggest I hauled was either my Jeep or Polaris Ranger on a 12,000 GVW trailer(about 2000 empty weight). It handled it OK at best, so traded it for a 6.2L gasser SRW 250.
Well, long story short, it wasn't too long I started looking at 5th wheel toy haulers!!! Guess what.......the 250 was pretty puny under the Raptor!!
Time to start looking for a dually!!!!!!
But then, how long one may figure on keeping a vehicle comes into play also. If you have NO plans of going to bigger trailers for the time you keep the rig, go with the EB......unless deep down, you really WANT the oil burner.....then by all means go for it!! But only YOU can answer that question.
Best of luck which ever way you go.

 

Having just traded my 2014 f150 3.5 EB for my 2017 f250 6.7, I can tell you I would never get another EB. Don't get me wrong, the EB was quick to respond (once the turbo spooled up) and pulled very well. It is however a pig on fuel. Worse then the 6.7 hands down. I went from a Duramax to the EB after drinking the Koolaid Ford was serving about how the EB was just like a diesel. It's not.

Electronic steering for starters is horrible. Lack of capacity and fuel mileage is laughable. Last summer I pulled a 20' x 8.5' closed cargo trailer weighing 5000lbs from Montreal to Los Angeles and back. Total trip was 6892 miles. Averaged 9.3 mpg maintaining posted limits.

My everyday driving, which resembles your proposed habits, saw barely 14mpg.

All that being said, in MY opinion, you don't buy a truck looking for 30mpg. Unless you're like a lot of the folks here who keep their trucks for a long time and drive some serious mileage, fuel consumption is moot. Just being realistic.

Buy the truck you like. Best way not to regret your decision.

Cheers and keep us posted on what you decide!

Rod.

 

Rod, that supports everything I have ever said about the EB in the F150. If you're using the 300hp it doesn't matter what engine, V8 vs EB will drink the same amount of fuel. I've towed a 20' x 8.5' enclosed with my AMX inside from Vancouver to South Carolina and back, Vancouver to Cleveland and back and Vancouver to Chicago and back...guess what, 10 mpg with the 5.4 V8 on each trip. I average 14mpg driving daily with mostly in town with some highway.