Hi all,
I'm currently looking to part with some money I've saved and am looking to buy a newer truck between 2011-2014 model years. I'm just looking for opinions/knowledge in what to look for or avoid with regards to engine/transmission combinations. I've heard a lot of talk regarding the 5.4 triton engine and their issues with the cam position sensor fails at high mileage and other issues with the 3.5 timing chain/oiling problems if I understood correctly?
My criteria is that needs to be automatic and have the ability to tow. I have a small camper trailer that I tow occasionally and it would be nice to not have to worry about how much I load it up.
I understand that everyone is going to have an opinion about something but I feel most people on this forum will have something of value to add that will help me make a decision.

Thanks in advance

Rob Rigutto

 

The 5.4 stopped in 2010. 5.0, 3.5 EB, 3.7 and the 6.2 are your options for the 11-14 trucks. 13-14 trucks are your best bet.

 

There are some issues with the 11-12 3.5l (timing chains) and 5.0l motors (cylinder warp). Less than 2% actually have those issues (that number is not just made up but based on the data available). The 13-14 engines seemed to have "fixed" the issues but they do cost more as they are newer vehicles.

Either the 6.2l (good luck), 5.0 or 3.5 would work for your needs. The 3.5 would be a better bet if you do a lot of mountain towing just due to its torque being maxed out around 1900 rpms to about the top of the band. The 5.0 will do it too just at a slightly higher rpm, but it does sound good that way too. The 6.2 is like the 3.5 but is super rare.

You definitely need a truck with the tow package, but I would search for a max tow package and the high payload HDPP truck. They are rare!

 

I would look for a 13-14 truck with the 6.2L V8 as my #1 choice.

I would look for a 13-14 truck with the 5.0L V8 as my #2 choice.

I would look for the lowest mileage I could afford and one that has detailed service records. I'd crawl under it and look the frame over for signs of rust..this is a good way to tell if it's been washed regularly which is in turn an indicator of whether the prior owner cared about the truck or not. Lastly, look at the frame ends at the front and rear bumpers to make sure they are perfectly square...this will tell if it's been wrecked. You can also look carefully at the paint in the sunlight and see if all the panels reflect light exactly the same way. It's amazing how many trucks have been wrecked and fixed, and if you have a sharp eye you can always pick them out before you even drive them.

 

One good thing is that there are lots and lots of used trucks out there, so you can be picky. For me, Trailer Brake controller, and the big fuel tank are MUST HAVE options. Most other things are just nice-to-haves. You'll find that vehicles with lower mileage often command a very large premium. Some people must think that's worthwhile. If you do look at anything with more miles on it, make sure it's been taken care of.

Overall this platform has been very good, and doesn't have many widespread issues.

As for engine choice, if you really love driving a V8, then get the V8 and don't look back. It's a great engine. If you prefer the "baby diesel" driving style of the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, then get that and don't let the V8 guys scare you out of it.

 

Agree, look for trucks with the bigger gas tank. Trailer brake controller is about $220, and is easy to install.

 

right here. I have the 6.2. But the 5.0 and ecoboost will do the job

 

Thanks all for the information/suggestions. I really appreciate the tips on what to look for and how to do it. I would never of thought to check that stuff.
I love this forum. So glad I joined.

Rob

 

Welcome tot he forum! One thing you didn't mention is the size of your trailer, the tongue weight and the weight of any additional items that you intend to load in the back and in the trailer.

If you buy from a dealer, make the dealer decode the door jamb sticker so you know what you're getting. If you're going private party then you can download a door jamb decoder. You should know the axle ratio before you agree to anything.

I like the idea of staying as close to 2013/14 as possible. By then all the 5.0L and the 3.5L engine issues were about worked out.

 

I'm in the 6.2 camp, it's more old school tech which "should" be a little more reliable years down the road (No EPS, No Battery Management). I often directly compare my 6.2 to our 2013 3.5EB at work and they consistently are within 1 mpg of each other and I drive much more aggressively. It has been a very reliable engine though we just did plugs on it at 67k miles as it started to get a small stumble. My 6.2 on the other hand has had nothing but oil changes and air filters at 57k.

Do a good pre-buyers inspection and any of them (3.5,5.0,6.2) should treat you well IMO if they have been taken care of.

 

What size camper do you have? "Small" is a very relative and abstract term. I have the 3.7 N/A V6 and it's a very nice engine! I don't do a lot of towing myself but I know several other guys who do tow with these 3.7's and they say it does very well with a small, light travel trailer. A 3.7 in 2wd is rated for about 7000 lbs. My 4x4 is limited to about 6000. I'd stay around 4000 or less to make sure you still have decent power to pull some grades too. The 3.7 is rated at 280 lbs/ft torque, but doesn't feel it to me. I actually wish I had the 5.0 but when buying used, one can't be too picky. I don't think you need the Max Tow package or Heavy Duty Payload package. Trucks so equipped are rare as they are virtually a 3/4 ton in 1/2 ton clothing. From you say, a 5.0 with at least a 3.55 gear should be sufficient for your needs. Depending on body style and other factors, you're still looking at about an 8000 lb tow capacity. But definitely look for the Factory tow package, that will give you the trans cooler, oil cooler, Select-Shift transmission, Class IV receiver, etc. There is a difference between the Tow package and the Max Tow Package.

 

I'm pretty much in the same boat as the OP. Except I won't tow very often or far. Maybe 3-4 times a year to get something that won't fit in the bed. I was pretty set on finding a 2013-2014 SuperCrew 4x4 with the 5.0 and have been looking for a few months but not finding ones equipped the way I want without having 80,000 miles or more, or just too high of an asking price.

But I stumbled across a 2010 Lariat 4x4, 5.4Triton with only 27,000 miles on it. Tuxedo black. Still has the original window sticker in the glove box so I could see all the factory options. Chrome package, tow package, trailer brake controller, 3.55 gear ratio, 36-gallon fuel tank. Probably a couple others I can't remember if they were std equip with the Lariat package at that time or options. He added Rhino lining on the bed, undercoating, plus a truxedo soft cover. It looks like it came right out of the showroom. Not a single door ding in it. Owner is a 77 year old retired army vet (father of a family friend) who is ordering a 2018 Lariat. He wasn't happy with the trade in offer so he's going to sell it privately once his 2018 arrives in another month or so. He said he would take $21,000 for it since it would prob need new tires before next winter due to age (still the originals). I told him SOLD!

 

Timing is everything,and patience cannot be overlooked. Sounds good....