What’s the best engine to choose for your next Ford F-150 for towing trailers in the mountains? We test all trucks and engines in the real world and in the Rocky Mountain of Colorado to answer precisely this question.
This latest question comes to us from Bob M.
“My GMC Canyon V6 midsize is weak over the passes when towing a 20’ GeoPro travel trailer (7’ wide, 4,000 lbs loaded). The trailer is factory lifted and presents a lot of ‘sail’ when there’s a headwind. No issues with sway with the Equalizer hitch, but lots of roaring in 3rd gear at 45 mph and 4,500 rpm.
High altitude says turbocharger, and the Ford F150 EcoBoost 2.7L V6 is cheaper w/better normal use mileage than the 3.5L V6. Note: I might get a somewhat heavier trailer someday (it happens to us campers, often right after an RV show). I’m leaning toward a new 2019 F-150 (while they last!) 3.5 L and can handle the $1,700 extra. Is that overkill for a travel trailer up to maybe 5500 lbs, loaded?“
While it’s a great idea to purchase a much more capable truck than you will ever need, the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 F-150 should handle the 4,000 – 5,500 lbs camping trailer towing job fine.
A F-150 crew cab 4×4 with the 2.7-liter V6 is rated to tow between 7,600 – 8,000 lbs. A 3.5-liter V6 truck can be rated to over 12,000 lbs of towing.
Our experience is that the 2.7-liter TT V6 does not leave you wanting for power in the mountains with a medium-sized trailer. If you pay attention to the payload capability of the truck, then it should be capable for such a towing job.
We pushed the original 2.7-liter EcoBoost F-150 in the Ike Gauntlet video below.
