Ford 4.6L V8 vs. 5.4L V8 question

This topic has 9 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 1 month ago by Jones TrollingMotor.

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May 9, 2017 at 4:42 pm #276777

aluislugo
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Currently looking for a new Ford F150 to tow my 2008 Pantera Classic. I see that there are two V8 versions. I was wondering if the 4.6 was strong enough to tow it long distances? Trade off on the 5.4L is the gas of course (ideally I wish I could get a V6 engine but I dont think that would even come close to towing my Classic around). Thanks.

May 9, 2017 at 5:02 pm #276778

1stinLA
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I have had all the different ford options over the years, and the 4.6 will do the job with the right rear end gearing 3.55 or 3.73. The 5.4 is a great towing engine but the mileage can suffer with the 3.73 gearing, though with 3.55 gears I can still get in the 17 mpg range with mine at 70 mph, 14 towing my 01 P III. The 3.5 Ecoboost v6 in my Wifes truck is a monster, with 3.55 gears it will out pull my 2010 5.4 v8 any day, and get better mileage. The newer 5.0s are a great option also with good towing ability.

May 9, 2017 at 5:07 pm #276779

oldtimer57
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Note that you do NOT have to worry about engine with the classic. I drive a Toyota Tacoma 4.0L v6 and it tows my classic effortlessly. Truck gets 20-21mph driving normally, 15mpg when towing my 08 classic. The V6s of the last 10 years are not the same V6s of years gone by. With EFI, variable valve timing, closed-loop engine management, automatic transmissions with more than 3 gears, etc, they are quite capable.I used to own a Dodge Dakota with the 318 v8 and my tacoma is a better all-around tow vehicle. BTW my previous truck was an 04 Ford Ranger with the 4.0 v6 and it pulled the boat just fine also. Was just too crowded with two adults and a dog as even with the extended cab, about all you can put in the so-called back seat area was a candy bar. Tacoma holds five adults comfortably.2008 Pantera Classic2014 Mercury Pro XS 200

May 9, 2017 at 5:35 pm #276780

Mainliner61
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3.5 Ecoboost gets my vote. Best pulling gas burner Ive owned

May 9, 2017 at 7:22 pm #276781

aluislugo
Participant

So will any V6 do? Or do I have to target after a certain year and a particular gear ration? My budget was right around $10K and I was looking at 2007 – 2009 Ford F150s. But I would much rather get a smaller sized truck like a V6 to tow the boat but yet still be able to take the family with me as well.

May 9, 2017 at 10:27 pm #276782

1stinLA
Participant

Just about any of the 07-09 F150s with any V8 will do, I dont even know if the Eco-boost was in the trucks yet, and the non boosted V6 was a bit low on power for a heavy tow vehicle. The Ranger was a good vehicle with the 3.0 or the 4.0, but the only problem with any small vehicle is the stopping ability. You really dont want a towing vehicle that is much lighter than the boat you are towing. I have towed my P III with and 1991 Explorer which did decent with the 4.0, also a 2001 Sport-Trac which also did well with the 4.0, I even pulled my old P2 with an 84 Bronco II with the 2.8 but it was not very good over distance as the boat outweighed the truck, and stopping became an issue even with brakes on the trailer. All the F150s I have owned (04-14) or the Company (96-07) vehicles I have used have pulled my boats extremely well, as I have been to many lakes in Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, and Louisiana over the years, and my trailer gets probably 12-15k miles per year just going back and forth to Mountain Home, Ar from Houma, La not counting all the side trips to other lakes.

May 10, 2017 at 2:37 am #276783

Doublem5148
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Just towed a p2 1100 miles with my expedition 3.5 v6 eco boost.Barley noticed the boat,

May 10, 2017 at 11:42 am #276784

Bassdeer
Participant

Just get the 5.4

May 10, 2017 at 2:00 pm #276785

FathomWorx
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Put 1500 miles on mine with an ecoboost. Plenty of power, smooth tow.

May 10, 2017 at 2:21 pm #276786

Jones TrollingMotor
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The 3.5 Ecoboost will do anything you want to do. I even pull a 30 Camper. Problem is going to be the years youre looking at. I dont think the EcoBoost was available in the years youre looking for.Jones Trolling Motor Services870 773 3474Motorguide/MinnKota/PowerPole/Lowrance/Humminbird
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