6 cylinder f 150

[marlake]

Hey guys.
Looking to replace my 2016 f 150 w/ 5.0 v 8.
I see lots of reasonably priced used trucks but they all seem to have 6 cylinder engines.
I'm an old fart and years ago a 6 cylinder could hardly pull its own weight let alone tow a load.
I put my 800 lb. motorcycle in the bed of my existing f150, hook up to my 18 foot bass boat and go to Florida every January for 3 months. I'm always impressed by how easily the 5.0 handles the job and I wouldn't trade that for anything.
I have heard some good things about the new technology 6 cylinder engines and would appreciate some input from you folks about your personal experience towing long distances with 6 cylinders.
Thank you in advance.

[J.W.]

I don't have any first hand knowledge, but the 6 cyl Ecoboost engines are twin turbo-charged to get V8 power with V6 gas mileage. Those are probably what you're looking at. I guarantee it probably came out of an EPA hurdle-jump to meet a fuel efficiency quota without sacrificing too much power. That said, my wife's uncle had one for a while and liked his a lot. He fishes out of a light aluminum boat though, so I'm not sure how they do pulling a heavy fiberglass rig or anything heavy. I don't think he ever towed anything heavy. They may do just fine though, I don't know.

[Goldstar225]

The 3.5 V-6 ecoboost is much better for towing than the 5.0 V-8.  I've owned and towed a 9,000# camper with both using the same gear ratio.  To give you a quick comparison there is a 5 degree hill I towed up.  Maintaining 55-60 MPH the V-8 would drop to 3rd gear and hit 4,000 RPM.  The 3.5 ecoboost would drop to 4th gear and hit 2,500 RPM.  IMO up to 6,000# I would be happy with either one.  Beyond that the 3.5 ecoboost V-6 is clearly superior.