Originally Posted by
Raptor05121
The 5.4L is an outdated engine by today's standards. Since its inception in 1997, the 5.4L has served Ford for a number of years, but like any engine after a certain length of time, technology outdates it. By comparison:
1997 SOHC 5.4L: 260hp/350tq @ 15 mpg
2013 DOHC Ti-VCT 3.7L V6: 302hp/278tq @ 23 mpg
To put Ti-VCT in a 5.4L would require changing EVERYTHING: pistons, block assy, crank, cam, lobes, valves, etc. It simply better to create a new engine from the ground up. In the case of the "Boss" series, the 6.2L is intended to compete with Dodge's HEMI and Chevy's Vortec. Ford realized the gamble with the Duratec 37 and EcoBoost was the fanfare of people still loyal to the 8-cylinder. You will still have people wanting high-output, but afraid of technology and will choose a big-block V8 over a smaller, turbocharged V6. It is also mod-friendly to a degree. The Boss 62 features TWO spark plugs per cylinder, so it has even greater spark penetration if the owner decides to go with forced induction (which MANY Raptor owner's have chosen to do). I honestly would love to see a 6.2L variant and 3.5L variant of the Raptor, but in a street-scene like appearance (I'm part of the group that believes Ford should bring back the Lightning).
Now, the 6.2L does have a step over the EcoBoost. While the mileage is terrible in today's standards, it would maintain only a slight drop while towing while the EcoBoost requires just about 8lbs of boost while towing, making its fuel consumption just as bad. And while the EcoBoost gets its numbers using premium fuel, the 6.2L can get its brute force while running regular. It's just Ford's answer to filling the niche. With their four engined lineup, they span just about everyone's needs although Ford has already expressed concern with the CAFE standards that the future of the 6.2L might be limited.
And you are right on the towing part. Even though it can tow well past 11K pounds, the F-150 is not suited for fifth-wheel towing. The powertrain can handle it (the 6.2L is available in the Super Duty) but the suspension of the F-150 is limited, especially the rear wheel loading and the instability it would cause over the weight distribution thereby creating a very unsafe truck/trailer combo (this is very prominent in trailer sway tests) and also the truck's stopping power as a unit. Now fifth-wheel F-150s have been used time and time again and will continue to do so, but if you are going to drop dime on a 35' fifth wheel camper, why stop at an F-150? Its much safer to upgrade to a Super Duty.