RE: Looking at trucks
Well, A couple people now have mentioned that Ford took care of the spark plug issue. Why don't you just buy a new(er) F150? That way you can get the interior you like.
On edit: The interiors, as has been mentioned are personal taste. For example I love the Lariat trim, but I don't care that much for leather seats. I wish I could have the rest of the Lariat pkg, including the two-tone paint without the leather, but I can't. So i had to compromise and get an XLT with the options I wanted.
RE: Doing My Homework First
I wrote this What Can I Tow? page specifically for my father-in-law who was asking the same question.
Basically, you have to ignore GCWR as you'll likely never hit it with a F150. Your biggest limiting factor is how much the F150 can carry (you, your wife, your stuff, your hitch and pin or tongue weight).
Once you find your actual available payload, you can then do the math to find the trailers that you can safely handle. Typically, you can have a larger travel trailer than fifth wheel because TT's have 10%-15% tongue weight where as fifth wheels have 15%-25% pin weight.
^^X2 Dan.
Fifth wheel is out of the question with that truck. I have basicily the same truck. For longer trips, and in the mountains, high altitudes etc. Your truck will struggle, and if you encounter high winds also. If you plan on venturing far I would recomend getting a newer half, or better yet a 3/4, or 1 ton truck. I'm going to be doing that myself soon. I'm sure you'l have a much better experience towing if you do. The added benifit is you can shop for your trailer without as much worry as to weights.
On edit: Kudos to you for "doing your homework", and asking. It's much better to plan it out first.
RE: F150 automatic tranny gear selection
nohurry, he wants to lock it in 3rd and not let it downshift to 2nd. That is not possible.
AH yes, you're right. I missed that point.
My point still stands though, I, and others who have posted still think he would be better off letting it go to 2nd and rev up to 4K where the power is. I might add also that doing so would keep the trans from "hunting", which we all know is bad.
RE: F150 automatic tranny gear selection
Mine is a 2003, 5.4 and as others have said, let it rev up them hills. I pull a 7,000 lb trailer up hills in 2nd at 50 MPH at 3400 RPM's and she would give me more if I wanted. That's where you want to be with that engine. My tachometer goes to 6K and there is no redline. Won't hurt it a bit. I don't understand those that say you can't "lock out" though. My selector reads: 1 2 D. The OD off button on the end of the lever locks that out, then I just drop down manually to 2nd, and keep the RPM's where the sweet spot seems to be. T/C stays locked mostly, and I shift up when I'm ready. Never had a problem.
RE: I-5 bridge collapse
I suppose we could politicize this by saying one of the highest taxed states in the union can't/won't upgrade or replace an old bridge on the busiest highway in the state, but let's just be thankful no one was seriously hurt or killed.
RE: Got stuck.....
I understand why some don't, but I will never buy a truck without 4WD.
Funny though how at least 80% of trucks on lots today are 4X4, and 30 years ago it was the other way around. For many, it's an image thing, but I do use mine.
RE: f150 vs.f250
Globehopper, you say you're new to all this. Not having experience towing, you may have a misconception of how your truck should act towing. Not trying to be rude, or obvious, but it will be quite different than when empty. When you tow with that 5.0 let it rev! Especially on the hills. Your power/torque is in the 4-5000 RPM range, and it won't hurt it a bit. You may think it's screaming, but it's actually screaming for joy that you're using it properly. Your 150 is a great match for that trailer, and your mileage in the 250 would be similar towing, and a lot worse empty. Unless you want to haul a ton of extra goodies in the box of the truck I'd stick with what you have.
RE: EcoBoost problems on the Horizon...:?
Ford was looking to the future in gas engine technology with the ecos, and I say kudos to them for that. When they came out in the truck application some said "Oh man, this is going to be interesting! It'll never hold up!" Etc. well, after three complete model years it has. I'm not surprised there are some issues with some components such as the inter-cooler, and Ford seems to be addressing them. For whatever reason, these 3 people think legal action is the way to go. We truly don't know their real motive. If it's to benefit the buying public by holding a companies feet to the fire to stand behind the product, then fine. There may be more to it though.
I'm not real old yet, but I'm certainly not young either, and I've owned all the brands in my time. I choose not to bash someone else's choice, but I sincerely hate to see any American company go down. I think we are smart enough to know that they wouldn't knowingly put out products or components that will fail in some way, but we should be confident that they'll stand behind them. If you don't think they will, simply vote with your wallet, and go elsewhere like Ricatic did. I said publicly in this forum that I didn't blame him. The Fords I have previously, and currently owned have been very good to me though, so I will stay with them until I have a reason (like some of you), to switch. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some blue Kool aid on ice I need to get to (Goes good with popcorn)!
RE: Kill the Suds
You can also get product called foam down or something like that from spa/pool supply stores. We use it in our hot tub at home. Only takes a spoonful. I think I would try switching soap brands first though or ya, use less. Good luck.
RE: New to me TV! YAY!! Should I name her?
A big congrats on your truck! You're going to love it. That 5.4 will serve you well. When you come to a hill, just gear down and rev up! Your peak torque is between 4-5000 RPM's and it doesn't mind it a bit. I have 150K miles on mine and she's still runnin strong, even though I've worked the cr@p out of it! You did well buying the Super duty chasis. The running gear, and brakes are better suited to towing. Good luck with 'er. Oh, by the way, my truck's name is "The Gray Ghost".
RE: Average Fuel Mileage
While I agree with those that say that you get an RV, you expect not to pass to many gas stations. I like to keep track of my mileage just as an early indicator of of a possible problem.
RE: Gas Grills?
That setup works fine if you have an external tank to connect to, then you're good to go. If you carry an extra 20 gal tank (or smaller) for bbq, it's fine.
Won't work with the quick disconnect fitting on trailers.
Yes, it will Ron. You have to take the regulator off the Q and get the adaptor, and hose. The RV tanks are already regulated, and can't run two regulators. The only down side of this is that if you use it elsewhere, you can't use the small portable tanks, you would have to have a re-fillable tank W/regulator, at home for instance. Not really a big deal.
RE: Warning...Warning...More Blue KoolAid needed ASAP
In this instance, it was out of warranty. End of story. Well, I guess not, as in Ric's case that didn't help, and as he's stated before, he's moved on. So even if this guy's truck quit at 99K it's possible he would be up the proverbial crick, and as a Ford owner I have to agree with Ric that they should be fixing these things, and get to the bottom of the issue (as well as the EGR stuff). So in the big picture, if Ric's posts help to achieve that end, I say keep it up. Maybe without the blue Kool-aid stuff though. As for me I'm leaning toward a gasser for my next truck.
Regards,
RE: It Finally Arrived
Nice enjoy!
Sexier than a perky new bride ;)
Its a super nice truck, but... not sure I can go with you on this one :)
X2 nothing beats a perky new bride! :B
Don
The new bride cost more though! :E
RE: F150 with 4.6 V-8 & 3.55 gears
I have a hard time believing your truck only weighs 4300. The 4.6 is very underpowered also. I'm just guessing, but i think your loaded TT weight is going to put you over the trucks payload, if not GCWR. Will it do it? Yeah. Would I recommend it? No.
RE: Pulled the trigger -- AND IT"S HERE!!!
Beautiful Randy! Yes, the old bronze/brown is gone, the new brown is darker. Enjoy, and we'll be waiting for the towing report.
RE: Which one: Ford F250 6.2 or GM 2500HD 6.0?
Both excellent trucks. The Ford 6.2 so far performed well. Someone with more GM knowledge can chime in, but I believe they are coming out with a new gas engine in this class in the next year or two. Might want to wait for that new technology.I would order the lower gear ratio though. That's 4:30 in the Ford. From what I've read on Ford truck forums guys that tow under 10K are happy with the 3:73's but most owners say over that you want the 4:30's. Your camper is close to that. If it's only occasional towing the 3:73's might be a better choice for mileage. And virtually all the trucks on lots are 3:73 if he's buying it that way.
Since he's not tied to a brand it might just come down to the "butt" test when he test drives. When he compares them one of them will just feel right for him. Good luck
RE: F150 EB vs 5.0 towing
Yes, your post title will invite that "Can of worms". Maybe should have asked, "Can I tow this"?
The 5.0 will tow it just fine, just don't be afraid to let it rev up to 4000 RPM's or more when needed. I'd probably want the 3:73 gears though, and watch your payload/axle ratings. Good luck.
