I've seen several of these advertising videos made by Ford before, but nevertheless, they are interesting and do provide something to think about. My opinion, although it's only mine, is the same as it's been for many years, Ford continues to build a very fine truck indeed.
Since the 2500/3500 is the same cab structure as the 1500 series, I think now I understand why the whole front hood assembly would shake when my friend would tow his Mobile Suites, leaving a stop light with the 2500HD D/A. Just nothing there save for sheet metal to support the hood.
OK... I'm by no means an engineer but between the Dodge and Ford, Dodges' bottom member looks bigger or thicker than the Ford and the top look the same. I sure all of those extra holes control the way it collapses in a crash but all in all it doesn't look that much beefier?
I wonder where the Titan would have fit in. I'm hoping somewhere between the Toyota and surprising non-frame Chevy but I remember when the Titan came out they did have a pretty beefy frame.
A Family
A Boxer Dog
A Truck, a Trailer, a Hitch, a Brake Controller
You have to wonder a few things about that video though:
- why 225 lbs?
- why 9" back to measure deflection?
- why hang the weight exactly where they did?
- why does a few thousands of an inch in frame deflection matter?
- where exactly did they take those frame sections from? Maybe in a different section of the frame, another manufacturer's frame would be bigger than the F150?
- I'd think wall thickness would also come into play, but it's not mentioned.
Ads like that are no where near an objective test. They spend a whole lot of money setting those up in minute detail so that the product they want to come out on top does. Period. Food for the weak mind and the easily swayed.
I prefer much more objective tests by 3rd parties.
That is to take nothing away from the F150 as a truck though. They are solidly built, and sell like hotcakes for a reason. With the new stronger engine they are about to get, they will now be back near the top in power too, which was the only thing lacking IMO.
You also gotta hand it to Ford for doing such a great job with those ads (and the other ones with Mike Rowe). Their advertising dept does a very good job.
crash tests are performed with a uniform vertical shape (flat barrier or offset barrier). Where the hydroformed upper bracing is a huge benefit is during an "under-ride" crash, such as rear-ending a truck with a rear bumper higher than your front bumper.
Bryan
2000 Ford E350 DRW Wagon (14-pass all captains chairs)
V10 w/ Banks PowerPack, Diablo Predator, 4.56 LS, 250,000+ miles
Had: Weekend Warrior 41' FSW
I guess I would rather drive my no structure GM truck than push my Ford cause the Powerstroke died, won't start, has a bad sensor, shoots flames...
Just kidding-
No question Ford makes a great truck- As soon as they get a reliable motor I'll buy another. I really hope the next generation diesel motor is good as I'll be ready for a new truck next Winter.
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