Thanks Turbodog
The dealer said the aluminum wheels weren't rated for the payload of the truck and the E tires which is why they were not an option. But the skins might be an option. I like the no nonsense work truck look but may try the skins if the truck still needs something after the step is put on.
The aluminum 7-lug wheels that come on the current F150HD with the XLT trim package will indeed carry the full payload capacity of the truck. Ford would not offer them as standard equipment if they could not meet the max RGAWR and GVWR of the truck.
On my XL, with all the payload and towing upgrades, 8200 GVWR, 4x4 supercab, 2400 lbs payload, aluminum wheels were not an option, only the steel wheels were offered. Perhaps there is something different that allows it on the XLT. They do look better than the steel, that is for sure.
Dragonfly wrote: On my XL, with all the payload and towing upgrades, 8200 GVWR, 4x4 supercab, 2400 lbs payload, aluminum wheels were not an option, only the steel wheels were offered. Perhaps there is something different that allows it on the XLT. They do look better than the steel, that is for sure.
F150HD with XL trim package come with the steel wheels. F150HD with XLT trim package are available with the aluminum wheels. Only difference between the trucks is the trim package and wheel selection. Mechanically, the trucks' chassis are the same.
The only reason you could not get the aluminum wheels with the XL trim package is Ford simply doesn't offer them on the XL, since the XL is a basic, less blingy trim package. Doesn't have anything to do with the strength capacity of the wheels or the payload capacity of the trucks in XL versus XLT trims.
THIS IS A RESPONSE TO A PRIVATE MESSAGE WHICH I THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE WITH ANYONE INTERESTED IN MY OPINION OF THE HD FORD F150 ECOBOOST
So far I love it. The suspension is a bit stiff when empty, especially on washboard back roads but I hope this means it will be great with the weight of the camper.
After +/- 2,000 miles, I average 18-19 mpg city & highway. The computer said I got 22 on one highway stretch but more reliably, I have logged 20+ mpg on rolling terrain the old fashioned way, comparing gas in to mileage out.
A funeral and 2 unexpected business trips delayed me but I will weigh the critter tomorrow to confirm payload.
I will get the truck camper when I sell my 1972 VW Thing. I will have the VW on the market in a week or so.
My complaints are few. The cruise, and other steering wheel buttons are crowded and hard to find at 60 mph. The radio, heater and other dash controls are also a bit overwhelming but, I am getting used to where things are. Good luck finding and accessing the fuse box. (Behind the PASSENGER side, lower right kick plate, parallel to the outside wall, behind a cover.) The center seat console on the XL wasn't what I expected. The center seat back is just that with no storage. The only center console is tiny, under the middle seat. All are minor issues though.
The bed and tailgate are DEEP. I am having difficulty judging rear bumper distance. The 167" wheelbase makes parallel parking a challenge. I have a back up camera from my motor home which should adapt to the truck camper but, I may need one of those wireless models for when the camper is off.
Stomp the accelerator and the turbo pauses briefly then BOOM, kicks in with a vengeance. But, one rainy day I punched it with a truck approaching and it choked up as it out of gas. It didn't stall but, it wasn't pleasant. Putting it in neutral and revving the engine cleared it up. I may take it in and ask them to check the computer to see if there is a problem lurking. I have had no problems since.
Bottom line ... I like this truck more than any other I have had.
The manufacturers distinguish between cargo capacity and payload capacity. The former includes a 150# per seat passenger load to the truck. The payload capacity is the amount of weight that the rear can handle with the provided axle, springs, and wheels.
GM has both aluminum and forged aluminum rims and the latter have the same load rating as the aftermarket steel rims. The forged aluminum rims are what are provided with the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.
What is universally ignored is how long it will take to stop the truck with its supposed maximum gross weight load. It will be good when there is widespread use of the new SAE J2807 test procedure that reflects real world performance with a full load in the truck.
My old 1998 Chevy Tahoe with no passengers and no load in the back and not pulling a trailer still took more than 250 feet to come to a stop from 55 MPH. It would be interesting to learn with the new Ford what its stopping distance is with a 2400 lb. load in the bed or with a 6,000 lb. trailer attached to the hitch or how long it would take to get it to 55 MPH to merge safely into freeway traffic.
So it is about what I predicted with 2,280 lbs of payload, 80 lbs more than expected. With careful packing and a light enough camper I think I can make this work.
I now have to sell my 1972 VW Thing with 38,000 miles on it to fund the camper. It is at the Thing doctor right now getting ready to sell.
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