8 Foot Bed / Other ?s

Gomez · Aug 3, 2003

I'm going to replacing my 88 F150 soon. I've been waiting to see the 04 F150, and from the pictures I've seen, it looks much more appealing to me than the 03.

Initially, I had dismissed the F150 and was seriously considering the SuperDuty
since you could not get a manual trans in the 1/2 ton. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I'm no longer stuck on having a manual, but there are a few other things that are steering me back towards a SD.

1. I want an 8' bed.

2. I want an extended cab (for when the wife AND dog are along).

3. I'd like leather seats (easier dog hair removal). /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

On the 04 F150, to get an 8' bed, the highest trim level is the XLT.
With XLT, you can't get leather. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

All the above things are available in the
03 F250 AND a manual trans (if I decide
I want one).

I've monitored the ford-truck website for
some time, but I figured I'd throw this question out here as well.

Any comments would be appreciated. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

yooperdave · Aug 3, 2003

Can't you get some seat covers?

I have a XLT F150 and I do have lots of dog hair /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif!

I also have lots of dog "marks" all over the windows.

Just some of the joys of having dogs that love a ride.

Yooper Dave

F350Lawman · Aug 3, 2003

If you like the 04- F150 why not get it and get one of those tube steel bed extenders that flip over and with the tailgate down five you about 8' of bed. The CC in the 04- F150 is supposed to be pretty big so it should suit you.

I have an F350 8' bed but I usually have my toolbox installed guess I really only have a 6' bed /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Only time I take it out is when I need to load gravel or wood chips in the bed. Normally I get along fine with the 6' of space.

I wouldn't let the bed size stop me from getting the F-150 IF that's what I wanted. As long as it has enough towing/hauling capacity for you that is.

bgott · Aug 4, 2003

http://www.leatherseats.com/

Get the XLT and then add your own leather. However, being the '04 is a new design, you might have to wait awhile for the covers you want to be produced.

Egon · Aug 4, 2003

If you want an 8 foot bed and are gona haul/pull stuff get the 250.

Egon

MikePA · Aug 4, 2003

<font color="blue"> Any comments would be appreciated. </font>
I'd use the F250 SD as the base truck and add options from there. Be advised that an extended cab truck with an 8 foot bed is a long truck and will take some getting used to.

I currently have a Chevy K1500 Extended Cab with a 6.5 foot bed. While the previous owner added an additional leaf in each rear spring pack, I wish it was a 3/4 ton, or even a 1 ton. I priced new Chevys and the cost to go from a 1/2 ton to a 3/4 ton was not that large and it's definitely worth it. Might even look into the $ to go to a 1 ton.

cowboydoc · Aug 4, 2003

I wouldn't own anything but an 8' bed. You have to decide what it is you want to do. If you don't need the F-250 though you will be sacrificing mileage. With the price of the 150's now you can get a 250 for about the same price. If I was looking get a 250 with the new diesel. Your mileage will be better than either gas engine and you will have a really cool truck to drive. Nothing you won't be able to pull with it. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Gomez · Aug 4, 2003

Thanks for the replies.

I would LOVE to have a new SD w/6.0 Powerstroke. (Even
with its first year problems). /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Not sure I need that much truck, though. Also, the extra $$$
could be pushing it a bit. I could buy a BH with the difference. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

F350Lawman · Aug 4, 2003

I would LOVE to have a new SD w/6.0 Powerstroke. (Even
with its first year problems).

They should be taking orders for the 2004 trucks anyday(maybe already?) so you can avoid many of the 1st year bugs /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif