Pulled the trigger on a new F150 today.

[downsizingnow48]

I drove full size 3/4 and 1 ton pickups for many years. Now I get by fine with the 5.5 ft supercrew. Long stuff goes on the rack. I've had 1300 lbs of sheetrock in the bed. The back seat folded holds plenty of tools, although usually I have a crossbox on the bed. Take it all off, clean it, it is ready for a very comfortable cross country family trip with plenty of room for everything. Here in Sacramento many tradesmen use a Tacoma or Ranger, even smaller, but loaded to the max with tools and materials.

 

[white cloud]

Those new F150s are very nice looking trucks. It is amazing how much trucks cost now days. And the government tells us inflation is muted?

 

[KennyG]

Those new F150s are very nice looking trucks. It is amazing how much trucks cost now days. And the government tells us inflation is muted?

Some of the cost is inflation but I think scope creep is more. My 2017 Lariat is a 50k truck but you can buy a very capable truck for a lot less. My truck has 10 speed transmission, heated and cooled leather seats, trailer brake, trailer backup assist, etc, etc, etc. Most of this stuff wasn't even available 5 years ago.

 

[Sysop]

Lots wasn't available more than two years ago. When Ford redid the F150 for 2015 they touted it as being "the most patented pickup in history" with over 100 new patents implemented in 2015.

 

[LindenBruce]

Nice ride OP. You will love that ecoboost. I know I love that engine in my Taurus SHO. And the F150 has even more power. B.

 

[ultrarunner]

The price of a new diesel today 50years ago you could buy a house!

I paid 11,500 for my first house in 1984 in Oakland CA

 

[white cloud]

Some of the cost is inflation but I think scope creep is more. My 2017 Lariat is a 50k truck but you can buy a very capable truck for a lot less. My truck has 10 speed transmission, heated and cooled leather seats, trailer brake, trailer backup assist, etc, etc, etc. Most of this stuff wasn't even available 5 years ago.

That is a very good point. Does that engine brake work on the turbos or what? How effective is it? We have an engine brake on the truck in my avatar. It is one of the nicest things about the truck. I recommend F150s to non truck people looking at a half ton. If the F150 engine brake works well, that would really seal the deal for my recomendation.

 

[KennyG]

That is a very good point. Does that engine brake work on the turbos or what? How effective is it? We have an engine brake on the truck in my avatar. It is one of the nicest things about the truck. I recommend F150s to non truck people looking at a half ton. If the F150 engine brake works well, that would really seal the deal for my recomendation.

No, it's not an engine brake. I was referring to the integrated electric trailer brake controller. It's factory installed and better integrated with the truck than the add on brake controllers, which I have had in the past. Engine braking on the Ecoboost is like any other gas engine. As far as I know, no one offers a "jake brake" as a factory installed option on a pickup.

 

[white cloud]

Well thats too bad but I still think you made an excellent choice with the F150. If I was needing a half ton I would be heading over to see the local Ford dealer.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

That is a very good point. Does that engine brake work on the turbos or what? How effective is it? We have an engine brake on the truck in my avatar. It is one of the nicest things about the truck. I recommend F150s to non truck people looking at a half ton. If the F150 engine brake works well, that would really seal the deal for my recomendation.

I'm probably gonna get in trouble here, because I'm not a mechanic type guy. My 2016 F150 has downhill assist, which seems to act as an engine break. All I know is it's fantastic on the steep roads in these Blue Ridge mountains, and helps tremendously when towing or hauling.