Test drove new 3.5l TT Ford

[Markcuda]

Keep those neighbor stories coming

 

[Diamondpilot]

Keep those neighbor stories coming

Just for you.

I take care of lots of equipment. I personally have 3 trucks, 2 boats, generator, 2 tractors, lawn equipment, 3 trailers. I also take care of my neighbors 2 trucks, 2 dump trucks, 3 ZTR commercial mowers, 3 trailers, tractor, bull dozer, back hoe, about 75 boats at the marina, ect.

Chris

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Absolutely ridiculous package for a half ton! Is this to beat taxes, insurance rates or for people that don't like the ride of 3/4 or 1 tons? :laughing:

I think it is designed for contractors who don't need a 3/4 ton truck but may occasionally need the extra capacity. My 98 F-150 had the heavy payload package or what ever it was called then. It did great on our job sites hauling materials and the occasional trailer. It did ride a lot better then the 3/4 ton and it got better mileage.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

If it really did have all those upgraded items, it was in effect a 3/4 ton. I can't see where the ride or fuel mileage would be any different. I think the big 3 should readjust their model lineup a bit, but I guess it goes along with the tow ratings and hp wars. Next thing you know, they'll be rating 1/2 tons for line haul operations. :confused2:

My 98 did ride nice even with the heavier springs. It didn't have all the options that the 2011 package had as mine still had 5 bolt axles, to go with the 7 bolt axles you had to jump up to the light duty F-250 that Ford had in 97 and 98 that looked like the half ton.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Do you do all this in between taking trips with the Republic Seabee? When do you sleep?

I actually enjoy it. My flying job averages 12 days per month so I have quite a bit of free time. Sitting on the couch watching Jerry Springer can only go so far and arguing trucks just does not fill my day.:laughing:

Chris

 

[Soundguy]

Ford currently has an option for the 2011 F-150's where you can order a heavy service package and it gives you seven bolt axles and higher ratings. It was in the Ford build calculator somewhere as I noticed it yesterday.

interesting.. thanks!

soundguy

 

[Lt CHEG]

Quite honestly, I don't know why people order a three quarter ton truck over a one ton. By the time you add the extra weight, the payload often equals a half ton.

Well in the case of the Ford, I could tell a difference in ride quality between the F350 and my F250 and I wanted better ride quality. I don't care about GVWR or GCWR ratings as my normal uses would not put me near those limits, I'm frankly not worried about exceeding those limits if necessary from time to time either. Lastly, according to someone who works at the Kentucky Truck Plant that builds the Ford Super Duty who also posts on Ford Truck Enthusiasts the only difference between the F250 Diesel and F350 Diesel is the riser blocks used in the rear and the rating on the door (and potentially the wheel and tire combination depending on options package). Since I don't tow a fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer, and don't haul anything heavier than my ATV in my bed I don't need the extra payload capacity that those different riser blocks give me. Since the bumper pull tow ratings are exactly the same for the F250 and F350SRW I chose to go with my F250 with what I felt was a slightly better ride quality.

For a lot of people the F350 or other 1 ton SRW truck is the best option but for my purposes it was not. The only reason I went from a half ton to a 3/4 ton diesel was for the increased bumper pull towing capacity. As it is I am thinking of replacing the rear leafs with one of Firestone's new R4tech complete air ride suspension systems. It replaces my leaf stack with a single leaf for locating the axle along with air bags to handle excess capacity like on a tractor trailer. So in essence I'm looking to convert my 3/4 ton to a half ton for unloaded ride quality while still maintaining the full load carrying capacity for the times when I do need to tow heavy. If I go that route the extra money for a F350SRW would have been wasted because I would have been throwing out (well taking it off the truck at least) everything that made a F250 different from an F350SRW.

 

[powerstroke444e]

Been following this thread as close friend is looking at new 1/2 ton and we went and drove the f150 eco with 3.21 gears today. All I can say is WOW. Really liked every thing about it. From what I can tell its the real deal. If this truck pulls like it ran empty will be good truck. He going in Saturday to finalize deal he is ordering one with eco boost 3.73 elocker max towhaul package rear camera 4x4 xlt. Anything you guys can think of he should order. He has 3500 lbs landscape trailer small boat and 30 foot camper with max of weight of 7500lbs. Seems like this will be a good fit for him even though he has only ever owned chevy's.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Been following this thread as close friend is looking at new 1/2 ton and we went and drove the f150 eco with 3.21 gears today. All I can say is WOW. Really liked every thing about it. From what I can tell its the real deal. If this truck pulls like it ran empty will be good truck. He going in Saturday to finalize deal he is ordering one with eco boost 3.73 elocker max towhaul package rear camera 4x4 xlt. Anything you guys can think of he should order. He has 3500 lbs landscape trailer small boat and 30 foot camper with max of weight of 7500lbs. Seems like this will be a good fit for him even though he has only ever owned chevy's.

Spend the $200 and get the trailer brake controller. Its well worth it. Yes, you can get a P3 Prodigy for $125 but its 1/2 the controller the Ford Factory one is. I love mine in my F-350.

I would also go for the factory spayed in bed liner. My Nissan Titan has a factory sprayed in liner and its really nice compared to the Rhino Linings I have seen and is covered by the same bumper to bumper warranty the paint is.

Chris

 

[dstig1]

Why doesn't he try towing his camper with it to see? It would really stink if the engine was not to his liking for towing, especially if that is a big thing to him. I'm not saying it is or isn't as I have never driven one. I 'm just saying if it is an important operating condition, I'd want to try it out if I had any questions about it.