Smokin Joe

Since you already bumped an old thread I'll go ahead and jump in.

I'm glad it's pouring out right now because it's cleaning all the mud from deer season and the first part of duck season off my Platinum. If it wasn't for this glass of whiskey next to me I'd go out and give the wheel wells a good rinse. As far as the OP's questions go, all the stock tires suck except the BFGs on the Raptor, the factory "off road" shocks aren't that great and the best part of the off road package is the skid plates which are a separate option on the Platinum. Just turn off the running boards and go with it. Having heated seats is really nice on the way to the deer stand on a cold morning.

2003_lightning

I have a set of good year wranglers with a few hundred miles on them

nullname

I'm the OP and it's now just over a year since I started this post and also purchased the 2013 Platinum. I'm a landscape photographer and often I have to drive in less desirable conditions which is why I asked. My prior vehicle was a Jeep Commander. I have driven off road all over the Northwest Territories, Labrador, South Dakota and Brooklyn. Sometimes it can get ugly.

I've not had any major issues in the past year. I installed a winch in the gap in the front, it works great. I think there's an issue with my gas tank but I'm trying to figure that out.

I installed Bilsteins all around (which makes a difference) and put in a CAI with the goal of eventually replacing he exhaust too when I get some extra money (extra money, ha!).

As was said above, the stock tires really suck. I could not bring myself to waste the extra money right away on better tires so I'll wait to about 20,000 miles to switch to BFG or similar.

As far as off road capability, the truck is fine and it's no big deal cleaning out the dirt and mud from a Platinum, it's done the same way as on other vehicles.

Thanks for all of the input, be well everyone.

SlowFocus

I'm a 2013 Platinum owner too, and we drive on plenty of dirt roads and double track trails. Can you describe the difference the Bilsteins make? Firmer ride? Softer ride? More control?

Thanks!

Truck owner

Any F150 can be made for an off-road application, skid plates,off road shocks, some off road tires and you got the FX4. I believe the names of the high end Platinum,Limited are geared for the guy who wants a truck but never really need it for more than hauling the groceries or picnic supplies. I got an off-road package (KR) and really don't do any off roading but nice to have if I do go to a state park or dirt path road. This is why dealers love the higher end F150's, give the buyer alittle bling and rake in the cash profits...

500grhollowpoint

There is lots of people who have a huge lifted truck and it never sees dirt. I personally have never owned a truck that wasn't in 4x4 as much as it was in 2wd. But hey, to each their own. if having a nice clean truck is more important to you than getting deep out into the bush, then that's great. I never understood people with a truck that were afraid to scratch it, but I also never understood the need for the people who do to make fun of people who don't.

Wanted33

I just took my Platinum off road yesterday. Went right into the Starbucks parking lot without a second thought.

500grhollowpoint

You, sir, have just written my new sig line. Best post ever.

Wanted33

I am honored my friend.

nullname

It's a more subtle feel. When I was deciding on the F150 my choice was the FX4 or the Platinum (it was a $1000 difference). However I liked the feel of the ride on the FX4. The Bilsteins put the Platinum closer to that FX4 ride feel. (They do nothing for on-off road capability.)