This^^^^^^

 

I've heard people question the stability of the aluminium additions to the 13th gen. Personally I'm looking to go for the 12th gen, partially for that reason. What else should I consider? I like the FX4 for its combo of towing package, locking rear, skid plate, and improved suspension (although I hear the upgraded suspension isn't that much better). Finding one with a crew or extended cab and regular bed is kinda tough too. What do you guys think?

 

Don't miss my 12th generation...cuz I still have it. lol. Can't seem to let it go. It'll have 300,000 k on it before the end of June, and still runs great, is quiet, and it doesn't leak.

 

I don't think the aluminum really affected stability much, aside from making the rear a little lighter. I do think the 13th gen handled better in the ones I test drove.

I have a 12th gen FX4, and didn't buy it for any of the reasons you mentioned. The locking rear is available on most trims as a stand alone option. The skid plates really aren't that thick or strong, if you really need skid plates you really need to get aftermarket ones. The difference in suspension is just different shocks, and I'd prefer Bilsteins based on having them on my last 3 trucks.

I picked out an FX4 because I wanted dual climate control and HATE the fake wood grain in the Lariat's interior, those were really the only 2 reasons for me. I prefer the painted bumpers over chrome too, but that wasn't as much of a deal breaker for me. The option for HID lighting in the 2013-2014's is an added bonus too.

But if you're just looking for the things you mentioned and are having trouble finding the right cab configuration, I'd find an XLT or Lariat with a locker, and add the rest later if you really want it.

Also, an Eaton Truetrac is an option if you can't find a locker. Parts will be about $550, its not a bad install if you're familiar with rear-ends. Performance is better IMO, I actually ripped the locker out of my last truck to put in a Truetrac, and I'll probably do the same for this truck.

 

Went from a 2010 Lariat to a 2016 Platinum, and there is no comparison.

The 2010 was great, but the aluminum body, interior comfort and amenities, the safety tech items and the 3.5 TT are a vast improvement over the 2010.

As for looks, I don't see any big difference.

Do you?

 

I had a 2012 XLT screw EB with max tow, I loved it and I miss the effortless towing power it had and I do agree that it felt more robust than my 16 does but it has nothing on the ride quality of my 16 and I love that the XLT sport package comes with the center console and floor shift. and for my use my 16 5.0 is perfect

 

I had a 2012 fx2 with luxury package that I traded for my 15. Great truck. It felt heavier, which did make it feel a little more robust, but I love my 15. I do miss the sound of the 5.0 and the 2012 would have been long paid off.

To be honest, I am happy with both trucks. When the next gen comes around ( not the facelift like the 2018). I will most likely trade in my current truck for one. Not because my 2015 is bad, its had only one issue (airbag light came on, dealer fixed it the same day). I just like new trucks.

 

I feel like the seats in my 2011 fx2 luxury were far more comfy that my 15.

Both trucks had crap "leather" compared to my old 2015 Silverado.

 

I find that interesting, I lurked on the GM forums for a year before making my decision on an F150, and found even more complaining about cheap leather than I saw here.

And I found the 2015+ seats to be more comfortable than my 2014, but I think that has more to do with body size and shape.

 

I'll find out in a few months. I've had an '11 FX4 SCREW 5.0 3.73 since it had 5 miles on it, not at 78k. It's been the best vehicle I've owned and has never been back to Ford since the day I bought it.

If it wasnt for mother rust and PAs excess salt use, I'd keep it for another year or two. The only thing I don't like is the sync system. Without the touch screen, its a PITA to switch auxiliary inputs.

My '17 Lariat is on order, has all the options of my 11' with addition of SYNC 3 and Nav. Stuck with the 5.0/3.73 combo. We will see...