In my old age vehicle manufacturers are making the options too hard to understand and after making a few runs at it, I have no confidence that I can pick out the package I want without getting a bunch of stuff that really has no value to me. Any help in determining a spec group would be greatly appreciated. My minimum requirements are:
Super Cab
6.5' Bed
5.0L
4wd
Satellite Radio
Navigation
Tow Package (My Max Tow <5000#)
Trailer Brake System (built in)
Backup Camera
I know there will be some extra frills that are unavoidable.
Is there a good search program to check dealer's stock within 100 miles or so?

 

Sounds like you want a very similar truck as I. Have you tried the Build and Price on Ford's website?

http://bp3.ford.com/2015-Ford-F-150

Some things are a little wonky, like you add the technology package and it unchecks the backup camera option (because it is included in the tech package) but you should be able to figure some stuff out on there. You can see what is included in each package too by clicking the "details" link.

Once you build the truck the way you want it you can search nearby dealers for similar trucks, or take the printout in to a dealer and order the truck you want.

 

Yes. I've made a couple of runs at "build you own" and the complexity defeats my understanding of just what I'm getting although I've special ordered a number of vehicles through the years.

 

You can got to www.inventory.ford.com and enter your zip code for an inventory search. The inventory of your local dealer will come up, but you can select the 'Extended Inventory' tab and see other trucks in the area.

 

The sales brochure explains what's in each package so you can review it and see what you want and where they fall. Navigation locks you into higher end dollars. Then you can check dealer inventory online as suggested. http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/brochures/

Note that the 2014 and 2015 have different packages.

When you build online, you can click to the right of each package (when your cursor is on that package) on the word DETAILS and get this:

The 301A Equipment Group includes these features, plus all 300A standard features:

Exterior Features
• Fixed Backlight with Privacy Glass and Defroster
• Manual-folding, Dual Power Glass Sideview Mirrors with Heat, Turn Signal, Auto-Dimming Feature (Driver's Side) and Black Skull Caps (includes interior auto-dimming rearview mirror)
• Rear View Camera
• Power-Adjustable Pedals
• Rear Under-seat Storage (NA with Regular Cab)

Interior Features
• 8-way Power Driver's Seat (Power Lumbar Driver/Manual Lumbar Passenger)
• 4.2" Productivity Screen in Instrument Cluster
• Power-Adjustable Pedals
• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio

Power and Handling
• Class IV Trailer Hitch

 

There's a lot of stuff in there when I'm only looking for the camera, Sirius radio and trailer hitch. Plus I'm still looking at getting navigation and trailer braking. Dang, I want a good setup for towing not a luxury car!

 

Your need for factory nav&sat radio is the reason you have to add an expensive option group (301A). The package is 2,150, and then allows you to add nav for 795! Can you remove nav&sat from your list?

$43,210 vs $40,815

 

Nav and satellite are useful for me as I go through remote areas camping and sightseeing. I'm not adverse to adding a Sat/Nav aftermarket system and have done that with several vehicles. I just don't want the clutter of plug-in units. I would also be using a trailer tire monitoring system and perhaps a dash cam (would try to power from the overhead). So you can see I'd have wiring everywhere otherwise.

 

I do a lot of traveling in North America, with a 28' TT behind me. I ordered my 2015 with towing in mind. XLT SCrew, 3.5EB, HD Payload, Max Tow, Tow Mirrors, and Rear View Cam. Believe me, I get it...

For GPS, I use an iPad mini. The app I use requires a cellular iPad, yet does't require the use of data (maps are stored on the iPad). 10 hours of usage, and I can use the iPad for so much more than a GPS. The Ford system doesn't get stellar reviews, and is far more difficult to use and update.

I have never used TPMS on the trailer, something I have thought of, maybe in the future.

I plan on getting the lockpick for the rear view camera system, allowing me to view the camera when not in reverse - great for monitoring the weight distribution hitch during tight maneuvers. I may also be installing a camera on the back of my travel trailer, and the lockpick will allow me to add a second source. The image is only on the rear view mirror, which is all I need.

 

So that's it? I order a Super Cab w/ 6.5' Bed, 5.0L engine & 4wd in my color choices. Then add the 301A equipment group and navigation or am I oversimplifying? I'm tempted to add a 3.73 rear end as well.