Lease is up in a few months and I'm trying to figure out which way I should go. This poll has 3 different builds, similar options but different trims. Which way would you go? Would love to hear reasoning behind each option.

Typical uses:
Camping (travel trailer or potentially 5th wheel)
Lowes / Home Depot trips
Maple Syrup (payloads over 1600 lbs)
Family transport - we have adult friends and the supercab just wasn't cutting it.
Firewood



XL STX Appearance: https://shop.ford.com/build/f150/#/c...1S.18B.SS6.%5D
XLT Sport Appearance:https://shop.ford.com/build/f150/?in...IL.53A.SS6.%5D
Lariat Sport Appearance: https://shop.ford.com/build/f150/?in...3A.18S.SS6.%5D

 

I like this idea, but before any of us come in and just tell you to get what we ordered (I would obviously pick the Lariat), it may help to understand what your goals are for the truck. My reasoning and choice would change depending on how you use the truck. If you are towing 10,000lbs, I wouldn't get the Lariat and would go for the most payload possible. If driving on trips a lot and not towing more than 7k lbs, I would drop the 3.5L and go 2.7L TT. Stuff like that.

 

Great idea I'll edit the post and include that.

 

Thanks for the detail!

I would go with your Lariat build, it's a super smart build. You have 501a, meaning you will get everything from the 302a XLT plus a lot more, but it's mainly stuff that replaces lower level XLT stuff, so your weight won't change much to impact payload negatively. You didn't do Max Tow, but that's the right move for your use case because you shouldn't be towing a TT over 7-8k lbs/30' in length with a 1/2 ton, so you don't need Max Tow, you need the Tow Package as the Max Tow would just lower your payload and you wouldn't make use of it. If you are serious about a 5th wheel or heavier TT, you should be shopping an F-250. The problem isn't entirely weight, although it is a factor, but the fact that a TT is a giant moving wall and if wind catches it right it will toss around an F-150. Since you mentioned a possible 5th wheel and that, I just wanted to put that out there before you get something and experience the sometimes scary feel of towing a huge trailer with a 1/2 ton.

Anyway, Lariat for sure. Only change I would make is go up to at least a 3.55 rear and add the ELocker. If you are going camping and will have a trailer, you may really wish you had it if you camp somewhere and it rains and you aren't on concrete and watch your tire spin helplessly in the mud. Go 3.73 if you can to ensure highest payload.

 

Love the tips on towing. I have experience towing 5th wheels and travel trailers. I prefer how they tow compared to a TT, but it will all depend on what camper we find that we like.

Those are all basically the same truck, with different degrees of comfort. Only thing I might consider adding is a propower option but who knows what else that will mess up in my builds.

 

Yeah in that case definitely review the rear axle. I am still learning on the exact details on that front, but I think the 3.31 and 3.55 will be an 8.8" rear, and the 3.73 with the 3.5L will have the 9.75". If you do Max Tow, you get a 3/4 float IIRC 9.75" rear. Your payload and towing goes up with increases in rear gearing, so the 3.31 while best fuel economy overall, will hurt your towing ability.

 

You need a "None of the Above" button. I would have ordered a Lariat Sport but Sport package not available with the color I prefer (Guard Metallic).

 

Focus on options then. Color is always last not if I'm ordering though. Its gonna be what I want lol.

 

The real question is what's your budget? There could be like a $10K+ difference between the trim levels. I chose the STX because it's a killer value, and dealers seem to be more willing to deal on them (I'm getting roughly $8K off MSRP on mine). The only real benefits that I saw to upgrading to the XLT was the giant infotainment screen (and stereo upgrade options) and color-matched handles and mirrors, but coming from a 2013 Pilot I'm more than happy with the 8" screen, and I don't really mind the black handles. I prefer the column shifter, can live without a leather-wrapped wheel, don't need power seats because I'm done growing, don't mind turning a physical key, and I really like the STX interior material. And with stickers in the mid to upper $40Ks, the STX is now more expensive than the fully loaded XLT I bought new the last time around and it's certainly no penalty box. I couldn't believe the stuff that comes standard on it.

 

People have their reasons that other people might find silly. I am only interested in Guard Metallic because I have a 2015 Mustang GT in the same color. I take the Mustang to car shows and think it will be cool to tow it with a truck in the same color.