RiverRat5.0

So we all know Cafe regulations are pushing for higher MPG and manufacturers all want bragging rights. As of lately "half ton" trucks have become alot stronger. Just 10 years ago trucks were capable of towing about 7k lbs vs 10k now. They also got about 1-3 mpg worse then our current trucks. Obviously manufacturers have been chosing to increase capability (Payload, towing, HP, Torque) over Mileage. My question is, why doesnt Ford make both a light duty and heavy duty version of their F150. If you think about it alot of people dont use their trucks to the full potential, nore do they want to. This could be a plug for a 4,500 lb truck, 6k towing capacity, 25 mpg, light duty truck. Then you can keep the regular f150 also. It may be a good option to axing the Ranger. In all reality, sometimes im suprised they make the F150 as strong as it is. Afterall there is always an F250.... Just a thought that may solve some Cafe issues! Thoughts?

PJB

There is a heavier duty F150 with 7 lug wheels and other different parts. Sometimes it has 7700 emblems on it.

95stepside

They haven't been badged as 7700s since 2003/2004. Now you just get the heavy duty package to get them, but I think this may have been discontinued for the 2012s, I can't find it on the build page on fords site, but its there for the 2011s yet

ak_cowboy

I have one of those Heavy Duty F150s, it's 8200 lb GVWR, not 7700 anymore, and it gets about the same MPG as the others.

The new 3.7 motor can get over 22mpg if driven properly too

Also, can still get the heavy duty package on the 2012s