That is my question.

I am looking to buy either a F-150 or F-250 (depending on what deals I see) at the end of the year. I love the look and concept of the King Ranch interior but I want to hear from owners. Is it as functional as it looks with the "saddle leather" seats and whatnot? how does it rate on comfort, toughness, etc? Are there any glaring reasons not to go this route?

 

What years are you looking at? The saddle leather seats we're last used in the F-150's in 2008 and last used in the F-250's in 2007. Since then it's just normal leather like is found in the Lariat etc, just a different color.

If you are looking at the older trucks - it seems that the durability is based on how well the leather was taken care of, which is usually pretty evident based on how they look. There are alot of cleaners and conditioners which help maintain and restore the King Ranch leather.

 

Thanks for the timely reply.

I did not know that Ford is now using regular leather. I haven't been to a dealer yet just doing online research so far. I will have to find one used because I can think of many things to do with $65K.

Can you comment on the old style comfort levels? I would think treating with mink oil or some other conditioners would soften the leather considerably and add some stain/water resistance as well.

 

To king ranch, definitely to king ranch.

I've got a '15 and I love it, absolutely gorgeous interior. I'm in Oklahoma so I really enjoy the thought of the king ranch heritage, like the buckle badging and running w, like what it stands for.

They switched up the leather in the new 18's and it looks awesome in the pictures. Check out the differences between the two.

On my next one, I'll consider a lariat if it's significantly cheaper (probably a 250).

It's great leather, don't believe it is true saddle anymore but it's been good to me. Bought used with 38k on it and the truck looked so good, hardly any signs of wear (mostly a couple scratches from hauling something sharp on the back seat).

To king ranch.......

 

If you're only after quality leather, buy an XLT and install Katzkins. You'll end up with higher quality leather than you can get from Ford.

 

old topic but im in for gen 11 king ranch, love mine...seats are the best thing in truck....
After 140k driver bottom cover worn through and developed small hole so i got replacement from Texas and going to dye with special colourant from Texas (lol) both front seats when changing...

 

 

yes aniline leather is tricky to take care as it has not got much colourant and top coat on it but that makes it unique...too much colourant can ruin leather which then looks and feels plasticky...

 

mine were faded with not much top coat on it so doing redone now...got new bottom seat cover from Texas...