I have just started to look for a F150. I noticed 4 sections on this forum for truck of various ages.
97-03
04-08
09-14
15- present

I would probably be most interested in the two groups covering 04-14.
look for a V8-auto, Super Cab 2 or 4wd. I would be using it to two our small camper trailer and our small fishing boat.

Is there anyone here that would give me the rundown on the differences between these two groups

 

None are as good at the 1995 series. You are better off buying and rebuilding an old one.
I know of many problems with the 2013 series. The EPA and CAFE standards have killed the F150.
Good luck.
They don't make trucks like they use to.
PS, Ford moved the fuel filter to INSIDE THE GAS TANK, and no fuel cap so dirt now gets into the gas tank, and you have to remove the WHOLE dash board to change a heater core.
Ford fail. Long list of Ford fails.
I currently have 27k miles on my 2013, and it now needs front rotors. I don't tow and drive slow.
Poor parts quality. I'm searching for a 1995 to replace this thing.
I had a 1995, first brake job was at 89k miles.

 

Gotta disagree. I've owned an 85, 95, 98, 02, and now a 14. The 14 is far, far better truck than any of the older versions. It ain't even close. The 5.0 has more power, gets better fuel mileage and is cheaper to maintain.

The older trucks had their issues too. Sometimes nostalgia makes us forget the bad and only remember the good things about the "good old days".

 

I got about 19 mpg on my 1995 300/six.
I get about 20 mpg on my lighter 2013 5.0 (302)
I drove the 1995 for 15 yrs and only changed oil/fuel/filter/belts. I sold it to get a bigger bed. Worst mistake of by life.
I could write a book.
It had nice cheap shocks in front you could change out for about $25 dollars and 1 hr, it had a fuel filter you could change for $15 dollars and about an hour.
It did not have traction control which I don't need in the south and I hate.
It did not have power windows which I hate.
It did not have front ABS which I hate.
It did not have lights that stay on after I left the vehicle. I hate "smart charge".
The oil filter was vertical, not horizontal so as to pour oil all over the place when I changed oil.
The metal was thick in the body, the door did not "oil can" when I shut the door.
It came from the factory with rear wheel liners. (to keep rocks from hitting under bed.
It did not have a two piece drive shaft that you can't change U-joints on.
It did not have electric "NON REPAIRABLE" steering.
You could change the heater core w/o pulling the WHOLE DASH BOARD !!!
I currently need the front rotors turned at 27K miles, my first brake job on the 1995 was 89K miles.
I could go on 20 more times, I hate this truck and looking for 1995 model.

 

Really, and you told the OP to get a old one and rebuild it.......lmao....a 95 is old.....lol.....and claim its the best...wow you are a old timer....ppppssstttt......If you want a REAL Ford truck at least for me lets start at 1967.....1973......either 1/2 or 3/4 ton......390 CI...granny 4 speed and a middle driveshaft that probably weights more than a 1980 150 transfer case......you mention power steering....guess what...a real truck has non.....you mention EPAS.....no lines...pump...leaks...all man power....power brakes....nope just a place for a vacuum leak.....that was a time you had to be a man and lock the hubs out...no auto crap...fuel mileage not there...cuz its a truck....power windows....was that even a option?...back then.....rotors....what are they...Now that I expressed my opinion like you....Maybe the OP wants power.....comfort...wants good fuel consumption.....The new trucks do it all.

Heres my opinion Ive owned a 1967...1973...1979...1982..1988..1991..1995..1999. ..2002..2003...2004..2006..and now a 2013......all have been great trucks....for the motors in them have been 390...390...300 six...300 six...300 six...351w...302...5.4 2 valve...x3...6.0 diesel....5.4 3 valve and finally a 3.5tt. Out of all this so far the 3.5 has been the best feeling engine, the best sounding is the 390, and most reliable the 300 6, locked that old girl up 3 times it was the 1988 and cool her down way we go. Most comfortable by no comparison the 2013, so it all depends what the OP is looking for, if a real truck is wanted for work 1967-1979 is the best work horse when no thrills are needed, they had real metal and cast in them....1980-1996 great trucks but its a middle truck.....comfort Id say 2004-current. The 2011-current can almost be put though the paces as a old truck....by numbers and maybe exceed. To the OP, opinions are like butt holes every one has one find, look, and test what you want and buy what fits your needs.