somecatchyphrase

I have ordered a 2023 XLT302a Super Crew 5.0 4x4. It will probably be here in the next few years. While I am waiting I’m starting to plan out my first few mods for the vehicle. I have perused many a thread on these forums about such topics but I am curious to get any new ideas and/or product information. There are many mods I want to do eventually such as suspension, wheel/tire upgrades, bed topper, performance enhancements, etc but those are more involved and I want to live with my truck stock-ish before making such upgrades. In the meantime I’m looking into more of a “protection/longevity/appearance” mod phase that is not too involved for when I first get the truck. Many threads like this have mods such as “new antenna” or “wheel well liners”. Specific brands/models and best places to purchase would be most helpful. If any of this has already been covered please point me to the thread. Keeping within the theme of phase 1 being “protection/longevity/appearance; below is my current list of ideas for easy/early mods and I look forward to feedback and others sharing their experience/ideas

• Any info/reviews on ceramic coating would be appreciated. Is it worth paying a professional shop to do it? Has anyone found success with the coating protecting the painted front bumper? Anything out there better than ceramic coating?
  
• I gather that rust spots under the truck are an unfortunate reality and that they are cosmetic. I still don’t like it. What/if any aftermarket solutions are there to this? Should I just take a can of Corrosion-X and go to town?
  
• It’s been a long time since I’ve had any vehicle windows tinted. It seems that ceramic something is all the new rage. Are there any threads specifically covering the different types of tint and pros/cons of each? I live in Florida so heat reflection is a big consideration.
  
• Antenna recommendations? Has anyone noticed a loss of reception quality with stubby antennas?
  
• I love the Black appearance package but was not able to order it based on other needs for my truck (6.5ft bed). Where is the best place to get aftermarket black appearance package products? Emblems, badges, etc.
  
• Does anyone have any experience between the most popular wheel well liners? It seems that Husky and OEM are the most mentioned. Is one superior to the other?
  
• It is my understanding that the XLT302a will have LED headlights but I am unsure if all of the individual bulbs in the housing will be LED, same for the tailight. Ultimately I want to have all LEDs throughout the truck. What is your favorite source for quality LED bulbs/fitment guides?
  
• I did not get the OEM bed lighting. Does anyone have any experience/suggestions for aftermarket bed lighting? Ideally with the same function as OEM? I don’t have the truck yet so I am unsure what wiring/harnesses are available for aftermarket.
  
• Skid plates: It seems that RCI and Talons Garage are the two most popular options. My primary concern here is ease of access for oil changes and ease of install without interfering with other components. Any thoughts vs the two brands?
  
• Wheel to Wheel Rock Sliders: I’m having a hard time finding anything here for the 6.5 bed. I do appreciate the “flared” step by the rear wheel to help with bed access and I suppose in theory the rock sliders would also function as an extra level of safety in the event of a side impact. I know bed steps can easily fill the desire to make getting in and out easier but I would want something more substantial.
  
• I gather that husky floor mats are very popular. Are there any other contenders in terms of durability and maximum carpet coverage? It seems that in my other vehicles with floormats I still can’t for the life of me keep fine sand particles out of the carpet.
  
• Any non-leather seat cover options? Back in the day I had a set of neoprene covers that I really did enjoy but do not have to have that specific material.
  

Whew, I think researching that list should keep me plenty busy as I await my truck. I appreciate any insight/wisdom.

dakotaguy

Okay...I ordered a 2023 last Friday.

I now see that the 2023 F150s are now, as of TODAY showing on the build the site.

I see that TOW HOOKS do NOT come on a Platinum and to get them, you need to get the "Platinum High" package. And that is a $3950 option.

It SHOWS tow hooks on the frame of the vehicle during the "build" process, yet they are an add on option only (for $3,950)

Please tell me the 2023 F150 Platinum has spaces/will allow me to add aftermarket tow hooks.

??

To OP ....to help stop underbody rust...I have this...and it works AWESOME. Goes on so easy. Doesn't muck stuff up too bad, but it absolutely works. It stays on. They are sold out now. I'm sure you can get somewhere else. There are similar products (Woolwax, etc).

2020FordRaptor

-I would have soneone do a PPF for the front end and do a ceramic coating yourself
-Look on ebay for a used set of OEM parts and rims, there's a plentiful amount for cheaper than aftermarket
-Id go Husky for wheel well liners theyll be cheaper; if you can find OEM ones cheaper Id get rhose though
-F150leds.com is the best place for LEDs and they sell everything for your truck
-I recommend a pair of weather tech rubber mats; they're the best
-check Carid for seat covers; they sell leather, vinyl, etc. For seat covers
-I would get the cheapest skid plates, unless your a hard off roader, either of those two brands will be perfectky fine and will be very similar for oil changes

Hope this helps!

somecatchyphrase

Thanks for the feedback @2020FordRaptor I will say you have sent me down a deep, deep rabbit hole educating myself on ppf and ceramic coating. In my mind I'll pick the truck up and drive straight to the detailing shop!

2020FordRaptor

Yes a PPF is a must uf you want your tryck to look amazing in 10 years. Good idea on going straight there, since if you drive it home then go to the detailing shop theres a chance hou might pick ip a rock chip and thats exactly what the PPF protects the front end from. A ceramic coaring doesnt protect from rock chips, but it helps swirling and small scratcges from cleaning often. Like I said, having a PPF done by a pro and doing a ceramic coating yourself would be gold.

Matt B.

..

UNCLE_PAULY

After putting in a build sheet order I had to wait months for delivery. Picked up my 2020 XLT the day it came off the truck before the dealership could run it thru their car wash. Peeled off the “4X4” decals right there. Drove it straight to the detailing shop for full ceramic coating (paint & chrome). After a week (cure time) I went to Line-X for the spray in bed liner.

As others have said ceramic coating only protects the clear coat paint and does not prevent stone chipping.

somecatchyphrase

Beautiful red truck. I really like the idea about intercepting the truck before the dealership does their car wash and driving it straight to the detailer. I'm leaning towards PPF on the front bumper and maybe the hood. I do plan on doing my own ceramic coating. It will be new for me but based on what I have seen it is a detailing task I can handle. Plus I look forward to spending time caressing my truck should it ever arrive.

2020FordRaptor

Do the hood. That's where some rock chips will find their way. Don't go halfway just get it all done.

danwellington0

I dont understand this system, the 2023 isnt started yet and people are still having 2023 trucks and vehicles, why car companies does this kind of stuff?