rotor7911

This is my third Gen 13, F150. It is my office, so I have a new desk chair and window.
I have been hanging out and watching some really terrific builds on this forum for quite a while now. This will not be a complete transformation build like some are as I don't have the down time or the budget for anything too exotic. I do like to make the truck mine, and personalize it as much as I can, but it needs to be able to roll at least five days a week.
Much of my short list is just getting everything from the last truck back onto this one.

My previous two trucks were 2015 F150 XLT's. Both were 302A packages with the 2.7 eco. Combined I put about 150K on them. The first one was black then came a white one. Black sure looks great when it is clean, but many weeks that clean only lasts a few hours and it is dirty again. The clean appearance lasts a little longer on the white one.

I have been looking for the right truck to trade into for a little while now, so wouldn't you know that I would find my next truck during the polar vortex. That meant that I was in an unheated shop removing all the good stuff during the coldest weekend in quite a while. Fortunately my sons are pretty good with a wrench and they were willing to help out.
We needed to remove a Hellwig sway bar, Sylvania Zevo LED's in all turn/tail/tag/reverse lights, Crystal Vision headlights and fogs, custom console inside and several other little things. Nothing too major but still a few cold hours.

rotor7911

Old and new side by side

rotor7911

the new truck on home turf.

rotor7911

my first Gen 13 F150, 2015 XLT 302a

rotor7911

So far I have been able to get my Peragon tonneau cover back on so the bed stays covered and my stuff is out of sight. We put the tailgate shock back on and installed the Zevo tail/turns, reverse, and license plate lights.
Once you get used to the tailgate shock you really miss it when it's not there. If you are thinking about the OEM shock versus aftermarket I would recommend the Ford unit. Buy the two components separately, not as a kit, they are cheaper that way.

rotor7911

anyone have experience putting factory flares onto a non flared truck? seen a good write up on it? Does the adhesive work?
Thanks

rotor7911

My to do list;
install bed slide
swap out the head lights and fog light bulbs
swap out the front turns and markers for Zevo LEDs
install mud flaps
install bug screen between grille and shutters

rotor7911

with the new Peel Coat


stock vs wrapped vents on my 2015.

One of the first things I did on my other trucks was to cover the chrome on the dash vents. The chrome was always reflecting in my outside mirror causing a distraction. As much as I drive I don't like unnecessary reflections in my mirrors.
Initially I used a piece of electrical tape on the bottom horizontal section of the vent. That looks pretty cheesy. So I pulled them off and wrapped them. They came out OK.
With the new 2017 truck I figured that they would be the same chrome on the vents. I was wrong. The '17 has black and a chrome rim. I didn't notice that until they were removed and ready for Peel Coat. I went ahead and sprayed them with Peel Coat Graphite anyway.

rotor7911

I just realized that I haven't properly introduced my truck yet.
2017 F150 XLT 302a, 2.7 eco,. 3.55 e lock axle, engine block heater, Navigation, Trailer Tow package, Sync connect, 36 gallon fuel tank, trailer brake controller, 2 tone paint.

Fuel economy is very important to me, so I wanted to stick with the 2.7 eco boost engine.

My last truck had a 3.73 axle. I don't heavily load the truck so I wanted the 3.55 axle for better fuel economy. E lock to me just makes sense when you live in the country, on a gravel road, in snow country.

Navigation looks like a redundancy with the Sync 3 and an I phone, but we'll see, so far it looks like fun.

The trailer tow package was on my want list, not because I tow much but because it adds a tranny cooler for the hot summer days, and a beefier front stabilizer bar for better handling.

Sync Connect wasn't even on my radar, but the truck has it, so now I can check on my truck with the Ford Pass app. (if I ever get out of it)

36 gallon tank is a must have for me. I travel part of three states regularly. With the big fuel tank I can buy fuel where it is cheapest and not run out when I'm in the boonies.

Trailer brake controller may get used a few times, but not a lot.

rotor7911

I have a new set of '18 Sport wheels with LT tires that I was hoping to get installed this weekend, but the forecast doesn't look like very friendly temperatures, and I will need to remove a snow drift to get into the shop.