It seems all but certain that the next generation Ford Super Duty pickups will come with similar aluminum body panels to what are used on the 2015 Ford F150. While this might work out perfectly for both the automaker and the consumers, there are plenty of skeptics who think that the lightweight body panels are a bad idea.

With that in mind, we want to know what you think about using aluminum on the body of the 2016 Super Duty. Should Ford have waited a few years to see how the consumer market liked the aluminum F150?

 

We went from wood to steel to aluminum - it's no big deal.
Plastics/composites are next.
There's going to be some wadded up panties when that happens.
Formula 1 doesn't use CF so that they save weight and run an iron block.
When we're gone, the kids will laugh at our follies.

Edit: Maybe we'll get that sweet F150 cab. I'd order one!

 

Aluminum is hardly a new material to work with; it's been around for a LONG time. I don't think they're going to screw this up. In many ways steel isn't a great metal to use either.

 

Some will yell, "Keep steel panels!" as they re-arrange the cardboard over the rusted out holes in the floor...

 

I have a concern how well the aluminum body panels will hold up on a platform like the F250 Super Duty. F150 owners typically drive to work or tow a boat or lighter trailer. Super Duty owners use their trucks for work, often punishing the body with the materials transported and the conditions exposed to. I'd like to see data on the punishability of the aluminum before a conversion. The fuel economy of the F250 is lousy. Can aluminum raise that up? I doubt it. F250 is geared for heavy towing and work. Body weight is not a huge factor in the fuel economy calculation.

 

Hi Kahrph, welcome to FTE!

Of course this is a marketing video, but I think it illustrates the fact that durability was a priority when they designed this stuff. I would expect most of this to be applicable to the new Super Duty.


If it wasn't, then why would they switch? It's going to cost more to manufacture a truck with an aluminum body, and if the price increase isn't offset by a benefit everyone would start buying Chevy and Dodge trucks.

 

I've been in construction and I see far more trashed 150's than SD's.
They are cheap to get and they hand them out for foreman, delivery people, jobsite hauling, etc.

 

The aluminum body panels are going to do great so. go for it! The question in my mind right now is when are they gonna fire the person responsible for choosing the wheels that are going on the new Ford models, both cars and trucks. Some of them ruin the look of the whole vehicle they are so ugly. Just sayin.

 

livestock trailers have been made out of aluminum for decades and they hold up just fine. With the right contours aluminum panels will be just as strong, or stronger than their steel counterparts.

 

I think aluminum is no doubt a good idea on all vehicles. I was skeptical at first, but after taking my materials and manufacturing engineering class it is obvious that it is a better material for vehicle use. It may be harder to repair, but it is also harder to damage. Just leaning on the side of a steel vehicle and you can feel it flex a lot. My favorite part is the added corrosion resistance. I own one of the rustiest 2000 F-150's still on the road and just over the past year it has gone from no rust above rear wheel wells to no rear wheel wells. The only reason it is still operable is because the cab corners and rockers were replaced by a previous owner.

I know aluminum won't corrode like that. I have found 20 year old pop cans siting in the woods in a damp swamp and they still look pristine. That is the cheapest aluminum, not the high quality stuff the F-series will use. Give it 10 years and I bet everybody will love not having cancer all over their vehicles.

 

Well put, Austin.
I like the way you think.

 

I wonder if hail damage is easily repaired with aluminum as opposed to steel?

 

I think it's the best idea. As a Ford truck owner, the F250 specifically...Our trucks here in the North East are prone to rust! Rust in the quarter panels, rust in the fenders, tailgates too. It's a problem and comes in quick, often in just a few years from being new. Aluminum will take care of these issues. I have seen the Ford demonstrational videos showing the strength of the aluminum panels and it is impressive. They have obviously done their homework! These great, new, soon to be rust free trucks will also make great, used rust free trucks keeping these Fords on the road for a long time...