I agree 100% with your statements. The Super Duty platform has been the benchmark since '99. One YouTube frame flex video and we are where we are now. I think it's for the best. The enhanced ride and handling characteristics are a nice trade off.

 

Is it just me? If you watch the extended version at min 2:18 looks like a new shade of blue is on the line.

 

That's on an outgoing 2016 model, and judging by the blue wrap/tape on the other trucks from paint, it's probably just that.

 

Cool video and very impressive. Ford started using a boxed frame on the F-150 a few years back. I wonder why they are just getting to it on the Super Duty. Probably a weight thing.

 

Boxed frame started on the 2004 F-150. Ride quality is more of a concern on the half-tons than the HD's, and the half-tons are generally not upfitted with vocational bodies the way the HDs are. That is probably the main reason for not upgrading before now.

 

So I have a question. I plan on taking the bed off and bolting a flatbed onto the frame. Does the boxed frame present any obstacles to doing that?

 

There will be mounting holes in the frame for the factory bed and your flatbed could either use those holes, or it may need angle brackets that bolt to the sides of the frame to lend a new mounting surface to the flatbed. Most flatbeds I have seen are universal, so odds are, you'll end up with angle brackets..

 

You should consider a cab and chassis. The frames are different with the rear portion still C Channel for just the purpose of adapting different style bodies easily. And I bet this was done so they didn't lose the market for Ambulance, tool, wrecker and other conversions where an aftermarket retrofit can take months and months to come about.

 

Only problem with the C&C is that they derate the HP/TQ on them... Well, they do for the current generation trucks..

 

The only problem with that is that the bed I'll be putting on fits a bed delete, not the longer CC.

 

That is true. Didn't know where your useage was headed.

 

Well, I just got off the phone with the manufacturer of my bed and they're very interested in borrowing my truck when it arrives to tailor a mounting kit to fit.

Good thing is they're only about 100 miles away.

 

Due to the new frame and body style your take off might be valuable to the first wreck of the new style.

 

Does anyone know what the deal is with the retractable steps? Are they Amps Research steps? Are they standard on Lariats and above or what? That's $1k right there...

 

Is the new version more maneuverable? Is the turning radius any less?
My main problem with 2015 Screw 6.5' bed is tight situations. I seem to have extreme problems getting into and out of tight places. I recently parked with what I thought was plenty of room, only to have someone park close next to me and I did not think I would ever get out.

A tighter turning radius would be extremely welcome! I can't always choose where I have to go, or where I have to park.