Hello,

Is anybody using a newer F150 as a work truck and if so, how do you like it?

I'm asking because I'm looking to replace my current work truck which is a 1996 F150 with a 5.8L. There's nothing really wrong with this truck, it's just getting to that age where the reliability isn't always there and I need a vehicle that I can always count on. Also my current truck is pretty much pushed to the max of it's capabilities.
I prefer to buy trucks a couple of years old that still have some factory warranty left.
I was planning on buying an F250, but cannot find any decent work trucks. Lots of trucks available with PSD and leather interiors, but no basic trucks.
I did however find a 2005 F150 with 5.4L, 4.10 L.S.-10.25 rear and 8200 GVWR.

If anybody is using something like this as a work truck please let me know what you use it for and what you like and what you don't like. Also, what are you getting for gas mileage?

FYI- I always have at least 1000 lbs in the back of the truck, sometimes that weight may go up to 2000 lbs. I tow a 5000 lb. trailer about 6 times a year.

Thanks in advance for any input you may have.

Bruce

 

I use mine for work, I wouldn’t say my tools add up to 1000lbs, but the sandbags and tools in the winter definitely do. Unlike my 01 I don’t really feel that weight in the bed. I haven’t had it very long so I can’t comment on anything heavier then a 2000lb enclosed featherlight, which it pulled effortlessly. Basically it’s a tool, part, and, on occasion, machine hauler between buildings for me. The 05 with that axel will be one tough work truck and won’t have a problem with what you’ve mentioned.

Welcome to FTE.

 

You'll be fine with the f150 for a work truck. Just the other day I had 10 railroad ties in the bed of my 04 f150. Don't think i'll ever do it again, but it handled it. If I had overloads it would have been fine. When I was hauling them I kept hearing this squeaking sound while I was driving everytime I hit a bump. I just happened to be looking under it today and found the squeak, it has dual exhaust and the pipe that crosses over to the drivers side of the truck was hitting the top of the rearend. You know you have alot of weight on a truck if it's doing that. Thats alot of weight for a half ton so if it'll handle that it'll handle anything.

 

Thanks for the responses guys.
Screwy, I believe that you and I are on the same page.
My truck is just a tool along with any other tool such as a hammer or drill. I try to buy based on value for my money and reliability.
Perhaps the lack of responses should tell me something.

 

Well, this is the way I see it. I have loaded my truck to my max GVWR once, and it handled it like it was empty, and I have a Screw with the 7200 lb GVWR.

The regular or exended cab 8200 lb trucks are rated for a payload from 2500-3,000 lbs. I doubt you'd have any problem with an F150. You'd also get better mileage with the 150 instead of the 250!

 

I use my '07 Screw as a work truck. Haven't had much weight in it yet, maybe 800-900 lbs. on the rack, haven't pulled a trailer yet, waiting until I get 1000 miles or so on it first. I bought it so I could pull an enclosed equipment trailer that I couldn't do with my old truck. It's comfortable after a day's work, has a lot of cab room for tools, blueprints, extra clothes, etc. and the deep bed is nice for bulky cargo, although it makes it difficult to get into my toolbox because it sits so high (and I'm 6'2"). Can't wait to see how it tows. I was going to go with the heavy payload package, but need the Screw to carry clients to job sites. Only a couple hundred pound towing difference, so that's no big deal. Adding airbags to the rear end for hauling heavier loads (not over the GVWR of course!). Couldn't find a F250 without a PSD in four states, and I wasn't willing to pay for the diesel option. My F150s have all been work trucks, all have done what I wanted.

 

we use lots of F150's here for work trucks and they are fine....especially the one your talking about....the 4.10's and a 5.4.....you will never know the 2,000 lbs is back there...


the 5,000 lb trailer is not much either....i had 6,000 on my trailer the other weekend and my truck did great.....i have a 5.4 with 3.73's and 18" tires.....


go for it!!!

 

I have a loaded '06 Screw Lariat and use it for a work truck everyday
I pull a trailer now and then and have had 9000# on it; she pulled it fine and stopped when I hit the brakes - very important.
Don't count on great MPG's, just not gonna happen.

 

my opinion says that f150's are fairly reliable and are pretty good work horses. after you hit about 100,000 miles expect some maintenance on it such as alternators, belts, maybe rotors etc. you know usual routine stuff for older vehicles that some people think make it unreliable.

 

Oh yeah F150s are reliable and workhorses even the year you got already is reliable can easily go 200-300 thousand kms or more without much needed thts what a traditional truck is for work so im sure a new a F150 would be fine

 

Thanks again guys.

I guess my main concerns with the new trucks are the front end, which just doesn't seem as robust as the twin I-beam, and I'm also not a big fan of the modular motors as compared to the old Windsors.

With my current truck it has 210,000 kms right now and other than the tranny being rebuilt under warranty when the truck was new and me rebuilding the rear end at about 150,000 kms, the drivetrain has been bullet proof. Body wise Ford has done a great job with improving the rust resistance as the body looks almost as good now as when it was new. What's surprising is how everything under the truck is rusting out. I'm talking about every brake line, the starter, the oil pan, both gas tanks and now the steering box (I didn't even think that cast pieces could rust out).

Anyway, I'm not expecting any vehicle to be perfect. Just wanted to hear that some people do feel that the F150's are still capable of being used as a truck and moving up to an F250 was not absolutely neccessary for my needs.

Cheers... Bruce

 

I don't like the seats they are to hard . but They are a good truck . I have 2003 xlt 4x4 Company truck It runs fine . I wouldn't buy a F150 because I need the crewcab with a bed longer than 6 ft. good luck on swap but I bet you miss the old one.

 

The truck you are looking at will be a good work truck. The 5.4 gives you a heavier duty transmission and the room behind the seat of the standard cab is good storage for stuff you need to keep out of the weather and protect better from thiefs. The 5.4 tows heavy loads well even with the 3.73 gears.

 

I have an '05 Scab 8' bed, 4x4, HD, 4.10, 5.4, 8200 gvw. Bottom line it is a great work truck that replaced my 1989 F250 Scab, 8' bed, 7.3l diesel. I have a crossover toolbox and a set of TracRac ladder racks installed.
My truck carries heavy loads on a regular basis such as 35 pieces of 1/2" plywood, pallets of ready mix concrete, etc.
The only things it doesn't do like my old truck are the rattles and diesel smells.

 

Well thats good to hear your body is holding up Dirty thats one thing that these trucks are common for around here is the dam rust mine aint horrible but getting bad enough i need to stop driving it in winter