Unless something changes in the next few days I am flying out to Texas on Friday to take delivery of my replacement 2011 Super Duty!

For those not familiar, I lost my 2010 in a roll-over last January.

What I really wanted to do was order one exactly how I wanted. What I was going to order was an F-350 SRW, 6.7, CC SB, Navigation, FX4, King Ranch, Bronze Metallic/Pale Adobe, Adobe interior, 5th wheel package, marker lights, 20" KR wheels, block heater chord, and the snowplow package (heavier duty springs and alternator).

At the point I was going to order the navigation systems had been used up for the model year so I was out of luck until 2012. After having that in my last truck I don't think I will go back to not having it (I bought a Tomtom in the mean time, and I can throw it in my work truck every day too). With the earthquake in Japan I don't know what the long term affects are going to be in the automotive world, specifically with electronics. That leaves a question even on the availability of nav systems coming in the 2012 model year. Plus, that is a longer time to wait.

So I decided to start looking around for a truck that was on a lot some where. This has been much easier said than done. After being pressed against the roof in my last truck the last thing I wanted was a moon roof - that, to me, is an extra opening up on top (or down below) for my head to go through. Ive been in that situation once with a solid roof and I would highly prefer to keep it that way if I am ever to go over again (I really hope the roll was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but we're not always in control of things that happen like that).

The problem I ran in to is the dealer ordering. Ford packages the Navigation system AND the power moon roof in the "Lariat Ultimate" package. Because this is a package deal it is easier, and maybe less expensive, to order as such. Thus, finding a truck that has the navigation system and no moon roof is a logistical challenge unless you order it that way. I couldn't order one, so I got the short stick I suppose.

My search lead me to Texas. I had a dealer in Colorado locate me one. I had the VIN ran and it came up in Texas. So I narrowed my online searching to Texas and, wouldn't you know, I found a lot of trucks equipped with nav and no moon roof!

Combined with a couple other trucks I found in other states I worked up a list of a few. Then I organized them in order. I found one in particular I put above the others and made my first offer. The dealer came back and was $370 over my offer, so I figured that was close enough and took it. As it was I was in for a long haul to get a truck so it didn't matter where it was. I figure its a small price to pay for getting what I want. I intend to buy a truck and hang on to it, which is what I had planned for my last one but I didn't have it too long.

So what I ended up with is a Bronze Metallic/Pale Adobe Crew Cab F-350 SRW 6.7 King Ranch, with Adobe interor, FX4, 20" KR wheels with Michilin tires, and Upfitter switches. It doesn't have the marker lights or the 5th wheel prep package, and the biggest drawback (to me) is it is a long bed. I really don't need a long bed, its just a monster of a truck. However, that also makes things easier with bed mounted hitches. The marker lights and hitch can be installed later and it won't be too big of a deal. The upfitter switches can also pop out real easy (I made a custom switch panel for my 2010 that fits in the same spot on the 2011 - its for my Ham radio set up). So in the end the only thing I will not be able to change is chopping 2' off the bed/chassis length. Other than that, its what I was looking for.

One of the highlights of the deal is I get to see some friends I havent seen in 3-4 years. They moved to Texas several years ago and I've only seen them once for a skiing trip since.

I'll get some pictures when I get a chance. I am taking my ham radio with me so I will get some gear installed for my trek home (1300 some miles).

 

Good choice on the UPS Brown...you are in a select group...Congrats on the new truck...have a safe trip out and back.

 

Rick,

Where did you come up with UPS brown? Just curious.

 

Congrats Steve!

My wife said I can get whatever I want, as long as it is Golden Bronze Metallic (UPS brown). The UPS thing is just a running joke, big brown truck = UPS man...

I plan to order in Sept. Good luck with your rig, and ride home!

 

Congrats and have fun seeing your friends.

 

why would you buy a long box if you want a short box, I wouldn't buy it........just my .02

 

Congrats welcome to the Club looks just like my truck.

2011 F350 SRW LB KR Golden Bronze

 

I couldn't make things perfect so I sacrificed a few things. That was one of them. I did get a larger fuel tank out of it though

 

Congrats. If you're happy that's all that matters.

 

Congrats on your new truck!!!

If you are going to swap out your upfitter switches are you going to sell your stock switches???? I would like to put some in my truck....

 

Glad to hear it, Steve! Is it still this one?

 

I missed the part where you rolled the truck Steve, hope you get the new ride picked up.

 

Have a great trip and it'll be nice to have you among the 2011 group.
Put all the important things aside, the 8 ft bed matches with the crew cab the best so that will be one great looking truck!

 

I wasn't planning on getting a long box either,but I am not disapointed now. You will get used to to it in real hurry. The back up camera helps too.

 

Its a long truck & its a beauty if it looks like the one above , bigger fuel tank is good, Gig