Advice wanted on options
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,061
Likes: 39
From: Laramie, WY
Thanks for all the input folks...I think I have decided on a Super Cab FX4. My local dealer found one and will go get it. It has all the luxury upgrades except the FX4 appearance package, and I didn't want that anyway. The one thing it doesn't have is the rear tailgate step. I think that would be nice to have. I haven't seen one in person but the internet pics make it look like I would have to have a different tailgate...is that right or can I just add it to a truck that didn't come with it?
Otherwise I have a welder and some steel...I'll just take a look at what they built and make my own if it isn't easily added. The option is about $350 and that will buy a lot of steel.
Otherwise I have a welder and some steel...I'll just take a look at what they built and make my own if it isn't easily added. The option is about $350 and that will buy a lot of steel.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
disclaimer: i'm the wet blanket here.
1: the factory unit will likely have better longevity than an aftermarket unit; there are times when this would be nice. that being said, i just get out and check once or twice. i've never failed to hook a trailer due to a lack of a camera (see comment on #5)
2: baaah!! roll down your window and fold it in. get your butt out of the seat and do the otherside if you need. i give this feature 5-7 years before it quits working anyway. (also see comment on #5 here as well)
3: yeah, for the 50+ crowd, i can see this.
4: not if i have to pay extra for them. we have one vehicle with heated seats, and they don't work. they are another 5-7 year item IMO. if they wouldn't put stupid leather seats in cars you wouldn't need to heat and cool them. man i HATE leather seats!!! the only difference between leather and vinyl is the price you pay ... both suck!
5: baaah!! go out and start your vehicle. sedentary lifestyles lead to obesity.
6: wheel to wheel running boards would rock. i'm 6'2" and can't reach over the bedside.
7: learn your truck. if you parked with too much gap, get back in and fix it. (comment on #5 applies here as well)
i'll admit, i'm a crank windows, rubber floor, and cloth seats kinda guy. i buy them when they are older and i keep 'em forever. half the fancy stuff you guys buy don't work by the time i get them anyway.
1: the factory unit will likely have better longevity than an aftermarket unit; there are times when this would be nice. that being said, i just get out and check once or twice. i've never failed to hook a trailer due to a lack of a camera (see comment on #5)
2: baaah!! roll down your window and fold it in. get your butt out of the seat and do the otherside if you need. i give this feature 5-7 years before it quits working anyway. (also see comment on #5 here as well)
3: yeah, for the 50+ crowd, i can see this.
4: not if i have to pay extra for them. we have one vehicle with heated seats, and they don't work. they are another 5-7 year item IMO. if they wouldn't put stupid leather seats in cars you wouldn't need to heat and cool them. man i HATE leather seats!!! the only difference between leather and vinyl is the price you pay ... both suck!
5: baaah!! go out and start your vehicle. sedentary lifestyles lead to obesity.
6: wheel to wheel running boards would rock. i'm 6'2" and can't reach over the bedside.
7: learn your truck. if you parked with too much gap, get back in and fix it. (comment on #5 applies here as well)
i'll admit, i'm a crank windows, rubber floor, and cloth seats kinda guy. i buy them when they are older and i keep 'em forever. half the fancy stuff you guys buy don't work by the time i get them anyway.
#1: Save time and little bumps if you're off!
#2: Get 'em - truck is WIDE.
#3: I'm 32, but only 5'8" tall, so the tailgate step is a MUST HAVE for me! Saves my shins!
#4: I have a 1992 BMW that has heated seats ... which still work. I'm not sure which vehicle meborder has, but I'd have it looked at.
#5: Remote start is awesome - and I hardly live a sedentary lifestyle. It's just nice to run out hop in, and go, when it's cold out.
#6: I have the side steps, and as long as you wash them out regularly, they don't stick. I haven't needed them when driving through snow, so I can't comment on their freezing or not.
#7: That's *if* a gap is left ... sensors are far cheaper than accidents. That being said, my 2011 doesn't have them, and I parallel park it quite often, and haven't hit anything, so maybe there *is* some truth to "learning your truck".
I bought my 2011 fairly well loaded. It's a Lariat with the sunroof, nav, Sony audio, side steps, tailgate step, dealer-installed running boards (necessary for 5'3" wifey, and why weren't they ordered on the truck, since it had side steps and tailgate step???), heated/cooled seats, almost every option.
It's great for road trips - and my dog has enough room too! I'm not sure how big your dog is, but mine is only 30lbs, so he fits on the rear bench.
As for the tailgate step not being factory installed? Maybe pass on that specific truck, or order the one you want. There are plenty of aftermarket options too. As your research has stated, the tailgate step is a different tailgate altogether, so why mess with a new truck like that?
Just my $.02,
-John
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,061
Likes: 39
From: Laramie, WY
Thanks John...
I am gonna go ahead without ordering a whole different truck just because of the tailgate step. I have a welder and can do a decent job of fabricating parts. So I think I will just make my own tailgate step. Right now I'm debating one to put in the receiver hitch or the fold down style.
My dog is only about 40 lbs (blue heeler) and I think she will also be fine in the back seat.
I am gonna go ahead without ordering a whole different truck just because of the tailgate step. I have a welder and can do a decent job of fabricating parts. So I think I will just make my own tailgate step. Right now I'm debating one to put in the receiver hitch or the fold down style.
My dog is only about 40 lbs (blue heeler) and I think she will also be fine in the back seat.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 1
I have a fully loaded Lariat Crew Cab, and never regret getting all the bells and whistles! Don't we deserve it?! The only difference between my truck and my buddy's Platinum is a few options: larger mirrors, ambient lighting, and the folding side rails. Otherwise it is the same truck. And the Ecoboost rocks!
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,061
Likes: 39
From: Laramie, WY
Thanks for all the input...I've decided on an 5.0 FX4 SC with a 6 1/2' bed that has everything but the appearance package (stripe, moonroof, and slightly different seat). The dealer had to go get the truck a state or two away...they wouldn't tell me where it is...and I should pick it up on Friday.
The only two things I wanted but wasn't able to get was a 3.73 axel ratio and the tailgate step. I am working on a design to make my own step and I would have had to order a truck from the factory just to get the different ratio, this one is 3.55 and it should be enough.
It gonna be a big improvement in comfort for me and my wife...I doubt the dog will care.
The only two things I wanted but wasn't able to get was a 3.73 axel ratio and the tailgate step. I am working on a design to make my own step and I would have had to order a truck from the factory just to get the different ratio, this one is 3.55 and it should be enough.
It gonna be a big improvement in comfort for me and my wife...I doubt the dog will care.
New User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Sounds like a very nice pickup! Also, AMP Research makes a step that pops out that can be used in place of the bed step. It goes in the corner so you step on it then on the tailgate or bumper.
Also, not sure if I'm right or not but I thought only the EB was available with 3.55 axle? Guess I'll have to check the site.
Be sure to post pics
Also, not sure if I'm right or not but I thought only the EB was available with 3.55 axle? Guess I'll have to check the site.
Be sure to post pics
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 479
Likes: 1
From: Bartlett, TN
Thanks for all the input...I've decided on an 5.0 FX4 SC with a 6 1/2' bed that has everything but the appearance package (stripe, moonroof, and slightly different seat). The dealer had to go get the truck a state or two away...they wouldn't tell me where it is...and I should pick it up on Friday.
The only two things I wanted but wasn't able to get was a 3.73 axel ratio and the tailgate step. I am working on a design to make my own step and I would have had to order a truck from the factory just to get the different ratio, this one is 3.55 and it should be enough.
It gonna be a big improvement in comfort for me and my wife...I doubt the dog will care.
The only two things I wanted but wasn't able to get was a 3.73 axel ratio and the tailgate step. I am working on a design to make my own step and I would have had to order a truck from the factory just to get the different ratio, this one is 3.55 and it should be enough.
It gonna be a big improvement in comfort for me and my wife...I doubt the dog will care.
3.55 gears should be fine too unless you do some heavy towing.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,061
Likes: 39
From: Laramie, WY
I'm not sure yet if I'm gonna go as far in the step design to include the "mini stripper" pole...but I have been drawing up designs and I am gonna recess it all down into the tailgate. I do want to keep a normal flat tailgate. I will also use about a 6" wide step rather than just a bar for the step.
The part to work out yet is reinforcing the tailgate without killing the paint. I don't mind repainting the inside of the tailgate but I'd rather not have to repaint the outside because of welding burns. The pivot needs to go close to the top of the tailgate so I'm guessing I should make the frame strong and not rely on the sheet metal strength.
I'm also thinking of having it fold out to the side rather than the rear...that might help eliminate the "stripper pole".
The part to work out yet is reinforcing the tailgate without killing the paint. I don't mind repainting the inside of the tailgate but I'd rather not have to repaint the outside because of welding burns. The pivot needs to go close to the top of the tailgate so I'm guessing I should make the frame strong and not rely on the sheet metal strength.
I'm also thinking of having it fold out to the side rather than the rear...that might help eliminate the "stripper pole".
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,358
Likes: 250
disclaimer: i'm the wet blanket here.
1: the factory unit will likely have better longevity than an aftermarket unit; there are times when this would be nice. that being said, i just get out and check once or twice. i've never failed to hook a trailer due to a lack of a camera (see comment on #5)
2: baaah!! roll down your window and fold it in. get your butt out of the seat and do the otherside if you need. i give this feature 5-7 years before it quits working anyway. (also see comment on #5 here as well)
3: yeah, for the 50+ crowd, i can see this.
4: not if i have to pay extra for them. we have one vehicle with heated seats, and they don't work. they are another 5-7 year item IMO. if they wouldn't put stupid leather seats in cars you wouldn't need to heat and cool them. man i HATE leather seats!!! the only difference between leather and vinyl is the price you pay ... both suck!
5: baaah!! go out and start your vehicle. sedentary lifestyles lead to obesity.
6: wheel to wheel running boards would rock. i'm 6'2" and can't reach over the bedside.
7: learn your truck. if you parked with too much gap, get back in and fix it. (comment on #5 applies here as well)
i'll admit, i'm a crank windows, rubber floor, and cloth seats kinda guy. i buy them when they are older and i keep 'em forever. half the fancy stuff you guys buy don't work by the time i get them anyway.
1: the factory unit will likely have better longevity than an aftermarket unit; there are times when this would be nice. that being said, i just get out and check once or twice. i've never failed to hook a trailer due to a lack of a camera (see comment on #5)
2: baaah!! roll down your window and fold it in. get your butt out of the seat and do the otherside if you need. i give this feature 5-7 years before it quits working anyway. (also see comment on #5 here as well)
3: yeah, for the 50+ crowd, i can see this.
4: not if i have to pay extra for them. we have one vehicle with heated seats, and they don't work. they are another 5-7 year item IMO. if they wouldn't put stupid leather seats in cars you wouldn't need to heat and cool them. man i HATE leather seats!!! the only difference between leather and vinyl is the price you pay ... both suck!
5: baaah!! go out and start your vehicle. sedentary lifestyles lead to obesity.
6: wheel to wheel running boards would rock. i'm 6'2" and can't reach over the bedside.
7: learn your truck. if you parked with too much gap, get back in and fix it. (comment on #5 applies here as well)
i'll admit, i'm a crank windows, rubber floor, and cloth seats kinda guy. i buy them when they are older and i keep 'em forever. half the fancy stuff you guys buy don't work by the time i get them anyway.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 479
Likes: 1
From: Bartlett, TN
I like the way you think. I went from a pretty well equiped FX4 F150 to a fairly basic XL F250 and it serves me just fine. The only creature comforts I ordered on this truck is cloth seat,CD player, cruise, and alum wheels for show. My wife has a loaded up FX4 with pretty much every option and most of it is a waste IMO.
Glad you got what you wanted.
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