I like it!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,684
Likes: 2
Josh, I agree.
I think Ford could engage more with customers at time of order.
For example, in chassis cabs for the current model year, a Lariat version forces a PowerStroke. And the Lariat version in a chassis cab is not as fully equipped as the Lariat version in the pickups.
There are retired and ready to spend money on themselves customers who would like an RV hauler body on a chassis cab, AND would like all the bells and whistles that come with the pickup. They can get some, but not all. Why not?
Even if it was a market demand numbers game, with the advent of computers and just in time parts procurement, the technology is there to create what the customer wants. Ford could gain on other manufacturers by optimizing their production systems to fulfill customer needs, since unlike other manufacturers, Ford supplies their own engines, all of them, and, their own transmissions.
So why not make a V10 available in a Lariat F550 if the customer doesn't want the worries regarding the diesel? Clearly, Ford understands that some commercial customers prefer to avoid the diesel, given that the V10 is being made available in the F650/750 with GVWR's far exceeding that of the F550.
It can't be that hard. Even if the cost for custom configuration were to be passed down to the customer, I'll bet the customer who wants what they want will pay that cost to get what they want, because it is still easier than monkeying around changing wheels after the fact.
I think Ford could engage more with customers at time of order.
For example, in chassis cabs for the current model year, a Lariat version forces a PowerStroke. And the Lariat version in a chassis cab is not as fully equipped as the Lariat version in the pickups.
There are retired and ready to spend money on themselves customers who would like an RV hauler body on a chassis cab, AND would like all the bells and whistles that come with the pickup. They can get some, but not all. Why not?
Even if it was a market demand numbers game, with the advent of computers and just in time parts procurement, the technology is there to create what the customer wants. Ford could gain on other manufacturers by optimizing their production systems to fulfill customer needs, since unlike other manufacturers, Ford supplies their own engines, all of them, and, their own transmissions.
So why not make a V10 available in a Lariat F550 if the customer doesn't want the worries regarding the diesel? Clearly, Ford understands that some commercial customers prefer to avoid the diesel, given that the V10 is being made available in the F650/750 with GVWR's far exceeding that of the F550.
It can't be that hard. Even if the cost for custom configuration were to be passed down to the customer, I'll bet the customer who wants what they want will pay that cost to get what they want, because it is still easier than monkeying around changing wheels after the fact.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: Lititz, PA
The front fender is just a flat slab of sheet metal and it definitely different than what we've seen with the 99-16 rendition.
It's disappointing how Ford configures the trucks. For example the 15+ F150 has a nice 3 bar front grille on the XLT. Once the 302a package is chosen it automatically goes to the billet grille which I find hideous.
Or you have one package but like a different set of wheels it reverts to another package with options you do not want or need.
Frustrating. I understand the logic of some of it, especially for the interior, but seriously wheels are not a big deal to change around and neither is grilles.
Not fun having to wait so long to order one, as I was really wanting to pick something up this Winter.
Josh
It's disappointing how Ford configures the trucks. For example the 15+ F150 has a nice 3 bar front grille on the XLT. Once the 302a package is chosen it automatically goes to the billet grille which I find hideous.
Or you have one package but like a different set of wheels it reverts to another package with options you do not want or need.
Frustrating. I understand the logic of some of it, especially for the interior, but seriously wheels are not a big deal to change around and neither is grilles.
Not fun having to wait so long to order one, as I was really wanting to pick something up this Winter.
Josh
Anxious for the new SD build your own to come alive...going to be a long wait, though. Really starting to itch for a new truck, but can't even bother with the outgoing SD with the new one this close. My '06 is really staring to get some rocker panel rust - I'm all for AL.
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,441
Likes: 58
There are definitely some weird things going on when you do a "Build Your Own" - some of it makes sense, but a lot does not. Pricing up a F150 with payload package and you can't get the 302A...only 301A in XLT trim. Most of those things are interior things...nothing to do with heavy payload and axle ratios, etc.
Anxious for the new SD build your own to come alive...going to be a long wait, though. Really starting to itch for a new truck, but can't even bother with the outgoing SD with the new one this close. My '06 is really staring to get some rocker panel rust - I'm all for AL.
Anxious for the new SD build your own to come alive...going to be a long wait, though. Really starting to itch for a new truck, but can't even bother with the outgoing SD with the new one this close. My '06 is really staring to get some rocker panel rust - I'm all for AL.
After the announcement I was all on board for a 17, but at this point I am leaning towards a 2.7 or 5.0 F150 XLT and keeping my 6.0 for heavy haul.
Josh
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13,156
Likes: 5,941
Dodges have smaller badges?
Last edited by Y2KW57; Oct 26, 2015 at 04:17 PM.
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13,156
Likes: 5,941
Fiat would have to pay me $50 a month to billboard their brand like that. And they would have to pay my insurance premiums, since having "RAM" so big and bullseyed on the tailgate is just begging to get rear ended.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: Lititz, PA
lol.....yeah, I'm already thinking if I can't manage to hold out, I could just go with an F150. Truth be told, the F150 is PLENTY of truck for what I need. I don't tow. I only haul stuff as needed to take care of the house and a few acres...
I had an '04 F250 6.0 and it was a brute. Wayyy more truck than I needed, but it was fantastic. I traded during the "fuel crisis" as I couldn't justify $5 / gallon for diesel.
Now my thinking has been to go back to a F250 and just keep it for 10-12 years. Figure a heavier duty 250 would work well for my needs and be able to easily go the 10 or 12 years since I wouldn't be killing it every day.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: Lititz, PA
Sometimes the RAM guys crack me up. Around here, (Lebanon/Lancaster county PA area), all the RAM guys love to "roll coal" and drive with their towing mirrors flipped out. I think they just like to look tough and are all about their truck bling.
Hey, if that's your thing, run with it, I say. But it still makes me chuckle.
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,441
Likes: 58
lol.....yeah, I'm already thinking if I can't manage to hold out, I could just go with an F150. Truth be told, the F150 is PLENTY of truck for what I need. I don't tow. I only haul stuff as needed to take care of the house and a few acres...
I had an '04 F250 6.0 and it was a brute. Wayyy more truck than I needed, but it was fantastic. I traded during the "fuel crisis" as I couldn't justify $5 / gallon for diesel.
Now my thinking has been to go back to a F250 and just keep it for 10-12 years. Figure a heavier duty 250 would work well for my needs and be able to easily go the 10 or 12 years since I wouldn't be killing it every day.
I had an '04 F250 6.0 and it was a brute. Wayyy more truck than I needed, but it was fantastic. I traded during the "fuel crisis" as I couldn't justify $5 / gallon for diesel.
Now my thinking has been to go back to a F250 and just keep it for 10-12 years. Figure a heavier duty 250 would work well for my needs and be able to easily go the 10 or 12 years since I wouldn't be killing it every day.
I could easily keep the 6.0, however, I feel it would be sitting too long unused and we all know the 6.0 likes to be used and not sit dormant.
I think I just talked myself out of the 17 6.7 Superduty........
Josh
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: Lititz, PA
Yep, I have no issues with 6.0 as a DD, but something slightly smaller for parking and downtown would be nice. I use the bed nearly everyday and pull a 5k trailer at least twice a month. Haven't hauled a 5th in over 2 years and do not anticipate it in the future so the 2.7/5.0 F150 is right up my alley.
I could easily keep the 6.0, however, I feel it would be sitting too long unused and we all know the 6.0 likes to be used and not sit dormant.
I think I just talked myself out of the 17 6.7 Superduty........
Josh
I could easily keep the 6.0, however, I feel it would be sitting too long unused and we all know the 6.0 likes to be used and not sit dormant.
I think I just talked myself out of the 17 6.7 Superduty........
Josh
You sure did talk yourself out of a new SD, didn't you? Bah...give it a couple days and you'll be back around to waiting on the '17 SD. :-)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post