I attended the Drive event today in Denver. They had 5 trucks
Gas F250 (Lariat)
Diesel F450 (Platinum)
Diesel F350 (Lariat)
Diesel F250 (Lariat)
Diesel F250? (King Ranch)

Only the first two could be driven on the street. My son drove the gas F250 while I rode in the back seat. Ride was a bit rougher than I expected but not horrible. I didn't drive the F450 as the line was too long.

None of the F250's had the camper package (only three leaves in the spring pack and no sway bar).

One of the other trucks was set up to show the trailer technology and the other to show the camera technology. These were driven only a short distance in the parking lot. The third truck (King Ranch) was available for everyone to crawl into and around.

I was mainly there to get measurements. None of the trucks (F250/F350) was taller than 82". I believe they all had the 20" tires.

The retractable steps had a height of a little over 15" while the fixed steps were 18". I'm now absolutely going with the retractable steps. The lower step height will give my wife one less thing to crab about.

My son is 6'2" and his head cleared the ceiling by about 1", but it wasn't clear if the seat was at its lowest setting.

The two console cup holders on the passenger side (and the rear seat too) are a very tight fit for my Camelbak water bottle. The fit on the driver side cup holders is very loose.

The door handles seem really cheap/flimsy. I hope they hold up.

The folks running the show didn't know things they should have. Like the conventional trailering maximum weight (18,000 lbs). Thanks to this forum I can rattle off stuff like that. They did go through a script as you did each event so it's not like they were just there to watch what you.

The band was really good. The pizza truck was even better. Plus, I scored a Ford baseball cap.

I was satisfied with the event. I got what I came for. I'm eager to order one.

 

Nice! Only thing I worry about, body wise, is the fuel door.

 

Thanks for the info. Any pics of the event? They may be the same group of trucks I saw at the Oswego NY event.

 

Thank you for the information, measurements... and evaluation.
Ringing endorsement that you are now ready to order!!

 

The fuel door is definitely big and definitely plastic. It didn't seem flimsy but I can see where an aftermarket billet door will be a nice to have option for some. I have a severe case of mod-fatigue with my current truck so I have no intention of changing the fuel door or much of anything else.

Sorry, I didn't take any pictures. They were moving people in and out of the trucks pretty quick. I had to sneak into the F-450 between groups to check out the leather in the Platinum trim. It was nice but I'm not sure it's enough to move me off of my current choice of Lariat Ultimate.

I'm fairly sure all these were 4x4. One was an FX4 (not impressed). Showing a 4x2 here in Colorado would like trying to sell wool sweaters to folks in Houston.

 

There is also a plastic cab corner which is not a problem. Plastic will not rust. I have a Lariat Ultimate being built 8/17 and agree that is a fine choice. Good luck on your truck purchase.

 

On the subject of fuel doors, why don't any full size trucks have locking fuel doors like cars have had for >10 years?

While a locking fuel door isn't going to deter a serious turd, it makes the vehicle a *slightly* less vulnerable.

 

I don't have false hopes about my FX4 package either. Lol

But I do think it's a super cheap price for the hill decent option even if you take the crappy shocks and thin skid plates away.

 

So what does this hill descent option actually do for you? I've been an avid off-roader for 20+ years and none of my off road rigs have such an option. Good brakes, low gearing and some skill negate the need for another electronic off road nanny.

Is this add-on option packaged with the trailer towing and "how to back a trailer" nanny as well?

Adam

 

Land Rover invented Hill Descent Control (HDC) back in 1997. When Ford bought Land Rover in 2000, they were eventually able to pirate the system.

It's a useless gimmick. Land Rover designed it for the crappy Freelander, which lacked a low range transfer case. It made its way, eventually, into all the proper Rovers but with decently low gearing, it is not necessary.

 

Is it not 21,000lbs?

 

Conventional towing is 18K for the SRW F-350, less any added options of course. If past experience looking at trucks on the lot and getting the actual towing rating is any guide, then the street rating will be around 15,500 to maybe a bit over 16,000.

 

I am the type that wants all the options, I don't care if it's a rear bumper heater to melt snow, I'll take it.

 

That would be a handy option for those of us that pull trailers in the winter in the north.. something too keep the snow/ice/slush melted out of the step and away from the plugs..

 

Exactly, take notes Ford. 😄