Hoping to be ordering soon. So subscribing

 

I typically order Lariat with just options that I want. I really don't care about Moonroofs, Chrome packages etc.

So I usually order truck with cheapest trie/wheels that Ford will install and swap out for custom wheels/tires when I pick up the truck. I've had good luck selling my take-off wheels/tires to offset what I pay toward the aftermarket.

I bought a 2017 Dec 27 and grabbed a Platinum that was pretty loaded. A lot of stuff I would not have ordered. I mean I've been driving 50+ years, I wasn't sure I needed all the extra help.

I do like the Adaptive Cruise now that I've used it and learned about it. The BLIS I could probably live without if all I was using it for was changing lanes. But it is handy when backing out of driveways or parking lot spaces. The lane keep is a small distraction to me. But maybe it will help teach me to always use my turn signals. I've gotten a little casual about just drifting across lanes without signalling if nobody is near.

Automatic headlight dimming, Automatic windshield wipers are nice, but sure wouldn't be deal breakers for me.

I do like the LED headlights and the retractable running boards both of which required either the Lariat Ultimate or getting a KR or Platinum package. I also like the Trailer Tow Cameras. Its great for parking in shopping malls and for hooking up the trailer. My truck is parked in a garage at night, So I almost never feel the heated steering wheel. Since the truck is not cold enough to activate it pulling out of the garage. Daily commute, I don't think about the massaging seats. I'm sure when I start hauling horses on longer drives, that I will punch that button once in while. But I kinda forget the option is there.

For me it came down to ordering an 18 without all the options and waiting 8-12 weeks for it to come or taking a 17 Platinum with more than I wanted but actually less cost because of the year end rebates.


So I bought a truck with more options than I normally get.
I worry about the cost of repairs for the electronic gizmos. I'm sure the diesel engine, tranny 4x4 etc will run for a long time. But all these new sensor, Who knows how dependable they are, At least you easily turn most off if you don't use them.

 

I ordered a Lariat as I wanted leather and I like some of the other standard features of the options I have, here is what I think:

Heated seats - excellent

Heated rear seats - excellent

Cooled seats - not that crazy about them so far, maybe I will grow to appreciate them, would I order it (if I had the choice) - no

Power seats - yes just for the adjustability
Memory - yes I have had trucks with out and they are pain if more than one person is using the truck

Power steering wheel adjust - Didn't order it on my first truck and got it on my second, handier than I though for making small adjustments as you are driving
Order - Maybe nice to have and works with the memory function but if I had to pay for it I would likely spend the money elsewhere

Heated steering wheel - I can't lie it is a nice luxury in our climate. I have used it many, many times.

Platinum Paint - didn't order it initially but I really like it, I have always had white trucks but this one really stands out.

Keyless entry- I find it handier than I thought and I like being able to release the tailgate from the key pad.

Keyless entry & Push button start - Both are nice to have and I like not having to fuss for my keys but, if I didn't have them Im sure my life would go on

Box lighting - I'm glad I have it I have used it a lot

Sliding rear window - came bundled with Lariat, never use it, but now that I have a headache rack on I might to give the dog more air in the back seat

Rear defrost & heated mirrors - I have had this on other trucks and never really noticed that big flat panel of glass frosting up, or the mirrors maybe its just our particular climate.

Power Telescoping mirrors - I was on the fence about this option, really glad I got it, its a big truck and having to get out to fold the mirrors every time I need to would have been a pain, great for the car wash to.

Boxlink system - use them all the time, really like that they lock

Running boards - I am not short but this is a tall truck I don't see how you could live without them, my wife certainly couldn't and keeping the war department happy is half the battle.

Sony Audio - Many don't like it, I guess I am not that picky and honestly i was pleasantly surprised

Adjustable pedals with memory - I am sure I could live without this option

Universal Garage opener - can't really put the Queen Mary in my garage, useless to me

Dual Zone climate - If you have a wife you have no option on this, your life will be challenging without it

Reverse camera and sensing - I originally ordered the full camera package, this truck didn't come with it, after using this system, it is all I need. The mirrors and the cut out in the door for the mirrors are just fantastic.

Sync 3 - very handy, Ford App ugh probably the worst App every

Nav - I didn't order it on the last truck but got it on this one, rarely use it and with Sync, I don't see the value in it. If I traveled a lot out of the area I live I might use it more for the $800 bucks I could take or leave it but it was bundled in the ultimate package.

4 x 4 - where I live I can't be without it.

Diesel - Never had one in my own personal truck before, loving it, exceeded my expectations

3.55 Electronic locking rear axle - I have no idea I really have nothing to compare it to but we are getting more trailers at work so I hope it will come in handy

Chrome package - didn't order it on my first truck, it makes it a little fancier than I would have liked but that said I like it on a white truck more than the color coded handles and mirrors, other colors not as much. It came with the wider running boards and nicer rims so in the end I didn't feel it was bad value.

Console - I love it so handy, like all the USB's and also the addition of the rear plug, usb heat vents.

Moonroof - Didn't order it initially. Surprised that I like it but I really do like the light and so do the back seat passengers.

Adaptive steering - I love it, so much easier to maneuver than my last truck particularly with CCLB anything that helps maneuverability to me is worthwhile

Lane keeping alert - I have actually noticed after a long day that it alerts me to the fact that I am tired. I will be driving home and feel that little vibration in the wheel more than usual and it makes me realize I need to be more alert. But that said I have had it off for about a month and haven't missed it. Order it again - maybe, honestly it would be nice if it was standard along with blind spot (but then again the mirrors really are fantastic)

Remote start - Very handy, so great to have the car up and running without having to brush a foot of snow of the roof and windows to make that happen. Also like the timed shut off.

Step - I was adamant I wanted this feature, but it was really difficult to come by and a stock truck at the dealers. I am amazed Ford doesn't either make this standard or do what GM does with the step integrated into the bumper. I use this all the time, even the young guys on the crew love this feature.

 

I ordered an XL but with a few goodies. My favorite options are:

1. Ulitimate camera system- makes backing up to trailers child’s play. Good situational awareness.

2. Sync 3 w/o nav.- Apple car play works very well, especially the maps/nav function on the phone displays on the sync 3 screen and works flawlessly even has traffic alerts with selectable re-routes. IMO, no need to buy the ford nav.

3. 115 volt charging port - Use this all the time for laptops, iPads, etc.

4. Optional limited slip rear -works automatically all the time. (not avail. On SRW trucks)

5. Manual transfer case and Hubs. - Some like the ESOF but I like manual. Less crap to go wrong over time.

6. Heavy front service spring 6k lb, part of camper package. Front end nearly looks like it’s been leveled. Truck still rides good.

7. Supplemental Heater - Works well and gives out enough heat while motor is still cold and warming up to bear through those cold mornings.

8. Supplemental rear seatbelts. - Got those for our kids or anyone else riding in the back.

9. Boxlink- Great mid-point for attaching and securing cargo.

10. Last but not least, the star of the truck, the 6.7 PSD makes this great truck even better.

11. Wash and wear interior - Vinyl seats and rubber floors are great for ease of cleaning. IMO, no truck should have carpeted floors.

 

 

 

 

 

My truck is work truck, But it is my mobile office. I've been at this long enough, that I want to enjoy my day and not spend my day in bare bones XL model work truck. I build schools, and for 6-8 months I'm commuting from my home to the jobsite, which is often 50 miles one way. So I spend 2 hours a day driving and 6-8 hours using the truck as my office.

After work and weekends, I hook up my GN horse trailer and head for the mountains with the horses. It's not uncommon for long weekend trips to be a 5 hour drive away So I enjoy a comfortable truck.

Being in construction on jobsites everyday regardless of the weather, I worried about carpet. But the new generation floor mats like Huskyliners do such a great job of catching any mud off your boots. I just pull the floor mats out and wash them everytime I go thru the carwash.

Ford does a lot of advertising of mid $40,xxx.xx trucks. But as you have stated, the difference between a loaded Lariat and a Platinum in pretty minor. They are both going to list in the $70's If you skip the latest safety gizmos you might option out a Lariat for $3000 to $4000 less than Platinum

I don't have rear seat passengers very often. So heated rear seats and supplemental rear seat belts don't add much value to me. Usually I have rolls of building plans piled in the back seat.

I do like the Locking rear axle vs the limited slips I had the past.
In my case the 3.55 works great for a F350 SRW and I keep 35" tall tires on it.

 

I have a Platinum straight off the lot but I will give you a rundown of the "must haves" for me.

- LED lighting (this is truly fantastic lighting). The auto high beam feature works great as well.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (this is great for long trips on the highway)
- Ultimate Camera System (this is great for towing but even better when you need to park in small spaces. The 360 degree camera system makes it easy to put the truck in the spot)
- Seat A/C & Heating (both work well and are great if you start the truck 5-10 minutes before getting into it)
- Sync 3 (not the best system out there but a good infotainment center)
- Keyless entry (This is great, especially with remote start and the ability to grab the door handle to unlock the truck)
- Power Mirrors (being able to press a button to extend the mirrors for towing is convenient but being able to power fold them is a must)
- Dual Zone Climate (a must if a woman will ever ride in the truck)
- Full panel moon roof (This is really nice on trips and just in general. Being able to let that much light in makes the truck feel larger than it is)
- Supplemental heater (If you live in cold climates this is a must. Doesn't give off much heat but it is much better than nothing)

 

I wouldn't have another vehicle without adaptive cruise control if it was available.

The power steps are great. My wife is a little short and the power steps come down a bit further than the fixed steps. Plus, when retracted, the truck just looks better than trucks with the fixed steps.

Some guys are getting aftermarket bed liner instead of OEM. The OEM has been just fine for me.

The F-450 likely comes with the 3" receiver. If you do any bumper pull trailering you'll either need to use the reducer sleeves (included) or be prepared to shell out for a new ball mount. I went with a new adjustable height ball mount with a 3" shank as well as a new WDH with a 3" shank.

 

Couldn't order that with my Supercab, I was told I would need a crewcab tho on the build and price site it let me add it to my build.

 

just picked up my 18 last week: my top three must have's would be:
- Rapid Heat (only with the 6.7L)
- Extended running boards, lets you reach into the bed. Cost about same as retractable but I don't need the clearance, not off roading.
- Long bed, nice to have a 48 gallon tank

If you tow fifth wheel, then add the fifth wheel prep and bed camera to the list.

I picked the options I wanted on a Lariat, LED's would have been nice but would have cost me about $4800 more with the packages that you are required to get, in order to get the LED (BLIS + LED + Lariat Ultimate). I skipped the LED. With the dual mirrors on each side, you have very little blind spot next to the truck. I can see BLIS being more useful on a single mirror system like cars have.
No moon roof for me, all my vehicles have them and no one uses them in my family, and none of my friends use the ones they have.

 

Buying a Supercab limits one to a much smaller list of options.