XL possible upgrades
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 3
XL possible upgrades
I have a new to me 2017 with the XL package. I'm curious for those of you that have an XL if you have done any sort of creature comfort upgrades to it and how you feel about them. I've never really driven a really fancy car so this truck has most of what I want but I have a copy of things I would possibly like and I'm wondering if I'm missing out on anything else. Two obvious one are
I have the Sync radio with the smaller screen. Are there any firmware updates that need to be done? It seems to work pretty well honestly.
Backup camera - I would like to add one. Actually I would love the ability to have one and then the ability to add another on the trailer if I'm towing one. It does not need to be factory just wondering what people have used.
I have the Sync radio with the smaller screen. Are there any firmware updates that need to be done? It seems to work pretty well honestly.
Backup camera - I would like to add one. Actually I would love the ability to have one and then the ability to add another on the trailer if I'm towing one. It does not need to be factory just wondering what people have used.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 241
Likes: 97
From: USA
If you don't mind an analog camera. You can get a 7-9" monitor with 4 RCA-style video inputs for $70 or so. These monitors can typically split screen. You can get average cameras that will connect to those inputs for maybe $10-$20 each, slightly better ones for more, and put them anywhere.
Tuned
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 385
Likes: 197
From: San Diego
I have a 2019 XL350 and I replaced the small 4" screen with a larger aftermarket model which makes it much easier to see.
Mine also came with the single backup camera on the rear tailgate which I rarely even use as I use my side mirrors to see.
I do have a small camera that is mounted on the rear of my camper that plugs into the same tailgate camera plug underneath the truck so I can see directly behind when my camper is on as opposed to having a separate display to deal with.
Mine also came with the single backup camera on the rear tailgate which I rarely even use as I use my side mirrors to see.
I do have a small camera that is mounted on the rear of my camper that plugs into the same tailgate camera plug underneath the truck so I can see directly behind when my camper is on as opposed to having a separate display to deal with.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 511
A Lariat or Raptor steering wheel. Door keypads would be high on my list. Katzkin replacement seat covers are popular too. The standard halogen headlights aren't the best so upgrading them is important to some. A good set of shocks can improve the ride. Especially if yours are the stock units.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 59
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What does the steering wheel get you? How hard to install? Can you add the keypad to the doors? That would be pretty sweet. Any recomended headlights? My truck has the FX4 package so has the Ranchero Shocks. The truck rides way better than my 2012 did I think.
Last edited by mredington; Oct 19, 2023 at 03:53 PM. Reason: Added content
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 511
Raptor steering wheel gets you paddle shifters and nicer leather to hang onto that doesn't get gummy and dirty over time. Raptor Steering Wheel Swap - Page 4 - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)
Lariat steering wheel gets you the leather without the paddles. Not sure if it's as clean with the XL as XLT. Does it have less buttons on the steering wheel?
Keypad writeup: *HOW TO* Installing Factory Door Keypad on 2017+ Super Duty - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)
Can't comment on headlights to swap in as I already have the factory LEDs. The factory LED conversion will cost you about $4k though so I wouldn't go that route. I still added a lightbar hooked to an upfitter switch so that's an option (if you have them). others that have done upgrades will have to chime in.
I have a FX4 too and the Rancho shocks I took off at 120k miles said "FOMOCO" on them so they were original and were shot. They are a Ford shock that has Rancho branding and not real great. If you are staying on pavement lots of guys like Bilstein. Lots of choices out there. If it's working for you right now keep in mind for the future.
Lariat steering wheel gets you the leather without the paddles. Not sure if it's as clean with the XL as XLT. Does it have less buttons on the steering wheel?
Keypad writeup: *HOW TO* Installing Factory Door Keypad on 2017+ Super Duty - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)
Can't comment on headlights to swap in as I already have the factory LEDs. The factory LED conversion will cost you about $4k though so I wouldn't go that route. I still added a lightbar hooked to an upfitter switch so that's an option (if you have them). others that have done upgrades will have to chime in.
I have a FX4 too and the Rancho shocks I took off at 120k miles said "FOMOCO" on them so they were original and were shot. They are a Ford shock that has Rancho branding and not real great. If you are staying on pavement lots of guys like Bilstein. Lots of choices out there. If it's working for you right now keep in mind for the future.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 511
This guy did a bunch of upgrades with photos on his STX (between XL and XLT trim).
2019 F250 STX Diesel - My Build/Mods - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)
2019 F250 STX Diesel - My Build/Mods - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)
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More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 742
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On my last truck, a 2017 F150 STX, I added the following OEM parts, keypad entry, remote start, bed lights, heated mirrors (had the back window defroster already, puddles in the mirrors (extra wiring from the door modules), tailgate closer, visors with covers over the mirrors, Katzkin leather, and probably a few others I am missing.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,410
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From: Central KY
My truck is an XLT but it's virtually the same as an XL. It came with nothing. No carpet, no leather steering wheel, no power mirrors, 4.3" little bitty screen, no auto climate control, no remote start, nothing. I guess I should be happy it has A/C. Can't believe an XLT used to be a nice trim level and these days it's a stripped down model.
Anyway, my first order of business was to get rid of that stupid 4.3" non touch screen. I installed a 7" JVC touchscreen with help from Crutchfield dot com. Now I can actually see the backup cam. Then I installed my own AC power inverter because the factory one is capped at 400 watts so I installed an aftermarket 1,500 watt unit. My next mod will be to get the cloth lid on the console recovered in vinyl so it's easier to keep clean. Then I'll likely add seat covers. I would love to install the heated seats and steering wheel but it looks like a very expensive and daunting task so I probably won't. If my rear glass ever needs to be replaced I'll upgrade to one with a sliding window. Otherwise I'll probably just live with the truck as-is. Modding these things gets expensive, and if you're gonna' drop $5k on mods you might as well have bought a Lariat. That's how I see it.
Anyway, my first order of business was to get rid of that stupid 4.3" non touch screen. I installed a 7" JVC touchscreen with help from Crutchfield dot com. Now I can actually see the backup cam. Then I installed my own AC power inverter because the factory one is capped at 400 watts so I installed an aftermarket 1,500 watt unit. My next mod will be to get the cloth lid on the console recovered in vinyl so it's easier to keep clean. Then I'll likely add seat covers. I would love to install the heated seats and steering wheel but it looks like a very expensive and daunting task so I probably won't. If my rear glass ever needs to be replaced I'll upgrade to one with a sliding window. Otherwise I'll probably just live with the truck as-is. Modding these things gets expensive, and if you're gonna' drop $5k on mods you might as well have bought a Lariat. That's how I see it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 606
Etrack does fit, that's what I use
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 3