When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
While looking at a 4x2 2004 F-150 I discovered that I cannot touch the floor of the bed by reaching over the rail. I figgure by the time I add my behind the cab toolbosalvaged from my wrecked F-150) that I will not be able to reach into it at all from the ground. This is the only thing about the new F-150 that is a big negative thus far. The only solution that comes to mind is a tubular frame mounted side rail with a built in step.
You need some 70's platform shoes. I can reach my 4x4 bed, but not very far interior. I am 6' 3". Heah, just think how well packages and gear will be hidden out of site from people walking or driving nearby.
When the new Dodge trucks came out back in the '90s, farmers instantly started to complain that it sat too high. It was hard to hook up the gooseneck trailers, and hard to load and unload. Now I think Ford is about to get into the same problem with this F-150. I'm 6'4" and I cannot reach over the bed rails and touch the floor of the bed on the 4x4 models. It's ridiculous.
I agree, I have a '04 super cab lariat,6.5 bed, 4x2!! and I still think it is too high to work out of. I have a crossover tool box and tonneau cover to access also. I'm seriously considering a lowering kit to get it down approx. 3 or 4" in back and a couple of inches in front. Anyone have ideas on lowering kits available?Hey Ford, the extra size is great only if you can easily access it, let's get with it! ( I'm 6'3" ) I can't imagine shorter guys using this let alone a 4x4 which is even higher!
Will
Last edited by will1010; Dec 19, 2003 at 01:02 PM.
I am 5'10" and will most likely pass the 04 because of this feature. I am now looking only at the 04 Heritage F-150, but cannot yet find an option package that suits. Thanks for the replies.
its an odd stretch for a feature benefit! More cargo capacity is the advantage of the 2 inch deeper box. A dump truck has more capacity too, but doesn't mean it fits the needs of the pickup truck user.
Skid, what kind of options do you need on your heritage?
Ichlucky, I love it also. As I mentioned above, I am 6'03". I mentioned all the complaining going on about the new bed height to my wife. She said I have not been able to reach in on any of the old ones either. I guess these guys should stick to the Rangers or maybe even a Polaris Ranger.
I am 5'10" and will most likely pass the 04 because of this feature. I am now looking only at the 04 Heritage F-150, but cannot yet find an option package that suits. Thanks for the replies.
You are going to buy the marginal truck with the the marginal engine, because you can't reach over the side as well? Put three sheet of plywood in the bottom of the bed or something. Buy a stool, open the tailgate, and or jump in. It must be just a work truck to pass up all of the awesome driving abilities of the new F150. What would you do with a F250 or greater, because they have been tough to reach into forever especially with any tire size?
I did not say it was "junk", but I drive those babys all the time. They are somewhat marginal in comparison. I bought a 2002 Chevy because I just did not like the last half ton Fords. I had always appreciated getting off work and jumping into my Chevy in comparison to the Fords. I am a convert that purchased a new 04 F150 because Ford saw the error of their ways and completely redesigned the half ton.
I thought it was funny because I called my wife on the cell in my company work truck to talk about the news reports on the good Safety rating the 04 F150. Of course the Safety guy talks about how terrible the previous F150 was in the crash test. Well, how ironic that I am calling from a 2003 F150 while driving down an icy interstate. Excited about the good report on the new trucks while I still spend more time in the unsafe trucks.