In the near future I plan on ordering a F250. When building it on Ford's website they list all the possible options. There are definite things I want but then there are things that I don't know about. My question for everyone is whether the options are worth the money. They are:

-Reverse Vehicle Sensing
-Stabilizer Pkg
-6 disc CD changer
-Privacy Glass
-Power/manual sliding window

Along with the question to get those options, does it make sense to buy aftermarket items instead of factory? Examples would be the privacy glass, stereo/CD changer, and the 12.5K hitch receiver.

It's nice to have all those options but it sure makes it confusing!

Thanks for the input!

 

Reverse Sensing System - Not always easy to see right behind truck, cheap insurance

6 disc CD. Many people have posted with quality problems. Can buy them used on ebay for almost nothing. Better off with aftermarket system

Privacy glass - Protect interior from sun, more expensive aftermarket

Power slider - convenience item, possible to adjust window safely while moving. Cheaper than aftermarket when considering labor

12.5K hitch - much more expensive aftermarket.

Just my opinion. F150 Supercrew

 

In the near future I plan on ordering a F250. When building it on Ford's website they list all the possible options. There are definite things I want but then there are things that I don't know about. My question for everyone is whether the options are worth the money. They are:

-Reverse Vehicle Sensing Cheap insurance, especially if you have kids in your neighborhood.-
Stabilizer Pkg how do you plan to use your truck?
-6 disc CD changer Personal preference, although a CD player is a must to me-
Privacy Glass wouldn't consider a truck without it-
Power/manual sliding window I think the Pwr slider should be standard- that's a long reach back there.

Along with the question to get those options, does it make sense to buy aftermarket items instead of factory? Examples would be the privacy glass, stereo/CD changer, and the 12.5K hitch receiver.
To me, it never makes sense to go aftermarket if the feature is available from the factory. Just from warranty issues alone, the hassle of aftermarket pieces can turn warranty adjustments into a nightmare.

The Northwest Chapter of FTE
we don't get lost,
we just get found

 

As for rear sliding window, based on my experience in last few trucks, they are kind of overrated. I barely use it without shell, it just blows the dirt in from the bed. With the shell, it can be useful as the bed is accessible whenever is needed. Such as getting a cold drink from cooler during the road trip. Manual would be sufficent as I would have my kids doing that for me, I couldn't get my cold soda from the bed while driving.
Privacy glass is preferrable direct from factory, as with aftermarket it uses film for privacy glass which differs from the factory as it use "spray-like" or "dyed" for tint windows.
For the 6 CD changer player/reversed sensor system, it's not applicable for me. I speak with my hands, if you get the drift.

 

polarbear, as for the use of my truck, I will be doing some towing/hauling, but not that regularly. I will also use it for hunting/off-road. I didn't think that would warrant the stabilizer pkg, but I really don't know. Thanks for the input everyone!

 

Stabilizer- Dont know about this
cd changer- in my opinion, go aftermarket, we got the cheapest, and planning on getting something aftermarket
Privacy glass- got that on the rear window. and aftermarket tint on the rest. results are fantastic
Power sliding window- great. cat reach the window from the front seat, so having it actually makes it useful

Rear backup sensor- Never had one. now that Ive used it, I feel naked in my Volvo backing up. One of the best additions to vehicles lately. Get it. Big truck, you will love it in my opinion.

 

Moved to proper forum.

 

Just my 2cents worth I have a 2005 F250 PSD CC LB SW I don't think I would have one with out the reverse sensing love it allows me to back closer to parked vehicles and etc. I have the camper package which includes the stabilizer package. I noticed there is no sway in the corners and when towing and a large semi flys by, the truck does not sway, highly recommond it. I have the single CD player works fine. Privacy glass is great and the power rear slider is a must a touch of the button and you have air back there.

 

I agree:

GET the reverse sensing unit
GET the power rear sliding window (aftermarket units don't fit well and leak)
GET the privacy glass (this removes the anxiety of hoping your local window tinting place does a good job!)

TOSS-UP: the 6-CD changer. The stock unit has convenient, easy to use ***** and display. Many of the aftermarket head units have these hi-tech looking ***** and tiny little buttons that can be difficult to see and use. For once, the simplicity of the stock design has its advantages over the aftermarket products, IMHO. The quality is fine. Unless you're a hard-core rompin', stompin', bumpin' stereo fanatic who needs 6 subwoofers and 2000 watts of power? The stock units are made by a very good manufacturer. You may just want to upgrade the speakers. Best way to decide: get in a truck and listen to the stereo system you're considering. See if it satisfies your needs in a stereo system or not.

TOSS-UP: Stabilizer Package. Depends on what it includes; how much better it is above the stock application; and primarily, is it something you NEED? Will you be slapping a high-profile camper on the bed? Are you a wild, fast driver who drives your SD like a sports car? Or, if you intend to get a lift kit at any point, the stabilizer package might not be necessary since many lift kits recommend or include stabilizer packages (steering stabilizers, body roll reducers, bushings, stabilizer bars, etc). So, it might be doubling up and therefore a waste of money. Just a thought there...

DS

 

-Reverse Vehicle Sensing--Just got my 05 a month ago and just love this feature!
-Stabilizer Pkg--No expert here, depends on what you plan on using the truck for.
-6 disc CD changer--Love this! I have yet to see an aftermarket head unit that holds 6 cd's, Changers always end up in an inconvienient place.
-Privacy Glass--Aftermarket is ok, but will degrade overtime, depends how dark you want it as well.
-Power/manual sliding window--love this as well, in the summer its great having all the windows open
-12.5K hitch receiver--comes already togo and fits the ford wiring and spare tire carrier.

 

Thanks for all the great input everyone! The only thing about the power sliding window is that you have to get a lariat for that and I don't want a lariat because I don't think I want leather seats. I haven't really decided though. Thanks again!

 

The leather heated seats are nice. Can't imagine why you souldn't want those. I probably have the only set of them down here and I love them. Easier to clean as well.

I don't have the reverse sensors and wish I did.

I don't have the power rear slider and wish I did.

I don't have the 6 CD changer and have no real desire to add it since I can only listen to one CD at a time anyway. I usually get by fine with the radio. That said, I know many folks like the multi CD changers. As stated above, there have been some problems with the stock ones. If you want this option, you might go aftermarket and get something that is also works with XM or Sirius. I would like to add the satellite radio to mine.

I have the camper package whcih I believe has the stabilizer. No comment on the value of this option other then more is probably better.

Privacy glass - always a god idea in my opinion. Makes it just a little more difficult for thiefs to see inside.

12.5K tow hitch. Get it with the truck. It will be less expensive.

As stated above, if you are thinking about adding it later, get it new with the truck to avaoid warranty disputes later. Givves you one place to point the finger. Only exception to this would be the stereo. Enjoy your new truck whatever you get.

 

What about the FX4 package? Is it worth it?

 

reverse sensor - in consumers report - was very inaccurate in their opinion the article said the sensitivity varried a lot depending on what the sensor saw. (light post vs another vehicle.)

 

Perhaps it's just me, but I've always found CP to have a pro-Japanese slant and a tendency to rate everbody's vehicles above the those of the US manufacturers. Because of this I rarely take what they have to say too seriously. Again, this could just be me and probably is but I would not be shocked to see those guys report that a Toyota 1/2 ton could outpull a Ford, Dodge or Chevy 3/4 ton.