SD package / option questions (new truck order)
Hi everyone, we're planning to order a new 2019 6.7L F350 so that we can upgrade our current RV (~6000 lbs) to a larger TT or 5er. I've got a '17 F150 3.5EB w/max trailer tow now. This is my first SD and so I had a few questions about some of the options and package bundles. I figured it would be easier to start a new thread for my build instead of dirtying up other folks' threads with my Q&A. I appreciate any and all feedback. (BTW, I'm not new to ordering new vehicles, but this is only my second Ford truck - I also have a GT350).
Before I start with options, I'll say I'm not 100% sold on the 350 vs. 250. We have not been able to test drive a 350 yet, but did get to drive a 6.7L 250 on Saturday and found the ride to be just fine (this will be my daily driver and our long-drive vehicle, with or without the RV). The notes for things like the hvy service front suspension (required for the locking 3.55) and camper package mention the upgraded and/or helper springs in the 350 - the camper package in particular notes that it "may result in deterioration of ride quality when vehicle is not equipped with camper" and the suspension notes "may result in deterioration of ride quality when vehicle is not equipped with front end utility attachment". We probably don't need the capability the 350 gives over the 250 right now, but I'm a fan of planning ahead and hate to have to buy a new truck in several years if we want to upgrade again vs. spending the extra ~$1000 now to get the 350. I'd love any thoughts on this conundrum. Anyhow, onto the options and my Q&A: Lariat Ultimate Package (96U)
Tow Technology Bundle (96T)
Locking 3.55 rear axle (X3J)
Quad-beam LED headlights (53Q)
Power running boards (60B)
Adaptive Cruise Control (527)
BLIS (60B)
Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera (874)
Power Moonroof (43V)
Upfitter Switches (66S)
I think that is everything (at least from a factory option standpoint) that I'm considering and/or have questions about. I would love your feedback on any or all of these - personal experience or second hand knowledge - but feel free to throw out anything I haven't mentioned or you think is valuable. |
How big of a TT or 5er are you considering? The 350 has a lot more cargo capacity which will help you handle larger pin/tongue weights. The rest of the options look great.
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I think you'll also like the keyless Push-to-Start features included with the Lariat Ult Pkg.
If you're going for the UTTC option, then you may also want to consider the "Customer Placed Trailer Camera" (option 65B). This additional camera could be placed on the rear of your camper and might be handy when backing up. Don't rule out Adaptive Steering... IMHO, there's a whole lotta crankin' goin' on with the regular steering. HTH, Jim / crewzer |
Note, the BLIS is disabled if you hook up to a fiver. It's only supposed to work with TTs. I didn't have it on my 1/2 ton with TT, so I really don't miss it on my f250 with fiver. It seems to work fine when not towing, but I haven't really leveraged it that way much yet.
I stayed away from the power running boards because I heard they had issues in the winter, between the salt, snow and ice. The included boards on the Lariat were good enough for me, so I didn't worry about upgrading those. However, now that I'm hooking up a fiver, I do wish I had at least considered the extended runnings boards to make reaching into the bed easier. I can reach, but that extra step up would help a lot. I wasn't sure how much I'd use the 360 Camera, but I love it now that I have it. Not for towing as the CHMSL Camera is good enough for hooking up to the fiver, but just parking in general. It's great to be able to get the rubber right at the curb without having to tilt the passenger side mirror down, and I've used the front camera to tuck it right up to the wall in a couple of parking garages that used angled parking and I couldn't back in. |
I thought steps / running boards were standard on the Lariat DRW, but optional on the SRW? Part of the reason for us ordering the Chrome Pkg on our new Lariat Ult was to get cab-length step bars.
Regards, Jim / crewzer |
Originally Posted by SDcrewzer
(Post 18090026)
I thought steps / running boards were standard on the Lariat DRW, but optional on the SRW? Part of the reason for us ordering the Chrome Pkg on our new Lariat Ult was to get cab-length step bars.
Regards, Jim / crewzer |
I'll only speak for the options that you are asking about that I actually have on my XLT.
Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera-haven't seen a tremendous benefit of it for towing, but like Kaadk said, just for parking in general it is really handy to have. I have a CC LB so I love it. F-350 vs F250-All depends on how big a future trailer you are looking for. I went with the F-350 because I wanted as much capacity as possible. I got the long bed so in my opinion the ride on the highway isn't bad at all. On regular streets it can get a bit stiff but I have gotten used to it. I didn't even drive a F-250 though so I don't have any comparison. I was getting the F-350 all the way. Locking 3.55 Rear Axle: The locking feature is nice because with the pull of the switch, both bock tires are locked together which on something like a slick boat ramp is amazing. Once again on the gearing I was preparing for the maximum size trailer I would be towing so I got the lowest I could get. Upfitter Switches: I didn't think I would use them, but I have already wired in a dashcam. I don't plan on adding any exterior lights, but who knows what I will add over the years. I don't see how you could power something like a winch off of it though due to the amp draw. It is handy not to have to add tap fuses and accessory switches when you want to add stuff though. Ford did make it quite challenging to get to the wires that run though the firewall due to their short length. |
Originally Posted by Alaskan_Warbird
(Post 18089912)
How big of a TT or 5er are you considering? The 350 has a lot more cargo capacity which will help you handle larger pin/tongue weights. The rest of the options look great.
Here are the ones we have in mind now: Keystone Sprinter Campfire 33BH Forest River Wildcat 343BIK Forest River Flagstaff Classic Super Lite 832BHIKWS Keystone Outback 325BH Keystone Sprinter 325BMK Jayco Eagle HT 324BHTS Forest River Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8327SS
Originally Posted by SDcrewzer
(Post 18089944)
I think you'll also like the keyless Push-to-Start features included with the Lariat Ult Pkg.
If you're going for the UTTC option, then you may also want to consider the "Customer Placed Trailer Camera" (option 65B). This additional camera could be placed on the rear of your camper and might be handy when backing up. Don't rule out Adaptive Steering... IMHO, there's a whole lotta crankin' goin' on with the regular steering. HTH, Jim / crewzer
Originally Posted by Nosedive10
(Post 18090257)
I'll only speak for the options that you are asking about that I actually have on my XLT.
Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera-haven't seen a tremendous benefit of it for towing, but like Kaadk said, just for parking in general it is really handy to have. I have a CC LB so I love it. F-350 vs F250-All depends on how big a future trailer you are looking for. I went with the F-350 because I wanted as much capacity as possible. I got the long bed so in my opinion the ride on the highway isn't bad at all. On regular streets it can get a bit stiff but I have gotten used to it. I didn't even drive a F-250 though so I don't have any comparison. I was getting the F-350 all the way. Locking 3.55 Rear Axle: The locking feature is nice because with the pull of the switch, both bock tires are locked together which on something like a slick boat ramp is amazing. Once again on the gearing I was preparing for the maximum size trailer I would be towing so I got the lowest I could get. Upfitter Switches: I didn't think I would use them, but I have already wired in a dashcam. I don't plan on adding any exterior lights, but who knows what I will add over the years. I don't see how you could power something like a winch off of it though due to the amp draw. It is handy not to have to add tap fuses and accessory switches when you want to add stuff though. Ford did make it quite challenging to get to the wires that run though the firewall due to their short length. Thank you for all the feedback so far! |
We are looking at ordering a 19 and have narrowed it down to the following must haves:
F350, Larriet, Diesel, CCLB 3.55 ld, why limit yourself on capacity when the ride is pretty much the same I like the larriet value package because I don't need all the bells and whistles just remote start and heated seats for Montana. Tailgate step and extended running boards because I'm not getting any younger High mounted camera so I can hook up the fifth wheel without drama with the wife. i will probably add navigation, upfitters, and roof clearance lights since it's not a heavy duty truck if you don't have lights on the roof. As far as the camper this year we switched from a 30ft bumper pull bunkhouse to a 38 foot fifth wheel toy hauler and couldn't be happier. I hated the idea of having all the wasted space just for the kids to sleep in so now I have a 12ft garage that has two queen beds and the bottom converts to a dinette for rainy days. The wife even let me get a side by side to put in it but it is really handy for bikes and gear with no toys. You also get huge tank capacities with most toy haulers over regular campers. Good luck |
Lariat Ultimate - The LED headlights are worth it. As are the Power mirrors and step.
Tow tech bundle - it's all about the trailer camera system. Make sure you also get the trailer camera - handy for backing up when your spotter is either not present, or may as well not be present. LED headlights - I know of no downside. Love mine. Don't know how I saw before. Power boards - I'm in NY - snow, slush, ice, mud. They work fantastic. I've never had them freeze up. And since they're up when driving, no getting loaded with slush. I'll always have these in the future. Adaptive Cruise - I've got the 6.2, but use the ACC all the time. Including when I'm towing. Normal cruise sucks now. BLIS - I have it - it's nice when I'm not towing, since we sit so high.. prius's hide easily. When I'm towing, it only works my one of my 3 trailers.. handy, but not as much.. I don't really have a blindspot alongside the trailers. Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera - don't forget to also actually get the user-installed trailer camera. Very handy for backing up - especially in parking lots where you want to make sure nobody just pulled behind you in the 10 seconds it took to get into the truck. Moonroof - I like mine - especially in the winter. In the summer, my bald head gets toasty on sunny days, so i close the shade. Need to see if there is a way to knock down the heat.. maybe a ceramic tint? Upfitter Switches - get em. hard or impossible to add later. Couple mods you may want - 1) truck reverse lights disabled by upfitter so you don't get the reflection off the trailer. 2) 2Lo mod for the 4wd. |
On the 250 vs 350 discussion, note that a 250 with the 6.7 and 4x4 takes a serious payload hit due to the weight of those options. The 350 will provide up to another 1500 lbs of payload, and you’ll also get the Dana rear axle. My take on the 3.55 axle option is that it’s available with the camper package as well. HTH, Jim / crewzer |
Originally Posted by gravedgr
(Post 18090798)
About 35' - 38' long, dry weight around 8500 and GCWR of no more than 11,500. I think we have pretty much ruled out any FW at this point due to wanting a bunkhouse in the back for kids. Speaking of potentially ruling out 5er trailers, if we skipped the 5th wheel/gooseneck prep, could we add it later at the dealer or is that factory-only?
Originally Posted by gravedgr
(Post 18090798)
Here are the ones we have in mind now:
Keystone Sprinter Campfire 33BH Forest River Wildcat 343BIK Forest River Flagstaff Classic Super Lite 832BHIKWS Keystone Outback 325BH Keystone Sprinter 325BMK Jayco Eagle HT 324BHTS Forest River Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8327SS https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...ff01af865f.jpg
Originally Posted by gravedgr
(Post 18090798)
... I will look up 65B - to be honest, I just passed over it and had no idea what it was for. For $1000, I think I'd rather spend another $300 and get the moonroof for the wife and kids. ;)
1) You need to get the cabling from the back of the fifth wheel to the king-pin, not exactly an easy task. Ended up having to go to the dealer for help, so extra money in install fees. 2) It's designed for replacing the 7-pin on the bumper only, not the -in-bed 7-pin plug, so you need to buy a different adapter from a third party company to move it (extra money). 3) Putting the truck in reverse defaults to the tailgate camera, even if the trailer is hooked up, so every time you swap to reverse you need to stop and switch to the auxiliary camera. 4) It only works under 5 MPH. So unlike the Furrion 'Observation' camera, you can't use it to check behind you while going down the road. Now, on the plus side though: 1) It's wired so no connectivity or interference issues. 2) It's right in the head unit, so no extra screen cluttering up the dash. |
Originally Posted by hookd
(Post 18091216)
We are looking at ordering a 19 and have narrowed it down to the following must haves:
F350, Larriet, Diesel, CCLB 3.55 ld, why limit yourself on capacity when the ride is pretty much the same I like the larriet value package because I don't need all the bells and whistles just remote start and heated seats for Montana. Tailgate step and extended running boards because I'm not getting any younger High mounted camera so I can hook up the fifth wheel without drama with the wife. i will probably add navigation, upfitters, and roof clearance lights since it's not a heavy duty truck if you don't have lights on the roof. As far as the camper this year we switched from a 30ft bumper pull bunkhouse to a 38 foot fifth wheel toy hauler and couldn't be happier. I hated the idea of having all the wasted space just for the kids to sleep in so now I have a 12ft garage that has two queen beds and the bottom converts to a dinette for rainy days. The wife even let me get a side by side to put in it but it is really handy for bikes and gear with no toys. You also get huge tank capacities with most toy haulers over regular campers. Good luck |
Originally Posted by Xwild
(Post 18091230)
Lariat Ultimate - The LED headlights are worth it. As are the Power mirrors and step.
Tow tech bundle - it's all about the trailer camera system. Make sure you also get the trailer camera - handy for backing up when your spotter is either not present, or may as well not be present. LED headlights - I know of no downside. Love mine. Don't know how I saw before. Power boards - I'm in NY - snow, slush, ice, mud. They work fantastic. I've never had them freeze up. And since they're up when driving, no getting loaded with slush. I'll always have these in the future. Adaptive Cruise - I've got the 6.2, but use the ACC all the time. Including when I'm towing. Normal cruise sucks now. BLIS - I have it - it's nice when I'm not towing, since we sit so high.. prius's hide easily. When I'm towing, it only works my one of my 3 trailers.. handy, but not as much.. I don't really have a blindspot alongside the trailers. Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera - don't forget to also actually get the user-installed trailer camera. Very handy for backing up - especially in parking lots where you want to make sure nobody just pulled behind you in the 10 seconds it took to get into the truck. Moonroof - I like mine - especially in the winter. In the summer, my bald head gets toasty on sunny days, so i close the shade. Need to see if there is a way to knock down the heat.. maybe a ceramic tint? Upfitter Switches - get em. hard or impossible to add later. Couple mods you may want - 1) truck reverse lights disabled by upfitter so you don't get the reflection off the trailer. 2) 2Lo mod for the 4wd. Tell me more about this 2Lo mod - what does it do/how do you use it and set it up?
Originally Posted by SDcrewzer
(Post 18091231)
On the 250 vs 350 discussion, note that a 250 with the 6.7 and 4x4 takes a serious payload hit due to the weight of those options. The 350 will provide up to another 1500 lbs of payload, and you’ll also get the Dana rear axle. My take on the 3.55 axle option is that it’s available with the camper package as well. |
Gavedgr, I would only add if your ordering that you should order everything you think you will need. I took mine off the lot and wish I had a few things, but everything is extremely hard to add after the fact, while possible, it’s ussually more expensive. For such large trailers, I would consider bunk model fifth wheels for the towing experience. You also get a better trailer and more comfy things in the more expensive trailer. These are both things I wish I did. Looking at fivers now...... |
Originally Posted by Kaadk
(Post 18091342)
The FW Prep is both the pucks AND the in bed 7-pin. While you can add both a set of underbed rails and a 7-pin later, if you you know you're going fiver anyways, why not do it right from factory now?
Originally Posted by Kaadk
(Post 18091342)
Among those, I'd have to rule out the Flagstaff/Rockwood (same trailer, different decals, built on the same line), the Outback, and the Jayco because it doesn't look like the bathroom's available while the slide's in on any of those. Among the two Sprinters and the Wildcat, the Wildcat appears to have the better entertainment inside, but the Sprinter's have a nice outside TV setup with it in their outside kitchen like they have. They're all nice units though. Unfortunately, the separate bunkhouse was something I had to sacrifice with ours and I do miss it at times. But part of going FW was making sure I could fit in the driveway hooked up to the truck, so I was limited to 31' bumper to kingpin. Found most of what we wanted in a Surveyor 275BHSS:
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...ff01af865f.jpg Good feedback though! We don't keep ours in our drive way (too many physics challenges, HOA notwithstanding), but will have an issue with our storage location as it only has 32' slots available. There are some longer ones that might open up, but at $250/mo. I need to find another location.
Originally Posted by Kaadk
(Post 18091342)
I got it with our truck, but now I kind of wish I hadn't. It's nice that it's wired, clean picture, no interference, but it does have it's limitations:
1) You need to get the cabling from the back of the fifth wheel to the king-pin, not exactly an easy task. Ended up having to go to the dealer for help, so extra money in install fees. 2) It's designed for replacing the 7-pin on the bumper only, not the -in-bed 7-pin plug, so you need to buy a different adapter from a third party company to move it (extra money). 3) Putting the truck in reverse defaults to the tailgate camera, even if the trailer is hooked up, so every time you swap to reverse you need to stop and switch to the auxiliary camera. 4) It only works under 5 MPH. So unlike the Furrion 'Observation' camera, you can't use it to check behind you while going down the road. Now, on the plus side though: 1) It's wired so no connectivity or interference issues. 2) It's right in the head unit, so no extra screen cluttering up the dash. |
Originally Posted by mhoefer
(Post 18091665)
Gavedgr, I would only add if your ordering that you should order everything you think you will need. I took mine off the lot and wish I had a few things, but everything is extremely hard to add after the fact, while possible, it’s ussually more expensive. For such large trailers, I would consider bunk model fifth wheels for the towing experience. You also get a better trailer and more comfy things in the more expensive trailer. These are both things I wish I did. Looking at fivers now...... If I could find a $30-40k-ish 5er with the right design, I would consider it . |
Originally Posted by gravedgr
(Post 18091668)
That's just it. We're sure we're *not* going with the 5er now and unlikely we're going to find one we like before it comes time to trade the truck again.
Originally Posted by gravedgr
(Post 18091668)
Having the bathroom available with the slides in doesn't bother us at all. We don't open our trailer while traveling at all. We have an outside TV hookup now and have never used it - we actually don't spend much time at the camper when camping except at mealtimes and bedtime. When it rains, we all come inside so one requirement was a TV that was not perpendicular to the primary seating location. We had other wants like a fold out sofa bed below the upper bunk opposite the ent/kitchen area vs. a "couch" made of pads or chairs, a small slide on the entry side to minimize wasted awning area, a big awning, lots of counter top space without requiring everyone to bump into each other while inside, etc. We don't spend much time in the camper, but when we do we are finding our current one to be a bit crowded and are trying to solve those specific challenges.
Originally Posted by gravedgr
(Post 18091668)
Good feedback though! We don't keep ours in our drive way (too many physics challenges, HOA notwithstanding), but will have an issue with our storage location as it only has 32' slots available. There are some longer ones that might open up, but at $250/mo. I need to find another location.
Originally Posted by gravedgr
(Post 18091668)
Thanks for that - I will look into it further and also check out the Furrion system. I hope it is better than their AV systems. :-banghead
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[QUOTE=Kaadk;18091342]The FW Prep is both the pucks AND the in bed 7-pin. While you can add both a set of underbed rails and a 7-pin later, if you you know you're going fiver anyways, why not do it right from factory now?
Among those, I'd have to rule out the Flagstaff/Rockwood (same trailer, different decals, built on the same line), the Outback, and the Jayco because it doesn't look like the bathroom's available while the slide's in on any of those. I have a Jayco Jayfeather 25BH and I found that if I keep the bathroom door open then put the slide in, we can still access the bathroom on rest breaks. I just move the rug by the bathroom door to keep it in pne place. ~S |
The Furrion observation camera works really well. I have it on a 39' toy hauler and I get a great signal in the front of my F-350 while driving down the highway.
I know it has been mentioned a few times, but another reason to consider the fifth wheel prep is resale. Even before I had a fifth (TT previously) that was a must have for me, just in case. |
Originally Posted by Gazoo2010
(Post 18092091)
I have a Jayco Jayfeather 25BH and I found that if I keep the bathroom door open then put the slide in, we can still access the bathroom on rest breaks. I just move the rug by the bathroom door to keep it in pne place.
Originally Posted by stangtime
(Post 18092193)
The Furrion observation camera works really well. I have it on a 39' toy hauler and I get a great signal in the front of my F-350 while driving down the highway.
I know it has been mentioned a few times, but another reason to consider the fifth wheel prep is resale. Even before I had a fifth (TT previously) that was a must have for me, just in case. |
An almost identical Order
We just ordered an almost identical package. 10 to 12 weeks deliver time to Texas. We omitted the moon roof.
The LED headlights as well. We have just been informed that white-gold coloring has been discontinued for 2019. Regards Bill w |
uad-beam LED headlights (53Q)
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I thought I would add my two cents. First of all, it will be your truck and get what you want and can afford. Second, we all have opinions, so understand it is only yours that counts...I am sure whatever you decide, it will be right for you.
I bought the gas engine F350 long bed crew cab in ruby red with Lariat base...I am in Canada and they don't have the Value Package just the base and then the Ultimate. My truck is 2017 so the Ultimate only came with the moonroof and did not want it as would not use it. I also stayed away from the clearance lights. With any Lariat in Canada you can get the LED lights but in the future, most traveling will be done in the day so did not add this option. You can also get the power running boards with any Lariat and I did splurge for this option. I love them and don't regret getting them. I ordered the upfitter switches and while at present have not used them, I do not regret ordering them as they are for the future. I would never buy the F250 because of the small increase in price but much more capable and comes with the stronger transmission, rear end and larger payload. I would always add the fifth wheel prep package because for the small amount of money, it allows you to tow the fifth wheel. I ordered the 360 camera setup and because of travelling alone, felt I would need them. But I am old school and still use the old fashioned cranking of the neck...and also did not add BLIS or ACC because of my desire to not get too techie and fine with doing things the old school way. I hope that helps. |
Thanks everyone - great feedback so far and lots of food for thought. I have a couple new questions on some specific options:
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2Lo mod: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rride-mod.html
reverse lights mod: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-off-mod.html |
Originally Posted by Xwild
(Post 18092668)
2Lo mod: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rride-mod.html
reverse lights mod: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-off-mod.html |
Originally Posted by gravedgr
(Post 18092620)
Thanks everyone - great feedback so far and lots of food for thought. I have a couple new questions on some specific options:
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Originally Posted by Nosedive10
(Post 18094861)
I can only comment on #2: The factory skid plates are laughable for a truck of this weight or for any weight of that matter. You can actually flex them with your hands. I don't plan on off-roading with this truck but if it was to happen, I certainly wouldn't depend on these skid plates to protect anything.
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Originally Posted by Alaskan_Warbird
(Post 18095244)
I disagree but only slightly. I travel a lot of rough gravel roads such as the Denali Highway, while hauling a very large TC. With the stock Michelin tires, we get a LOT of rocks, good sized branches, and debris flying up under and around the truck. During the last trip, we picked up a rattle and when investigating, I found a very good sized rock that had landed in the skid plate under the gas tank. Our skid plate does a good job of protecting the tank from innumerable dings, scratches, dents, etc. If you're planning on 'bouldering' or something else that hardcore in your SD, you're probably upgrading your suspension. In that case, do yourself a favor and upgrade the skid plates as well. Otherwise, the OEM plates work well IMO.
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Originally Posted by FastTaurusSHO
(Post 18095501)
Had a friend with a Ranger get a piece of rebar thru the bottom of his fuel tank driving down the interstate, no skid plate. Factory Plate likely would have prevented tank penetration. Something is better than nothing IMO.
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Originally Posted by Nosedive10
(Post 18095518)
Good points by you and Alaskan_Warbird. Sorry I am used to the rockcrawling world where bending a 1/4" thick steel skid plate with a 4,000 lb jeep happens. Truthfully you would be crazy to take these huge truck anywhere that a rock would even come close to contacting the skid plates. Thinking again for day to day protection of the undercarriage they would seem to be sufficient.
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