Forum Discussion
- An all aluminum vehicle is nothing new really just new for the F-150. My understanding is this is not your ordinary aluminum also so I think it will do fine. The Superduty will follow not to long after.
- Weight translates to less MPG, thus Ford is trying to cut some weight in there trucks to attain this goal. But aluminum car bodies have been used for years is the auto industry, notably in Europe.
But when they are involved in accidents, that is where the problem might be. US auto repair shops are not accustomed to working on aluminum body parts. - Both points are valid; aluminum cars are not new, but have never been produced on the scale of the f-150.
The article deals with the many obstacles Ford had to consider, like public perception; will it be perceived as weaker than the old F-150? Will they even be able to get enough aluminum? Will the manufacturing process work? The stakes are extremely high on this move and that's really the point of the article. It's a long read but very interesting IMO. - There was an article that almost all trucks will be aluminum by 2025. So its just a beginning trend. BUT, some of the larger OTR road trucks have been aluminum made for some years. My BIL, a logger had bought 1 from a outfit in Ore or north ca, said it was ok, but the issue of weight on the roadway is why they were made. I dont remember what he did with it, but I think it did not last in the woods for very long.
- I'm all for innovation. But, as usual, I'll wait a couple of model years before I jump in.
I'm selfish. I'll let others do the real life on the road testing for me.
(let us not forget the early 6.0) - Detroit Free Press 10/8/14
It was interesting to read one Ford official's comment that Ford believes because of the F-150's 'increased capabilities' (though not detailed in the article) they may gain sales from current HD pickup owners and buyers considering an HD that either tow infrequently or don't want to pay the 'diesel premium'.
What on earth is the payload/tow capacity of the F-150 and with what powertrain configuration are these increased capabilities achieved? You would have to think the remarks are more targeted to the 3/4 ton market than one ton segment...:h - Aluminum is not a gamble- it's a home run.
Long time since I owned anything but an aluminum horse trailer- and they have been using it even longer on airplanes.
Now it is catchup for the other guys- Heck- rumor has it the new Jeep will be aluminum.
I just wonder if I can get an F-150 with no paint. Every couple years I could hit it with a little acid bath and she would look brand new! fly-boy wrote:
Aluminum is not a gamble- it's a home run.
Long time since I owned anything but an aluminum horse trailer- and they have been using it even longer on airplanes.
Now it is catchup for the other guys- Heck- rumor has it the new Jeep will be aluminum.
I just wonder if I can get an F-150 with no paint. Every couple years I could hit it with a little acid bath and she would look brand new!
Or consider the possible colors of anodized aluminum- I wonder if they will come out with an Airstream model. Polished to match your favorite Airstream. Maybe some extra rivets on the outside for bling:B
- The hood on my 06 F350 is Aluminum..
