Interesting perspective on Fords decision to go all aluminum on the F-150:Ford's Epic Gamble

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)

Ford's Epic Gamble | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

oughtsix
Explorer
Oct 14, 2014
What redneck wouldn't jump at the chance to drive to town in their old Budweiser cans?

I wonder how much more it costs to repair an aluminum body? I wonder how many body shops know how to repair an aluminum body properly? I wonder how much insurance companies will hike the rates for F150's due to the higher repair costs?

I think aluminum bodies are great! Especially for the corrosion resistance.
Shadow_Grey
Explorer
Oct 13, 2014
mpfireman wrote:
Instead of just stealing your new cat muffler system, the will now take the entire truck.

"You guys in Cook County always have to worry about that!" said the any other part of the state citizen to the Cook County citizen!!! jk...
mpfireman
Explorer
Oct 13, 2014
Instead of just stealing your new cat muffler system, the will now take the entire truck.
Hannibal
Explorer
Oct 11, 2014
I used a set of aluminum pipe wrenches a while back. What have we been thinking all these years? Lightweight and strong is a good thing. Next thing you know Alcoa will be making aluminum wheels for big rigs.
hone_eagle
Explorer
Oct 11, 2014
GM has already announced the next gen pick ups will alloy as well

linc

Kind of old news thought we all knew this?
Came out shortly after Ford announced.
Lessmore
Explorer II
Oct 11, 2014
Hybridhunter wrote:
Ford owned Jaguar, which made entire bodies from aluminum. The hood on the F150 has been aluminum for what, a decade? Unless you think steel airplanes, motorcycles, snowmobiles and engine blocks are a great idea, I have a hard time understanding the luddite fear of aluminum.

Probably the reason for the 'Luddite' fear.....is because many posters have been around for a long time. They remember some of the initial attempts to use aluminum, in place of the more traditional materials.

The Chevy Vega's aluminum engine block (1970's)or early mating of dissimilar metals...ie; aluminum heads on cast iron blocks by many manufacturers, etc. There were some issues...some greater than others.

Many of the issues that had to be worked out using aluminum, have been worked out as use of aluminum has evolved, over the years.

But because there is that past history, many individuals have concerns, that issues may surface, when aluminum is used. I think concern about 'newer' application of a material, used in large volume, can make many to want to sit back and see how a newer material...works first over an extended period, before accepting. This is not unwise.

Yes aluminum has been used in bodies before...one comes to mind Aston Martin, Jaguar, etc.

But Ford is using it on a huge volume vehicle, that will be put to the hard and long service use that trucks are expected to fulfill.

I expect that there will be no issues and that aluminum use will be successful with the Ford truck line.

But I also will be one, who will prefer to monitor the situation...see how things go over the first few years, before thinking about a commitment to buy a truck like this.

I also think that the other makers will follow in Ford's footsteps, when it comes to decision about material choice for truck bodies.

With ever increasing, stringent federal requirements for increased MPG's....the ability to significantly reduce weight, while maintaining high vehicle capability is a good decision for a manufacturer. It's a very good way to accomplish increased fuel efficiency, increased towing capability and increased performance in braking and handling. Less weight is always better, if capability such as payload, towing capacity can be maintained and/or improved and not compromised.

BTW, being a history buff, I think your use of the term 'Luddite' is over reaching....just a bit. ;)
jus2shy
Explorer
Oct 11, 2014
I've used the online configurator and found that pricing has certainly climbed. There was much hemming and hawwing on here between Ford's new approach to light-weighting versus RAM's approach with the ecodiesel. I tried building as similar of a truck as I could between the two, but the RAM with ecodiesel keeps coming out cheaper than the Ford with 3.5 Ecoboost. Both trucks configured as crew cabs with 6.5' beds and 4x4 along with the best towing gear on Both. Aluminum certainly has had an effect on that pricing I believe. It will certainly be interesting to see how the EPA ratings finally play out as well. Ford is certainly taking a big risk seeing the sheer amount of capital sunken into their manufacturing facilities, but these are 1-time momentous changes, hopefully they can amortize those expenses and get the prices down on the trucks again.

And on a final note, my 2010 F-150 supercrew with 6.5' bed weighed 5,900 lbs curb.
All58Parks
Explorer
Oct 11, 2014
One problem might be price. I just bought a new 2014 F-150 last month, and the fleet salesman there told me that he was dismayed at the price increases on the 2015's.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Oct 11, 2014

Hopefully they can get that pesky cruise control issue resolved :B
Grit_dog
Navigator II
Oct 11, 2014
Nothing wrong with it. Will be a big hit in the rust belt I bet. Couple hundo lbs weight savings doesn't mean much to me but a truck that the body won't rust out on IS a big deal.
I'm not a big Ford fan but this is a smart move if it doesn't come with a big price tag.
I'm not familiar with aluminum bodywork techniques so for me it doesn't appeal if I can't pound out, bondo and paint a fender in my garage but maybe there are easy methods?
I can tell you that my 14 year old aluminum sled trailer has held up impeccably vs steel framed trailers.