Looks like the 2015 Ford F-150 Could Be a Game-Changer

This looks like an excellent truck. My pick would be the 3.5 turbo 4x4. That would easily handle my camper. Glad to see all of these now have a decent payload; I just don't see the point of having a pickup truck that can't pickup anything meaningful because of its limited payload. Hopefully it will also mean that those people who buy one then decide they want a truck camper won't be as disappointed as previous half ton pick-up owners when they found their 1500 lb or lower payload was a real limitation when considering a camper.

Steve.

I have been told that they have been testing these for years down in the salt mines where the monster dump trucks and catapillers live and die underground.

I have to believe that Ford feels pretty confident to launch this. In all reality, I see most trucks around here that never get used much less abused as a work truck. And most everyone I know puts a liner or has a liner sprayed after the purchase as well.

I do work in the auto industry and I do know that aluminum weighs 1/3 the weight of steel so for some things, it makes a lot of sense. T6061 aircraft aluminum is pretty tough and is used heavily in the manufacturing industry where steel was once used. And it costs a lot more too.

How they applied it and where is the key. I don't want to be the beta tester but I have to guess that for the majority of truck owners, the gas mileage increase will be attractive especially if they only haul mulch and use the hitch.

One thing for sure, it isn't going to drive any better in the snow with a lighter still rear end. If I got one, it would have to a 4 x 4.

Mike - My brother-in-law is driving a new 2014 All aluminum F250 diesel work truck for VDOT.. It is not holding up good... All the work guys there hates them... Says motor gets hot big time and it stinks to high heaven when it gets hot... Says it is powerful however...

I never got into any details with him about it...

Roy Ken

I saw one of the miniature truck campers by Adventurer RV this weekend at Southbeach State Park. It's cute as all get out and looks perfect for something like the new trucks.
The 80GS

Wow! I just wonder how the aluminum is going to hold up to regular use? Will the vehicle just be dented all over? Or is current sheet metal so thin anyways that there will be no difference?

It's going to come down to the rear axle capacity regardless of posted payload.

There aren't that many short bed campers. I doubt short bed will ever be a significant market although a few people can take advantage.