Adding factory accessories

[hemismith]

For towing purposes I was so excited when backup cameras became available on trucks, as well as built-in brake controllers. But it's frustrating as most trucks I see on the lots are missing one or the other, or the towing mirrors. A couple questions/comments:

I've confirmed that you can add manual towing mirrors to the new F150 but not the power ones. Lame on Ford's part, especially since only a very small percentage are equipped with them from the factory.

How about the Ram? Last I checked you could but that was a long time ago.

Lame also on Ford's part that the backup camera is not even available as an option on the Superduty XL, and not standard on the XLT. Can you add the factory one? It's part of the logo piece in the middle of the tailgate, so probably not.

Can you add factory brake controllers to most trucks? I'm pretty sure you can on the Rams; what about the Fords?

[TexasRangerRzR]

downtheroad wrote:
Order and wait. For the price you are going to pay for a new truck...get EXACTLY what you want.

Our last 3 vehicles (car and 2 trucks) we ordered. While not on the lot and while we couldn't have it right away, we got vehicles equipped exactly how we wanted them.
....and ordering was no more expensive after we did our negotiating than it was if we took whatever leftover they had on the lot.

Agreed 🙂

[downtheroad]

Order and wait. For the price you are going to pay for a new truck...get EXACTLY what you want.

Our last 3 vehicles (car and 2 trucks) we ordered. While not on the lot and while we couldn't have it right away, we got vehicles equipped exactly how we wanted them.
....and ordering was no more expensive after we did our negotiating than it was if we took whatever leftover they had on the lot.

[SouthpawHD]

I know on the GM side of things, lots and lots of guys buy them aftermarket just because they are so hard to get from the factory without special ordering them.

As for the power mirrors, sometimes a special wiring harness can be added. That might be something for you to look into. It's likely big buck$ to for that though.

[minnow]

Best way to answer your questions would be to go the RAM and Ford site's and build a truck. That way you'll know what options are available in the trim level you are interested in.
I will tell you from my recent experience that it's hard to impossible to find a truck outfitted for towing that had the specific equipment I wanted. Most of the trucks I looked at on the lots were eitehr really loaded up with a lot of extra costly stuff or were bare bones "contractor/landscaper" white work trucks. I ended up doing a factory order to get just what I wanted.