Brad's New Truck

BradW wrote:
From another thread:

NRALIFR wrote:
I want to hear about the new truck you're going to order, Brad!

We all need to argue and fuss about brands, engines, trannys and such like they do over on the tow vehicle forum. :B

:):)

We are approaching retirement and plan on doing a lot of travelling, so we thought it would be a good idea to get a new truck. Our 2006 F-350 DRW Powerstroke has been pretty much flawless, but its getting close to being 10 years old.

Right now we plan on ordering a 2016 late in the summer; probably a Red Ford F-350 DRW 4x4 XLT, either an extended cab or a 4-door.

Thinking about Torklift tiedowns and extended hitch this time. We never had that brand and I wanted to try them out.

We always get the bed Line-X'd, but I think you can get that from the factory now. I'll have to check that out.

Probably just keep the factory shocks. We put 9000's on this dually. Didn't notice a huge improvement in handling like the improvement the 9000's made on our SRW trucks.

And unfortunately it will have an automation transmission because Ford quit building real trucks with real transmissions a while back to keep the tree huggers and central government regulators happy.

You were still able to order Manual trans up until 2010..They had to be special order... the forest service had a bunch of them..

Sounds like you have a good plan. Have great retirement and enjoy the new truck.

On the bed liner option here are some things to consider.

Factory bedliner is about $400 option, is suppose to be 1/2 the thickness of the after market, and the warranty is only for 36,000 miles at the most.

The Line-x is only about $550, is twice the thickness of the factory, and the warranty is life time.

With a heavy camper, lots of miles, and pulling the jeep I think all adds up to another diesel. Drop one of the three and you would be a candidate for the gasser. Once you run the auto for a while you will get use to it. Still easy to get it down into a lower gear if you want but nice not shifting. I'm still getting use to mine coming from the nv5600 but have only reached for the clutch once. Think it helps that my first truck was an auto.

My father retired 23 years ago. After a couple of years he started giving folks near retirement some advice: "If you have anything you want done, get it done before you retire because once you do, you want have enough time to do them."

Reddog1 wrote:
For me, retirement just created a longer list of things to do, with less of them including camping.
Wayne

Boy is that ever true. I have absolutely no idea how anyone has time to work.

Reddog1 wrote:
For me, retirement just created a longer list of things to do, with less of them including camping. You would think you could just finish old projects, but being retired just gives me time to think of more projects. I had more time for camping when I was working.

That is exactly what I've heard at the retirement training classes I've taken: don't assume you will need less money and have more free time after you retire.

Another thing to add to my "to do" list; drove my truck to work today to take back the pos tranny jack I bought from the Chinese Tool Store. Appears that my rear calipers are sticking/dragging and acording to Mr Google, that is a common problem with 2005 - 2007 F-350's.

Brad

For me, retirement just created a longer list of things to do, with less of them including camping. You would think you could just finish old projects, but being retired just gives me time to think of more projects. I had more time for camping when I was working. Oh well, life goes on.

I guess I will take my old 1996 truck and 1988 TC to the grave with me. I am not into new, and see nothing new replacements can do for me. I guess ignorance is bliss. I recently had a new transmission and torque converter installed. So far, it has been great. I have no interest in a stick shift nor do my knees.

Good luck on your truck search.

Wayne

Hate this thread!!!! Giving me new truck envy!! But DW says the next new rig is hers. It's only 9 years old. Geez.....

In my '11 F250 the auto has a manual mode that overrides the "automatic". On slick roads I can leave the stop sign in 3rd if I want. Not a stick but the next best thing.

I do have the TorkLift tie downs and Super Hitch. Awesome system. I have a 24" extension for towing the boat behind the TC and it is still within it's ratings to tow my TT with my tailgate down hauling the Razor.



I also have a 48" extension I welded a MC carrier to the top of so I can carry the MC behind the TC AND plug my boat into the end of that. Yes, still within the ratings of a Super Hitch at 600/6000 and my stuff is 530/2400.



I have the 6.2 gas which works well for me. I don't tow/haul that heavy and this is the neat thing about being retired. You don't have to be the first one to the top of the mtn on Friday night. You can leave Monday morning!!!

CONGRATS on the soon to be new truck!!

cewillis wrote:
btw, I still consider my 2006 as being almost new.

....hah, we have a near-mint 2004.5 runs and looks like showroom (even the undercarriage). Our 2004.5 near 11 year old truck should go at least another 15 to 20 years :E In our neck of the woods, a new 3/4 or 1 ton diesel sells in the $90,000 CAD range + tax !

BradW wrote:
I guess I'm addicted to diesels now and will get another one even though I could probably save money getting the gasser (thank you oppressive central government regulators). I'm hooked on the power those things put out; even at high altitude out west in the mtns. If the manual trannies and V10's were still available, I would give that set up a lot of consideration.

I have just started educating myself on the new Fords; what is the wide-track front axle option?

The wide-track front axle was standard on the 2008-2010 F450's, and optional on the F350's. It was called the "Fatboy" option on the F350's. On my truck, it's a Dana 80 axle that's significantly wider than the standard axle. The wheel-well extensions are a few inches wider on the trucks that have it. The turning radius is greatly improved because the wheels can be cut over to a much sharper angle.

On the 2015's, I believe it was part of the high capacity trailer tow package:

TRAILER TOW PACKAGE – HIGH CAPACITY (535)
Availability
• Optional on F-350 DRW 4x4 Crew Cab
Not available with:
• Pickup Box Delete (66D)
Requires:
• 4.30 Limited-slip rear-axle (X4L)
• 6.7L Power Stroke® Diesel engine (99T)
• 172” WB (8’ box)
Includes:
• Front Fender Flare Moldings
• Increase GCW on diesel engine from 31,900 lbs. to 35,000 lbs.
• Max Front Springs
• "Wide track" axle

I can make a U-turn on a two lane road (with shoulders) without backing up.

:):)

Brad, you could always jump ship and get a Dodge RAM 3-series, which has a higher haul rating and a MERCEDES BENZ, 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. I like the gear ratios better than my NV5600 as it has a lower 'trailer starter' 1st gear. However, all the autos in trucks have come a LONG way in the past decade. I would not be afraid of any of the big 3 autos now.
jefe