There are Ford guys and there are Chevy guys. There are Ram guys and Toyota guys. When it comes to pickup trucks – just like tools and soda – we all have our preferences. It’s called brand loyalty. All companies vie for it. It’s partly what advertising aims to do. Today, we’re looking at the Ford F-150 pickup trucks. If you’re a Ford guy, read on in the assurance that you have chosen your pickup truck wisely. If you’re not a Ford guy, by all means read this article so you can compare your truck with the new F-150. You might find features you wish your truck had, or you might be reminded of features your truck has that the Ford lacks. If that’s the case, please comment and let us know what you love about your truck. We’d love to hear from you!
We recently had the pleasure of attending the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Ford Motor Company invited us to explore their new lineups and attend press conferences as they unveiled showy vehicles like the 2017 Raptor and the new Focus RS. We learned about new developments in safety glass and current trends in mobility and connectivity as we lead our busy lives.
As outdoorsmen, however, we focused on vehicles suited to our outdoor pursuits – pickup trucks. On the most basic level, trucks provide the following features that a passenger car does not: an open, accessible truck bed; the power to get us in and out of backcountry locations; and the ability to tow equipment that enhances our outdoor experiences.
The 2016 F-150 lets you haul up to 3,270 lbs. That takes care of your ATV should you wish to take one with you on a hunting trip. In addition, the “smart” bed offers a remote tailgate release to help when your hands are full; stowable loading ramps; BoxLink Cargo Management System that uses cleats and brackets to divide the bed so cargo can be securely and smartly anchored; and LED bed lights to help you see in the bed at night or under a bed cover. These features are designed to help us in the field. We love the LED bed lights. Those successful kills at last shooting light are a great way to end a day of hunting and the bed lights come in handy at that time.
When it comes to power, the F-150 offers four engines: 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with Auto Start-Stop Technology (19 city/26 hwy with the 4×2 and 18 city/23 hwy with the 4×4), 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine paired with an electronic six-speed automatic transmission, 3.5L Ti-VCT V6, and the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8. We’ve driven the 2.7L EcoBoost through the hill country of Texas and have to say it’s got plenty of power. Perhaps it’s due to the high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body. (That’s wordy). But it shaves 700 lbs. from the overall weight, not to mention it won’t ever rust. The F-150 is available in 4×2 and 4×4, depending on your needs.
As for towing capacity, F-150 lets you pull more than any half-ton pickup: 12,200 lbs. So pull your trailer loaded up with blinds, gear, coolers. Heck, people tow huge freezers to deer camp around here. And in the warmer months, hitch up your boat. The available Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes it easier to put your trailer or boat wherever you want it. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist automatically steers the truck to turn the trailer the amount you determine. Great technology!
Now if this sounds like an ad for Ford, please forgive me. I really like the F-150. I’ve used the start-stop engine, I’ve towed a big trailer, I’ve driven it and it’s a great ride. I wouldn’t hesitate to take the F-150 on a hunt for big game any more than I would out to the grocery store. MSRP starts at $26,315 and while it’s not hard to bump that price up, it is nice to see a new truck with a sticker price in the 20s.
Please keep in mind: this is just one option. We also checked out the Rams, the Silverados, the Colorados, the Tundras, and the Tacomas. All have something great to offer, just like the F-150. Let us know what you love about your truck!
