Sounds more like a Scary Joke

 

I don't know where you are moving to, nor do I know how big your driveway will be, but I have a 4X4 and use a pretty hefty snow thrower to clear it...we get some pretty good snow here and I do not plow mine---I spent $900 on a big snow thrower and it saves me time and money.

If you are planning to pull a boat the size you say, the 150 with a tow package will do the job. as others have said, get thee 5.4 with the tow package---the gas mileage is not that all different but you have more power when you tow. I rarely have to use 4WD, but it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Remember, 4WD on ice really has no benefits...snow and mud, yes, but ice...wach out...

TSC

 

No used trucks.

Where I'm moving I won't have any friends or relatives within hundreds of miles, and until I make new friends I'll be on my own.

Not to mention I've heard of it taking 16 hours for a tow to show up if you're disabled, even in he dead of winter.

And the nearest dealer could be tens of miles away.

It all adds up to needing the most reliabel vehicle for the first year or two, until I make new friends and know my way around--most reliable means new.

 

Not with 4wD and not in the extreme conditions I anticipate (think Alaska).

Now we're getting somewhere.

The plowing--and even the towing--are secondary concerns (I'll probably be able to find someone to pay to have my driveway plowed; and as for towing a boat--I plan to live very close to where I'll be launching it, so driving less than 5 miles to a ramp isn't that big a deal, and that only if I get a boat and decide to trailer it instead of docking or mooring it.)

My main concern is reliable get-there-and-back-and-safely transportation in bad weather on bad roads.

When I go to the Ford F150 website to configure a truck, there are many, many options that are Greek to me.

Mainly, what engine/tranny/axle ratio/tire size/wheels should I get?

Or which should I avoid?

I think I'll also need those plates underneath the car to protect the cars vitals from slamming into rocks and the edges of deep potholes--I think they're called skid plates (my old volvo came with one standard--I guess Sweeden has a lot of experience with my anticipated conditions).

And anthing else you all might recommend.

 

Let's forget the towing and plowing.

My main concern is reliable get-there-and-back-and-safely transportation in bad weather on bad roads.

When I go to the Ford F150 website to configure a truck, there are many, many options that are Greek to me.

Mainly, what engine/tranny/axle ratio/tire size/wheels should I get?

Or which should I avoid.

As for the American worker--when I was a kid, when someone bought a car that was a lemon, the thinking was the car might have been built on a Friday, when workers are tired and have their minds on the weekend instead of on their job--it's only human.

Likewise now, I worry about the 2009 vehicles being assembled in Detroit, by workers whe may be very nervous and agitated.

 

I would configure a truck as follows or find one sitting on a dealers lot some where that come as close to this as possible.

SuperCrew
5.4 V8
FX4 or above trim package
4.10 rear end
Load range D or better tires and not the P rated craptastic tires.
Heavy towing package
6-1/2ft bed

 

The f 150 is going to be just fine for what your looking for. I just came from living in the rocky mountains (Montana) and I have been in some serious stuff. Feet of snow, narrow roads, dirt roads composed of boulders not gravel at 9000ft, ditches, drop offs, steep inclines, -40 degree temps. Never been stranded, stuck, or had anything major go wrong that I did not have an advanced warning of (IWE solenoid). Just a XLT with no skid plates and no damage done and yes I've hit boulders in some bad places. And this was with my General Americraps with 33,000 miles on them before my 33" Toyo M/T's. Plus it will be fine for residential plowing with a small plow, not the big commercial 8+ footers that are very heavy. And I'm sure the boat your getting is not a yacht so it is going to tow it just fine. Good Luck, hope you figure it out.

 

Look for a 5.4 engine, 4.10 gears and 6 1/2' bed. Everything after that is comfort and how many people in the family will be in the truck regularly (Reg. cab, Super Cab or Supercrew).

A new 2009 F-150 would be sweet if the price is right.

 

See what the local dealers have left in new 08's - you might be able to steal one of those for a very nice price. I wouldn't be too concerned about exact equipment as long as it's the style you want (regular, extended, or crew cab) - any F-150 4x4 will tow what you anticipate and handle a small plow. The only thing I'd insist on is a rear LSD. Tires are not an issue - because you should buy 4 extra steel wheels and studded snows for the winter anyway. Any 4x4 will be a V-8 with automatic, even a 4.6 will get the job done, it just won't be fast.

 

I would agree with this, but I have an XLT SuperCab that does me fine...

Tim C.

 

You didn't say which cab configuration you are wanting- regular cab, extended, Supercrew? If a regular cab or the extended, I'd opt for the 4.6 engine. In these configurations, it is a 2 valve engine. Coupled to an optional 6 speed auto should more than handle your needs but there is also optional gears if you really think you'll need them. I'd stay away from the 5.4. There have been far, far too many engine failures due to cam phasers and faulty injectors not to mention the spark plug issues. While Ford claims these items are fixed, issues still remain with this engine. The standard 4.6 is a proven long life engine and properly driven can yield some decent fuel mileage too. If you want a Supercrew, the standard engine is the 3 valve 4.6. While it has been fairly seamless in the Aviator trucks, it's not on my want list. It incorporates injection on an open valve and uses cam phasers for variable cam timing. While this may sound neat, it's a lot to go wrong and make right. This engine is a variant of the Aviator/Mustang and is not a proven engine- yet. So if you can live with with an extended cab, a 4.6 engine with a 6 speed auto with the optional gears, you'll have a really nice long life truck.
Forget the Tundra and the Titan. The Titan will be a rebadged Dodge in the new lineup. Expect typical cheap Dodge parts and noise. The Tundra probably is in it's last year of production. The only line making them is San Antonio now. They are bringing in new equipment to add/convert the line to Camrys. That means there won't be a Tundra line in the next 9-10 months unless Toyota adds to their facilities. The Tundra has had loads of issues, tailgate failures, cam failures, brake failures, torque converter issues, lots of cheap plastic parts that make noise, paint issues, frame issues, driveshaft issues,....do I need to go on? You would think Toyota would have a clue how to build a truck but they have failed dismally with the Tundra. You really don't want one. It was on Consumers Report as a suggested not to buy, and that's highly unusual for the rice grinder engineers at CR.

 

Id recommend heated seats

 

I second that thought, I recommend you do get the the super crew cab and make sure is the extended bed instead of the short bed; you could never have too much room. If you don't add a tunnel cover, which I's say don't do cause it impedes placing tall objects in the bed, the room in the back of the cab is nice for groceries, luggage and or other objects that you wouldn't want getting wet or snowed during bad weather.

 

Thanks for your very informative reply.

I am especially interested in your pointing to the proven reliability of the 4.6 two valve engine--reliability and long-life mean the world to me.

So I'm thinking of getting that engine with the extended cab and I guess a 6.5ft bed.

Do you have any suggestions as to axle ratios, rear ends, wheel size/type (I'm looking for the best function, not the best looks!).

Thanks!

D.B.

 

Here take a look on these interesting facts about Toyota Vs. Ford.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRfE_XAk2mE