Ford F-150 is a half-ton pickup truck designed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company. Introduced in 1948, it has been produced continuously in the United States and Canada since then. The most popular version of the F-Series, the F-150 is now in its thirteenth generation.

The Ford truck has been used as a platform for many special purpose vehicles and variants include a fire truck, off-road vehicle, motorhome, dump truck and a tow truck.

The Ford F-150 was the best selling vehicle in America for 29 years and the best selling truck for 31 years. The F-Series has been the best selling truck for 34 years, beating its rivals Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge Ram by a combined 2000000+ units.

WHAT DOES THE F IN F150 STAND FOR

Many people have asked themselves “What does the F in Ford F150 stand for?” The answer to this question is that the F stands for f our wheel drive.

Ford F150s come with an all wheel drive which is perfect for snow driving or off roading, so if you live in a snowy place, you can buy your Ford 150 with confidence. If you want to use the four wheel drive, you need to go to a dealership and ask them to set the four wheel drive.

HOW MUCH DOES A FORD F150 WEIGH?

The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of a 2018 F-150 4×4 SuperCab with the 5.0 L V8, 3.31:1 ratio rear axle and without the heavy-duty payload package is 6049 lb (2665 kg). A 2012 non-SRW F-150 SuperCrew 4×4 with the 3.5 L V6, 5.0 L V8 and 3.73:1 ratio rear axle and without the heavy-duty payload package has a GVWR of 6054 lb (2672 kg).

WHAT IS THE TOWING CAPACITY OF A FORD F150?

The towing capacity of a 2018 F-150 4×4 SuperCab with the 3.5 L V6, 5.0 L V8 and 3.31:1 ratio rear axle is 11000 lb (4990 kg) when equipped with the trailer tow package.

WHAT SIZE TRAVEL TRAILER CAN A F150 PULL

Ford F150 owners have reported that they were able to pull a 36 feet travel trailer with their truck and that the truck didn’t even break a sweat. If you’re looking to buy a travel trailer, please check the size of it before buying because many owners have reported that their trailers were smaller than the size of a travel trailer.

WHAT IS THE BEST TOW ROPE FOR A FORD F150

Ford F150s have towing capacity of 8000 pounds which means that the best tow rope for a Ford F150 is one that has a high weight limit, such as Gorilla D26000-5000 Synthetic Rope because it’s affordable and reliable. If you want to buy a cheaper tow rope, the Tow Ready Custom Fit Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver – Custom Fit – 7-Way RV Blade Connector – Polyester Strapping with Metal Cam Buckle is the best option because it has good ratings and you won’t need a hook to attach it because it has a built in hook.

WHAT YEAR F150 TO AVOID

The first generation F-150 was produced from 1948 to 1952 and has a very bad crash test performance. It can’t be even called as a car. Please avoid the first generation F-150 and all 1952-1955 Ford trucks as they have a poor crash test performance and are not built the same way modern cars are.

The second generation F-150 was produced from 1956 to 1959 has a better crash test performance than the first generation, but still worse than modern cars. Please avoid 1957 – 1959 model years of F-150s as these have small size doors and tend to get wider with every passing year.

The third generation F-150 was produced from 1960 to 1966 and has a marginal crash test performance. Please avoid half ton trucks built before 1967 as they are not safe enough for today’s highways.

The fourth generation F-150 was produced from 1967 to 1972 and lacks modern safety equipment like airbags or ABS brakes, but still better than the third generation. Please avoid half ton trucks built before 1973 as they are not safe enough for today’s highways.

The fifth generation F-150 was produced from 1973 to 1979 and lacks modern safety equipment like airbags or ABS brakes, but still better than the fourth generation. Please avoid half ton trucks built before 1980 as they are not safe enough for today’s highways.

The sixth generation F-150 was produced from 1980 to 1986 and lacks modern safety equipment like airbags or ABS brakes, but still better than the fifth generation. Please avoid half ton trucks built before 1987 as they are not safe enough for today’s highways.

Also the worst F150 years, based on total complaints to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2011 2007, 2002, and 2010.

SOME PROBLEMS WITH FORD F150

There are a few issues that owners complain about. Here is a list to avoid buying a used Ford F150.

FORD F150 SPUTTERING WHEN ACCELERATING

Many Ford F150 owners have complained about a stuttering issue when accelerating from low speeds. This annoying problem is caused by a clogged PCV valve which has to be replaced as soon as possible.

Also, Ford F150 owners have complained about a tank slapper caused by a bad steering system which has to be repaired as soon as possible.

FORD F150 DIES AT STOP LIGHTS OR IN REVERSE

This is a rare issue, but Ford F150 owners have reported it once. This problem is caused by a defective brake switch which has to be replaced immediately.

FORD F150 VIBRATES WHEN BRAKING OR ACCELERATING

This issue is also rare, but Ford F150 owners have reported it once in the past. This vibration comes from improper lug nut installation and has to be fixed as soon as possible.

FORD F150 TRANSFER CASE PROBLEMS

Ford F150 owners have reported several problems with the transfer case of their trucks including: a lot of noise, failure of the 4X4 indicator light and replacement of the entire transfer case. If you own a Ford F150, please check if your transfer case has a welded differential and replace it with a newer one.

FORD F150 NO POWER WHEN ACCELERATING

Many Ford F150 owners have reported that their truck is not accelerating and after a diagnostic test, mechanics found out that the torque converter was fried. This problem is caused by over revving the engine and can be fixed by replacing the torque converter.

HOW TO BYPASS ANTI THEFT SYSTEM ON FORD F150

Owners of older Ford F150s have reported that their trucks came with an anti theft system which prevents the truck from starting if the doors are not locked. This problem is quite serious, because if you forget to lock your truck, it won’t start in the morning and you’ll be late for work.

To bypass this problem, Ford F150 owners have used a transistor which needs to be soldered between the push button start and an ignition wire.

HOW TO TELL IF F150 HAS MAX TOW PACKAGE

Owners of Ford F150s have reported that there is no max tow package in their trucks. This problem is caused by a defective transmission cooling line which needs to be replaced immediately. Also, Ford F150 owners have reported that their trucks came without a skid plate under the oil filter and that the power steering had been rewired.

HOW MANY MILES CAN A FORD F150 LAST

Ford F150 owners have reported that their trucks are lasting over 200,000 miles with regular maintenance. This means that Ford 150s can last from 200,000 to 400,000 miles with regular maintenance.

Ford F150s have a head gasket which can last up to 200,000 miles in some cases. In other cases, a head gasket can fail early if the vehicle overheats. If you check your coolant level often and replace it with Ford coolant, you can extend the life of your head gasket.

HOW LONG DO FORD F150 LAST

Ford F150s last from 200,000 to 400,000 miles with regular maintenance. This means that if you maintain your truck properly and change the oil every 5,000 miles, your truck won’t go beyond 400,000 miles.

HOW LONG IS A F150

Ford F150s are the longest trucks on today’s market. This means that if you buy a Ford 150, you’ll be able to haul or tow anything you want.

Ford F150 extended cab trucks are 20 feet long. This length includes the bumper of the truck, so don’t expect to get anything longer than 20 feet. If you’re looking for a 6.5 foot cargo box, the length is 26 feet which includes both bumpers.

CREW CAB SHORT BOX

The box of the Ford F150 crew cab short box is 5 feet long, but it’s 26 feet long if you go with the 6.5 ft box, so be careful when choosing between these two boxes.

HOW LONG IS A SHORT BOX F150

The short box of a Ford 150 is 5 feet long and 26 feet long with the 6.5 foot cargo bed.

HOW WIDE IS A FORD F150

Ford F150s are 88 inches wide, but the width varies depending on if you get an extended or regular cab.

EXTENDED CAB FORD F150

Ford F150 extended cabs are 96 inches wide, making them wider than regular cab trucks.

REGULAR CAB FORD F150

Ford F150 regular cabs are 81 inches wide, so if you want to be able to use your truck for daily work, you should go with a regular cab.

CREW CAB FORD F150

Ford F150 crew cabs are 96 inches wide, so they won’t fit in narrow parking spaces.

WHERE TO ADD TRANSMISSION FLUID FORD F150

Ford F150 owners have reported that their trucks came without a dipstick for the transmission fluid and that they had to add new fluid every time they got an oil change. This is because Ford F150s have a transmission pan which is impossible to check with a dipstick.

HOW MUCH IS A FORD F150 WORTH

Ford F150s have a lot of accidents because they are large and heavy trucks. Even though the design has been improved, there is no doubt that the price of a pre-owned Ford F150 is lower than other trucks in the same class.

A used Ford F150s start from $8,000 and can go up to $14,000 depending on the model and age of the truck.

The 2018 model at the time cost $72,000 with all the options available, including the EcoBoost V6 engine, Limited trim, 4X4 transmission, and a sunroof. It’s important to know what options you need before buying a truck because it can save you a lot of money in the long run.

HOW TO BUY A USED FORD F150

If you want to buy a used Ford F150, you can find cheap deals on Craigslist, eBay or OfferUp where people don’t mind if their trucks have some cosmetic problems like rust on the body or scratches on the interior. If you prefer shopping online, Amazon is always a good option when looking for an affordable price for your next used vehicle.

HOW BIG OF TIRES CAN I FIT ON MY F150

Ford F150 owners have reported that their trucks came without a spare tire. This means that if you get in an accident, you won’t be able to use your truck. Ford F150s come with 16 inch tires, but you can fit larger tires if you buy an aftermarket rim to fit your truck.

When choosing between 16 and 17 inch tires, it’s better to go with 17.5 inch tires because they will give more stability and load carrying capacity to your truck.

WHAT ARE THE BEST SEAT COVERS FOR FORD F150

Ford F150s come with a hard bench seat, but if you want to make your truck more comfortable, you can buy an aftermarket seat cover. Seat covers are the best option if you want to protect your seat from dirt, liquid spills and pet hair.

RECOMMENDED SEAT COVERS FORD F150

If you want to buy seat covers for your truck, the most recommended company is Seat Covers Unlimited which makes seat covers for all trucks and cars. The best seat cover for a Ford F150 is the one that fits your budget and needs.

WHAT IS THE BEST BATTERY FOR A FORD F150

Ford F150s have battery terminals located under the hood, so if you want to replace your battery with something cheaper, you need to remove the old battery first.

RECOMMENDED BATTERIES FOR A FORD F150

If you want to buy a new battery for your Ford F150, the most recommended batteries are XS Power D3400 and Optima Batteries 8040-218 D35 YellowTop. If you want to buy the cheapest battery, the Optima Batteries 8040-218 D35 YellowTop is the best option because it has very good reviews and it’s cheap.

FORD F150 OWNERS COMPLAIN ABOUT POWER OUTAGE

Ford F150 owners have reported that their trucks experience battery power outage and that it takes a while to start their trucks. Even though this isn’t a big problem, some owners have reported that they replaced the battery and the problem disappeared entirely.

HOW TO RESET BATTERY LIGHT ON FORD F150

If your Truck Experience Battery Power Outage, you need to know how to reset it. You can reset the battery light by disconnecting the negative terminal for about 5 minutes, letting the computer system reset.

FORD F150 ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND RECALLS

Ford F150s have a lot of recalls and electrical problems and you should know how to fix them.

FORD F150 STARTER RECALLS

Ford F150 owners have reported that their trucks experience starter problems and that they have to replace the starter several times. Even though this is a common problem with F150s, some truck owners reported that it took more than 5 replacements before they found the right one that worked for them.

FORD F150 TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND RECALLS

Ford F150s have transmission leaks due to faulty seals on the transfer case output shafts which can lead to significant drops in your oil level. Even though this isn’t a big problem, some owners have reported that it takes more than 1 month before they got an appointment at the dealer shop where their trucks were repaired under warranty.

FORD F150 TIRE PROBLEMS

If you own a Ford F150, you probably know that tires are expensive. In order to save money on your next set of tires, it’s better to buy used tires from other Ford F150 owners because they have around 80% tread left and can be purchased for very cheap prices. The most recommended websites where you can buy used truck tires are Craigslist and OfferUp. You can also choose eBay or Amazon if you want to shop online.

FORD F150 SERVICE AND REPAIR SHOP RECOMMENDATIONS

Ford F150 owners have reported that the best repair shop they used is Meineke Car Care Centers which are known to do excellent work. Even though an appointment at Meineke takes longer than other shops, there are no extra charges and you can find coupons online to get discounts on services.

FORD F150 TRUCK OWNERS GUIDE

Ford F150 Truck Owners Guide is available for free online and you can find almost everything about the truck there. The guide is very detailed and it can teach you almost everything about your F150 Truck.

FORD F150 SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDE

Ford F-150 Shocks Absorbers can wear out quickly and you need to replace them regularly. If your F150 Shocks Absorbers are worn out, the ride will be very uncomfortable and your truck may bounce while driving over speed bumps or uneven roads. You can get new shocks absorbers from LKQ Pick Your Part for $40-50 per shock absorber.

FORD F150 RIDE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

Ford F150 Ride Height Adjustment is a common thing for truck owners to do. They lower the truck for a more aggressive off-road look or they adjust their F150 ride height to level it with other vehicles on the road. If you want to lower your truck, Buy Torsion Key Adapters which cost $1-2 per torsion key adapter.

FORD F150 ENGINE OIL CHANGES

Ford F150 engine oil change is necessary to do on a regular basis, but you should know that if your truck has an Oil Life System, it will tell you when the correct time for an oil change is. You can reset your computer system by disconnecting the battery terminals. If you don’t want to do the work yourself, you can find a reputable mechanic near your location by searching on Google for “automotive repair” and the name of your city or zip code.

FORD F150 RADIO CODE RESETTING

If you want to reset the radio code on your Ford F150 Radio, you should know that there is no “One Reset Code” that works for every Ford F150. You need to read your user manual and reset the radio code from there, or if you have a switch on the back of the CD player/radio, then you just need to switch it off and then on again.

FORD F150 STEREO RECHARGING

Ford F150 Stereo Recharging is very simple and you don’t need to buy any new hardware to do it. Ford F150 owners use phone charger adapters and a screwdriver to open the faceplate.

FORD F150 AIR INTAKE PROBLEMS

The best way to make sure that you are not ingesting water into your Ford F150 motor is to check the intake hose after heavy rain or in case if any leaks were found inside the engine compartment. You should also change your Air Intake Filter regularly because it gets dirty fast and you don’t want dirt getting into your engine.

FORD F150 WATER PUMP LEAK

If you own a Ford F-Series Truck, then you probably know how important it is to check for leaks around the engine block, water pump and heater core hoses, because if there is a leak, you need to fix it as soon as possible. There are 3 reasons why your water pump may start leaking:

• The gasket near the water pump needs replacement
• The bearing in the water pump pulley is damaged
• A crack appeared in the plastic portion of the water pump because of a bad design

Ford F150 owners reported that they used Mustang Water Pump Kit from LKQ Pick Your Part for $69. Most Popular Articles from 2016-2017 about this topic: How To Fix A Leaking Water Pump In Your Ford F150 Truck, How to repair a broken/failing waterpump on F150, and How to replace a failed water pump in a Ford F150

FORD F150 DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL SWITCH REPLACEMENT

The Directional Signal Switch is located on the steering column under the turn signal switch. Ford F150 Directional Signal Switch replacement requires no special tools and 3 bolts need to be removed to take out the old one. You can buy a new Ford F150 Directional Signal Switch from a local dealer or mechanics for $90-130.