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Old 07-18-2016, 05:55 AM   #1
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F150 Advice re: 5.0TA

After reading much on the merits of the F150 as a TV for a 5.0TA, I'm asking for any helpful insights you might have as I plan my factory order of a suitably equipped, F150. Many of you use these able trucks and I'm specifically interested in what factory options/packages you'd recommend that I consider for my new TV. Also, your thoughts on necessary cab/bed length combinations you think preferable would be of help too. As always, many thanks in advance for your comments and thoughts! :thanx:
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Old 07-18-2016, 07:36 AM   #2
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We were looking at a 5.0TA but could not decide because of the goofy 5th wheel
set up. We finally decided on a 21 instead . Make sure you check how high your sides are? I've heard the 5 and 1/2ft bed will work with a slide attachment 5th wheel. I would also check the Anderson goose neck . That's what everyone says anyway . I think the 5th wheel will tow better then a pull along I just couldn't get the 5th wheel thing worked out plus we didn't have a truck yet Also .my wife didn't want the 5th wheel so the 21 made more sense .

This is off the subject how do I post a new topic looked through FAQ couldn't find how to do it ??
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Old 07-18-2016, 07:40 AM   #3
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I never realized you were going to the 5/0TA.....nice!

For starters you would do fine with the 2.7 litre EcoDiesel engine.

I went to the 3.5 to be able to get the 6.5' box, as with a Supercrew and the 2.7 you can only get a 5.5' box. If you go with the Extended cab, then the 3.7 and 6/5' box length is available. This will depend on your priorities there, and maybe there are different combos available in the US.

With the Surpercrew the back seat area is massive, lots of room to store stuff there.

I love my towing mirrors as opposed to the smaller ones. A much bigger better field of view, and they extend out too.

The 120 litre fuel tank will get you lots of range.

The one option I don't have (I bought off the lot) is a tailgate step. I did install an aftermarket one that goes on the rear corner. The bed is fairly high, and my legs don't stretch as good as they used to. Maybe I need to go back to yoga.

The integrated brake controller works great.

I would also get the payload package, tow package (though included with my Lariat which does have a lot of nice options, though not all are needed)
The integrated brake controller works great.

I would also get the payload package, tow package (though included with my Lariat which does have a lot of nice options, though not all are needed)

Lots of good aftermarket options too. As I use mine for work too, I installed Carhartt seat covers right away, and am very glad I did. I had the bed sprayed with Line-X, which I highly recommend. I also added 3M protectant to the front of the body, something maybe more useful up here where they sand the roads in the winter, and lots of rock chips are to be had. I also installed a Fold-a-Cover Tonneau cover and toolbox, which works very well.
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Old 07-18-2016, 07:46 AM   #4
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I suggest you get a package that increases your payload to 2000 lbs minimum. My friend refers to trucks with 5.5' beds as motorized wheelbarrows. Get a 6.5' bed and a 36 gallon fuel tank.
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Old 07-18-2016, 07:47 AM   #5
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This is off the subject how do I post a new topic looked through FAQ couldn't find how to do it ??
Jim, you just go to the forum you want to post the new topic under, and at the top left will be a button.
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Old 07-18-2016, 08:28 AM   #6
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I tend to err on the side of overdoing things.

I'd just ditto everything Jim said. I have the HD payload pkg, adds some weight to the truck and a rougher ride but worth it to me. With the supercab 4x4 and longbed I can do 2200 lbs. Personally I wouldn't go with anything less then 1500 lbs of payload but others have done so with less.

I like the power of the 3.5 EB, absolutely no issues driving through the Rockies, coming down is something this flat lander is working on. No experience with the diesel but I do like the extra power of the 3.5.

Would suggest 6 1/2' bed. I have a trifecta tonneau cover which I like, easy to remove which I do fairly often. White tape on the folded up cover works well for guide marks to back into the hitch as I can't see the hitch with the cover on.

I use a rubber mat for the bed, which is just what I prefer with a Bed Rug on the tailgate.

I use side window visors so I can leave the windows cracked open. Have the sliding rear window but don't use it.

Non powered extended mirrors. Would like to have the power foldup ones, but these will do.

Have and use the bed side fold up steps, most probably won't. Should have gotten the rear step, didn't know how high these newer trucks are.

Aftermarket in bed 7 pin trailer connector.

Nerf bars, stainless steel, at least on the 4x4.
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Old 07-18-2016, 09:21 AM   #7
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Have and use the bed side fold up steps, most probably won't. Should have gotten the rear step, didn't know how high these newer trucks are.

Aftermarket in bed 7 pin trailer connector.
What make of fold up steps did you use, Bob? Was it OEM? I looked at some and ultimately (for now ) decided on stowing a two step aluminum ladder in the bed. I had a one step and could not reach to the middle of my tool box with it. Actually, I have found it handy for a bunch of stuff around a campsite, not just bed access.

I too installed a 7-pin connector inside the bed. It took 15 minutes to do, and is nice and tidy. I stow the excess cable in the pin box and just pull out what I need.
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Old 07-18-2016, 09:33 AM   #8
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To echo what others have said:

Tow package
Payload package
Integrated brake controller -(it's the best one out there)
Towing mirrors
36 gallon fuel tank (500+ miles between fuel stops when towing)
Ecoboost V6 - (Ours is a 2.7L, which would get maybe 1 to 2 mpg better mileage than the 3.5, but a little less horsepower)

Other items we like:
BLIS
Sirius Travel Link (for weather radar, etc)
Integrated step in tailgate
Super Crew

And, if I'm going with the 5.0TA, I'd switch from the 5.5 foot bed to 6.5 foot.
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Old 07-18-2016, 09:35 AM   #9
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BLIS
Say what?
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Old 07-18-2016, 10:25 AM   #10
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[QUOTE=Jim Bennett;152255]I never realized you were going to the 5/0TA.....nice!

Well, I wasn't. Then I was. Then I sent a check to Tammy to hold an early July 2017 build date. Then Reace was kind enough to talk with me about the suitability of my Frontier as a tug; he said I'd be at the edge of its capabilities and so I backed out (and he very graciously agreed to tear up my check). THEN, Mary okay's a new pickup AND the 5.0 so now I'm back in business. Hope to get up to Chilliwack after I get back from vacation and seal a deal (assuming Reace and Tammy don't think I'm a flake .
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Old 07-18-2016, 10:31 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rbryan4 View Post
To echo what others have said:

And, if I'm going with the 5.0TA, I'd switch from the 5.5 foot bed to 6.5 foot.
Is a 90 degree turn possible with a 5.5' box? Maybe with the Andersen Ultimate turned backwards for the short bed?
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Old 07-18-2016, 10:47 AM   #12
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Is a 90 degree turn possible with a 5.5' box? Maybe with the Andersen Ultimate turned backwards for the short bed?
I turn the Anderson backwards in my 6.5' box, and the ball is 43" from center to the cab. It would be almost 12" closer with yours. The actual box lengths are 67.1" and 78.9" measured on the floor, and of course the cab is a couple inches forward of this.

For the most part clearance only matters for turning, and even when the corner of the trailer comes to the corner of the cab, it is a ways back due to the angle. You cannot obviously do a 90° turn, but I can't imagine ever needing that.
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Old 07-18-2016, 10:49 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zardoz View Post
Is a 90 degree turn possible with a 5.5' box? Maybe with the Andersen Ultimate turned backwards for the short bed?
Why not just get the truck bed that fits the trailer the best?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett View Post
What make of fold up steps did you use, Bob? Was it OEM? I looked at some and ultimately (for now ) decided on stowing a two step aluminum ladder in the bed. I had a one step and could not reach to the middle of my tool box with it. Actually, I have found it handy for a bunch of stuff around a campsite, not just bed access.
They are the OEM, originally to reach the canoe straps on the roof rack of the truck cap.
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Old 07-18-2016, 10:50 AM   #14
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Carl tows with a short box and a 2.7, and I have never heard of him having an issue, but I just like as much box volume as possible, especially when used for work.
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Old 07-18-2016, 11:28 AM   #15
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I would prefer the 6.5 foot bed with any 5er, even if the additional clearance was minor. And as Jim mentions, the extra cargo space is a plus.




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Old 07-18-2016, 11:31 AM   #16
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Say what?

Yeah, pretty sure you have it Jim. Blind Spot Information System - with sensors and warnings when it detects something in your blind spot on either side.


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Old 07-18-2016, 11:40 AM   #17
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Yeah, pretty sure you have it Jim. Blind Spot Information System - with sensors and warnings when it detects something in your blind spot on either side.


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Ah yes, I do try to use those as another check, but with the convex mirrors on the tow mirrors (something I am very used to) I always check them anyway.

Besides, they automatically turn off when towing, which is a good thing.
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Old 07-18-2016, 11:42 AM   #18
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F150 Advice re: 5.0TA

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett View Post
....they automatically turn off when towing, which is a good thing.

Yeah, can you imagine if they didn't? "Hey, warning, there's a big object right behind you - and it's really close!"

I also have to turn off the backup warning when I'm not towing, unless I remove the stinger - because the sensor detects the ball as an object and alarms continuously.


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Old 07-18-2016, 11:44 AM   #19
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[QUOTE=padlin;152274]Why not just get the truck bed that fits the trailer the best?

Likely that I will; just learning everything I can.
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Old 07-18-2016, 12:08 PM   #20
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[QUOTE=Zardoz;152268]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett View Post
I never realized you were going to the 5/0TA.....nice!

Well, I wasn't. Then I was. Then I sent a check to Tammy to hold an early July 2017 build date. Then Reace was kind enough to talk with me about the suitability of my Frontier as a tug; he said I'd be at the edge of its capabilities and so I backed out (and he very graciously agreed to tear up my check). THEN, Mary okay's a new pickup AND the 5.0 so now I'm back in business. Hope to get up to Chilliwack after I get back from vacation and seal a deal (assuming Reace and Tammy don't think I'm a flake .
Hi: Zardoz... Sure could use your wife to talk with mine!!! One exception is the "Platinum" kitchen we just installed. Can't drive a house and live in a vehicle except an RV. Drivin' at the edge ain't all bad!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
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