The Expensive Part Is Done

Jim Bennett · 09-23-2015, 10:59 PM

That would be buying the tow vehicle for our trailer. After countless hours of researching, I bought a new truck today. Now, just 8 more months wait.

After lots and lots of searching and researching, looking at existing trucks, as well as announced new ones, I basically confirmed that it would be a Ford. For various reasons I ended up with a Ford Lariat, with a 3.5L turbo diesel and a 6.5' box (not available with the 2.7L). It has every option I wanted, and unfortunately many, many more. The only thing I did not get that I wanted, was the built in tailgate step. HOLY CRAP, when I found it online I near had a had a heart attack looking at the prices. I would have waited and bought new later, but their incentives to clear the 2015 models go me interested. After A LOT of back and forth bartering, seeing me getting ready to leave, I ended up getting it for almost $15k (with tax) off MSRP plus dealer cost and GST. Even if I waited and bought one with much lesser packages, it would have still cost a bit more than I paid, even after making a deal.

It was too dark to get a good photo after I signed the papers, but this is exactly what it looks like. It is also in our favourite of the colours (though a $450 upgrade), Ruby Red.

Retirement may have to be put off a bit more.

SpokanEscape · 09-23-2015, 11:08 PM

Nice Jim! We have been looking at the Fords too for our 5.0 hatching next year. Didn't have your luck finding what we wanted in the 2015's yet but the discounts are great. I really want the tailgate steps with my gimpy post polio legs! We'll keep looking!
Guess we know the color you'll be choosing for your graphics!
Jan

Jim Bennett · 09-23-2015, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpokanEscape

Guess we know the color you'll be choosing for your graphics!

Kinda gave it away, eh?

Yeah, the pickings are getting pretty slim. At first I was looking for a 2.7L, and there are not a lot of them outfitted to my needs, and I realized going to the 3.5L was the only way to get the 6.5' box. I have never (other than a Toyota 30+ years ago), had anything shorter than 8', and the 5.5' boxes looked smaller than my lunch bucket.

I will likely just get an aftermarket tailgate step, as you can't retrofit the parts needed into the one I got.

Or maybe just toss one of these in the back.

Jim Bennett · 09-23-2015, 11:21 PM

Included was full tow packages, built-in brake controller, a package that employs engine braking when towing and going down hills, and most importantly to me, power extending and folding mirrors. I did a test ride in one with the regular mirrors, and really did not like them, as I am so used to the big mirrors in the Super Duties I have had.

SpokanEscape · 09-23-2015, 11:30 PM

it's the grab bar on the tailgate step which will really help me. They are great trucks for towing and the technology is amazing.

gbaglo · 09-23-2015, 11:32 PM

Guess the Alberta economy isn't that bad after all.

Jim Bennett · 09-23-2015, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Guess the Alberta economy isn't that bad after all.

Not any more, I just boosted it a bit more, though my savings are somewhat deflated.

Jim Bennett · 09-23-2015, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpokanEscape

it's the grab bar on the tailgate step which will really help me. They are great trucks for towing and the technology is amazing.

It is nice, for sure, and I had really wanted one. Using the step I posted you can grab onto the box side.

Winelover · 09-23-2015, 11:55 PM

Congratulations, Jim! You will have plenty of time to break it in before towing the new trailer. Pretty color!

amirie · 09-24-2015, 01:01 AM

Wow---you will enjoy it... Will Lisa like driving it?

Fox hunt · 09-24-2015, 02:32 AM

I have a ford 250 it's old now but it's a great truck never gives me any trouble if I get a truck again it's a Ford your truck looks very pretty !

Jim Bennett · 09-24-2015, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amirie

Wow---you will enjoy it... Will Lisa like driving it?

A bit big for her liking, but she will be fine after a while. We now plan to sell both our cars, so will become a two pickup household, and this will be the smallest.

jamman · 09-24-2015, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

...
For various reasons I ended up with a Ford Lariat, with a 3.5L turbo diesel and a 6.5' box (not available with the 2.7L)
....

I was not aware of a Ford 3.5L diesel.

Dave Walter · 09-24-2015, 08:03 AM

Nice wheels Jim, and my favorite color as well.

gabeck · 09-24-2015, 08:27 AM

Wow ....beautiful truck .....guess your graphics will be red ........
Looks like one of those trucks that could use an elevator ....pull two Escapes ! �� ( or more )

Jim Bennett · 09-24-2015, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gabeck

Wow ....beautiful truck .....guess your graphics will be red ........
Looks like one of those trucks that could use an elevator ....pull two Escapes ! �� ( or more )

Ruby red, baby!

It is a bit big, but nowhere near as big as my F350 that I had at the rally. I think that photo (taken from a low position) of Fords was meant to make it look more ominous.

Here are the other images from Ford. Kinda cool that it shows all the options, including the towing mirrors.

Jim Bennett · 09-24-2015, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamman

I was not aware of a Ford 3.5L diesel.

I meant to say EcoBoost. My bad.

I had been looking at the Dodge 3.0 diesel, and my mind was muddled.

I was told in there that Ford will be bringing the Ranger and Bronco back to North America, possibly for 2017. Way too late for me, but the Ranger with one of the two diesel engines offered in Europe and Australia, would make a great tow vehicle, and be a bit smaller too. It is bigger than the previous version though.

MyronL · 09-24-2015, 09:43 AM

Good luck with a great new truck! Good choice, great color.
Ruby Red- Ruby Red- Ruby Red!

Jim Bennett · 09-24-2015, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyronL

Good luck with a great new truck! Good choice, great color.
Ruby Red- Ruby Red- Ruby Red!

LOL
Nice colour.

Ron in BC · 09-24-2015, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I was told in there that Ford will be bringing the Ranger and Bronco back to North America, possibly for 2017. the Ranger with one of the two diesel engines offered in Europe and Australia, would make a great tow vehicle, and be a bit smaller too. It is bigger than the previous version though.

Wow, news to me. I held off as long as possible buying my last Ranger. Gave up hoping they'd change their mind about continuing on with it. Bought one of the last ones available. The next year I went to New Zealand and saw the latest Ranger with a diesel. You're right, it is larger than even the last version of Rangers made here but I'd love to have one. So, 2017, I can handle that, my truck will almost be old by then.

Ron

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