2018 Platinum shorty. 4X4 HD Tow.
Where to begin….
OK, first and foremost, I LOVE THIS TRUCK.
In my opinion, they are worth taking a chance on.
I just hope you have better luck than I.
As I type this, my girl is on a lift at my local dealer with most of her drivetrain guts strewn out around her.
And she’s been there for 4 weeks.
If you buy one of these impressive machines, and DON‘T get a Ford premium extended warranty out to at least 125,000 miles ( or as long as you intend to own it) then you better start putting money away in a savings account.
Over the last couple of years I have had small issues, and large issues. If you have read about it on this forum—I have probably had it.
Sunroof, side mirrors, lift gate sensor, massage seats, transmission, turbos, cam phasers, rear entertainment, transmission, front differential, running boards, water pump, cam phasers, transmission, coolant leak at turbos. I am sure I am forgetting some.
And no, I didn’t accidentally type cam phasers, and transmission, multiple times….
I still maintain that this truck is the best combination of long-trip luxury yacht, towing brute, and stout off-road beast that money can buy. And even that will not stop me from selling mine when the Ford dealer gives it back to me (whenever that is).
I have finally come to the realization that the engine and drivetrain repetitive problems are just not going to go away. Not with mine. And not with a lot of others I have known on this site over the last couple years. That is not something I can put up with. Even with mine being covered by warranty—which will eventually run out?
If I could have this vehicle, with an old school V-8 and a robust old school drivetrain? I would probably keep it a long time. Are you listening Ford? As it is, I’m stuck driving a loaner Ford Edge, for a month now, as I go around test-driving what I want to replace my Expy with.
And it ****** me off that there really aren’t any good options. I may end up with an older Sequoia… or maybe even an old Excursion diesel.
The modern tech is great, and I love the tech in my Expy. I just don’t want a 24-speed ”smart” transmission, or boosted V-6, or V-8 that randomly shuts down some cylinders as you drive, or engines that start/stop at every light…. Basically any of the tree-hugging, happy horsesh!t that manufacturers are getting shoved down their throat to meet mpg requirements set by the federal government.
Really, I think Ford is missing an opportunity. There is a very real (and growing ) market for a large 3 row SUV built on a 3/4 ton truck platform. If they made an SUV version of their F-250, I would sign up today. Modern tech, meets old school chassis and diesel drivetrain. Rugged, but modern and comfortable for cross-country towing.
Custom Autos by Tim, anyone?
