New Truck - What Should I Do to It?

[johns1959]

Originally Posted by Gsykora

Skip the rack system, light bar, mud flaps and tool box. I'd get a bedcover. I've had a Backflip 4 panel on my F350 SRW and it was pretty good. I've now got a rolling solid cover on my F350 DRW longbed. Both work great, but the rolling cover takes up some bed space and given you've got a shortbed, that might be a problem. Not sure what size fuel tank your truck has, but I added a 50 gal replacement Titan tank to my SRW. Get yourself a dashcam that records front view and inside the cab view. You'll be surprised how many drivers cause you problems while towing and having some video evidence is pretty nice to have.

Thanks Gsykora, that sounds like good advice. I have looked at the Bakflip products and they seem to be well liked. I am considering a rack system for future need to carry bikes and such. I am looking at the Retrax Pro with the t-channel rack system which could be used later (or not). I will hold off on the tool box until I am sure I need it. I have the factory standard fuel tank (wish I had speced an upgrade in the build). I think there is a 60 gal option aftermarket that might be a future upgrade. I don't want to put a transfer tank in the bed (weight and bed space). I like the idea about the dashcam - which one do you use?

Regards,

John

[johns1959]

Originally Posted by Nwcid

Are you going to use any of those things? Often enough to justify the expense?

I really like spending money on cool stuff but over the last serval years I have been trying to do much better about not buying it unless you have a need. I know it is not as much fun, but my bank account and wife like it a lot more.

My newest pick up is a 2016 that I bought new and is still mostly stock. I do use my truck so I added a spray in liner. I like being able to leave my windows cracked in all weather so I put slim window covers on. Of course I have appropriate hitches for my trailers. After pulling my large trailer I did spring for a 50gal aux tank with toolbox.

I always think lights, bumper, winch, etc are very cool, but I would rarely, if ever use them. That keeps me from buying them. On my SxS I have all of that stuff and it gets used frequently.

Thanks Nwcid, LOL, my wife asked me if the truck was going to become a money pit the other day and I said it already is! Your advice is good - I will try to curb my enthusiasm and wait until I have a definite need for any upgrade.

Regards,

John

[johns1959]

Originally Posted by Gammel

Sprayed liner is nice but a horse stall mat is a lot cheaper and just as good.
A Diamondback tonneau is the gold standard IMHO for security. Their HD model can support ATVs!
If you have LED headlights see if your truck can use the Jimmi Jammer hood latch guard to protect your $2800 worth of lights! Some can not use them.
Definitely get the Jimmi Jammer door lock security kit - Ford doors are easily jimmied.
Start adding Archoil AR6500 diesel treatment at every fill up and Archoil AR9100 oil treatment at every oil change. The fuel treatment is arguably more important.

Thanks Gammel, The DB covers are great but way out of my price range and I don't think I will ever need the capability to carry that much weight on my cover. I did not option the LED lights. I will look into the Jimmy Jammer - is that something that I can install myself (I am not too handy)? I will check out the additives you suggest.

Regards,

John

[arcaguy]

I can't recommend spray-in bed liner, I whole heartedly recommend a prefitted rubber mat. Stuff slides too easily on the spray-in liners on the rubber, not so much. I also have a three panel rigid cover. I love it because it is relatively water proof and it can be taken off in 5 minutes if you need to. It's an Extang Solid Fold. If you can make it by the factory in Ann Arbor Michigan you can buy seconds for less than half price. Even at the $800 I paid for it I'm not disappointed. I lived out of the back of my truck for about 22 months a few years ago and never got anything damaged due to water intrusion. I also got the weather seal for the tailgate for added waterproofing. Other than that really didn't do much but I'm not much for bling. Good luck.

[johns1959]

Originally Posted by sam-3

Spend the $ to get good rustproofing. Maybe Crown. Mud flaps and slim window guards. That way you can have the window slightly cracked open and the rain won't come in. Get floor mats Sams club. Invest in good seat covers. You truck will look brand new in the seats many years down the line. JC Whitney is a good source for parts. Best of luck with your new truck. Love Lucas products some available at Walmart.

Thanks sam-3, I had not thought about rust proofing - I live in the deep south where we don't use salt on the roads. Mud flaps are on the short list - what brand do you recommend? I ordered the upgraded floor mats but I will get WeatherTech if I don't like what Ford provided. The seat covers are a good idea - I appreciate the suggestion.

Regards,

John

[johns1959]

Originally Posted by Crosley

We bought a F-350 DRW oil burner truck. Bought Weather Tech floor liners and mud flaps for the truck. I do not care for spray in bed liners.


The truck sits high and my Wife insisted on AMP Research powerstep running boards. I was not in agreement with her primarily because of the price tag on the AMP product.. I will say they work great.


I bought a Curt brand 20k drop hitch. The 2.5 inch size unit with dual ball design insert. 2 inch and 2 5/16 ball. I liked the all steel deign of the Curt unit. My F-350 came with a 3 inch hitch receiver and a reducer to 2.5 inch, so I just bought the 2.5 hitch. I remove the hitch and keep it under the rear seat when not in use.

Thanks Crosley, I speced the truck with extended steps (not power though) my wife is short and my knees are not what they used to be... I am waiting on the hitch to see if I got the 2.5" receiver or the 3". I will probably buy a cheap drop hitch at first to tow my light utility trailer and look into a serious hitch when I buy the TT.

Regards,

John

[johns1959]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

So far I kinda like the horse stall mat vs a spray in bed liner. I paid $525 for my spray in bedliner after market. The only thing is a spray in bedliner gets the sides of the bed.

Weather tech floor mats are great. I have been using them since 2006. I like that idea too.

Diesel fuel - use the new 'Diesel Efficient' fuel if available. In my research it is a tiny bit better (burns more complete, tiny bit better mpg) than #2 diesel. In theroy your truck will do fewer regens. Exxon and Mobil sell it I think. Read up on it yourself to see what it is as about.

I also like the bed cover. Not as much as a cap unless towing a 5th wheel. A cap is out then.

Enjoy the powerful engine.


.

Thanks tuffr2, I will look into the diesel fuel as you suggested. I am not going to get a cap because I will be frequently moving large items in the bed.

Regards,

John

[Palmeris]

Newer truck shouldn't need much.
My 2014 interior got weather teck floor liners front and rear, carcan.com trash bag, seat covers, tpms is velcro to rear view mirror, lock pick camera controller, ram no drill laptop mount , 120 volt USB fast charger for phones, a small 12 volt travel cooler to keep travel days goodies cold.

Temperature gun. Digital and traditional air pressure gages. Spare fuse kit, road side emergency kit, first aid kit, tow straps are all under the rear seats. Over tire step, large umbrella stored behind rear seat.

Linex spray on In the bed , air compressor, roll n lock bed cover. In bed storage system for quarts of oil, Trans fluid, coolant, def, etc. As well as air filter, wiper blades, belt, jumper cables
Dura flap custom mud flaps and matching front vanity plate
.
Titan 65 gallon replacement tank for diesel, titan 15 gallon side kick for gasoline.
Cameras for 3rd brake light and front license plate, s&b body mounts, fox 2.0 adjustable shocks , air bags.

Removed all incandescent bulbs replace with led, added opti 7 led strips under running boards, led flood pods cut in rear bumper, double row led strips under bed rails.Camera umbilical disconnect for the trailer Cameras.
Probably bout covers it....to much needed upgrading...gets us down the road

[johns1959]

Originally Posted by Palmeris

Newer truck shouldn't need much.
My 2014 interior got weather teck floor liners front and rear, carcan.com trash bag, seat covers, tpms is velcro to rear view mirror, lock pick camera controller, ram no drill laptop mount , 120 volt USB fast charger for phones, a small 12 volt travel cooler to keep travel days goodies cold.

Temperature gun. Digital and traditional air pressure gages. Spare fuse kit, road side emergency kit, first aid kit, tow straps are all under the rear seats. Over tire step, large umbrella stored behind rear seat.

Linex spray on In the bed , air compressor, roll n lock bed cover. In bed storage system for quarts of oil, Trans fluid, coolant, def, etc. As well as air filter, wiper blades, belt, jumper cables
Dura flap custom mud flaps and matching front vanity plate
.
Titan 65 gallon replacement tank for diesel, titan 15 gallon side kick for gasoline.
Cameras for 3rd brake light and front license plate, s&b body mounts, fox 2.0 adjustable shocks , air bags.

Removed all incandescent bulbs replace with led, added opti 7 led strips under running boards, led flood pods cut in rear bumper, double row led strips under bed rails.Camera umbilical disconnect for the trailer Cameras.
Probably bout covers it....to much needed upgrading...gets us down the road

Wow - thanks Palmeris, you have given me a lot to think about. Please tell me about your in bed storage system. What air compressor did you go with (I have been looking at the Viair systems). Is your compressor integrated with the truck or stand alone? What bed cover are you using? Please advise...

Regards,

John

[Jshopes81]

I pretty much live out of my trucks and ive got a few things i love and a few i dont.

Weathertech makes great mudflaps. The rockers on my personal are perfect even though its almost 20 years old. Any mudflap will work, but the weathertechs advertise as no drill. I highly recommend a set of flaps.

A ranch bumper is one of my absolute must haves. Theyve saved me so much headache from critters that love to pop out on you. I understand thats what insurance is for, but youd get good money for a new take off bumper and its great when a 200lb deer pops out on you at 55 while youve got 15k behind you. Its a non event. Youre going to kill the deer regardless, why destroy the truck too. Im at 5 deer this year between the work and personal pickups

Weathertech makes great mats if the ford ones arent up to par.

Youve got the spray in bedliner covered

Vent shades are nice but not a must have for me.

Thats about it for me, just the weathertechs, ranch hand, and the mudflaps and im golden. Ive added a few other things too like a cb, bed cover, and tint, but those arent things i need.

[CharlesinGA]

I'm going to throw out one thing, since you are new to diesels.

When you stop at a pump, stand there, look at the pump, the name on it "DIESEL" and your truck, and verify that you are actually at a Diesel pump, you DO NOT want to slip up and accidentally put gasoline in it.

People expect the handles on Diesel nozzles to be GREEN, this is NOT A STANDARD and do not expect it. Every BP station I have ever been in had GREEN GASOLINE nozzles, and BLACK DIESEL nozzles. So look at the signage, look at the nozzle for that nasty mess that all Diesel nozzles seem to have, and possibly even do a sniff test. Also, I refuse to use the large nozzles on pumps designed for medium and heavy duty trucks with large tanks, it causes too much foam in the tank and actually takes longer to fill the last bit as you have to milk the fuel to keep from having a mess. I use the smaller auto diesel nozzles.

Thats my two cents worth.

Charles

[sam-3]

Go to Harbor Freight and purchase the $20.00 step stool. It is fold down. We also use it to get into the bed of the truck. We have stationary running boards.

[Gammel]

John,
The Jimmi Jammer hood latch plate is caveman ready. The one for the door is a little tougher in that you have to remove the interior trim but that isn't that tough. There are plenty of YouTubes. The two sets will only set you back less than $150. Even the basic headlights are way over $400 each so spending $50 to keep them is a no-brainer.

The Diamondback SE is their base model ($1700) but can still hold 400 lbs. If you don't carry anything worth stealing then a cheaper tonneau will do I guess. My feeling is that having any tonneau is an invitation to a thief.

I second the mud flaps suggestion for minimizing rock damage. The Ford ones are good.
I also think Ford's floor liners are nicer than WeatherTech's.

I put a set of Bushwacker rocker panel protectors on today. The wife destroyed the rocker panel on my F150 with her wooden clogs. She won't have a chance on this truck. Got them through Ford Accessories. Went on easily although they can be screwed up.

I have a S&B 60 gallon diesel tank on order. Why Ford won't include one is beyond me.
Can't wait to see "1200 miles until empty" displayed.

Forget jumper cables - capacitor systems are where it's at now. NOCO is the gold standard. For a diesel you will need to spend $200.

[Jshopes81]

Originally Posted by CharlesinGA

I'm going to throw out one thing, since you are new to diesels.

When you stop at a pump, stand there, look at the pump, the name on it "DIESEL" and your truck, and verify that you are actually at a Diesel pump, you DO NOT want to slip up and accidentally put gasoline in it.

People expect the handles on Diesel nozzles to be GREEN, this is NOT A STANDARD and do not expect it. Every BP station I have ever been in had GREEN GASOLINE nozzles, and BLACK DIESEL nozzles. So look at the signage, look at the nozzle for that nasty mess that all Diesel nozzles seem to have, and possibly even do a sniff test. Also, I refuse to use the large nozzles on pumps designed for medium and heavy duty trucks with large tanks, it causes too much foam in the tank and actually takes longer to fill the last bit as you have to milk the fuel to keep from having a mess. I use the smaller auto diesel nozzles.

Thats my two cents worth.

Charles

I always use the big pumps when im getting def and filling the aux tank in the 2018 dodge. Youve gotta do it just right. If i were just filling the truck tank i just use the auto pumps. I can usually get the handle to the first notch. Even when i have to hold it just open its still quicker than the car pumps though.