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2016 Super Duty forum chatter?


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I'm interested in buying a new Super Duty.

I've owned 9 new Toyota's and 2 Chrysler products over the years but this will be my first FORD.

Naturally I was curious so I started to scour the internet for info on American made trucks.

Some of the blog & truck-forum comments I've come across (specifically concerning the Super Duty) need clarification. I figured this forum was my best chance at getting the facts and disposing of the nonsense.

Here is a sampling of the confusing statements I have seen discussed on various forums...

 

1.) The big changes for FORD Super Duty are now slated for the 2017 model year, "not" 2016 as some had expected or hoped.

 

2.) The 2016 Super Duty will be made of aluminum, NOT steel.

Is this true? And if so, is aluminum better?

 

3.) Ford closed the Louisville truck plant in April for major re-tooling. You can’t order a 2015 anymore because of this plant closing.

But... you can order a 2016 model from the dealer.

Seems odd, if not impossible, since the plant retooling is for the proposed early release of the 2017 design.

So now I'm interested in ordering a new (2016) Super Duty but where (and how) are they going to build it? Obviously, not in the Louisville, KY facility.

 

Should I be concerned that my new truck is going to be a collection of surplus 2015 parts that were pieced together in a Venezuelan sweat-shop and then banded with a 2016 VIN number & door tag?

 

From browsing all this crazy talk on the forums I get the feeling that this is simply a tumultuous time for Ford, and a bad time for a first-timer like me to make a purchase.

Thanks in advance for any comments on this, and sorry for the long-winded post.

-Ej-

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1.) The big changes for FORD Super Duty are now slated for the 2017 model year, "not" 2016 as some had expected or hoped.

 

True. Expect the '17 to be shown at the Texas State Fair in September. Production will begin next year.

 

 

2.) The 2016 Super Duty will be made of aluminum, NOT steel.

Is this true? And if so, is aluminum better?

 

False. The '16 will be steel just like the '15. Expect the '16 to be essentially carryover from '15 with no big changes.

 

As far as which is better, check out the '15 F150. Aluminum is better in many aspects. Lighter, and according to Ford, more dent resistant than steel. I think aluminum is better and hope to get a new Super Duty in a few years.

 

3.) Ford closed the Louisville truck plant in April for major re-tooling. You can’t order a 2015 anymore because of this plant closing.

But... you can order a 2016 model from the dealer.

Seems odd, if not impossible, since the plant retooling is for the proposed early release of the 2017 design.

So now I'm interested in ordering a new (2016) Super Duty but where (and how) are they going to build it? Obviously, not in the Louisville, KY facility.

 

As far as I know, Ford didn't close KTP (Kentucky Truck Plant that produces the Super Duty) down for major re-tooling in April. They are adding to the plant to facilitate the '17 major retool, but I don't think the plant is down. It may be too late to order a '15, but you should be able to order a '16 if you can no longer order a '15. It will be built in KTP as the Super Duty is not built anywhere else.

 

 

Should I be concerned that my new truck is going to be a collection of surplus 2015 parts that were pieced together in a Venezuelan sweat-shop and then banded with a 2016 VIN number & door tag?

 

No, absolutely not. Your '16 will be built in KTP just like the '15 Super Duty.

 

 

From browsing all this crazy talk on the forums I get the feeling that this is simply a tumultuous time for Ford, and a bad time for a first-timer like me to make a purchase.

Thanks in advance for any comments on this, and sorry for the long-winded post.

-Ej-

 

This is not a tumultuous time for Ford at all. Ford has had a busy schedule releasing a lot of new products of late, but they seem to be doing rather well with the launches. Don't worry about the junk you see on forums. Ford is fine, and I'm sure you will be just fine with your '16 Super Duty. Best of luck and enjoy your new truck!

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3.) Ford closed the Louisville truck plant in April for major re-tooling. You can’t order a 2015 anymore because of this plant closing.

But... you can order a 2016 model from the dealer.

Seems odd, if not impossible, since the plant retooling is for the proposed early release of the 2017 design.

So now I'm interested in ordering a new (2016) Super Duty but where (and how) are they going to build it? Obviously, not in the Louisville, KY facility.

 

You got some bad information. We are building the 2016 model as we speek. Basically a carryover of the 2015 model. The 2017 will be a big change.

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Thank you for the clarification.

The commentary that is churned out on some of those generic truck-lover forums seems to be a bit too emotional to be very useful.

 

If the 2016 Super Duty is simply a carryover from last year then I am very pleased. That is exactly what I want.

I look forward to making a purchase in the coming months.

My first Ford too.

 

Glad I found Blue Oval forums! :wub:

And thanks again for your comments,

-Ej-

 

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Thank you for the clarification.

The commentary that is churned out on some of those generic truck-lover forums seems to be a bit too emotional to be very useful.

 

If the 2016 Super Duty is simply a carryover from last year then I am very pleased. That is exactly what I want.

I look forward to making a purchase in the coming months.

My first Ford too.

 

Glad I found Blue Oval forums! :wub:

And thanks again for your comments,

-Ej-

 

Welcome to the Forum! :)

 

We absolutely love our King Ranch. It is a very nice truck!! :camera:

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If I may pester the forum for one last (noob) inquiry. . .

 

When ordering an F-350 SRW there are three possible GVWR package choices:

1.) 10,000 GVWR

2.) 11,400 GVWR

3.) No selection at all.

 

How does selecting item 1, 2, or 3 as listed above affect the build (or price) of the vehicle I am ordering?

 

Why is there even a choice? I've ordered new vehicles before and GVWR is usually something that is "stated" by the manufacturer, not chosen by the customer.

 

Thanks in advance for educating me on this stuff. :noobie:

 

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If I may pester the forum for one last (noob) inquiry. . .

 

When ordering an F-350 SRW there are three possible GVWR package choices:

1.) 10,000 GVWR

2.) 11,400 GVWR

3.) No selection at all.

 

How does selecting item 1, 2, or 3 as listed above affect the build (or price) of the vehicle I am ordering?

 

Why is there even a choice? I've ordered new vehicles before and GVWR is usually something that is "stated" by the manufacturer, not chosen by the customer.

 

Thanks in advance for educating me on this stuff. :noobie:

 

 

I don't really know the answer to that question. Have you checked out the build and price on Ford's website? If you haven't, check it out, it may help answer your questions on option packages and pricing. You will spend every waking hour their configuring your truck 47 different ways trying to get exactly what you want. :)

 

http://bp3.ford.com/2016-Ford-SuperDuty?branding=1&lang=en&welcomeMessage=false#/ChooseYourPath/

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Topic Update...

I did an on-line chat with a Ford truck rep and she told me that the "GVWR package" that I select when building the vehicle is nothing more than me choosing what's printed on the left door-jam sticker.

 

9800#

10,000#

11,400#

 

This will of course greatly affect insurance & registration fees so selecting a lower GVW will save you money over the life of the vehicle, albeit limit your (legal) hauling capacity.

Here in Jersey going over 10kLb on a non-commercial vehicle is quite punitive. Additionally, a number of insurance companies (like mine unfortunately) will NOT insure (private) vehicles over 10kLb.

 

This simple step in "package selection" is therefore extremely critical when ordering a new vehicle (unless of course yours is strictly a neighborhood cruiser and will never see an actual payload). <wink> ;)

 

Regards,

-Ej-

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It's not just a number on the sticker - it has to change the suspension and/or tires at a minimum.......

 

Nope, I don't think so. It's just the sticker. All F350 SRW are built to the max payload, they just label it differently for the reasons Ej posted. I checked the build and price site and there is no price difference between the 3 different options.

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There are restrictions on the 11,400 package though. I'll take your word for it but I find it incredible that the gov't would allow Ford to get away with something as simple as a sticker.

 

It's possible the springs are stiffer, but I don't think so.

 

Here in MO, you can license the same truck for 6, 12, 18, or 24 k lbs. No changes to the truck. That number on the plate is what DOT really cares about. Don't see why the same couldn't be done for GVWR package on the truck.

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Years ago I had a 3500HD Chevy dually truck registered at a mere 8600# so it would be "legal" to run on the Garden State Parkway.

The only caveat is that if you get pulled over by a Trooper at an inspection stop you had best NOT weigh in over 8600#

 

As info, the initial registration fee in NJ for a new 10,000# vehicle is $555.

For the higher weight of 11,400# it's $703.00 <ouch!>

 

I called my insurance company for a quote and they simply told me that 10k# and over is commercial (even if it's for private use) and the truck couldn't be put on my existing policy. :violin:

-Ej-

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Years ago I had a 3500HD Chevy dually truck registered at a mere 8600# so it would be "legal" to run on the Garden State Parkway.

The only caveat is that if you get pulled over by a Trooper at an inspection stop you had best NOT weigh in over 8600#

 

As info, the initial registration fee in NJ for a new 10,000# vehicle is $555.

For the higher weight of 11,400# it's $703.00 <ouch!>

 

I called my insurance company for a quote and they simply told me that 10k# and over is commercial (even if it's for private use) and the truck couldn't be put on my existing policy. :violin:

-Ej-

 

Curious, why did you have a dually if you were only legal up to 8600lbs? That's barely enough payload for groceries!

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Curious, why did you have a dually if you were only legal up to 8600lbs? That's barely enough payload for groceries!

The 3500HD Dually was a company "work" vehicle as is my current 07 F-250, 142" WB, gas 4x4.

I got the Dually as a hand-me-down from someone (I assume) that actually needed the beast due to the nature of their work.

Since I'm a manager in the Engineering Dept, and I seldom carry more than a set of prints and a calculator yet I frequently run the full length of the state. Access to cars-only highways, tunnels & bridges was critical. Hence the extreme under-registering.

And if memory serves me correctly, it was actually registered at 6600 pounds, not the 8600 I mentioned earlier.

 

In January 2007 I was issued the F-250 pick-up which I'm currently driving and have since put over 100,000 miles on it.

The only thing I ever had to replace were the front Auto/Lock hubs.

While not nearly as comfortable (or fast) as the old Chevy, the Ford has been incredibly economical to run.

No problems ever! Not so much as a rattle, shimmy, or a check-engine light in 100k!

 

Sorry I'm so long winded here. I guess it's a noob thing.

-Ej-

Edited by Electrojake
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  • 2 weeks later...

Adding some info a little late to the topic..

 

Akirby - the packages are strictly to get around state registration requirements.. nothing to do with the Fed govt. Example, 11,500 which is standard on the F350 (I have it) requires commercial registration in CA (must have DOT #s on the truck which opens up another whole can of worms). Because of that, Ford offers a 11,400 downgrade option and the only difference is the sticker... nothing different in how the truck is built and they are all the same parts to the suspension etc.

 

Some states have 10k requirements so Ford offers even further downgrades. Although no different, the sticker is what tells you what is legal. So although the truck is capable of having a 11,500 GVWR, if you choose the 11,400 or the 10k option, that is the legal GVWR you can have and can be ticketed/fined if you are caught going over that.

 

It's all in how owners can avoid accessive registration fees/requirements in certain states.

 

 

To the OP, as far as KTP shutting down, it has not yet. 2016 orders are going to stop being accepted earlier then normal for a MY (towards end of November) to allow for retooling for the 2017 SD. Production of the 17MY is expected to start on 4/26.

Edited by blwnsmoke
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1.) Some states have 10k requirements so Ford offers even further downgrades. Although no different, the sticker is what tells you what is legal. So although the truck is capable of having a 11,500 GVWR, if you choose the 11,400 or the 10k option, that is the legal GVWR you can have and can be ticketed/fined if you are caught going over that.

 

 

2.) To the OP, as far as KTP shutting down, it has not yet. 2016 orders are going to stop being accepted earlier then normal for a MY (towards end of November) to allow for retooling for the 2017 SD. Production of the 17MY is expected to start on 4/26.

1.) Agreed; GVWR is a matter of legality, not build quality or capacity. Thanks for the back-up on that.

 

2.) Off topic but...

I had planned to wait until early 2016 to order my new Super Duty but now it looks like I may very well (get stuck) with a 2017 model. <sigh>

BTW: Where's the "Bash the 2017 Super Duty Before We've Even Seen It" thread located? I need to vent.

Just kidding.

Thank you blwnsmoke for the up-date!

Regards,

-Ej-

Edited by Electrojake
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IF you want a 16, just put in your order mid November and you'll have it in January or February. We should know in a few months what the 17 looks like. 17s should hit dealer lots mid to end of May pending the ok to ship/sell is given in the initial 5 day period.

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I think the easiest way to close it is to do exactly what my state does which seems to be the minority.

 

First the truck registration, it is X amount per thousand the truck is worth and it drops by about 15 % each year for 5 years. Then it is also charged X amount per thousand of the GVWR (so the different between 10k, 11,400 and 11,500 is very minimal).

 

Then we pay the same thing on the trailer.. it is based on X amount that the trailer GVWR is. as well as X amount of the value of the trailer and drops just like the vehicles over 5 years.

 

Doing it this way, you can have a 11,500 truck and not be charged the ridiculous fees for people who aren't going to tow heavy and don't need it for commercial use. And for those who do tow heavy, well the state still gets their money because they got it from the trailer registration each year.

 

Example, my 5th wheel, I paid about $820 for the year to register it for it's first year in May. It will drop down to about $650 on year 2, $500 on year 3, $350 on year 4 and then about $200 on year 5 and stay at the price for the rest of it's life (estimates but in the ball park).

 

That to me is the only fair way to do it so those who tow, pay their fees, those do not, don't pay the same as those who do.

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I think the easiest way to close it is to do exactly what my state does which seems to be the minority.

 

First the truck registration, it is X amount per thousand the truck is worth and it drops by about 15 % each year for 5 years. Then it is also charged X amount per thousand of the GVWR (so the different between 10k, 11,400 and 11,500 is very minimal).

 

Then we pay the same thing on the trailer.. it is based on X amount that the trailer GVWR is. as well as X amount of the value of the trailer and drops just like the vehicles over 5 years.

 

Doing it this way, you can have a 11,500 truck and not be charged the ridiculous fees for people who aren't going to tow heavy and don't need it for commercial use. And for those who do tow heavy, well the state still gets their money because they got it from the trailer registration each year.

 

Example, my 5th wheel, I paid about $820 for the year to register it for it's first year in May. It will drop down to about $650 on year 2, $500 on year 3, $350 on year 4 and then about $200 on year 5 and stay at the price for the rest of it's life (estimates but in the ball park).

 

That to me is the only fair way to do it so those who tow, pay their fees, those do not, don't pay the same as those who do.

 

Here in MO, it doesn't matter what your truck GVWR is, it matters how you license it. My SD is registered for 18k lbs GVW. I can tow any amount up to that amount. I could also register it for 6k lbs, but I better not be caught over that weight. Since the SD weighs more than that, it would be illegal as soon as I put the plates on it. I have seen it done though. You can also license a Ranger up to 24k lbs if you want. The sticker on the side doesn't matter. Now, if you were to be in an accident while towing well in excess of the number on the door, at attorney would have a hay-day with it.

 

Strangely enough, though, cars don't have a weight limit. You can register an Excursion (or any SUV) as a car and tow 24k lbs behind it and not have an issue. However, if you register it as a truck, you have to register it for what you are planning to tow.

 

Trailers don't have a limit, it's just a trailer. It's like $7/year for a trailer whether it is a single axle utility or a 3 axle fifth wheel. Fifth wheels can now get a permanent license for like $50. Good as long as you own the trailer.

 

I pay $55/year for my SD. Our Flex is about half that. Our personal property taxes are handled the way you mention for your registration fees, but it's based on assessed value.

Edited by fordmantpw
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Our property taxes are the same as well.. X per thousand based on assessed value which is always lower then what the house is worth. I guess no matter how you work it, the state is going to get their money one way or another. Our vehicle/trailer reg fees are higher but we also don't have sales tax or income tax so an out the door price on a vehicle is exactly what the vehicle price is (plus title fee).

 

I know when I registered my snowmobile trailer, it was about $40 for the year but it is light and can't carry much. My 5th wheel dry weight is 11,200 but GVWR is 14k so I pay based on the 14k. Our registrations are based off of dealer paperwork so we can't change the weight ratings, it comes straight from the manufacturer and that's what the town/city/state uses to figure out reg costs.

 

My SD was a hair over $1,000 for the first year and was $826 this year.

 

So like I said, I guess one way or another, they are going to get the money they want, it's just in how they approach it.

 

And then there are the whole insurance rates between F250/F350/F450 which I won't even get into. Doesn't fluctuate much in my state but I hear in our states there can be a significant difference especially going to a F450.

Edited by blwnsmoke
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