Well I thought I had made a good choice - due to a growing family I traded my H3 for a 2012 F150 FX4 SCREW with the Ecoboost and it was loaded with more features than a man needs - but hey I figured do it now before the baby comes.
This Ford has turned ouit to be nothing but a lemon! Here is a list of the problems - please let me know if you've had simialr issues or if my usual luck has kicked in and I got a lemon;
Actuator for 4wd - the first snow of the season and I am STUCK at the end of my driveway because I don't have 4wd. Good thing I never "tested" the off road ability when I was in Colorado.
Sound shield fell off twice - this is the composit shield under the cab of the truck held in place by "twist clips".
All brakes replaced - truck less than 11500 miles - made such bad screeching noise that it would wake people up in the house as I backed out of the garage.
Driver's power folding mirror replaced - would not fold especially after getting wet - like from rain.
Pulley and belt tensioner for one of the turbos had to be replaced after a high pitched squeal was heard at start up.
Transmission had to be reflashed/programed -was shifting funny and not running right
Advance track system reflashed/programed - vehicle was sluggish for 3 days before light came on - then was REALLY sluggish. Still isn't running as crisp as it was before the flash was done.
The worst part is this truck has never even been off road. The closest thing was when we were in Grand Lake Colorado and drive a gravel/dirt road up the mountain.
The dealership I bought it from has not been helpful - everything has been replaced under warranty but the service manager acts as though I'm interrupting his day and I'm a complete idiot (which is true at times but not when it comes to the problems I've had with this truck). Quick example did you all know that ALL 2010 and newer F150s are supposed to have squeaky brakes! As per the service manager Ford's brakes will squeak because it's all about stopping power since they can tow so much more. ****** really?? My advice is stay away from the largest Ford dealership in Nebraska - at least the Blair service department.
Ok done ranting - now it's time to try and figure out what I want to trade this lemon in on. I really like the Power Wagon - it has room, power and all the off road goodies I will ever want the only down side is bad gas mileage (yes I know it's a 3/4 ton truck). I like the Chevy/GMC Z71/All terrain series. Some off road goodies and better gas mileage but not the power or capabilities as the PW. I've even found 2 - H3Ts, one with the Adventure pkg but no room in the bed for gear and 3 dogs (160, 85 and 80 pounds) and eventhe one with the 5.3 is lacking on power and performance.
I know things seem in favor of the PW but I don't have ANY experience with Ram (Dodge) trucks. I've had Chevys in the past and obviously my Ford experience defintely makes me not even think about a different Ford truck.
I'm asking for your thoughts, input and experiences with the PW. How are the new Chevys doing for reliability and performance? To help you help me here are my wants/needs:
Off road ability - trips to Colorado and Wyoming
Room for 3 dogs, girlfriend, baby and me.
Cost for adding on features if needed (tires, mild lift, topper etc).
Performance/gas mileage - ability to add on K&N tuner if needed etc.
Ability to pull a 5000lb trailer and gear
Like I said I really like everything about the PW but I am completely ignorant as to their reliabilty. I don't want to fall into another lemon like I did with this Ford. I need a truck I can trust and know me and my family are safe in it.
Let me hear your thoughts.
This Ford has turned ouit to be nothing but a lemon! Here is a list of the problems - please let me know if you've had simialr issues or if my usual luck has kicked in and I got a lemon;
Actuator for 4wd - the first snow of the season and I am STUCK at the end of my driveway because I don't have 4wd. Good thing I never "tested" the off road ability when I was in Colorado.
Sound shield fell off twice - this is the composit shield under the cab of the truck held in place by "twist clips".
All brakes replaced - truck less than 11500 miles - made such bad screeching noise that it would wake people up in the house as I backed out of the garage.
Driver's power folding mirror replaced - would not fold especially after getting wet - like from rain.
Pulley and belt tensioner for one of the turbos had to be replaced after a high pitched squeal was heard at start up.
Transmission had to be reflashed/programed -was shifting funny and not running right
Advance track system reflashed/programed - vehicle was sluggish for 3 days before light came on - then was REALLY sluggish. Still isn't running as crisp as it was before the flash was done.
The worst part is this truck has never even been off road. The closest thing was when we were in Grand Lake Colorado and drive a gravel/dirt road up the mountain.
The dealership I bought it from has not been helpful - everything has been replaced under warranty but the service manager acts as though I'm interrupting his day and I'm a complete idiot (which is true at times but not when it comes to the problems I've had with this truck). Quick example did you all know that ALL 2010 and newer F150s are supposed to have squeaky brakes! As per the service manager Ford's brakes will squeak because it's all about stopping power since they can tow so much more. ****** really?? My advice is stay away from the largest Ford dealership in Nebraska - at least the Blair service department.
Ok done ranting - now it's time to try and figure out what I want to trade this lemon in on. I really like the Power Wagon - it has room, power and all the off road goodies I will ever want the only down side is bad gas mileage (yes I know it's a 3/4 ton truck). I like the Chevy/GMC Z71/All terrain series. Some off road goodies and better gas mileage but not the power or capabilities as the PW. I've even found 2 - H3Ts, one with the Adventure pkg but no room in the bed for gear and 3 dogs (160, 85 and 80 pounds) and eventhe one with the 5.3 is lacking on power and performance.
I know things seem in favor of the PW but I don't have ANY experience with Ram (Dodge) trucks. I've had Chevys in the past and obviously my Ford experience defintely makes me not even think about a different Ford truck.
I'm asking for your thoughts, input and experiences with the PW. How are the new Chevys doing for reliability and performance? To help you help me here are my wants/needs:
Off road ability - trips to Colorado and Wyoming
Room for 3 dogs, girlfriend, baby and me.
Cost for adding on features if needed (tires, mild lift, topper etc).
Performance/gas mileage - ability to add on K&N tuner if needed etc.
Ability to pull a 5000lb trailer and gear
Like I said I really like everything about the PW but I am completely ignorant as to their reliabilty. I don't want to fall into another lemon like I did with this Ford. I need a truck I can trust and know me and my family are safe in it.
Let me hear your thoughts.
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