Why buy an F-Series truck?

If you're not familiar with the F-Series trucks, this page will give you a brief history and bring you up to speed.

What is an F-Series truck?

The F-Series pickup truck dates back to around 1948 and was Ford's first new truck design since World War 2. It was also their largest truck line to date. Ford adopted a numbering system for their trucks that would allow one to determine the capacity of the truck at a glance. The line up spanned from the F1 (½ ton pickup) to the F8 (heavy duty 3 ton truck). The design of these trucks was a vast improvement over previous models. (Adapted from http://www.bonusbuilt.com/history.html ) Other milestones: - In 1953 the series was renamed F100, F250 and F350 instead of F1, F2 and F3. - The first supercab appeared in 1974. - In 1984 the F100 was replaced by the F150.

In the United States, the F-Series is available in a wide range of models, the F150, F250, F350, F450 and others but the latter models are more like big rigs rather than utes. The F-150 has been the best selling vehicle in the United States for 22 years straight and the best selling truck for 27 years.  F-Series in Australia In Australia only the F250 and F350 are available through Ford dealers. Other models such as F150 and F450 can be purchased through a number of private importers such as VDC in Melbourne. See our Contact Information page to locate a dealer near you. The F250's and F350's available through Ford dealers are built right hand drive in Ford Brazil's plant, all other F-Series vehicles have to be converted from left hand drive by the importers.

Why should you NOT buy an F-Series truck?

There are lots of good reasons to buy an F-Series truck but there are also some good reasons not too. I think the F-Series is a great truck but it's not suited to everybody so let's start with why you shouldn't buy one. 

For starters they are a big truck so they're not so good around town where parking is tight. They are also relatively expensive when you compare them with smaller utes, the payload for the base model F250 is not much more than an Econovan or Courier. Also, the big V8 engines (petrol or diesel) are much more thirsty than their little brothers. Finally there's the issue of price, the F-Series cost's quite a bit more to purchase than say a Courier or Falcon ute but then they're not really in the same class. Also, part's are considerably more expensive.  

Why am I telling you about all these negative aspects?

I'm a big fan of the F-Series and I would like nothing more than for you to go out and buy one. However, I'd hate for you to do that then find out the bad stuff later and be unhappy with your purchase. I believe that if you know what you're getting into up front you can make an informed decision and everyone will be happy. I should also point out that I am not connected to Ford or any Ford dealership and I currently receive no financial benefit for promoting their products. It would be nice to get some recognition for my efforts and if you buy an F-Series as a result of reading this then I would encourage you to tell your dealer about us. 

Why SHOULD you buy an F-Series truck?

If I haven't turned you off completely let's now look at the reasons why you should by an F-Series. The payload may not be much greater when compared to smaller commercial vehicles but the story is very different when it comes to towing. The Courier's maximum towing capacity is 1800kg's, the Falcon 2300kg (with optional towing equipment),  the base model F250 is 3500kg*. Then there's the vehicles off road capability, even the 4x2 has enough ground clearance to go where most traditional utes wouldn't dare and the 4x4 is available if you need to get really dirty. Granted, the F-Series' size goes against it as a serious off road vehicle but that's not what they're really designed for, they are primarily a work truck and the 4x4 option just means they can work in places most other utes can't.

* I have received information that maximum towing capacity has recently been upgraded to 4500kg. According to the Ford Australia web site the F250 4x2 is still rated at 3500kg

Vehicle Payload and Towing Capacity Comparison Vehicle/Model Maximum Payload Towing Capacity Courier 1094kg 700-1800kg Econovan 1009-1366kg 1000-1100kg Transit n/a n/a Falcon 535-1230kg 1200-2300kg F250 4x2 1535-1574kg 3500-4082kg F250 4x4 1021-1398kg 4500-6033kg F350 4x2 1600-2847kg 4500-6078kg F350 4x4 2448-2467kg 4500-5625kg

* Note: Figures shown for information/compatitive purposes only and may vary according to numerous factors. 
Optional equipment may be required (ie. towing pack, fifth wheel, load levelling kit, braked trailer etc)
Picture taken from Ford Australia web site.Visit www.ford.com.au or your dealer for full specifications.

So what kind of people buy an F-Series truck?

The F-Series is generally best suited to areas such as the mining industry, agriculture and trades people. Also anyone who needs to tow something big would benefit from the vehicles pulling power. If you're looking for something to take the kids to school or to carry you're grocery shopping, look elsewhere, the F-Series is horrible in tight car parks! If, on the other hand, you have a large boat or caravan to tow then the F-Series could be just what you're looking for.

To be continued...