I get tired of Best In Class stuff, except maybe gas mileage. I think NHTS needs to mandate a maximum standard payload and towing capacity for "Half-Ton" trucks, period.

I know guys who have "heavy halves" that are rated more the 3/4 tons from a few years ago...

@Dave, that's the thing, their is no "half-ton" about them, that's just the informal name of the segment. If SAE J2807 says they have the capability, what is the problem? If there was a law limiting vehicles called half-tons, then the manufacturers would simply avoid using that term.

Did he say the 3 6 Ecoboost? If so he is confused with GM's twin turbo 6. Now on the good news this truck seems to have a lot of payload and towing just what I believe All1 wanted.

Woohoo, nice Peterbilt plug.

Great truck. Great video. Great interview.

"I think NHTS needs to mandate...."

@other Dave, Brother, please. No more govn't involvement. You regulate more, you get less of it. Less trucks. Less innovation. Govn't workers are no angles and they all have their own special interests, mainly themselves.

Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

- Ronald Reagan

Overkill or not it's segment leading...for now. Just like the 2500/3500's, none of the titles last very long. I'm interested to learn what's in the pipeline for mid-cycle updates. New transmissions? More start/stop applications? Just like the last generation expect them to show up the third model year for 2017

@Alex - there are cargo weight limits that determine truck class but they do not conform exactly to pickup nomenclature. We seen the numbers game get played with the F450 versus Ram 3500. Both trucks are sitting at the class 4 limit. Ram claims best in class by saying that the F450 is a commercial grade truck. Ford dropped the cargo limits slightly to claim best pickup capacity.

It will be interesting to see how the 2.7 EB plays out in sales and mpg.

I do agree with the engineer that if you drop weight you improve performance and capability.

the naysayers miss the point that these trucks are aluminum ALLOY. That is a blend and makes it as strong as they want it to be i.e. comparable to steel.

2.7 Eco Boost "Of course, this new engine comes in the name of improved fuel economy, but citing towing fuel economy numbers is fraught with variables. Trailer aerodynamics and weight, wind, and hills all make comparisons difficult. I recorded 11 mpg with the fuel computer, which is on par for hilly terrain when not trying to optimize fuel economy. While the 2.7-liter V6 might top the class in routine driving, my observation is that it probably won’t revolutionize towing fuel economy. The same could be said for the 3.5-liter EcoBoost. You’d need a diesel for that."

"I get the feeling that many F-150 owners who plan to tow will skip right past the 2.7-liter and go for the familiar 3.5-liter. After all, many folks who tow feel that nothing succeeds like excess. While we don’t know if this new-design 2.7-liter V6 will be reliable, nor how it will handle mountain passes out West, my experience shows that many buyers might be impressed by the wee engine, if they give it a chance."

https://autos.yahoo.com/news/2015-ford-f-150-2-7-liter-really-160000186.html

"You’d need a diesel for that." Ram 1500 Eco Diesel.

Good tough questions Mark... but as neutral as I am, he didn't address one of my biggest questions... dings and scratches.... It is impossible to own a vehicle, especially a truck, for 5 years and not get such things. How well is their aluminum body panels able to repair? Who is authorized to do so? Honestly i think it a great looking truck, I just wish they stop with pushing the heck out of these turbos and make a V8/V6 diesel option similar to RAM. We can see the ramp to use diesels in the RAM, Cummins in both Jap trucks and the mid sized GM trucks next fall. Ford will be the only player without a diesel option under the 3/4 ton series...

It's amazing to see how much the new Ford resembles Rams class leading aero Front end. Its a good looking truck.

@HEMI V8 - as pointed out multiple times, the VM Motori 3.0 AKA Ecodiesel is hampered more by poor load ratings than by any engine factors.

GCWR's are the ultimate limiting factor with the Ecodiesel.

The story about increase Ecodiesel production said this: "With 1 in 5 Ram 1500s equipped with the EcoDiesel (and most of them upper-level trim packages)"translates to:

You can't tow much and carry a family in the mountains with an 881lb cargo limit.

This site is trying to clean up the Nuts, Glory, Rambo stuff - please be part of that clean up.

But since you mentioned diesel, you are forgetting the fact that the Colorado/canyon twins will come out with a diesel with similar output to the VM Motori but aren't hampered by poor cargo ratings.

@HEMI V8, I disagree-that thing is ugly.
How long is that bed on the trucks in the video- 3.5ft? Useless to me. I think that repairing these trucks when dented or crashed is going to be very expensive. The performance of the Ecoboost engines is impressive- however, there are a lot more moving parts than a Hemi or LS motor. I like simple. Nothing is simple anymore.

"You’d need a diesel for that."

O rly?

A diesel with a $4000 upcharge over the base, running on more expensive fuel, with an overpriced upper trim that has an 800 lb payload? That diesel?

@Hemi V8

Thanks for that positive article. Although I do think it is funny you posting about fuel economy over power when less then a month ago you made a comment saying you would rather have power over fuel economy when it came to a Ram having the lesser fuel economy in another article. Did you want me to post a link to remind you that you said that or did I jog your memory?

@HemiV8 - once again, you do not think through or read the alleged anti-Ford propaganda you dig up.

I got this pearl from the same article you cited:

"Every time I tow my trailer, I have to deal with the same on-ramp challenge. It’s a gradually sloping ramp that empties out onto a busy highway, plopping you into high-speed traffic on an uphill grade. I’m used to my normal tow vehicle, a 2011 Dodge Durango V8 Hemi, figuratively hitting a wall at about 55 mph, growling in protest. Instead, the F-150 2.7 just merged easily with little clamor. No muss, no fuss."

What V8 engine happens to sit under the bonnet of a Dodge Durango?

5.7 Hemi V8......... Isn't that the same engine as the Ram 1500????????????????

I get the impression the chief engineer talks like girly man. His body language is also girly.
So you guys want a truck designed by a girly man that's your business,,, me, I would want my truck designed by a West Virginia Hillbilly over any girly man!

Diesel has 27% more energy per pound than gasoline. So even if it costs 26% more that gas, even with the stupid road taxes, it's still more cost effective than petrol.

"I get the impression the chief engineer talks like girly man. His body language is also girly."

Coming from a guy who talks about being young and thin and gets upset if others don't like his truck AND gets truck information from a site called "Blue Knob Auto"............

Must be a case of takes one to know one!

The 5.0 V8 combined an aluminum body and 3.50 gears will get close to the same mpg as the Ram/ Motori diesel, but with increased towing/payload, thousands less upfront costs, up to $0.50 less per gallon of fuel, much less maintenance costs, and zero spent on repairs, for the life of the engine.

Other than that, diesels are good too.

@LouBc, Read the whole thing. Durango is NOT a Ram truck. Less horsepower, higher gear.

Study this.

"Ram 1500 won five separate events (both autocross tests, both hill-climb events and the empty zero-to-60 run), as well as coming in a close second in three categories. Additionally, the new Ram was a strong player with our judges, winning both the interior and overall value categories, and finishing second in the exterior section"

3.5 Eco

So you think the smaller "wee engine" 2.7 is going to change
the outcome?

P.S. NOT BONNET,UNDER THE HOOD.

"From the outset, we knew the Ram would be the one to watch. The Hemi V-8 is rated with the highest horsepower of our group at 395 at 5,600 rpm, and when combined with the deep 1st gear of an eight-speed transmission (4.71:1) and a compliant air suspension, we had a feeling it would be the one to beat. That's exactly what happened."

@HEMI V8 - your lawyer can take tips from you on obfuscation.

funny to see try to worm out of a mess of your own doing.

Bonnet was a figure of speech that you obviously understood.

The 2.7 EB isn't meant to compete with bigger V8's but in the case of that 2011 Durango Hemi, the author you cited liked that itty bitty engine better.

The 2.7 EB isn't meant to compete with bigger V8's but in the case of that 2011 Durango Hemi, the author you cited liked that itty bitty engine better.

Posted by: Lou_BC | Sep 30, 2014 5:29:56 PM

Good for him.

The point was the itty bitty engine does not save any fuel while towing. Something the Eco diesel will. The Eco Diesel will have more towing capability as well. SOOOOOOO Ford still can't compete with Ram in MPG. Not even with their beer can body & itty bitty engine.lol Try again Ford. :--( But it might hauling tampons from cosco. May as well drive a prius. lol

The Hemi gets whooped by the 2015 EcoBoost in a drag race.

Posted by: danny | Sep 30, 2014 5:25:39 PM

Oh their is no doubt Fords aluminum 3.5 will be quick. I want a solid truck, not a beer can racer. That's what the Corvette is for.
Just don't crash one. Fiber glass does not bend to good. lol

@HEMI V8 - might as well send the Ford to haul tampons since the Ram ecodiesel can barely haul the dame that needs them.

@Lou_BC
"as pointed out multiple times, the VM Motori 3.0 AKA Ecodiesel is hampered more by poor load ratings than by any engine factors."

Maybe FCA will be stung by these other announcements, especially the payload capacity in the new Midsize Colorado/Canyon and really lift their game for the Ecodiesel

Can anyone explain without a bunch of fanboi-ism why the load rating on the ecodiesel is so light? Seriously, I don't get it?

Looks promising even though they have growing pains. Too bad Ford has gone done the EB path. Fortunately the EB's fuel efficiency limitations will quickly make it obsolete.

He definitely fumbles the "why not a diesel" question. Err, ugh.. best for the customer.. gas is 30 to 50% cheaper, ugh, maybe my #'s are wrong.. duh...

The price difference between unleaded and diesel varies from state to state and even the time of year. In Idaho, diesel is about 20c per gallon more in the summer, and about 80-90c a gallon more in the winter. I noticed in Oregon this summer, diesel was actually cheaper than unleaded.

I thought it was accepted common knowledge that Ram has been lowering their numbers leading up to compliance of the new tow regs so there would be a less perceivable difference when they complied.

I could be misunderstanding but I also thought Ford's claims of weight loss (700lbs) was compared to previous truck where not all savings came from ally-alloy and that the new F150 is not much if any lighter than lightest competitor wearing steel body.

Natural aspirated big cubes with high tech for towing is the way, if heavy and frequent it's diesel. Turbo is great fun, and may be best daily driver running empty.

I had a twin turbo sports car once, couldn't afford OEM muffler so used cheap aftermarket, was like they removed the turbo. Mechanic blamed different back pressure than stock.

@HEMI V8 - might as well send the Ford to haul tampons since the Ram ecodiesel can barely haul the dame that needs them.

Posted by: Lou_BC | Sep 30, 2014 5:48:43 PM

We will see what the itty bitty 2.7 is certified J2807 payload is. So far you are comparing Fords ratings without radio, seats, bumpers, god knows what else. I wouldn't trust Fords MPG rating either. lol

Ford lowers fuel economy rating for six vehicles.

Ford to Pay Owners Over Lower MPG For Six Vehicles.

Saw the TFL video where Ford driver let off the gas of the Ram so the Ford could pull ahead. lol

Ford=NO INTEGRITY.

Ford Sued Over Fuel Economy Claims
As the latest company to face legal action, Ford too could end up paying consumers.

Ford is doing great stuff! Here is Pete Reyes working with the Ford engine team...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzL4ntLqup4

Woohoo, nice Peterbilt plug.

Posted by: ALL1 | Sep 30, 2014 1:32:40 PM

Doesn't the peterbilt cab ride on it's own suspension so the twist of the Diesel torque doesn't rip the cab in half like a beer can?

Wasn't it Ram that started the hydraulic body mounts?

Does Ford have hydraulic body mounts?

What I think Ford has done right with this F150 is that they arguably used the best means to cut weight by use of aluminum. The competition will eventually have to follow suit and I suspect aluminum will be the route others take as well.

Where I think Ford is going to find out they still have work to do is with their future engine choices. With 4 choices, I think they are a little unsure about what the customer really wants. GM and Ram both have 3 choices.

No doubt, Ford is looking to the 2.7l Ecoboost to be its FE champ. Some other sites are already posting FE number for this engine, based on what they were able to extrapolate during test drives. From what I've seen so far, they have gotten anywhere from 16-23mpg in mixed driving conditions with 16 being under harsh conditions.

Can the highway FE match the Ecodiesel? From the number I've seen, I will guess, no not quite.

What worries me is that Ford seems overly convinced that they don't need a diesel as part of their strategy. I think in a few years they will be singing a different tune. Only time will tell. For now, I think a lot of people will want this truck.

@Hemi V8

"Doesn't the peterbilt cab ride on it's own suspension so the twist of the Diesel torque doesn't rip the cab in half like a beer can?"

Nope, most ride on a regular rubber or polyurethane bushings line most pickup trucks do. Some cabs are specs with an air springs suspension cab, but those are rare and are for wussies who can't handle it. There are usually airbags under sleepers though.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

"Wasn't it Ram that started the hydraulic body mounts?"

I don't know, but why would I care?

--------------------------------------------------------------------

"Does Ford have hydraulic body mounts?"

Note sure about that one either, but again......why would I care?

Ford is in trouble! On the financial channel today Ford stock was the talk of the show. Their stock has dropped the last three days because Ford's earnings forecast has been revised 2 billion dollars less because of higher warranty claims, recalls, poor selling in Europe, and Ford said that they are taking a big risk with their new F150. Sounds like Ford is having second thoughts already about their new pickup.

Rigs and tractors have had turbos for years, so I don't know what the problem is. My John Deere tractors run in harsher conditions than a pickup ever will and I've never lost a turbo.

Lol, he said diesel was 30 to 50 percent more then gas. That's a big lie, pretty sure he knows it's not!

I paid $3.019 a gallon of 87 octane in my area, the diesel pump said $3.599 a gallon, so is not even 20% more now, in my area!

Gas was a lot higher just 3 months ago, while diesel was about the same, maybe a 10% difference.

He mentioned nothing about the pitiful mileage those Ecoboosts get hauling heavy.

He forgot to mention that Ford probably "recommends" higher then 87 octane for heavy towing, or near max amounts.

Ford is tap dancing here, they haven't been known to be very honest.

@TRX-4 Tom

"He forgot to mention that Ford probably "recommends" higher then 87 octane for heavy towing, or near max amounts."

And Ram recommends 89 mid grade ALL the time so what is your point? I am not saying it is a bad thing that the Hemi recommends 89 all the time, but it is just kind of hypocritical of you to say.

@ Lou BC - "Colorado/canyon twins will come out with a diesel with similar output to the VM Motori"

One day nanoparticles will make chemotherapy far more effective.

One day digital "ants" will protect the U.S. power grid from cyber attacks.

One day drugs will be tested on "organ chips" that mimic the human body.

One day vegetarians and carnivores will dine together on synthetic meats.

One day Ford and GM will follow the leader (RAM) with a diesel engine...until then F#K off!

That black F-150 is gorgeous. I see they don't even bother with Chevrolet in comparisons. They go after the premium and equally gorgeous Dodge Ram. Kudos to Ford..

Chevrolet is in the toilet with their poor mans image brought on because of GMC's elevation by GM's hand. Chevrolet is in the toilet because of no Denali. Chevrolet is in the toilet because they can't figure out how to design an attractive truck without big fender bulges. Chevrolet is in the toilet because they can't figure out how to make their wheelwells round ie 67-72. Chevrolet is in the toilet because they don't offer wheel protection moldings because of GMC. Chevrolet is in the toilet because their base interiors are even dimestore cheap because of GMC. Chevrolet is in the toilet because they use cheap wax coating on their frames instead of proper ecoating that causes them to rust out prematurely. Chevrolet is in the toilet because their thin tinfoil metal of the last 2 and now current model dents if wacked by an acorn. Chevrolet is in the toilet because their last 2 and current truck with that same cheap tinfoil metal rusts and rots out before the loan is paid off. Chevrolet is in the toilet over gm800 model rust issues being investigated by the nhtsa. Chevrolet is in the toilet because GM-GMC gets all of the good marketing with things like cold rolled steel beds and premium grade materials. All along Chevrolet gets stuck with meaningless garbage marketing. Chevrolet is in the toilet concerning HD's and 4x4's because of their low slung frame and no SFA. GM ruined that in 1987. GM-GMC and put Chevrolet in the toilet period. The only good thing they have left is a racecar. And even that has an engine that's been stripped of it's legacy and relabeled 'GM' instead of Chevrolet. Screw GM and their GM'c'-Buick fetish.

I hope Dodge Ram just buries Chevrolet for good next year. It will serve GM right for doing what they've done to Chevrolet. Ford and Dodge are where it's at now. Chevrolet trucks died in 1972 for high quality and premium looks, 1987 for off roading and 1998 for good looks and quality period.

I wonder how it will ride? The leafs were made longer for a better ride in 2009? Or so, then they downsize them?

The sacrifices a Ford driver makes! Great low end power, but "where to block the inter cooler?"

Less power and better mileage from the 2.7, but it cost about the same to build as a 3.5?

So in this weight loss program, did we have more things shortened, like the leaf springs? Same wheelbase?

Crash test results? J2807 rated, or Ford rated, with them throwing out a lot of interior. With a spare, and radio?

Same old warranty that is less years then Ram and GM?

My niece's 2012 Focus had a bad water pump, at all of 63,000 miles.

Hope the carpet is better then their "high quality" Focus carpet in my 2007 Focus.

The use of turbos is the least of my worries, if a driver lets them cool before shutoff, if worked hard, and changes oil at proper intervals with quality oil. A friend of mine just hit 500,000 miles on his Walmart truck in 4 years, no turbo issues yet.

I would worry about block, heads, and head gaskits, and that timing chain.

All 1 once said the turbos are only about 400 apiece anyway, which I doubt they are? Lots of $ in shop time though.

@Lou: I have seen my share of aluminum cracks on aircraft. Ever wonder why NASCAR does not allow aluminum hubs? Because they shatter? Like aluminum wheels?

"GM-GMC put Chevrolet in the toilet period."

- That was the plan all along. :)

Has been since GM decided to get more buyers into GMC's and force Chevrolet buyers into GMC's as well or leave. Simply put, LEAVE. GM doesn't need Chevrolet anyway. We'll turn Corvette into it's own brand stripped of Chevrolet. There's nothing else with a Bowtie worth owning. Buick is the car company of GM, GMC IS GM and is their truck company, Cadillac is a premium company owned by GM but in New York now. Buh bye now! We don't want you, we don't need you. Chevrolet should have been killed in the BK anyway. There's no point in it. Just a fake marketing channel for Buick and GMC's leftovers. Lol!

Mark and Mary are Buick-GMC-Cadillac to the bone pal. Watch and see, GM's GMC will Destroy this new Ford AND Dodge. Pure GM power, Pure GM truck. NO Chevrolets Allowed!

@TRX-4 Tom

"Less power and better mileage from the 2.7, but it cost about the same to build as a 3.5?"

They said in the video that the 2.7L EB was about $495 over the base engine.

------------------------------------------------------------------

"J2807 rated, or Ford rated, with them throwing out a lot of interior. With a spare, and radio?"

Yes, J2807. That was GM you are thinking of. Ford only did the take away of parts in the F450 to bring it under 14,000lbs GVWR.

------------------------------------------------------------------

"My niece's 2012 Focus had a bad water pump, at all of 63,000 miles.

Hope the carpet is better then their "high quality" Focus carpet in my 2007 Focus."

Comparing a Focus to an F150? Really Tom? Really?

------------------------------------------------------------------

"All 1 once said the turbos are only about 400 apiece anyway, which I doubt they are? Lots of $ in shop time though"

It does not take much time to bolt on and off the turbos.

Ford OE turbos $479 each.

http://www.tascaparts.com/auto-parts/2014/ford/f-150/xlt-trim/3-5l-v6-gas-engine/air-and-fuel-delivery-cat/turbocharger-supercharger-and-ram-air-scat/ma092365-assy

--------------------------------------------------------------------

" I have seen my share of aluminum cracks on aircraft. Ever wonder why NASCAR does not allow aluminum hubs? Because they shatter? Like aluminum wheels?"

They us an ALUMINUM ALLOY. Say it with me ALLOY. Say it again so you can get it ALLOY. Also, you do know there are body, engine, and suspension parts that are aluminum on the current Ram too right?

Tome, if you are going to look for something bad then you will and can find it. I can do the same to the Hemi or any other Ram product, but I do not have a hate for Ram or its products. I may dislike a few of it's owners, but I don't hold that against Ram as a company.

As has been pointed out over and over, aluminum is already used in many types of vehicles, aircraft, etc. I really don't understand all the criticism of it.

People have no problem flying in a "beer can" commercial jet, but when a brand they are not fond of builds an aluminum truck, suddenly everything changes and they want nothing to do with aluminum.

I also think that when the next iteration of the Ram 1500 is released, it will have more competitive payload ratings. They have to.

In my mind, the main issue affecting all truck makers is the need to stay competitive by building trucks customers want, while at the same time, meeting increasingly stringing CAFE requirements and other nonsense.

It is not possible to do everything at once. I think Ram took the strategy of dealing with FE first, since they already had a fairly new platform. That means they have to focus on reducing weight and things like improving payload.

Ford is the other way around. Even with the new engines, I don't think Ford will quite be where they want to be in terms of FE. On the other hand, they have an advantage of having the newest platform, which will also be the lightest. Like I said earlier, even though they deny they need a diesel, they will have to revisit the prospect later on down the road.

That truck looks plain, engine bay empty and without any soul.
2.7 ecoboost is definitely for customer who doesn't need a truck.

I did hear some double speak from the Ford Engineer.

First up he's talking up the use of aluminium and the cost benefits there are with load capacity etc and increase FE. Now wouldn't diesel do the same with bigger savings?

That's why there are plenty more diesel trucks made of steel and not aluminium on the roads.

I do hear on this site many people who pass judgment regarding the low capacity of the Ram 1500s (which is true).

Now, wouldn't it have been cheaper for Ford to increase the spring rating for the F-150 to increase load capacity? If it is a similar size to a Super Duty and some Super Duties can carry over 3 000lbs I do think heavier springs would have been the cheapest option to increase the payload of the F-150. Not the use of aluminium.

The Ford Engineer was talking through his sphincter. Ford are going to aluminium to meet CAFE requirements.

The lack of a diesel in the Ford is due to regulatory requirements making it awkward for Ford to offer a competitive diesel. The Lion V6 diesel is a more expensive engine than the VM Motori fitted to the Ram.

We will see if and how much the new aluminium F-150 costs in the future. I do bet they will be considerably more expensive than the current F-150s.

What they sell them for will not tell the full story. Ford profits will and the average transaction price for the new F-150 will also tell.

A blind man can see it!
Ford has no confidence in their 2015 F-150!
Why are dealers holding on to their stock of 2014's?
Cause they can still sell the 2014's when nobody wants the 2015's.
Is Ford doing the truck buyer a favor or giving us what we want in a pickup?
Oh? I get it! The public were screaming: "We want an aluminum truck with a SMALLER engine!
I didn't hear that!
Maybe you sissy-mommys boy city men will like that truck thinking if you drive around in one will make you a tough guy, huh?
Oh gee mommy look at my new truck isn't it cool?