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Old 11-19-2008, 11:21 PM   #1
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Thumbs up 2009 Ford F-150

The demos of the new F-150 are pretty impressive. You can see them here: The All-New 2009 Ford F-150 Pickup Truck | Ford Vehicles

It was interesting to see they used an Airstream trailer to demo the built in sway control. It uses asymmetrical braking and engine control to damp out trailer sway. The hitched Airstream doesn't seem to have anything more than a deadweight hitch, no equalization or sway dampeners, and the truck brings it under control quickly.

I think I would still use my Equal-i-zer hitch, but this would give an extra measure of safety. I'm not in the market for a new truck, but the new F-150 looks pretty good.

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Old 11-20-2008, 06:02 AM   #2
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didnt see an airstream.....(unless the cargo hauler was one?)

I happen to own a super duty Ford, and I like my truck and the brand as well.
However, I would like to see some independent comparisons that matched up with that information about the F150.
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Old 11-20-2008, 06:17 AM   #3
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Thanks for posting this information. It was very helpful.
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Old 11-20-2008, 07:01 AM   #4
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The Airstream appears in the "Trailer Sway Control" video segment.

I think that this new technology of selective braking will eliminate sway in the future.

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Old 11-20-2008, 07:56 AM   #5
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Would there be any appreciable mpg gain with a F150 vs a F250?
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Old 11-20-2008, 08:06 AM   #6
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Mercedes added trailer towing to their electronic stability program a few years ago. I'm glad to see others doing it, seems like a great addition to traditional sway control methods.
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Old 11-21-2008, 02:41 PM   #7
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Quote:
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Would there be any appreciable mpg gain with a F150 vs a F250?
The new 2009 F-150 is said to get 20mpg highway. My 2006 was stickered at 19, but the best I have ever seen (not towing) was 17.5. I would think the F-150 would be better than the 250 with the same engine, due to the lower weight of the 150. That's just my opinion.

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Old 11-21-2008, 02:50 PM   #8
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The new F-150 SuperCab is rated to tow 11300 lbs. So the question is, could I tow a 27' FB Classic (my dream trailer) with a 2009 F-150, without a Hensley?

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Old 11-21-2008, 05:32 PM   #9
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But oh my it's a FORD.... I'm Joking, Looks like a cool set, as long as Ford doesn't go bust Wish more trucks would do this, or SUV's great for towing... Cool videos but like the one on Youtube done buy Ford,,, would like to see some independent ones.... On all trucks...
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Old 11-21-2008, 07:11 PM   #10
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I find it interesting how they only show the Toyota in the drop down window.... HUUUM Could this be that they are bitting at Fords heal in sales...

But I must admit, the Ford looks like it handles the load better, and the sway control deal is really cool.... Plus that AS has the solar panel kit on it... COOL!!! looks like a 25 footer..
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Old 11-21-2008, 08:47 PM   #11
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light duty shoot out

This looks like a independent test of 2009 1/2 ton trucks.
Interesting to see how they stacked up against each other.

2008 Light-Duty Shootout - PickupTrucks.com Special Reports
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Old 11-21-2008, 09:12 PM   #12
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...
.... Plus that AS has the solar panel kit on it... COOL!!! looks like a 25 footer..
Here are two cropped screen-grabs from that video.
Attached Thumbnails
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Old 11-25-2008, 08:00 PM   #13
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We have been very happy with our 08 f150, towing a 28 nationwide and starting again next week for the grand tour. I just think in most cases it is all any of us need for any airstream. This generation of 150s is something we can be proud of from an industry really taking a beating. Yes, they have made past mistakes, but our ford is a world class example of what is right with our car industry.

I rub shoulders with lots of wealthy people. I take great pride in giving them a ride in a new lariat leather equipped Ford f150. In all cases the look on their eyes says it all. Impressed indeed.
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Old 11-25-2008, 09:30 PM   #14
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Safari 28 I am real interested in what you get for mpgs when towing. Also what are your drivetrain components?
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Old 11-25-2008, 09:47 PM   #15
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5.4 with tow package and 3:73 rear end. It has 18 inch tires and all options other than sunroof. 4x4 with a package for the front suspension and plowing.

Mileage on the road depends, on e85 around 14 and towing around 11. regular is 18 and 12 towing. computer shows avg is around 15, so not too bad. It has towed the 28 over 18k miles with no issues in every road condition this country has to offer. Leaving for southern calif next week. The truck has had only oil changes, all inspections at dealerships across the country show no problems or issues.
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Old 11-25-2008, 10:17 PM   #16
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For whatever it's worth my 99 F250 Superduty 2WD Triton engine and in other ways similar to yours gets about the same mpgs towing. I think it weighs about 1000# more than a 150. I was wondering if the mpg difference would be significant but sounds like not.

Also I used to pull a Sovereign which weighs about 1000# more than my Tradewind. Little mpg gain with the lighter trailer. Maybe +1 mpg. Oh well.
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Old 11-26-2008, 07:38 AM   #17
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The 5.4 has never been known as a fuel miser or even a powerhouse of the small block v8 engines in the industry. They have over the years added 3 valves/ cylinder, variable valve timing and it now produces just under 300 h.p with majority of torque under 2500 rpm. I do notice some power reduction when running e85.

It is however a legendary engine for reliability. I work with HVAC contractors nationwide and the 5.4 in fleets of e series 150 and 250 vans yield a record of endurance, it is not uncommon to hear the engine has only had a tune up and regular oil changes @ 300k miles. I do know some older model 250 series guys complain about power when loaded down, but the damn things will run full throttle all day and keep on going. Here again, we never hear about this when they say Detroit does not build what we want. In this case however, they have not talked with working people who depend on these beast everyday.
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Old 11-26-2008, 11:23 PM   #18
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My Lincoln Mark LT (which is really an F-150 in a tuxedo) also creates some looks of astonishment as to how nice it is. Sadly, the Mark LT's last year was 2008. It is replaced by the 2009 F-150 Platinum Edition. I would like to take a look at one of these to see how it compares.

Mine is equipped much like safari 28's: 5.4, tow package, 3.73 rear end, but mine is a 4X2 with 20" wheels. I averaged 12.9 mpg towing this past summer on my 10,500 mile trip. It gets around 17.5 not towing on the highway.

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Old 11-27-2008, 07:36 AM   #19
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My Lincoln Mark LT (which is really an F-150 in a tuxedo) also creates some looks of astonishment as to how nice it is. Sadly, the Mark LT's last year was 2008. It is replaced by the 2009 F-150 Platinum Edition. I would like to take a look at one of these to see how it compares.

Mine is equipped much like safari 28's: 5.4, tow package, 3.73 rear end, but mine is a 4X2 with 20" wheels. I averaged 12.9 mpg towing this past summer on my 10,500 mile trip. It gets around 17.5 not towing on the highway.

Randy
I some times call mine a cowboy Lincoln, you actually have one. I would think twice before getting rid of it, with all the cost cutting in the industry, the Mark LT is truly a gem. I noticed in the 09 models, they do not offer the sandstone clear metallic paint, just solid white. Here is another example of cutting back. I might keep the 08 when the lease comes up, the paint job alone is something that really sets it apart form the crowd. I may move over to custom e series van for all the cross country trips and keep the 150 for local use.
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