dlq04

I found this an interesting article and thought I would share.

http://www.autonews.com/article/2018...utonews-weekly

windhund116

Interesting how sales and profits seem to be the main subject in the article.

I have a friend that had a Ford F1150. He gets ~12MPG. So the 700 lbs weight reduction doesn't seem to be helping the gas economy.

dlq04

This is from an auto industry newspaper, so sales/profit is of key interest. I would say your friend needs to downsize. My 20 year old F150 get 16-17 in summer pulling a boat and 14-15 with over 300# in the back during the winter months.

windhund116

You notice that there are no more new mini pickups? I used to own a Mitsubishi p/u, in the 1980s. Great little car/pickup. Until the complicated carburetor gave out.

skunkworks

Up-sizing is an automotive trend. Hell…I remember when a 1999 Toyota Tundra fit my needs. Anymore the models are at least 15-20% larger.

Scooterboy

Downsize?!?!

My '11 Ranger at best gets 14mpg!

sam_spider

I've managed to get 26mpg out of our '16 Chevy 1500 with the 5.3 in it, but when we're towing it plummets. Our mileage over 18k miles is right at 12.8mpg average.

I'd guess the cost to repair/replace an aluminum panel on a Ford is more expensive than a steel one on their competitors, but that's just a guess. I'm not a fan of an aluminum bed without a decent bed liner to protect it, that is of course if you actually use the bed as it was/is intended.

gerry100

Rust?

dlq04

Living in the rust belt that would be my motivator.... that's the only issue I have with my 20 year old F150.

Scooterboy

Aluminum will react to salt and corrode. I don't like the idea of AL instead of steel. To use the grade of AL to be as strong as steel you increase the cost. I wonder what grade Ford is using.