Questions on F-350 options

[jlspence99]

Hi all – I’m getting closer to a new truck and seeking opinions on some of the options that are available. Were these worth it to you? Or did you wish you had any? Thanks!

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Here are some options I’m not so sure about:
Lariat Ultimate Package ($3355) vs. Lariat Value Package ($710) vs. Power Equipment Group (included): Any thoughts? Are you really using all the features of the Ultimate package? Any other options that I’m missing?

Rear Camera Center High ($200) - If this is the camera looking back in the bed - definitely.

Heavy Service front suspension: I Have no plans for a snowplow either; however, I got it because I got a better discount on the truck purchase. The truck rides/drives great so no adverse effects.

Engine Block Heater: We got this and I agree with another poster - it's $100 or so and will be nice to have if you need it down the road.

Splash guards/mud flaps: Get aftermarket equipment.

Wheel Well Liner – No.

Upfitter Switches: Only get these if you know you'll have a need for them.

Don't know if it comes on the package you're getting but if not, get the tailgate step. These trucks are tall!

 

[CWSWine]

In 2015 there was an option for supplement heater that was electric. If you have the option it will give you heat in the cabin in about 20 seconds after you start the engine and shut off when the engine got up to temperature and could provide heat. Nice on those cold mornings!!!

 

[orbsah]

Thank you everyone! I really appreciate the comments. . .

 

[Bamaman]

I also went Platinum, adaptive cruise and the LED package were must for me. I could build a lariat with everything I wanted, but could never find one on a lot within 200 miles that was loaded the way I wanted. The Platinum Ultimate included everything I needed, so that's the way I went. Absolutely love mine.

The SuperDuty trucks are often found either fully optioned Lariats and Platinums, or XL's ordered for commercial use. Dealers seldom seem to carry the middle of the road optioned XLT truck like I'd prefer to pay for. Most owners should just take the 6 weeks or so extra and order one exactly like they need.

My new automobile has all the bells and whistles, and it has the adaptive cruise control which I do not like. It also has the lane departure alarm that beeps every time I cross a road line and tugs on the steering wheel--a worthless option.

My F250 Lariat 2wd is now 16 years old and the last of the 7.3 diesels. Although it's aging @ 150K miles, it still looks and runs great with a 80 hp econo tune. We leave our Reflection 323BHS in a campground storage and seldom tow it anywhere. When you can keep a truck so long is when the value in a diesel comes in. For now, I'm fighting the urge to buy a new truck that I really can do without.

 

[howson]

... it has the adaptive cruise control which I do not like. It also has the lane departure alarm that beeps every time I cross a road line and tugs on the steering wheel--a worthless option.

So interesting how a feature can be disliked by some and is loved by others. I find adaptive cruise makes towing a more relaxing experience on long stretches of interstate. So much so that Fran and I dislike taking our '13 Odyssey on a trip because it doesn't have adaptive cruise. But I'm with you on the lane departure feature. I turn it off on the truck as I find the buzzing of the steering wheel annoying (many false alarms). I guess that's why they let us test drive these things.

 

[Bamaman]

I'm driving a new generation Camry Hybrid that's incredibly smooth and quiet. When in traffic, it will slow down and you look up and the speed might be 8-10 mph less than the cruise is set to. When I change lanes, it'll floor the accelerator and get back up to speed. And if I'm not paying close attention to the speedometer and the mph on the dash, I can easily find myself driving too slow in traffic--when the other lane might be open.

I just long for the old style speed control that's done me well for the last 1,000,000 miles. Thankfully I can turn off the lane departure option--and I do. Just more options to cost us money.

 

[jlspence99]

I’ve had adaptive cruise on rental cars and I don’t care for it. I didn’t opt for it either on my XLT. I thought about the BLIS system but am glad I didn’t go for it - the mirrors are more than sufficient to see traffic alongside you. Agree about the XLTs too. We searched nationwide for a 2018-2019 XLT SRW 350 diesel with the options we wanted and there just wasn’t much to choose from.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[orbsah]

I revised my option list to delete the BLIS and add the LED headlights. Turns out the BLIS is required w/ the LED headlight option.

 

[bertschb]

So interesting how a feature can be disliked by some and is loved by others...

I think it's interesting as well. Some folks don't like Adaptive Cruise Control at all whereas I won't buy another vehicle without it. Having said that, I have driven a couple vehicles where it wasn't very well implemented. I don't like the ones where it hammers the throttle when you get out from behind a slow car. I prefer smoother acceleration in that situation. Otherwise, it makes long drives on congested highways much more relaxing- for me.

 

[Jerryr]

I think it's interesting as well. Some folks don't like Adaptive Cruise Control at all whereas I won't buy another vehicle without it. Having said that, I have driven a couple vehicles where it wasn't very well implemented. I don't like the ones where it hammers the throttle when you get out from behind a slow car. I prefer smoother acceleration in that situation. Otherwise, it makes long drives on congested highways much more relaxing- for me.

I now consider Adaptive Cruise as mandatory as Power Windows, Power Steering, Power Brakes and Air Conditioning. My first car didn’t have any of those.

We routinely drive on congested Interstates and rural 2 lane roads. That’s where it shines.

After experiencing Adaptive Cruise (AC) on my Nissan Leaf it was one of the deciding factors to trade my 2017 F350 in on a 2019 so I could get Adaptive Cruise.

The Nissan AC is more advanced than the truck’s. I just wish the Truck would work to full stop and then after traffic moves it follows from a dead stop like my Nissan. Ford AC disconnects at 12 mph. I use the Nissan in city traffic all the time.

 

[chunker]

If towing capacity is of interest or critical remember every option adds weight and subtracts from the available cargo capacity. Some such as the moonroof, FX4 are heavy and may make a difference. RE moon/sun roof. I don't like them, wouldn't use them and they do become a source of leaks eventually. To each their own though.

 

[orbsah]

So when I go thru the build up on Ford.com and add the LED headlights ($1180 upgrade), I get a message saying that BLIS ($540) is required w/ the LEDs. Means adding the LEDs really ends up costing $1720. Anyone know if I'm doing something wrong or there's some specific reason for this BLIS/LED relationship? Are the LEDs really worth that much? Thanks!

 

[phonemannn]

So when I go thru the build up on Ford.com and add the LED headlights ($1180 upgrade), I get a message saying that BLIS ($540) is required w/ the LEDs. Means adding the LEDs really ends up costing $1720. Anyone know if I'm doing something wrong or there's some specific reason for this BLIS/LED relationship? Are the LEDs really worth that much? Thanks!
View attachment 17779

The LED lighting is not just headlights, it is ALL lights in the truck. They are all LED. Just get the ultimate tow package. It includes the LED lights. And, the led headlights are real nice, brite as heck.

 

[SouthTX]

So when I go thru the build up on Ford.com and add the LED headlights ($1180 upgrade), I get a message saying that BLIS ($540) is required w/ the LEDs. Means adding the LEDs really ends up costing $1720. Anyone know if I'm doing something wrong or there's some specific reason for this BLIS/LED relationship? Are the LEDs really worth that much? Thanks!
View attachment 17779

I replaced my fog and headlights with LED's last weekend. Took three sets of bulbs at $38 each. Maybe twenty minutes to remove the grill and install.

The LED's are great, but not $1180 great.

 

[phonemannn]

I replaced my fog and headlights with LED's last weekend. Took three sets of bulbs at $38 each. Maybe twenty minutes to remove the grill and install.

The LED's are great, but not $1180 great.

No way swapping in those LED bulbs are the same as the Ford LED headlights. No Way. They are like aircraft landing lights on hi beam. Super clear and bright. IMO.

 

[SouthTX]

No way swapping in those LED bulbs are the same as the Ford LED headlights. No Way. They are like aircraft landing lights on hi beam. Super clear and bright. IMO.

For $1180, they better include the aircraft.

 

[jim1521]

I bought mine used, so pretty much had to go with what came with the truck - which wasn't much. Basically the only option was the Navigation system. However, I did get the truck for only $41k so I have room to add stuff. My Nissan Titan XD had every feature known to man, so I really miss the technology in this truck. The things I added (which I believe are must-haves) were:
1. Line-X bedliner - spray-in bedliner is a must.
2. AMP Research BedStep - I just can't hop into the back of the truck anymore, so you'll want a built-in step of some sort.
3. TPMS. I ended up adding six more sensors to my TireMinder TPMS, but I would have much preferred to push a button and see a readout on the dash

Things I don't have that wish I did:
1. Push button ignition. It's been years since I had to insert an ignition key to start a vehicle. Ford placed theirs on the steering console, and it's pretty low so all those keys lay on my knee when driving. I've added a carabiner clip to my keys so that just the ignition key can be taken off and used.
2. 7-camera option. Especially to be able to see into the bed of the truck.

The list that you have made is pretty good. Enjoy your new truck!

 

[phonemannn]

For $1180, they better include the aircraft.

You do make a good point. I guess if you have the money, get the truck you really love. I did, and I love it.

 

[orbsah]

The LED lighting is not just headlights, it is ALL lights in the truck. They are all LED. Just get the ultimate tow package. It includes the LED lights. And, the led headlights are real nice, brite as heck.

That's not what I'm seeing in the website; The LED headlights only refers to the head/tail lights.


And there is no "ultimate tow package".

The "ultimate Lariate package" says this: "This package adds numerous features to what is already a well-equipped truck: LED box lighting including LED center high-mounted stop lamp, . . . "

And the "Tow technology package" is basically a bunch of cameras; No mention of LEDs

I must be missing something somewhere. . . .

 

[phonemannn]

I may have called it incorrectly. IMO yes, LED lights are worth the extra money.