Out with the old and in with the new tow rig

Well guys my ole 2010 F150 FX2 with 275k miles blew the head gasket. Rather than dump money into such an old truck I bit the bullet and finally decided to upgrade. Going to be nice not having to worry about being only a 2WD truck at the slick wet ramps now. The amount of tech in this thing is unreal and makes my 2010 feel like an ancient relic! Got the 502A and most options, save for the bed stuff.

Loving it this morning driving in hands free on the interstates lol.

https://i.imgur.com/1Tvrdxi.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/gqAB0Y5.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IrnLyTC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6MkwcKN.jpg

Sure is purdy. I just can't get over how short the bed is.

I won't be tempted by a new truck for quite a while with 2 in college and a shop build about to kick off.

Sweet looking ride! And yes the tech is a huge upgrade from 2010. I went from a 2002 to an 18 a few years ago and couldn't even compare the two. I see the screen in that one is even bigger than the 18 model.

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Originally Posted by bergermaister

Sure is purdy. I just can't get over how short the bed is.

I won't be tempted by a new truck for quite a while with 2 in college and a shop build about to kick off.

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Thanks, I am loving this thing! I contemplated going with the longer bed this time around but the short bed hasn’t been an issue for us in the 11 years we had the 2010. I was also worried my wife would not be able to park this beast if it were any larger lol.

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Originally Posted by HFarr

Sweet looking ride! And yes the tech is a huge upgrade from 2010. I went from a 2002 to an 18 a few years ago and couldn't even compare the two. I see the screen in that one is even bigger than the 18 model.

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Thanks man! I really wanted to try and find a 2023 with the new Avalanche color but couldn’t find any with the options I wanted. This is my first white vehicle so, I’m glad I won’t have to deal with the black for at least a while again lol.

My dad recently bought a used 2017 King Ranch that has a big screen probably like yours. The new screen is larger I think. Nice resolution and much easier to read than the small aftermarket radio screen I’ve been looking at for the last few years.

It has the Unleashed B&O sound system with I think 18 freakin speakers. Sounds really clear and much better than the old muddy door speakers my 2010 had lol. Now I just need to figure out if I want to reuse my stealth box and 10” Image Dynamics sub or sell all my old truck stuff.

Sweet rig, you will love the gen 14. Tech is nuts.


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Congrats!

I did this back in June 2022. Ordered a new truck in March 2022 and then sold the old one a week after. Had to use the wife's suv to tow the boat the first time out.

The upgrades and creature comforts make us spoiled, but so nice.
Is that Oxford, space, or star white?

I do have the same B/O Sound system in my 18, and yes it rocks very well. I would just leave your old stuff. You will be happy with it.

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Nice buggy


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Originally Posted by Holdmybeer

Congrats!

I did this back in June 2022. Ordered a new truck in March 2022 and then sold the old one a week after. Had to use the wife's suv to tow the boat the first time out.

The upgrades and creature comforts make us spoiled, but so nice.
Is that Oxford, space, or star white?

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It is Oxford. I also like the new Avalanche color for the 2023’s but none were around optioned out for what I was looking for. Dealer gave me a ceramic coat kit but I want to get some protective film installed on it. Already got my first small rock chip lol :(

The Avalanche is nice. I like the cement gray type colors. They are glossy but almost look flat in the right light.

BUT....the Oxford will look good with that Max being pulled behind it.
Need Pacific Blue FX4 stickers!!

Here ya go

Decal Mods FX4 Off Road Decal Replacement Sticker for Ford F150 (2015-2020) Light Blue - FLTBLU [Set of 2] | FH5A2 https://a.co/d/jfB8fyE


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Oh damn that would match pretty close to my ultra blue! Hmmmm may have to get those.

I watched a video on how they do a spray in beeline and my heart sank when they went to town sanding. It is what it is thought for the adhesion. Definitely going to get it sprayed before the season starts. My old trucks bed is scratched to hell and back. It was like that when I bought it in 2012 so I didn’t bother me but I’m going to treat the new truck like it should be.

Also looking into protective film wrap for the front end and hood. Any suggestions on film brands I should be looking for the shops to use?

I have the factory spray in liner in my truck. It has a lot of texture to it, but stuff still slides around badly. I ended up getting a rubber matt too. You may just want to look into that first. Of course the spray in does protect the sides and fenderwells from scratches too.

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Depending who you go to your liner can be sprayed in to match the body color. Factory spray in is just black but you get an Oxford white spray and be stealth about it.

Sorry for the pacific and ultra mix up on the Max....but yes the FX4 stickers to match.

Being new to 4WD, what settings do I need to use for the boat ramp? Engage rear diff and what 4WD setting? Or should I just use the “slippery’ drive mode which engages 4H?

Depends on your ramp. How slippery is it? You can most likely just leave everything in 2wd on a well built ramp. If you start to spin, then just flip the switch to 4high, or pull it out to lock the rear diff if needed. If you're not sure, then just flip the switch to 4 auto and let the truck do its thing. 4 low is pretty low!

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Back in with 2WD, if your rear tires can stay dry, keep it in 2WD. Don’t try and back up and manuver in 4WD on dry pavement or else the truck will Buck and fight you.

If you require to get rear tires wet, hit 4WD and be sure to keep front tires dry. This is the ONLY way you can prevent truck from sliding if rear tires are on slick/slime ramp. 4WD will lock the front wheels from sliding when you put it in park.

Slippery mode won’t help at all and does not auto engage 4WD.


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90% of the time, I never have to use mine. There are a few ramps that are super steep or get a little greasy as the summer moves on. That is when I flip mine into 4wd.

Usually when I’m backing in, close to the water as the truck and trailer are straight.


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Thanks guys. The ramps I’ll be using require the rear wheels to get wet since these are shallow angle ramps. The reason I was suggesting slippery mode is it does mention it engages 4WD and seemed naturally fitting to a slick ramp. Some of the ramps are well maintained and can get slick from algae growth, moss etc. Another lake we previously used has a very steep ramp which is on a river system. I had a hell of a time on that ramp and swore ever going back for fear of losing my 2WD truck to it. I’ll have more faith with this truck.

This is what I had read on the slippery mode:

Slippery Mode
Slippery mode is beneficial in less than ideal road conditions like snow or ice-covered roads. This mode is often used for crossing terrain where a firm surface is roofed with loose, wet, or slippery material. Slippery mode lowers throttle response and optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces.
The four-wheel-drive auto is the default four-wheel-drive mode. Two-wheel drive high isn’t available in slippery mode.

Not sure about the new Fords. My Chevy and wife's GMC have the 2 speed transfer case. I use AUTO awd which will engage the front wheels when the rear slip.

If SLIPPERY mode does the same thing I would use it at the ramp then back to 2wd once ready to drive home.

My recommendation after working several years next to a busy ramp:
Get the truck and trailer lined up with the ramp and put in 4H or 4L (preferred) prior to decending down the ramp. With the truck in 4H or 4L, the ebrake and transmission are engaging front and rear tires helping prevent the truck going into the drink if the rear tires are on a slippery surface or if the load on the rear tires is reduced during loading. I've had too many close calls with a 2wd truck and seen too many trucks go in the drink to not use 4wd when it's just a push of a button.

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Originally Posted by cucv

My recommendation after working several years next to a busy ramp:
Get the truck and trailer lined up with the ramp and put in 4H or 4L (preferred) prior to decending down the ramp. With the truck in 4H or 4L, the ebrake and transmission are engaging front and rear tires helping prevent the truck going into the drink if the rear tires are on a slippery surface or if the load on the rear tires is reduced during loading. I've had too many close calls with a 2wd truck and seen too many trucks go in the drink to not use 4wd when it's just a push of a button.

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I agree with this 99%, only minor correction is the Ebrake only applies the rear brakes, but the key to 4WD is it locks the front tires through trans and transfer case as you mentioned.


I too have experienced sliding backwards on a slippery ramp as soon as you release brake pedal in park.

I have also seen 4WD trucks slide with 4WD engaged when front tires are wet on the slick part of ramp.


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Originally Posted by cucv

My recommendation after working several years next to a busy ramp:
Get the truck and trailer lined up with the ramp and put in 4H or 4L (preferred) prior to decending down the ramp. With the truck in 4H or 4L, the ebrake and transmission are engaging front and rear tires helping prevent the truck going into the drink if the rear tires are on a slippery surface or if the load on the rear tires is reduced during loading. I've had too many close calls with a 2wd truck and seen too many trucks go in the drink to not use 4wd when it's just a push of a button.

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this was our preferred as well. as mentioned, we have slid on the ramp while stopping so we always pull up far enough to ensure a stop on dry pavement then back up and in.

Captain obvious here, but didn't see this mentioned so....

If your rear is spinning on a slick ramp I would NOT engage 4wd while "in motion" if the front is on dryer/less slick pavement. Stop, engage 4wd, proceed with the burnout up the ramp.

In the snow or sand or mud, 4wd while on light throttle shouldn't hurt. Just be mindful.

Good info everyone. Thanks again! Loving this new truck a lot!

Yes, or rather NO. Don't ever engage 4wd while spinning. Bad things can happen. Another thing I always tell people is to use your emergency brake if you have to get out of the truck on the ramp. I have seen people put a wheel chock on the front tire too just as an extra safety. Ideally, if you have someone that can stay in the truck with their foot on the brake, that is best as it locks all 4 tires. Remember park generally only locks 1 wheel on a 2wd.

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Originally Posted by HFarr

Yes, or rather NO. Don't ever engage 4wd while spinning. Bad things can happen. Another thing I always tell people is to use your emergency brake if you have to get out of the truck on the ramp. I have seen people put a wheel chock on the front tire too just as an extra safety. Ideally, if you have someone that can stay in the truck with their foot on the brake, that is best as it locks all 4 tires. Remember park generally only locks 1 wheel on a 2wd.

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Emergency brake only locks rear wheels, only way to get out of truck with all 4 wheels locked with foot off brake is 4WD engaged in park.


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Originally Posted by larry_arizona

Emergency brake only locks rear wheels, only way to get out of truck with all 4 wheels locked with foot off brake is 4WD engaged in park.


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Or add a line lock on front brake lines


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My wife stays in the truck covering foot on brake anytime the boat is being loaded or unloaded on the ramp. So we good there. When solo I would use a chock sometimes on sketchy ramps. I’ve also forgot to remove the chock prior to pulling out and let me tell ya, a plastic chock will sound like a double barrel shotgun when it explodes and you’ll get all kinds of funny looks from the ramp crowds :D

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Originally Posted by haknslash

a plastic chock will sound like a double barrel shotgun when it explodes

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I know this sound. don't ask me how :)

First mod: get rid of the stupid incandescent license plate bulbs and replace with LED to match everything. I can’t believe Ford went from LED on the 2021’s to incandescent for the 2022+ trucks. Supply chain my ass this was just stupid when everything else is LED and new tech lol. Whatever, it looks much better now and no more ugly yellow light.

https://i.imgur.com/K6nw1io.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5JYadku.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XT5IV4r.jpg

I need to do this to my new truck also....thanks for reminding me.

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Originally Posted by larry_arizona

Emergency brake only locks rear wheels, only way to get out of truck with all 4 wheels locked with foot off brake is 4WD engaged in park.


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With the transfer case in 4wd, the emergency brakes on the rear wheels act like a cardan shaft brake, locking the front wheel(s). You truly get all 4 wheels this way with a front diff lock. There is no park with a manual transmission, but one can use the engine as a brake with it turned off.

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Originally Posted by cucv

With the transfer case in 4wd, the emergency brakes on the rear wheels act like a cardan shaft brake, locking the front wheel(s). You truly get all 4 wheels this way with a front diff lock. There is no park with a manual transmission, but one can use the engine as a brake with it turned off.

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I disagree, with 4wd engaged, the only thing that will prevent the front wheels from rolling is the parking pawl engaged on an automatic transmission.

Park brake applies either a rear axle “drum in hat” mechanism or engages the rear brake calipers only.

If you are in 4WD, park brake engaged in neutral and the rear tires start sliding on slick ramp, the front wheels will roll.


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Ordered some Husky rear wheel well liners. Why Ford continues to skimp on these and charge as an option is beyond me. Liners should arrive Thursday. Also getting a stage 1 polish and detail and PPF wrap with Xpel Ultimate+ on Friday to help protect the paint since I commute so far to work on the highways.


BTW Anyone running the Curt 45900 adjustable drop hitch? My last setup was all Curt hardware and it seems well built. I like there is a gusset welded in for support compared to other higher prices adjustable hitches.

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-45900-Ad...79589068&psc=1

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Originally Posted by haknslash

BTW Anyone running the Curt 45900 adjustable drop hitch? My last setup was all Curt hardware and it seems well built. I like there is a gusset welded in for support compared to other higher prices adjustable hitches.

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-45900-Ad...79589068&psc=1

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A friend has one and I helped him tow a loaded car-hauler with my tow rig.

It was pretty solid, and it was easy to adjust to get the trailer level. The only thing I questioned was the hitch pins and clips to hold the in the channel. This one was not locking on his setup, but they probably sell them.

Hak

I bought one of these 2 years ago. It makes everything much more comfortable going down the road. Also adjustable and I use this to tow everything besides the boat. Not trying to spend more of your money just sharing.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...xoCmJQQAvD_BwE

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Originally Posted by MJHSupra

A friend has one and I helped him tow a loaded car-hauler with my tow rig.

It was pretty solid, and it was easy to adjust to get the trailer level. The only thing I questioned was the hitch pins and clips to hold the in the channel. This one was not locking on his setup, but they probably sell them.

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I noticed the pins didn’t have any security either. I figured I could either have my work machine me new longer pins to add locks if they don’t already offer them or just remove the balls when I’m not towing to prevent any theft.

Holdmybeer,those are nice and super beefy but way more than I really care to spend. If I were towing more weight and needed those I would certainly give them some good thought. But yea, between the truck payment and the boat payment trying to keep wife happy and not push it too far lol.

Come on now, I'm more than happy to spend your money for you.


I went with a Fastway Aluminum hitch a few years ago and couldn't be happier since I tow 4 different trailers. What I really like about it is no pins to lose and hidden locking mechanisms.

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/fastwa...HKQ-47-00-3806