Just because a truck is used and it's cheap doesn't mean it's the right kind of truck for you. With the used truck market booming the way that it is, many potential truck shoppers are finding themselves in the market for something dependable and functional. However, if you're searching for a good truck from a used Ford F-150 dealer like us, you need to make sure that you're getting the right kind of truck, with the right kind of equipment for your line of work or your daily trucking habits.
This is where a dealership like DePaula Ford comes in. We not only carry a quality selection of Ford F-150 light-duty pickup trucks, but we also have a staff that will help you get the right kind of F-150 with the proper configuration and equipment to handle what's required from your lifestyle. This is what makes our dealership the best in the region when it comes to buying used Ford trucks like the F-150.
The Ford F-150 has an illustrious half-century history that dates back to 1948 and the old F-1 through F-8 series of trucks, which spanned from light-duty consumer trucks to heavy-duty commercial vehicles. The F-150's direct predecessor didn't come about until the second generation with the F-100 in the 1950s. However, it wasn't until 1975 that the F-150 nameplate was introduced that everyone eventually came to know and love.
Throughout the 1980s, the F-150 became a staple entry in the light-duty segment, taking the truck market by storm in the process. Improved powertrain capabilities marked by the standardization of the V8 helped keep the F-150 competitive. By the time the 1990s came around, the F-150 had been redesigned and given a more modern chassis. Later on, as the late 1990s began to take shape and the tenth generation got underway for the marque, the F-150 received a more modern exterior design that would become visually synonymous with Ford’s pickup truck brand.
The F-150 continued to use the full capability of the V8 powertrains and the towing and payload ratings that came with them up until the twelfth generation. Ford made the bold and unique decision to add the V6 to the line-up in the form of the EcoBoost engine. This was the beginning of Ford's new focus on reduced-emissions powertrains and fuel-efficient light-duty pickup trucks.
By the thirteenth generation, most of the large V8 engines were replaced with the more fuel-efficient EcoBoost and PowerBoost engines moving forward, which resulted in much better fuel economy. The available payload capacity and tow ratings remained a strong focus for the F-150, even with the switch over to the smaller engines. The dedication to engineering excellence and forward-thinking designs are what have allowed the Ford F-150 to maintain its position as one of the best-selling vehicles in America and one of the best-selling trucks of all time.
The Ford F-150 has always taken pride in its versatility, including its cab and bed size options, allowing truckers to customize the truck the way they see fit. Sitting on a fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame, the Ford F-150 comes in three different bed box sizes, including a short 5.5-foot bed, a regular 6.5-foot bed, and a long 8-foot bed. Each one offers you distinct dimensions depending on what you plan on hauling in the F-150.
You can also configure the truck with different cab sizes. The cab sizes come in three distinct formats, which includes the Regular Cab, which is a two-door configuration offering room in the cabin for up to three people. The SuperCab is slightly larger, featuring an extended two-door design that can seat up to six people across the front and rear benches. The SuperCrew is the largest cab configuration available for the Ford F-150, which can also seat up to six people across two rows while also offering easy access to the rear cab, thanks to being a four-door setup.
The different cab configurations can also be configured with the different bed sizes. Specifically, if you want the short bed, it's available when paired with the SupreCrew cab configuration. If you want the long bed, it's available with the SuperCab or the Regular Cab configuration. All three cab sizes can make use of the regular bed size for those who are interested.
If you plan on towing heavy loads or hauling high payloads, you will definitely need the right kind of towing and trailering equipment. For the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trims, you can get the Tow Technology Package to help improve the towing capabilities of the F-150. The package includes the Pro-Trailer Backup Assist to help with aligning the trailer, a 360-degree camera, as well as Trailer Reverse Guidance, a Trailer Brake Controller and a Smart Trailer Tow Connector.
If you're planning on doing serious trailering, the Trailer Tow Package includes a 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness, a Class IV trailer hitch receiver, the Pro Trailer Backup Assist, just like with the Tow Technology Package, as well as the trailer brake controller. You also get a tailgate LED and the Smart Trailer Tow Connector. The package is essential for anyone who plans on trailering heavy loads. Additionally, it's worth considering either a 5th wheel or gooseneck as well for large attachments.
A hitch is essential for certain kinds of trailering loads, but when you have a really heavy trailer or a wide load, a 5th wheel or gooseneck becomes essential. The gooseneck features a ball and coupler connection that anchors to the bottom of the bed. It's perfect for those who need to haul flatbeds or livestock trailers. Alternatively, the 5th wheel uses a kingpin connection and mounts to the top of the bed, using a structural harness. Most 5th wheel mounts are perfect for campers and RVs.
The upside to the gooseneck is that it frees the bed up when it's not in use and offers a great sense of stability when you rig a trailer to it. The downside is that if you have to remove it, it requires a lot of work to get under the truck to disassemble the harness. The upside to the 5th wheel is that it's right there on top of the bed, making it very easy to assemble and disassemble in comparison to the gooseneck, but the problem is that the bed is occupied whether the 5th wheel is being used or not. It's a give-and-take scenario that depends on what you want out of your F-150 and how you plan to use it for towing and trailering.
Whether you need a SuperCab, a SuperCrew configuration, or a Regular Cab, or if you need a short, normal, or long bed, we can help you find the right kind of combination and configuration for the Ford F-150 that fits your needs. Need the right kind of trailering package or equipment? How about a trim that has the proper drivetrain and power you need for the kind of work that you do? At DePaula Ford, we have a knowledgeable sales crew who can help you customize and configure the right kind of F-150 for you.
Let our finance team help you secure the car loan you need, whether you're a newer or older generation truck. Our service center technicians are also on standby for when you need to schedule maintenance or repairs, and we also have a considerable parts department full of inventory so you can order the OEM components you need to keep your F-150 running right. For the right kind of used F-150, you need the right kind of used Ford F-150 dealer, and that means you need DePaula Ford.
