Called VOPC fri. said no info. or something like that. Ordered this truck from company dealership order# 0001 Prio:10 Order Type: 1 Price level: 015, does anyone know what all this means? What I was wondering was if could have done with 373 axel, don't think trailer is all that heavy, pulls easy behind D---e cummins 1990 model 190hp.
Anyone know someone who has installed a Gear Vendors behind the V-10? I work with a guy who has one behind a diesel and thinks it is great. Super for towing, (gear splitter) and helps mileage. Quite expensive though. Close to 3k installed. I just wonder if it helps the mileage on a V-10 enough to make it worthwhile. Would also add to the top speed limit of the diesel. Check it @ www.gearvendors.com
Has anyone actually gotten a 2000 sd with power tow mirrors? I remember previous posts stating that they would not be available until the last of Sept. I think someone stated that they had gotten them about a month ago. My truck was sch.for last week-sept27 but the vopc has not changed the message all week. My truck was similar to Crazyelvis"s except he did not order the power tow mirrors. His production date was moved up a week and my mine has not been built yet. Does anyone monitoring this site work at the KY plant? We need an insider to keep us informed.
I went to a local dealer in Raleigh NC (Crossroads Ford) which is one of the 2 bigger dealers in Raleigh. I ask about how long it would take to receive a F250 XLT V10 SC 4x2.
They told me their monthly allotment was 12 F250's (per month i think), and they only have allotted 3% of these trucks with the V10. Therefore it would take 2 months before they even have a slot for a V10, then add the time to build it etc. They said, 16 months or so... I saw the sheet, and they had allotments of 82% diesel, and 15% 5.4l. There are other allotment catagories like for dually and crew cab as well.
I'm looking at other dealers now as its obvious that this dealer is only interested in selling diesels.
16 months for a truck. I think I could figure out how to build my own in that amount of time...ha ha.......I've noticed that most dealers have more diesels than gas engines in the 250's and 350's. hkeith......aren't the manual tow mirrors available now?? I just have regular mirrors...I guess....I made no distict choice in the mirrors I wanted. Is there a difference between the power ones and the manual...other than the obvious one?? And why a shortage on these mirrors. Seems like a pretty standard item most of the big truck buyers would want since these trucks are used for pulling trailers and such.
The power tow mirrors on my Y2K CC Move the mirror up, down, in , and out. The concern here appears to be with telescoping, My mirrors fold in so if I get in a tight spot (or I want to get close enough to my mail box to open it) I simply pull the mirror in. They fold very easily. The telescoping feture will not be in production for a little more time (ha! how long could that be??) I would recomend you skip the telescoping feature unless you think it would be cool to get you truck as a Christmas present. T4F
Thank you for #795 response to explanaton of VOPC and DORA
In regard to my ordering a truck - I have been reading this topic for nearly a year and want to buy a truck. I have visited many dealerships in my area and I liked driving this vehicle, but I also like the chevy 1/2 ton and the dodge. I don't yet know if I am over buying if I go with this big truck. I will soon retire and I want to make the best choice for me. I keep asking questions and saving - I intend on waiting to at least late January before putting down my money. I want to see the 4 door chevy (gmc). I am definitely concerned about price and a long wait once I make my decision. So I will continue to listen to you all and continue to ask questions. I definitely think truck prices are up at this time with demand so high - I think it is in my best interest to be patient. Thank you for your help!
In my lifetime I don't think I have ever seen prices come down on a vehicle. Every year they remain the same or go up. I know a lot of the options on the Y2K F250 went up vs. the 99. As for Ford....I have only owned Ford Trucks but have bought a variety of cars/vans from Ford and Dodge. Almost all of my family on mothers side works for Chrysler in Detroit. I have gotten 2 cars and a van at employee price for my wife. ALL of the Dodge products that we have owned have had rust problems. This would be a full size van, a stratus, and a sebring. I could buy a truck from Dodge cheaper (employee price) than the Ford, but I don't think the Dodge is as good of a product. I have never had problem one with a Ford truck I have owned (knocking on my desk ). As for Chevy...I don't know. I have never owned a chevy product and don't think I ever will. I don't like the new body style on the trucks. Especially the fakey looking plastic molding I have seen over the wheel wells on some trucks....AWFUL!!! In my opinion...and we all know opinions are like *ssholes.......blah blah blah.....you can't beat a FORD!!!!!!!!!! P.S......And with many people getting their trucks at invoice (including me) I don't see a better deal out there........
just ordered y2k 250 sd 4x4. I was told that the telescoping mirrors are now available. I was also told that these mirrors do not telescope by power, they telescope manually, and adjust by power like any other power mirror. Does anyone know for sure?
bpet, where'd you hear about the telescoping mirrors? is this the 54E option code (the folding power mirrors is 54Y). we're wondering if they extend out a little further than the 54Y's as our fiver is 8'6" wide (as is the case with most newer coaches). but this may not be important as we're currently pulling (and not very well) with a 2500 Chev and the SD's are probably a little wider at the cab to begin with. we're also a little concerned about ordering 54E in regard to the lack of possible rigidity (need to see them first). and finally; will this option slow the truck build? hell, we'll just stay with the manual "fold-in's" because we don't know for certain about the these issues.
T4F are your mirrors the 54Y option? On the dealer option sheet dated 5-3-99 it shows a 54E option for xlt and Lariat. This is listed as a telescopic power trailer tow. It shows a 54U manual telescopic trailer tow for the xl & xlt. This option is not available for the Lariat. I notice Edmunds option list only shows the 54Y as an option at this time. Will your mirrors manualy slide in and out from body?
The vopc is still saying mine is sch to be built the week of Sept 27.
Late Friday night (man I gotta get a life) VOPC updated that my unit was produced. No other info yet. I hope this means it's in line to get shipped! Crazyelvis, how long after yours was 'produced' before you heard you were loaded on the 'convoy'. Read that you are now on the rail - not long now!!
gthilton - as much as starting over may hurt, you might want to at least threaten your dealer with that. I'd let him know that SEVERAL people you've talked to have received order schedules (and VIN's) well within 5 weeks of order entry. Have you seen your DORA - that's the only way I know of that you can be sure FORD got your order? If I were you, I'd get a quote and a tentative build time from another dealer and slam it on the desk of your current guy. He's telling you he'll check in another week, after it's already been 5! What'd he waiting for - to cover his a** most likely! What a crock. Sounds like this guy is not too interested in making his holdback on your order. I feel for ya man. Good luck!
What is this DORA? Ihave Vehicle Order Confirmation with all the codes and prices. It shows order#0001 Prio:10 order type 1 price level:15. Ordered this truck 9/13/99 Lariet CC,4x2, DRW, PSD, 6SP, 410ls VOPC says no info. dealer doesn"t know anything says try next thur.?
I think Bess might have meant 16 weeks, not 16 months, but I could be wrong. 16 weeks is still a long time.
Bess,
You should thank the dealer for providing that allotment info. Most dealers will mislead you so that you will place the order. Then they start making excuses when the trucks don't come in when you expect them. By providing the info, he knew he was probably going to lose your sale.
Grubby, the 3.73 will should work for you. What was the axle ratio on the Dodge? I know alot of people who have towed with Dodge trucks with the 3.54 axle ratio. The 3.73 is a good all around axle ratio. If you're towing alot and you're towing fairly heavy loads, you would want to opt for the 4.10 (PSD) or the 4.30 (V-10), but if you're running empty or with light loads alot, you will probably be happier with the 3.73. I know iwith the V-10s, you will get 2+ mpg better than the if you opt for the 4.30.
DORA - Dealer Order Receipt Acknowledgement(?) is a form from FORD back to the dealer that shows that the order was placed and what the specifics are. When I initially placed my order I got something from my dealer similar to what you are describing. Order # was 1234. Later, after I heard about the DORA on this site I asked for a copy from the dealer. My order number from the DORA was 8592. I figured that the '1234' was B.S. - just what the dealer put into his system when he created the order to send to FORD. '0001' sounds just as suspicious as my '1234'. You said VOPC had no information. If you are accessing with the dealer code, body type, and order number, and the order number is invalid, then I can see how you'd get the 'no information' thing. Incidentally, I had my VIN to access VOPC within two weeks of my order. That's how I get my status.
If your dealer placed the order, they should have a DORA. My guy was reluctant to give it out - made it sound like I asked for a free truck (maybe I should have). Asked me to "please keep it quiet" that he gave me a copy of the DORA. Made me wonder why a dealer would want to keep info. from their customers. Everything is proceeding without a hitch, so I won't obsess over that too much.
my dealer called me today to say my truck was on the lot and ready to be under-coated and rust proofed. that's one week earlier than scheduled. funny though, i checked vopc, the truck was stated as only being produced with an eta of still 10/11. question, does the dealer really have my truck or somebody elses? is vopc that slow in updating its data base or information. it seems like several dummy numbers can be placed with ford to generate price requests. i had 9999. my real live order number was 0024.good luck all of you waiting for trucks.
My F250 Lariat SD CC SB 4X4 V10 is suppose to be at dealer tomorrow. For those of you who use the VOPC - here is a tip - you can skip the automated section and wait for the rep. Make sure you have all your info ready (dealer number and Vin code) and play it cool and ask for vehicle status. The rep will give you more detail them the automated system. For example when the automated system said it was on the train, the rep told me it just left the Kansas mixing center and would arrive in nine days to CA. You don't want to call the rep all the time just when you need a better fix of where your vehicle is. Don't blow it for everybody by calling all the time.
In case you want to know - I ordered my truck in May and will take delivery this week. Keep in mined I had a priority 02.
I will post you after I put on a couple hundred miles.
Count me in as one of the unlucky ones who have ordered and are still waiting to receive.
I put in an order for a S/D F-250 CC 4x4 Lariat with a V-10 and full 8ft bed back in July, and I still haven't been scheduled for a build date.
Been reading everyone's comments and insights -- found the phone number for VOPC posted and tried calling. I must have the wrong information or I'm doing it wrong. My DORA says the dealer's # is F74204 so I dropped the f. The order # was 1111 but at the dealership they say it's F336. The body type is W-21 so I punched in 9121 according to instructions. The year is 2000 and when I punch that figure in - they say zero. Every thing seems to work until I get to the order #, at which point they tell me that they have no information. Can anyone help me out????
Also to my dismay, I heard that the new Excursion is built on the same frame as the crew cab/long box and like other readers, the V-10 seems to be holding things up because Ford is pushing them towards their glorified Suburban. I'm disappointed but not at the point of being pissed. I don't have to have this truck to survive and if interest rates go up any higher before my truck arrives they can eat it-- I'll buy something used.
Can anyone help me with VOPC so that I can get on board with the rest of you hotshots!!!? THANKS
just got word form vopc that my truck was released from plant on oct 4, with a eta oct 17. it was ordered first week of july. It is a 250 Lariat v-10 cc sb with tele power tow mirrors-54e. I don't know if those mirrors are on it but they are the ones ordered.
Porky, if you have the vin # use it to check your status.
Well my truck made it to the rail yard in Tampa as of Sept. 30. That is 5 days ago. The dealership (Gator Ford) is only about 20 miles from there and the truck is not at the dealership!!! This sucks!! At least I know it is in town. I called Ken English...salesman.....and he said probably tomorrow or Thursday...hopefully....I know it is not in his control to get it from the yard to the dealership...but hell....I'll go drive it over there!!!!! It has been raining here for about 3 days...maybe the rail guys don't like to get wet.....wimps!!!!!
Porky, sounds like you have your DORA - good. You should find your order number on there. Near the top of the DORA it should say something like "New Order ** Dealer Submitted **" Below that line should be your dealer's number and name. Below that should be "Body W21 Begin Ord ####" The #'s should be the order number for VOPC. Sound like you have all the right info except the order number.
The best way to access VOPC is with the VIN as HKEITH stated. If you have a DORA, then FORD got your order so that's cleared up. The next piece of info you need is the VIN. According to my dealer, if you are anywhere on the schedule, you have a VIN - the dealer should be able to get that for you. That's the best way to track in my opinion - would clear up KERMODE's question about the truck at his dealer being his. The first thing I plan to check when I go to the lot is the VIN - then I'll start to drool!
I have a f250sd cc 4x4 lwb v-10 on order and have checked with the VOPC. My order remains clean and unscheduled after 10 weeks of waiting. Since I make it through the whole VOPC process without any errors will asking the dealer to see the DORA do any good at this point? Is there anyone else to call to get a clue as to when my truck might be built. I can be patient waiting for build day but not knowing when they are going to get to it is frustrating. Has anyone tried calling the "customer assistance center" that is posted on Ford's web site?
...just checked with dealer on my f250 ec 4x4 v-10 and so far we are still on schedule for builing next week. we are at priority one!! I also have a VIN. Crazyelvis, are there codes to be inputed for the VIN like the ones for the order number?? Haven't tried the VIN route yet, the order number route has not changed in about 3.5 weeks!! Kermode, congratulations on getting your truck. Is there a reason you are going with the factory rustproofing rather than a Zeibart system?? What are they charging you for this service, if you don't mind sharing with the group? I am debating on whether or not to have it done when mine arrives. The dude at Zeibart was talking about prices below $200.00 with all of the other goodies I am going to buy from him. I also agree that the ford website for the truck plant in Kentucky SUCKS!! Talk about needing viagra after visiting that site....major bummer.
My order is now five and a half weeks and not scheduled. (see #802) I talked to the sales manager again today and he told me he contacted the zone manager to find out what's holding up the scheduling of my truck and to try to upgrade the priority code and get it going. He was waiting for a response to this stuff. Yesterday I spoke with a salesman at an all truck dealership in Lansing, Michigan (Nearby) where I know NOW I should have gone in the first place, right Crazy Elvis? They'll be glad to put in an order for me. I'm waiting to see what happens with this zone manager; find out if it is just blowing smoke. If I don't get the answer I want to hear this week, I'll pull my order and head into Lansing. Their average delivery on Super Duty orders is 8 weeks, ten weeks tops. Scary thought starting all over and rolling the dice. I've never been much of a gambler.
crazyelvis... did you get a copy of your DORA from Ken or did he just read the data off it for you? our DORA ought to be in Fri or Mon & will check in with him then. really prefer a copy of it (Ken could fax it?). & keep the rest of us posted on getting your hands on that truck.
read somewhere that it's not a good idea to go with anybody's undercoating. what happens is water gets under the stuff eventually & when that happens there's no way for it to escape (the undercoating acts like a big one-way "valve") so you actually get more rust then if you just left the thing alone. the only rust you get nowadays on most vehicles is "surface" related on bare metal (springs, inside of wheels, diff, etc.). we're not going with any rustproofing at all for this reason. we also remember a vehicle purchased years ago that had been Ziebarted.. had rust thru just after the 3 year warranty expired (this was in the days b4 the vendors were treating the sheet metal to prevent rust... they really did not care a whole bunch obviously). and we're replacing our 92 chev (purchased new) with the SD and the Chev has NO rust & it was never undercoated. crazyelvis, we're in the same general neck-of-the-woods (WPB, FL) so if this means anything...
the dealership is charging $251 for rust proofing and under-coating the truck. had it done on our 93 villager when it was new. after 90000 miles the van shows no sign of rust, we live in the country so it has not had an easy life. i am also considering applying bed liner material on some of the more vulnerable areas, wheel areas etc. just checked vopc again. it now states my truck has been released to the motor carrier fleet and the eta is the week of 10/14, remember it was 10/11 originally. so as smccarthy suggested i am going to check the vin number on the truck. if it is mine i am scheduled to pick it up from the dealer this saturday 10/9. good trucking
how long have you had your DORA info? you ought to have been able to obtain this info a week to 10 days after ordering (doubt if anyone uses snail mail to do this anymore). if you obtained your DORA info promptly and the order was processed priority 10 or better (lower is better. dealer's highest priority is 10, though) you ought to have been scheduled way b4 now. something is definitely amiss & if that DORA info was NOT received promptly there's no sense in being politically "correct"... your dealer's been jacking you around (probably with little/no allocation availability for your specific model).
gthilton.....As the great philosopher Kenny Rogers once said...."Ya got ta know when to hold em'...know when to fold em...know when to walk away...and know when to run" I think I saw this written on the wall at the local Kenny Rogers Roaster or something...ha ha......This truck is the first vehicle I ever ordered.....I went to Gator Ford because they only deal in trucks...I had no clue on allotment and that stuff.....but now makes sense that if they only sell trucks it would be easier to get one from them.....If the zone manager isn't able to "get the job done" I would probably walk.....what do you others think...but then if you walk you would have been scheduled the next week and you would never know...that is the hard part......so don't listen to me...what the hell do I know anyway??? Don't ask my wife that question!!!! Gossamr.....I have never tried the VIN thing....I have my VIN but figured it was easier going the other way..... lewac.....No I never got the DORA from Ken....He just gave me the info over the phone...actually I gave him the VOPC phone number and told him about the whole thing....he didn't know what it was...I figured I didn't need the DORA because he gave me the pertinant info I needed to use the VOPC. Now if I could get my truck out of the rail yard in Tampa and to the dealership I would be a happy camper......... Seeeee ya all later.....
called the VOPC tonight, and we are "LOCKED AND LOADED!!!" Message stated that as of oct.14, you are locked in for build, week of oct. 11, and eta of oct. 25th. Thanks for some of the info on rust-proofing, will do some more research...maybe let FORD and Zeibart battle it out. Gthilton, I agree with Crazyelvis...seems a bit odd that there is no word what-so-ever on your build date. Granted, mine was about 3.5 weeks before it was picked up, but now it seems we are rockin. I do prefer the words of PINK FLOYD "Ticking away the moments of a dull day..You fritter and waste the hours in an off hand way.. Kicking around on a piece of ground in your hometown..Waiting for someone or something to show you the way.." I might give it another week... Maybe FORD stands for "Forgets Our Rinky Dealers" Crazyelvis, this might seem like a "silly" question, but have we cruised the railyard yet, or is this not possible??? Maybe when we ALL get our trucks in the upcoming months we should road-trip to the kentucky plant for a group photo and hand delivery it to the workers inside....
Congrats Gossamar on the build date. Now on to something important.......How can you compare Pink Floyd...the nice guy that he is to one of the great thinkers/composers of this and ALL time....Kenny Rogers...Now I have never been to a Pink Floyd all you can eat chicken buffet.....And how many great cinematic masterpieces have the Floyd guys been in?? ie...movies of the week!!!! And have they ever had a duet with Dolly Parton?? I think not!!!!!!! Now go as fast as you can to any discount bin at your local music store and buy the Kenny Collection and do your soul some good....OK...now that I got that off my chest... I am up for that road trip!!! I need to visit my backwards relatives up in Illinois sometime soon...aren't I nice......Just tell me the date!!!
The rail yard is pretty big here....used to go to High school right down the road.....You would be able to see maybe 10% of the yard......Believe me I almost have gone down there but have been to busy working...plus it is about an hour away.....I own a sign business and it has been crazy lately. But that is good....have to pay for this new truck!!!!! (plus all the goodies I have to buy once I take delivery......bedliner (bed rug) and so on)
lewac, my order was placed priority 10, back in July I didn't know to ask for this dora thing so I don't know it the order was placed promptly or properly, I'm inclined to not change dealers at this point since the order is in the system, and the dealer is the largest truck dealer in the area,(best chance of allocation I think), He has about 50 super duties on the lot all the time, and his turn over is incredible. Has anyone tried talking with the zone manager personally or have you all gone through the dealer?
we didn't know about DORA until many people on this site made us aware of it. rnewman, maybe it was just bad timing as it seems you've chosen a dealer that ought to be able to deliver. as crazyelvis indicates, not many salespeople seem to be aware of it. but it is extremely important to us "customers" as it indicates that the dealer has definitely placed the order. crazyelvis, thanks for that interesting info relating to Gator Ford. we'll just take the info verbally as you did as the only purposes is to verify that the order is in the system and we have the necessary info to check status with VOPC. and hope you get your truck very soon!!
Well it's been 19 days with my new F350 4x4 SRW V10 and it is running better everyday. I've got the manual tranny with the 4.30 gears and have settled down to an average of 11.7 mpg on the last 2 tanks of gas. Finally into a normal driving routine. I am sitting with a little over 1650 miles so far, which isn't a whole lot for me but I've been tied down with harvest. I haven't put a trailer on it yet - I plan on waiting until after the 1st oil change. That should be in a couple of weeks, then I'll hook up a couple of loaded wagons and see how she pulls. Quite frankly, based on how it performs in the field so far, I think this thing will simply walk away with a load on it, so that should be fun.
Oh, by the way, the 4 wheel drive is one heck of a gripping beast. I have had it burried once already (NOT INTENTIONALLY YET) in mud to just above the hub centers and slowly walked my way out of a stretch about 150 feet long. Gotta love that solid front axle.
Anyhow, I'll post more when I put a trailer on it.
At the risk of being the 'boy who cried wolf' - after all I did mention the V10 engine plant fire (based on my dealer's info) and it seemed to not have much impact to anyone's schedule - I heard on the radio this AM that the UAW gave FORD a Friday 3:30 PM (EST) strike deadline. No details if this is a parts related strike, or if it affects build lines. May want to rattle your dealers for some more info and potential effects to your truck schedule.
More DORA info: for those of you wondering if your dealer was timely in placing your order, the DORA has some key dates on it. You may want to push for an actual copy of the form. It shows the Order Receipt Date and DORA processing date.
gthilton, before you switch dealers, you should demand the DORA. If it shows that your dealer placed the order when they say they did, then they are (somewhat) legitimate. They still should be a little more aggressive with the local rep and the factory. But at least you'd know if they were being straight. I think most dealers are reluctant to give out the DORA, but after they place the order it should come back fast. My DORA is dated the day after I placed the order with my dealer. Had a build date 1 week later - so the DORA and the schedule are not really related (so don't let them tell you there's no DORA until the truck is scheduled!). It's too bad that dropping ~$30K on a vehicle doesn't command better customer service. I don't envy your position - starting over doesn't sound fun - but may be necessary! Good luck!
I'm not sure what Ford dealership you are talking about in Lansing but try Central Ford and talk to Jeff Every. Known many a truck buyer getting what they want from this dealership. Good Luck!
Ordered 250 SD CC 5.4L Lariat from dealer on August 25th with a tentative 8-10 week delivery. Called dealer yesterday and he said it was built and in rail transit with ETA in Texas 10-18. He did say I got lucky on the time.
To all of you waiting, it is worth the wait. I ordered mine from Guam (Military Car Sales) with a Guaranteed delivery date. The truck was waiting for me when I got back home. I got 12.7 MPG on last tank, mostly highway, but I do have a heavy foot. 1999 F250 4X4 SC V-10 Auto, 3.73 LS
Yes, I talked to Mark at Central Ford. I'm just going to wait the middle of this week out and see what my dealer (Shaheen in Portland) has to tell me. As to great philosophers you have all forgotten (or don't know about, heaven forbid) about the greatest of all, Larry the Cucumber, who said, "I laughed, I cried. It moved me, Bob".
Is the mpg of 11.7 hwy or a mix? I'm interested to see what the difference is between the duallys and SRW. I've got a F-350 V-10 4x4 SC Lariat dually with the 4.30 and auto trans with 23,500 miles. I get 11.7 on the hwy averaging about 70. I've been averaging just under 10 in a mix of hwy/city. There is probably another variable. Mine is a 99 and yours is likely a 2000, so you will have a few more horses and more torque.
As for the towing, I have a 4,000 pound slide-in camper. When I put it on the truck, my rig weighs around 12,000 pounds wet (30 gallons of water, 38 gallons of gasoline, 2 propane tanks). I averaged 8.7 mpg on the hwy from May through September with an average speed of around 62. I can get close to 10 with the camper on if I keep the mph around 55. It looks like the camper and gear costs me about 3mpg.
I drove up the Alaska Hwy in January with the camper on in temps averaging 25 below zero (the coldest was -38). Because of the road conditions and the newness of my truck camper, I drove with OD locked out and in 4x4. I averaged between 7.5 and 8mpg. The engine braking with the V-10 was awesome in the mountain passes in winter conditions.
Talked to the Sales Manager at Gator Ford today....Ken's day off......I guess they are having transportation problems with delivering the trucks from the rail yard to the dealers in Tampa. Gator Ford had 60 trucks come in on the 30th of Sept. The finally started sending employees over to the yard yesterday and are having them drive the trucks to the dealership.....So sometime in the next couple of days my truck will arrive. He said he had NO trucks on the lot to sell....so he finally sent people to get him some stock.....And who the hell is Mr. Cucumber???
Mr. Cucumber is a reference to a upstanding little cartoon character who with his best friend "Bob the tomato" enjoy the adventures of life and learn why it's good to be nice to others.
Still waiting, i ordered on sept 6, just under 4 weeks and i have yet to receive my build date also.I have called the vopc,and im clean an unsched as of yet.I ordered 250 s/c lariet,with an 8-13 week delivery date..4 down hopefully only 8weeks to go.....
The driving I've done so far is pretty well broken down as follows:
40% highway at 60-70 mph 30% off pavement (I live 5 miles off highway on gravel) 30% in town city driving
Keep in mind that I have the manual tranny, so I might be able to get 1 to 1.5 better than the automatic. The tank that had the "nearly stuck" incident on it yielded 10.3 mpg. That tank had a lot of off road/in field driving on it, as well as a lot of hilly gravel. Very little highway on that one.
I like the sounds of your cold weather performance. I live in Iowa, and even though we aren't anywhere near the severity of Alaska (I bow to you on that one) we get some really hard cold snaps (15 to 30 below) that last for up to a week at a time in the winter, as well as a nasty snow storm/blizzard about once to twice a month November through March. Usually in the teens and twenties though, with simple blowing snow.
I'll let you know how things go when I hook up the wagon. I'll be looking at a total a little over 13000 lbs. then, both in the field (4x4 high/low range) and on the road.
I ordered my 350 cc dually diesel 8-7, prior to learning of this sight.I was fortunate to get a good deal at a local dealer that seems to turn over a lot of sd's.Called VOPC after learning about it here, and was happy to get a 10-4 delivery date.Dealer called be a week eary and told me I would have truck the next day they didn't have room for it on delivery truck(cool).10-6 still no truck, dealer had no info. I called VOPC again for an update.My VOPC recording me in that cold emotionless voice that my truck had been damaged in shipping and that there was now no ship date.So close but yet so far.The real kick in the figs is that my dealer claims to not have had any info. all week long, I don't buy it.I guess this is what I get for feeling so smug about my 8 week turn around.Now I'll just have to sit & wait again.
I haven't read all of your posts or all of the responses, but it seems that you are having a hard time deciding whether to drop your order and switch dealers because the one you are dealing with hasn't been completely straight with you about ordering and scheduling. Am I right so far?
If you want to "hedge your bet", I don't think that you would have to cancel your original order in order to place one with a different dealer. You could place another order and, if the first one comes in, just cancel it. If the second one comes in first, cancel the first one. It's my understanding that you are under no obligation to accept a vehicle that you have ordered until you have the keys in your hand and all the paperwork is done. And if you have put down a deposit, I believe that they must return it to you.
This may seem like a somewhat dishonest way of doing business, but if the dealer is giving you such a runaround I don't think you would need to feel too bad. Also, they don't seem to have too much trouble moving these vehicles off the lots, and if you got a good deal from them, they will probably get more for it if they sell it to a walk-in customer.
I seem to remember somebody who posted to this conference last year that had placed orders with multiple dealers (maybe 4 or 5?) and was going to take the first vehicle that came in and cancel the rest. I wasn't sure if I liked his logic because it seemed that this would only make everybody behind him have to wait that much longer. But your situation is much different.
Comments
What I was wondering was if could have done with 373 axel, don't think trailer is all that heavy, pulls easy behind D---e cummins 1990 model 190hp.
I just wonder if it helps the mileage on a V-10 enough to make it worthwhile.
Would also add to the top speed limit of the diesel.
Check it @ www.gearvendors.com
I ask about how long it would take to receive a F250 XLT V10 SC 4x2.
They told me their monthly allotment was 12 F250's (per month i think), and they only have allotted 3% of these trucks with the V10. Therefore it would take 2 months before they even have a slot for a V10, then add the time to build it etc. They said, 16 months or so...
I saw the sheet, and they had allotments of 82% diesel, and 15% 5.4l. There are other allotment catagories like for dually and crew cab as well.
I'm looking at other dealers now as its obvious that this dealer is only interested in selling diesels.
hkeith......aren't the manual tow mirrors available now?? I just have regular mirrors...I guess....I made no distict choice in the mirrors I wanted. Is there a difference between the power ones and the manual...other than the obvious one?? And why a shortage on these mirrors. Seems like a pretty standard item most of the big truck buyers would want since these trucks are used for pulling trailers and such.
In regard to my ordering a truck - I have been reading this topic for nearly a year and want to buy a truck. I have visited many dealerships in my area and I liked driving this vehicle, but I also like the chevy 1/2 ton and the dodge. I don't yet know if I am over buying if I go with this big truck. I will soon retire and I want to make the best choice for me. I keep asking questions and saving - I intend on waiting to at least late January before putting down my money. I want to see the 4 door chevy (gmc). I am definitely concerned about price and a long wait once I make my decision. So I will continue to listen to you all and continue to ask questions. I definitely think truck prices are up at this time with demand so high - I think it is in my best interest to be patient. Thank you for your help!
P.S......And with many people getting their trucks at invoice (including me) I don't see a better deal out there........
The vopc is still saying mine is sch to be built the week of Sept 27.
gthilton - as much as starting over may hurt, you might want to at least threaten your dealer with that. I'd let him know that SEVERAL people you've talked to have received order schedules (and VIN's) well within 5 weeks of order entry. Have you seen your DORA - that's the only way I know of that you can be sure FORD got your order? If I were you, I'd get a quote and a tentative build time from another dealer and slam it on the desk of your current guy. He's telling you he'll check in another week, after it's already been 5! What'd he waiting for - to cover his a** most likely! What a crock. Sounds like this guy is not too interested in making his holdback on your order. I feel for ya man. Good luck!
Bess,
You should thank the dealer for providing that allotment info. Most dealers will mislead you so that you will place the order. Then they start making excuses when the trucks don't come in when you expect them. By providing the info, he knew he was probably going to lose your sale.
Grubby, the 3.73 will should work for you. What was the axle ratio on the Dodge? I know alot of people who have towed with Dodge trucks with the 3.54 axle ratio. The 3.73 is a good all around axle ratio. If you're towing alot and you're towing fairly heavy loads, you would want to opt for the 4.10 (PSD) or the 4.30 (V-10), but if you're running empty or with light loads alot, you will probably be happier with the 3.73. I know iwith the V-10s, you will get 2+ mpg better than the if you opt for the 4.30.
If your dealer placed the order, they should have a DORA. My guy was reluctant to give it out - made it sound like I asked for a free truck (maybe I should have). Asked me to "please keep it quiet" that he gave me a copy of the DORA. Made me wonder why a dealer would want to keep info. from their customers. Everything is proceeding without a hitch, so I won't obsess over that too much.
In case you want to know - I ordered my truck in May and will take delivery this week. Keep in mined I had a priority 02.
I will post you after I put on a couple hundred miles.
I put in an order for a S/D F-250 CC 4x4 Lariat with a V-10 and full 8ft bed back in July, and I still haven't been scheduled for a build date.
Been reading everyone's comments and insights -- found the phone number for VOPC posted and tried calling. I must have the wrong information or I'm doing it wrong. My DORA says the dealer's # is F74204 so I dropped the f. The order # was 1111 but at the dealership they say it's F336. The body type is W-21 so I punched in 9121 according to instructions. The year is 2000 and when I punch that figure in - they say zero. Every thing seems to work until I get to the order #, at which point they tell me that they have no information. Can anyone help me out????
Also to my dismay, I heard that the new Excursion is built on the same frame as the crew cab/long box and like other readers, the V-10 seems to be holding things up because Ford is pushing them towards their glorified Suburban. I'm disappointed but not at the point of being pissed. I don't have to have this truck to survive and if interest rates go up any higher before my truck arrives they can eat it-- I'll buy something used.
Can anyone help me with VOPC so that I can get on board with the rest of you hotshots!!!? THANKS
Porky, if you have the vin # use it to check your status.
The best way to access VOPC is with the VIN as HKEITH stated. If you have a DORA, then FORD got your order so that's cleared up. The next piece of info you need is the VIN. According to my dealer, if you are anywhere on the schedule, you have a VIN - the dealer should be able to get that for you. That's the best way to track in my opinion - would clear up KERMODE's question about the truck at his dealer being his. The first thing I plan to check when I go to the lot is the VIN - then I'll start to drool!
Crazyelvis, are there codes to be inputed for the VIN like the ones for the order number?? Haven't tried the VIN route yet, the order number route has not changed in about 3.5 weeks!!
Kermode, congratulations on getting your truck. Is there a reason you are going with the factory rustproofing rather than a Zeibart system?? What are they charging you for this service, if you don't mind sharing with the group? I am debating on whether or not to have it done when mine arrives. The dude at Zeibart was talking about prices below $200.00 with all of the other goodies I am going to buy from him.
I also agree that the ford website for the truck plant in Kentucky SUCKS!! Talk about needing viagra after visiting that site....major bummer.
read somewhere that it's not a good idea to go with anybody's undercoating. what happens is water gets under the stuff eventually & when that happens there's no way for it to escape (the undercoating acts like a big one-way "valve") so you actually get more rust then if you just left the thing alone. the only rust you get nowadays on most vehicles is "surface" related on bare metal (springs, inside of wheels, diff, etc.). we're not going with any rustproofing at all for this reason. we also remember a vehicle purchased years ago that had been Ziebarted.. had rust thru just after the 3 year warranty expired (this was in the days b4 the vendors were treating the sheet metal to prevent rust... they really did not care a whole bunch obviously). and we're replacing our 92 chev (purchased new) with the SD and the Chev has NO rust & it was never undercoated. crazyelvis, we're in the same general neck-of-the-woods (WPB, FL) so if this means anything...
Gossamr.....I have never tried the VIN thing....I have my VIN but figured it was easier going the other way.....
lewac.....No I never got the DORA from Ken....He just gave me the info over the phone...actually I gave him the VOPC phone number and told him about the whole thing....he didn't know what it was...I figured I didn't need the DORA because he gave me the pertinant info I needed to use the VOPC.
Now if I could get my truck out of the rail yard in Tampa and to the dealership I would be a happy camper.........
Seeeee ya all later.....
Thanks for some of the info on rust-proofing, will do some more research...maybe let FORD and Zeibart battle it out.
Gthilton, I agree with Crazyelvis...seems a bit odd that there is no word what-so-ever on your build date. Granted, mine was about 3.5 weeks before it was picked up, but now it seems we are rockin. I do prefer the words of PINK FLOYD "Ticking away the moments of a dull day..You fritter and waste the hours in an off hand way.. Kicking around on a piece of ground in your hometown..Waiting for someone or something to show you the way.." I might give it another week... Maybe FORD stands for "Forgets Our Rinky Dealers"
Crazyelvis, this might seem like a "silly" question, but have we cruised the railyard yet, or is this not possible???
Maybe when we ALL get our trucks in the upcoming months we should road-trip to the kentucky plant for a group photo and hand delivery it to the workers inside....
I am up for that road trip!!! I need to visit my backwards relatives up in Illinois sometime soon...aren't I nice......Just tell me the date!!!
Oh, by the way, the 4 wheel drive is one heck of a gripping beast. I have had it burried once already (NOT INTENTIONALLY YET) in mud to just above the hub centers and slowly walked my way out of a stretch about 150 feet long. Gotta love that solid front axle.
Anyhow, I'll post more when I put a trailer on it.
THX
More DORA info: for those of you wondering if your dealer was timely in placing your order, the DORA has some key dates on it. You may want to push for an actual copy of the form. It shows the Order Receipt Date and DORA processing date.
gthilton, before you switch dealers, you should demand the DORA. If it shows that your dealer placed the order when they say they did, then they are (somewhat) legitimate. They still should be a little more aggressive with the local rep and the factory. But at least you'd know if they were being straight. I think most dealers are reluctant to give out the DORA, but after they place the order it should come back fast. My DORA is dated the day after I placed the order with my dealer. Had a build date 1 week later - so the DORA and the schedule are not really related (so don't let them tell you there's no DORA until the truck is scheduled!). It's too bad that dropping ~$30K on a vehicle doesn't command better customer service. I don't envy your position - starting over doesn't sound fun - but may be necessary! Good luck!
Good luck to all
Mac
Is the mpg of 11.7 hwy or a mix? I'm interested to see what the difference is between the duallys and SRW. I've got a F-350 V-10 4x4 SC Lariat dually with the 4.30 and auto trans with 23,500 miles. I get 11.7 on the hwy averaging about 70. I've been averaging just under 10 in a mix of hwy/city. There is probably another variable. Mine is a 99 and yours is likely a 2000, so you will have a few more horses and more torque.
As for the towing, I have a 4,000 pound slide-in camper. When I put it on the truck, my rig weighs around 12,000 pounds wet (30 gallons of water, 38 gallons of gasoline, 2 propane tanks). I averaged 8.7 mpg on the hwy from May through September with an average speed of around 62. I can get close to 10 with the camper on if I keep the mph around 55. It looks like the camper and gear costs me about 3mpg.
I drove up the Alaska Hwy in January with the camper on in temps averaging 25 below zero (the coldest was -38). Because of the road conditions and the newness of my truck camper, I drove with OD locked out and in 4x4. I averaged between 7.5 and 8mpg. The engine braking with the V-10 was awesome in the mountain passes in winter conditions.
40% highway at 60-70 mph
30% off pavement (I live 5 miles off highway on gravel)
30% in town city driving
Keep in mind that I have the manual tranny, so I might be able to get 1 to 1.5 better than the automatic. The tank that had the "nearly stuck" incident on it yielded 10.3 mpg. That tank had a lot of off road/in field driving on it, as well as a lot of hilly gravel. Very little highway on that one.
I like the sounds of your cold weather performance. I live in Iowa, and even though we aren't anywhere near the severity of Alaska (I bow to you on that one) we get some really hard cold snaps (15 to 30 below) that last for up to a week at a time in the winter, as well as a nasty snow storm/blizzard about once to twice a month November through March. Usually in the teens and twenties though, with simple blowing snow.
I'll let you know how things go when I hook up the wagon. I'll be looking at a total a little over 13000 lbs. then, both in the field (4x4 high/low range) and on the road.
THX
THX again
If you want to "hedge your bet", I don't think that you would have to cancel your original order in order to place one with a different dealer. You could place another order and, if the first one comes in, just cancel it. If the second one comes in first, cancel the first one. It's my understanding that you are under no obligation to accept a vehicle that you have ordered until you have the keys in your hand and all the paperwork is done. And if you have put down a deposit, I believe that they must return it to you.
This may seem like a somewhat dishonest way of doing business, but if the dealer is giving you such a runaround I don't think you would need to feel too bad. Also, they don't seem to have too much trouble moving these vehicles off the lots, and if you got a good deal from them, they will probably get more for it if they sell it to a walk-in customer.
I seem to remember somebody who posted to this conference last year that had placed orders with multiple dealers (maybe 4 or 5?) and was going to take the first vehicle that came in and cancel the rest. I wasn't sure if I liked his logic because it seemed that this would only make everybody behind him have to wait that much longer. But your situation is much different.
Just my 2 cents worth.