I guess im lucky after all that bitching,Icalled the vopc today and received my build date.week of Nov8,with a delivery date week of Nov22.I can't wait best news i've heard in 6weeks.Good luck to those still waiting for a build date,maybe this is your week!! thanks
Do you have the Lariat? If not do you have a after market trip computer? If that is the case where can I find one? Does anyone else know of a after market trip computer ? John
jimsrs, any way you can hit up your FORD dealer for a loaner until the new truck is in? would save you the grand on the head gasket. Or maybe farm out the head gasket job to his service shop in exchange for a good deal on it. Doesn't hurt to ask these guys for the moon! What a raw deal - good luck working it out.
chrispal where in CO do you live. I'm north of Dever bout 45 min. Was hopin for snow last night, but all's we got is rain. Time to head for the high country to work out the 4x4!
Truck is still awesome - drove up next to a fella from work with an old CHEVY extended cab. he got in my new rig and almost started to cry. He loved that roomy rear seat (CC). I think he's starting to put together a plan to dredge up some cash and place his order!
I must be one of the lucky ones - my wife was patient with my impatience while waiting for my rig. The only problem was that I didn't bring her on the test drives - never saw the inside of a SD until we picked ours up. Needless to say she was impressed! She loves to drive it, but hates to park it. Made it clear that I'll be the one pulling it into our garage (by the way, fits in the garage with 1" to spare (WHEW!!)).
Another thing to consider if thinking about lo jack is if its supported. State police may support that system where you currently live but something to think about if move often, etc. (as was told to me, supported in my state, but not next door, so folks steal em and drive 15 miles to border...) Also, at least for my insurance company, only saves a few bucks every six months. (I mean less than $10) so would take a LONG time to pay for itself. Now, having said that, I am still looking at getting a system (clifford) for the remote start, quick stop, and other 'neat features' Also, may want to consider a fuel shutoff switch (hidden under dash/somewhere else) May keep your rig from running off
y2k F350 CC LB SRW 4x4 PSD Lariat: every option except plow package (dual alts, aux idle, etal), Dark Toreador Red, Line-X, Ford Bug Guard, Xenon Flares, Westin Nerf Bars, Husky mats, Adell edge guards, Weather-Tec window flares, some other goodies Ordered 23 Aug, built 20 Sep, picked up 10 Oct.
There is a web site site for Lo-Jack at www.lojack.com if you are still interested in it.I called and talked to a person there who said that they are the only ones authorized to install a Lo Jack system.The dealer just calls them and gets a lot of money for being the middle man.She said you could call them direct and they would install it in your truck for you.The lowest price she quoted was $595 for the basic system.Hopefully this helps you.I also received a call from the dealer yesterday that my truck was built and should be heading west soon.Cannot wait to get it.
jraske, you should get the camper package if you're getting the trailer tow package. If you're driving a 1 ton dually, you're not going to notice a few more additions to the suspension. Since you're already getting the trailer/tow package, the cost of the camper package option is less since there is some overlap in the options.
You definitely need the dually swing out brackets for your camper jacks or you can't back under it. I've actually made the mistake of lifting the camper out of the bed before moving the swingout brackets out. Fortunately, I caught it before I tried to drive out from under it, but it was still embarrasing and a waste of time to have to lower the camper back into the bed and flip the jacks out. If you don't already have your camper, just tell the dealer that you need the dually swing out brackets.
chrispal, unless you have toys to tow or are just averse to towing, a fifth wheel or conventional trailer is most often a better alternative than a slide-in camper. You can definitely get more for your money. Since the slide-ins necessarily have to fit in the bed of a truck, they are limited in space. I've got a large slide-in (10'11" Bigfoot 3000). The 10'11" is the floor length, plus you've got the queen size cabover bed. A 19 foot trailer will have more room since it can use the entire width of the camper because it doesn't have to fit into the bed of the truck. With a slide-out camper, the parts that extend over the bed rails are counter tops, appliances, cabinets and closets. The places you sit and walk are inside the bed. Don't forget what lewac said about bed height and fifth wheel clearance when you are shopping for a trailer.
The key to parking a big truck is to master the art of backing it in. I can't pull forward into many parking spaces unless I can get a nice wide turn that you often don't find in parking lots. However, I can back my truck into any standard size parking space, even if I only have a foot or so on each side of the truck. The turning radius when backing is a lot better. Hauling my camper, and occasionally a trailer, I also like to follow the philosophy of making sure I have a clear exit strategy. Just because you can pull into a space doesn't mean someone won't park awkwardly and making backing out of your space a challenge. If you back in, it's a straight pull forward.
In CA and Texas, I used a Club for my alarm. Personally, I think it was better than an alarm, because it was bright red and clearly visible. The way to get around the Club is to hacksaw the steering wheel and pull the Club off. Why would a thief want to waste his time doing that when he can steel a similar looking vehicle in the same parking lot that doesn't have the Club? I haven't been using the Club since I got back to Anchorage. The duallys are probably a pretty decent deterrent.
The big thing up here is remote engine starting. I think they run about $500. It allows you to start your car before you go outside, so that your windows will defrost and the cab will heat up before you leave the house or office. Personally, I just run out and crank the engine up about 10 minutes before I leave....when it's cold that is. Temps warmed up again. We're having Seattle winter weather, mid 40s and rain.
Yes I have the Lariat package and no I don't know about an aftermarket trip computer. Anyone else??? The club is a good idea!!! and when the wife and kids start screaming I can club em'....ha ha!! Like I said...I own a sign business.....I looked at a Viper logo and copied it with the words "ignition deactivate" underneath the word Viper. I downloaded it....sent it to my cutter and had a nice decal in about 5 mins. I made it proper size and stuck one on each front door window. I also did this with the ADT logo for my house....and placed them on strategic windows for any burgler to see.....don't have either system .....and I am trusting on getting theives who can read.....but hope they deter. I might get the club though for added....."real" protection.....Sorry if there are any ADT or Viper sales people out there....
jimsrs - thanks for the great wallpaper. That's one way to pass the time waiting for your truck! Let us know when you have that CC version done - any chance you can do it in Harvest Gold??????? Thanks - really classed up my computer!
Ordered XL250SD SC Long bed SRW 5.4L, 4wd, ESOF, Auto, 4:10LS,Off Rd,Trailer package and hitch, Buckets, AC, Cruise, Tilt, Cassette,Woodland Green,Tan interior on 9/17/99.Dealer had allotment on 9/24/99. Got build date for Nov 8, ETA Nov 29. Not so bad I guess. Actually expected it quicker as it wasn't XLT or Lariet and no V-10.
Checked VOPC again today, and new message states "As of Oct.18th, you unit has been released to convoy carrier!!" Now lets just hope no damage happens on the way here, it might just make it this week!!! Jimsrs, cool wallpaper....got any in Island Blue available?? Chrispal....will have to keep you informed as of plans for next march. The wife has never seen mountains, or been west of St. Loius for that matter. Would be cool to have a "Super" meet. I am hoping that we get a good snow after truck arrives. Will be interested to see how "Big-Blue" will handle, but with a dry weight over 2-tons, the word "tank" comes to mind. ....even my wife is "now" getting excited about getting the truck. She also likes the Vanity plates I will try and get "BIGBLUE". Could life be any better, besides getting the truck???
Hey shot gun1, I got my build date too, I odered mine on 10-5, got a build date for 11-1 and delivery for 11-22. My wife says she will be glad when I get it so I will quit talking aboutit. (HA! DREAM ON!)
Gossamar I like your idea for a super duty meet. just think if we had about a hundred super dutys and drove them down the fwy, all the Chevy and Dodge owners wouldent know what to do!
The SD 250 (diesel) runs well underwater (for a while), just ran mine into a ditch yesterday! A '99 that was four months old. Insurance paying me by the end of the week, anyone know the difference for 2000? I had a SD 250 diesel Crew cab 4wd.
Crazyelvis... started looking at "goodies". & one thing we're going to get is some type of cover (Rhino liner too). what's a "rolltop" cover? the only one's we've seen are those "snap-ons". but admit we've not looked that much yet.
Brutus... that's what I've been doing for years (even with cars).. always back into a parking space. the advantages are several & the downsides are zilch.
all... I'm an electronic engineer & if I could get my hands on a schematic for these beasts I could design a digital alarm that would absolutely, positively prevent the truck from being started/driven ANYWHERE (pretty tough when the fuel pump, starter, AND the PCM goes "south" at the same... for the alleged thief, that is). but I need those schematics (electrical diagrams)! I do this kind of stuff as a hobby which translates... cheap, cheap, cheap!!! probably would not cost over $200 (basically parts & the labor to put it together. if we could mount the thing in the overhead compartment (or make our own "compartment" if the Lariat option wasn't chosen, that would be a + as well); that'd be the way to go. the downside is the moronic thief may take a sledge to the truck out of frustration.. but you'd still have your truck! know anyplace where we can locate these? used to get schematics from Helms but they no longer make a lot of them available (you have to be a dealer). bites.
Maybe someone on the Blue Oval News website could help you. They seem to get a lot of insider information, so much that Ford has sued them trying to close the website.
I used to be an intel counter measures op. in Submarine warfare. Maybe we could plan an asault on Ford Headquarters. Wait!! No water to bring the sub in up there.....oh well......I know a few SEALS that I was stationed with.....maybe they can help!!! Go to http://www.pace-edwards.com for the roll top cover. Another company makes the same thing that is power controled. They install a button in the truck and I think you have some type of keychain control. That one I was quoted around $1200 installed. I didn't really want the power option(something else to go wrong) so I opted for the manual pace edwards one. I paid $699 installed. I like it alot....plus it covers the bed for increased MPG. Now for all the wife bashing in here.....my uncle sent me an email tonight concerning this topic. VERY funny.....if anyone would want me to send a forwarded copy....email me .....and I promise I won't sell your email to any outside company or spam unit....and I'm not a spam unit either....ha ha.......talk to ya all later.....and hey...I'm up for a convoy of Super Duties....when/where????
What are folks opinions on breaking in the new truck.. If you ask the average dealer, they say, 'theres no break-in needed, just drive it'. I'm skeptical of anything that a dealer says. I've ordered the 5.4L, 5sp, 4x2 SC XLT. What if I wanted to do some medium towing (5000lb trailer, for 500 miles) soon after receiving the truck? Would I screw anything up?
Common breakin procedures I've heard of: -early first oil change (2k miles) -no cruise control for first xxx miles. (500?)
lewac....not a good pic on the pace site....call the 800 number on the site and see if you can have them send a brouchure or tell you of a dealer in your area......the area dealer should have a demo to show you.....
Here's a SE Colorado family with a CC on order interested in attending a SD meet. I think it could be alotta-lotta a' fun. Cruising down to Amarillo this weekend to look at toppers for our new one. Maybe even have a West and East US gathering on the same weekend. Think of the fun talking about that!
Since its been brought up I would like to know if diesels need about the same break in time as the gas engines. Since this will be my first time as a "Diesel dude" i whant to be sure i do every thing i can the right way.
Hey crazyelvis if you get the chance send me that email, John
Smccarthy, thanks for the advice. I'm gonna call the dealer tomorrow and see what they can do for me.
I'll keep working on the wallpaper. All colors too. Even my wife likes the Super Duty wallpaper. She thinks it's "cool". Sure surprised me. I hope she's not as excited when the truck gets here. She might want to drive it all the time.hehe.
Yobo50 and others, Thanks for the info on lojack. I'm still doing my homework on this system and alarm systems.
Thanks to all. This site has helped a whole bunch. Keep em comming.
I should be taking delivery of my F250 SD the week of 11/21 and I'm shopping around for a bed cover and liner. You didn't mention if you liked the bed rug? Also, is the roll-top water tight? I'm also looking at the A.R.E. fiberglass cover, anyone know if they keep the water out? I've been quoted prices of $725 installed for the roll-top, and $650 painted and installed for the A.R.E.
Has anyone else, while backing your brand new SD out of the garage caught one of those big TT mirrors and bent it backwards? I did this morning! It just cracked the plastic cowling, everything popped back in place and seems to be OK. I feel stupid but I was watching the antenna because it catches the door, and all of the sudden crack!! I sure wish I had the telescoping ones I have a 2000 model and thought I was getting the new version, guess Ford had to use up all the old ones. They should have designed them to telescope in the first place. So everyone becareful, espesially if you have the double 9' doors. I have pulled my F150 in and out of that garage for years no problem, can put my 27' T/T anywhere and not touch a thing but those big mirrors got me. Anyway I love the truck I have the xlt,cc,psd,manual,3.73ls,265 tires. I got 20.7 mpg first tank,30%city70%hyway!! Have not pulled my t/t yet as I only have 750 miles on her. I guess I have gone on long enough. I am new on here.
paull1....yes I like the bed rug. I don't think I would get one if I didn't have a bed cover...even though they say you can...after all it is marine carpet. I just wouldn't want it wet all the time. Like I stated a few posts ago...I have a sign business and like the fact that the rug lets me put signs in the bed and not have to worry about scratches. The roll top cover is marketed to be water tight but the dealer who installed it said water may get to the bed...not much....but maybe a little....even though I have had the truck about a week we have had rain here and it has not leaked at all.......I would reccomend it.
Has anyone installed a remote engine starter system on a psd yet? I saw that Brutus is using my technique (go outside 10 minutes earlier), but I'm hoping not too have to do that for too much longer. Are there models that will include the glow plug delay? (And my dealer recommends a double cycle when it's really cold)
While I'm asking about warmups, has anyone installed heated windshield wipers or heated mirrors either? I'm sure someone from the cold lands has, but parts counters in NJ think I'm being extreme. (I usually am)
I'm reading for first time since Floyd, but back in #747 someone asked about bed depth: My 99 F350DRW has a bed depth of about 19+". I built a body to mount in /on the bed and the supports (measure from the top of the bed ridges to the top of the rails after removing the plastic caps) vary from 19 3/8 to 19 7/8 front to rear. (This 1/2 inch became critical to get the body to line up.)
Found out something about the remote entry that (may) be news to some of you (this is my first remote entry vehicle). Tried to leave the truck running while I ran into an ATM yesterday. Thought I could just separate my key chain to carry the remote with me and leave the keys in the ignition. Lo and behold, with the engine running the remote WON'T LOCK the truck. Grabbed a spare key from inside and locked it with the PWR lock button, and then tried to open it with the remote: WON'T OPEN it with the engine running either. Glad I checked instead of just assuming I'd be able to get back in! Is this typical?
Ordered 2K, 250, CC, Lariat, 4x4, v-10, auto, white over gold,loaded except no camper or plow. Ordered it at Reynolds Ford (great people) in Norman, Oklahoma (salesman-Randy Rankins) on September 25. VOPC as of Oct. 19 still says clean... unscheduled... not serialized.
Just want to thank all yall's (thats Oky talk for more than one person...yall is one person!) for the great info.
A friend bought a 350 Lariat dually smoker 3 months ago to pull fifth wheels and goose necks around the country. When I saw that crew cab I just had to have one. I don't pull anything.. just haul dirt, rocks and stuff for landscaping.. whatever my wife tells me to haul! Don't know why I got the 4X4... don't get much snow in Oky land. Just turned 50 and went middle+ age crazy. Forgot to get the divorce and red sports car when I turned 40 so this will have to do.
Have Line-X sprayed bed on my current (shhhh.. don't tell anyone) Chev 1500 and I have loved it.. have jabbed shovels into it, etc. and no scrapes or problems. Will put it on the new CC if I get it.
Again, thanks all yall's for making this site so great.
VOPC this morning said I am serialized! ( I have a VIN #, and scheduling is imminent!) To update, I ordered my 2000 SD CC Lariat 4x2 V-10 5sp August 28. Bottom line on the wait? Allocation! Didn't know it existed like this when I ordered or I would have ordered at Central Ford Truck in Lansing, MI. I finally went there yesterday and made a deal to place a new order at Central because only God and Ford Motor Co. knew when my hometown dealership. Came home to talk to my wife about that, and she said go for it. ($500 over invoice vs. $200 over, both good deals, though) So I decided that I would go back in today and actually place the new order, then this morning VOPC said the magic words. Marc at Central Ford said something smart, "If you want to buy a truck, buy it from a TRUCK store!" Allocation! Even the sales manager where I ordered learned a lot because I informed him of what I was learning and my pressure forced him to learn. My lessons on allocation and ordering on the next post!
This is what I learned. To start, allocation is the "rationing" of vehicles to dealerships. Each dealership is allocated a certain number of Super Dutys or Excursions, etc. The allocation is broken down further even down to engine and transmission in these vehicles. #1. Dealership allocation is based on "turn and earn". If they don't sell any, they can't get any without waiting! You've read posts about orders placed recently being scheduled quickly. These are ordered from dealerships have good allocation. Period. #2. Allocation is not based upon prior years sales. It is based upon the past 90 days sales and is updated WEEKLY. (This information directly from the Ford Motor Regional Rep. from Detroit; not the Zone Rep., this is their boss.) #3. IMPORTANT! Allocation reports are sent to every dealership WEEKLY by the Zone Rep. Most salesmen aren't aware of these and I think most dealership managers like it that way! You can ask the head honcho where you may order about their specific allocation ANY WEEK! #4. A dealership may be allocated, e.g., 1 SD CC V-10 5sp., and you want to order the same vehicle with auto. If they don't have allocation for the auto, you're stuck! They CAN, however, order their allocated vehicle, then when the order is picked up by the factory, change the 5 sp. to an auto and not lose the order. Nice little loophole if someone is smart. Bottom line, it's not very fair for the customer or the dealer if you want to shop at home. I like to support local business and have the convenience at home. But if you don't want to wait, go to a dealer with lots of allocation, like a truck dealer. Marc at Central Ford placed 3 super duty orders on Oct. 12 and all 3 were scheduled already with delivery dates of Nov. 22. Yup. hello! I also found out that there was no fire at the V-10 factory. They did have a fire at the 5.4L V-8. So much for rumors. Maybe I will have my truck before Christmas now! As CrazyElvis would say, Yiippppeeeeee!
Sales guy called this moring, your truck got here late yesterday, when would you like to pick it up?? TONIGHT OF COURSE!! So, in 3-hours, I will have keys to my baby. Borla gets put on tomorrow, rhino liner, tinting, bug-shield, vent-visors, alarm...get installed next week. My truck did arrive 1-week early to the date!! So there is hope to those in waiting!! More updates after I drive it home later......YEEEEEEEEE-HAWWWWWWWWW!!
I have never understood why Ford doesn't have mirrors that move both ways. It was the same we in my 92 truck. If you run into something going forward, such as a garage door, the mirror will fold in towards the passenger door and no damage is done. Why don't they make it so that it will fold back the other way if you back into something, such as a garage door?
I haven't heard of any heated windshield wipers, and I'm not sure how effective they would be. The key to high visibility in winter conditions is a hot windshield. My defroster is on full, high, hot until all the ice is melted and the snow melts when it lands on the window. At that point, I will flip the switch to bilevel and get some heat coming out of the lower vents.
By the way, if you switch to heat or bilevel and don't feel any heat coming out of the lower vents, there are two cords that plug together under the dash on the passenger side. My passenger accidently hit this with his foot and disconnected it. Of course, we were in subzero temps in Canada at the time and didn't clue in until we couldn't get our feet warm. At first, we thought it was a weak lower heat system. Since the defrost worked great, we should have figured it out sooner. Never claimed to be too smart.
Ford missed the boat on the heated mirrors. It should be an option. I think it is an option on Chevy. If zbad ever finds this topic, I'm sure he'll let us know (along with alot of other crap about his far "superior" Chevy product). You know what might be an interesting option in the future is if they could make a retractable windshield cover. When you clicked your remote to lock your car, it would come up from under the hood and cover your window to keep the dew, ice and snow off the truck. Just an idea.
The remote not working with the key in the ignition is standard. My guess is because they feel that it is not safe to leave your car running when you are not in it. I always carry a spare so I can lock the doors when I'm warming the truck up.
I've seen the white over gold and I think it is one of the best color combos out there. I opted for black because my last truck was a white two tone. I was looking for a change of pace.
Someone mentioned window visers a few posts back. I'm also looking at getting some small fog lights to go down where the tow hooks are. Any brand recommendations on either?
Gossamar....Congrats dude!! I bet your haulin' *ss over to the dealer. And yes it is standard for the lock to not work while the engine is running. I have had 4 different alarm systems on various vehicles and they were all like that. The last alarm on my 150 was a clifford....I know someone was asking about them earlier.....the only thing I didn't like was that mine got stuck on the lock the doors automatically when the engine was turned on mode. A couple of times when I got an oil change the guy would start the engine and close the door.....alas...locked out. I could never get it out of that mode....neither could the dealer. I just had to remember to tell everyone to roll down the windows if it was being worked on or getting the oil changed.... And what the hell do ya need an engine/windshield/mirror heater for.....oh yea...you all live where it is bone *ss cold!!!! ha ha......I don't think I have used a heater at all since I moved to Florida...... And where is Zbad....kinda want him to come in so we can pound on him....but it is nice to not have him in here though..... Truck still driving GREAT!!!
WHAT ARE YOU GUYS TRYING TO DO ? TRYING TO BAIT Zbad IN HERE?! Just kidding , we probly could drive him out in a day. But i think we can all do with out him in here. that guy is nothing but trouble.
Hey gossamar your one lucky guy! i sure do wish i could say i was picking up my rig tonight. But...alas, I have over a month to wait still. That is going to be a long month.
Tracyo sorry to hear about your mirror, sounds like you are going to have to get into the habit of folding in your mirrors. evertime you back out of the garage. Buy the way, I thought all the power trailer mirrors were telescopic. Is this new for 2000 ?
Brutus... bookmarked that site but haven't had time to look at it. may try the dealer route too. just a readable copy will do. believe the throttle is "live wire" (no physical linkage like the "old" days) so no throttle response would surely have potential thieves scratching their heads... could probably implement that behavior without even having the schematics. will look around some more. Interesting post a little later on allocation... learned some more stuff there. and right on over there with "Kate". with all the info she has now, find it highly unlikely that any dealer's going to "one up" her.
Crazyelvis... truck running good! okay! assault on Ford? hmmn... met only one other "submariner" in my time & he's probably a "lifer" as he loved it so much. hey, I can swim & all. but I dunno 'bout the rest of it. anyhow, DORA check due tomorrow eve (hope we're scheduled but may not be as Ken hasn't called to feed us a VIN). will call pace on that cover... see if they have brochure like you mentioned. this "stuff" is going to get expensive! already we're looking at a "Rhino" liner, probably that cover, probably an auxilary bed fuel tank, probably a diesel exhaust brake (I like the one from US Gear as turbo bypass in integrated into it)... Camping World sells/installs them. unfortunately, I can remember when we could purchase the entire truck for less than these goodies cost!
Gossamar... truck is here? congradulations! keep us posted!
Longhair... that was probably me. we're pulling a big fiver & we're trying to squeeze some other stuff in front of the hitch as well & the rail height was rather critical. was concerned because some versions of the F150 (yes, "one-fifty") had higher siderails (21+ inches if I remember). a downside of high side rails is the rail height from the ground increases as the side rail height increases (of course). this can cause problems for fiver clearance (see my past posts if you're interested in this (came on board around post 720)).
Big-Blue is now resting comfortably in a heated 58-degree garage, which cleared by about 2.5 inches. Of course, had to re-arrange everything so it would fit! Did change out the antenna though(walmart:$4.97) so that would not drag across the door going in/out. So far no noticable drop in reception. The truck had 11-miles when I got it, after the drive home it now has about 50, and yes, I did infracture a few speed limit laws getting to the dealership. Driving the monster does take some getting used to. You could park a VW-Bug inside the space it requires to turn around. The telescoping mirrors did come with mine, so I pushed both sides in to hopefully alleviate what happened to one of our members. Got the HUSKY liners installed, look pretty good. The drive home was great, rode good, no squeaks, killer stereo(broke in with PINK FLOYD), great visibility(nice to check the gutters pulling into driveway) and a V-10 ready to go!! Will heed advice as posted earlier in break in, although dealer said motors were "pre-broke-in" at the factory. Wife asked if I was going to sleep in the garage or with her tonight.....hmmmmmm, tough choice!!! More updates tomorrow....
How do you find out where these 'truck only' stores are?? Here in the East I haven't heard of one. (except crazyelvis's FL one) and are there other dealers with 60 F250's on the lot like in CO. The one here in town has 1 F150 sb and a F600? or something that is BIG, TALL & RED with no bed. Their allocation must be the '99' that someone mentioned!!
and I am glad that y'all's trucks are coming home to you!! This reminds me of the Cabbage Patch dolls with birth dates! Thanks
Sorry....what are you talking about....did I miss something in post 1001??? I went and looked at it...and I'm kinda lost!!! Let me know.... Going to bed now....have to get up at 5:00 am to be in Orlando by 8:00am....for the airbag on/off switch install......Great news gossamar....geez...it might actually get down to the low 60's for a night temp. for a couple of days this weekend!!!!
jraske - Like Brutus said, I believe you need the camper package. You should pick up the Ford RV / Towing brochure from your dealer. It says the weights listed are for vehicles with the camper package. I talked to Lance and they said they don't recommend going over the Ford limit. (A Lance dealer, incidentally, said it wasn't a problem.)
Brutus - I agree, there definitely seems to be more space in a 5th wheel and from what I've been reading, it's no big deal to tow one.
gossamar - I updated my profile to include my email and city.
Other Colorado SD owners - I live in Divide, CO. A small town near Hwy 67 South and Hwy 24 West. Just 80 miles from Breckenridge and I'm looking forward to throwing my skis in the back of the 350.
Congrats to you. Glad to hear you got your baby sooner than expected. Keep us posted. Spoke with the dealer today. My rig is built! Now I've got to wait for it to get here. Was told it will go by rail to Fresno Calif. From there it gets trucked to Orange County (La Habra to be exact). Ah, the waiting game! Take a deep breath........ o.k., o.k., I can wait.
I ordered a 2000 F-250 SD SC Lariat with the turbo diesel, premium wheels, etc. on Sept. 18th and my dealer told me that because of the options I selected I "might" not receive the truck until the end of the year "December". Is this accurate or is the dealer being conservative. I have a DORA and a priority of 10, but no build date/delivery date.
Also, the truck comes with "cab steps". Are these like running boards. Any advice on the dealer installed chrome tabular running bars, molded splash guards and/or bedliner?
Has anyone received a new superduty with the Telescoping mirrors (power or manual). I would like to know the collapsed width. I would like to get this rig into my 9 ft wide garage door without folding the mirrors in.
Crazyelvies, yes Crew Cab is different, FMC assumes you will be strapping kids only in the back, not the front. So it isn't an option. I have read posts here and at www.ford-diesel.com that you can submit a letter to appropriate agency for waiver of sorts (big family, haul soccer teams, etc) and then a dealer will install the switch for you, will cost, but not without the paperwork (to limit their liability by all accounts)... Good Luck!
y2k F350 CC LWB 4x4 PSD Lariat: Loaded, 11 days young
Comments
John
You will need swing out pivots for the front slide in trailer jacks. Otherwise, can't unload the camper ;o)
chrispal where in CO do you live. I'm north of Dever bout 45 min. Was hopin for snow last night, but all's we got is rain. Time to head for the high country to work out the 4x4!
Truck is still awesome - drove up next to a fella from work with an old CHEVY extended cab. he got in my new rig and almost started to cry. He loved that roomy rear seat (CC). I think he's starting to put together a plan to dredge up some cash and place his order!
I must be one of the lucky ones - my wife was patient with my impatience while waiting for my rig. The only problem was that I didn't bring her on the test drives - never saw the inside of a SD until we picked ours up. Needless to say she was impressed! She loves to drive it, but hates to park it. Made it clear that I'll be the one pulling it into our garage (by the way, fits in the garage with 1" to spare (WHEW!!)).
I'll post MPG, etc soon.
I guess the new rigs make us all gabby ...
y2k F350 CC LB SRW 4x4 PSD Lariat: every option except plow package (dual alts, aux idle, etal), Dark Toreador Red, Line-X, Ford Bug Guard, Xenon Flares, Westin Nerf Bars, Husky mats, Adell edge guards, Weather-Tec window flares, some other goodies
You definitely need the dually swing out brackets for your camper jacks or you can't back under it. I've actually made the mistake of lifting the camper out of the bed before moving the swingout brackets out. Fortunately, I caught it before I tried to drive out from under it, but it was still embarrasing and a waste of time to have to lower the camper back into the bed and flip the jacks out. If you don't already have your camper, just tell the dealer that you need the dually swing out brackets.
chrispal, unless you have toys to tow or are just averse to towing, a fifth wheel or conventional trailer is most often a better alternative than a slide-in camper. You can definitely get more for your money. Since the slide-ins necessarily have to fit in the bed of a truck, they are limited in space. I've got a large slide-in (10'11" Bigfoot 3000). The 10'11" is the floor length, plus you've got the queen size cabover bed. A 19 foot trailer will have more room since it can use the entire width of the camper because it doesn't have to fit into the bed of the truck. With a slide-out camper, the parts that extend over the bed rails are counter tops, appliances, cabinets and closets. The places you sit and walk are inside the bed. Don't forget what lewac said about bed height and fifth wheel clearance when you are shopping for a trailer.
The key to parking a big truck is to master the art of backing it in. I can't pull forward into many parking spaces unless I can get a nice wide turn that you often don't find in parking lots. However, I can back my truck into any standard size parking space, even if I only have a foot or so on each side of the truck. The turning radius when backing is a lot better. Hauling my camper, and occasionally a trailer, I also like to follow the philosophy of making sure I have a clear exit strategy. Just because you can pull into a space doesn't mean someone won't park awkwardly and making backing out of your space a challenge. If you back in, it's a straight pull forward.
In CA and Texas, I used a Club for my alarm. Personally, I think it was better than an alarm, because it was bright red and clearly visible. The way to get around the Club is to hacksaw the steering wheel and pull the Club off. Why would a thief want to waste his time doing that when he can steel a similar looking vehicle in the same parking lot that doesn't have the Club? I haven't been using the Club since I got back to Anchorage. The duallys are probably a pretty decent deterrent.
The big thing up here is remote engine starting. I think they run about $500. It allows you to start your car before you go outside, so that your windows will defrost and the cab will heat up before you leave the house or office. Personally, I just run out and crank the engine up about 10 minutes before I leave....when it's cold that is. Temps warmed up again. We're having Seattle winter weather, mid 40s and rain.
The club is a good idea!!! and when the wife and kids start screaming I can club em'....ha ha!! Like I said...I own a sign business.....I looked at a Viper logo and copied it with the words "ignition deactivate" underneath the word Viper. I downloaded it....sent it to my cutter and had a nice decal in about 5 mins. I made it proper size and stuck one on each front door window. I also did this with the ADT logo for my house....and placed them on strategic windows for any burgler to see.....don't have either system .....and I am trusting on getting theives who can read.....but hope they deter. I might get the club though for added....."real" protection.....Sorry if there are any ADT or Viper sales people out there....
Jimsrs, cool wallpaper....got any in Island Blue available??
Chrispal....will have to keep you informed as of plans for next march. The wife has never seen mountains, or been west of St. Loius for that matter. Would be cool to have a "Super" meet. I am hoping that we get a good snow after truck arrives. Will be interested to see how "Big-Blue" will handle, but with a dry weight over 2-tons, the word "tank" comes to mind.
....even my wife is "now" getting excited about getting the truck. She also likes the Vanity plates I will try and get "BIGBLUE". Could life be any better, besides getting the truck???
(HA! DREAM ON!)
Gossamar I like your idea for a super duty meet.
just think if we had about a hundred super dutys and drove them down the fwy, all the Chevy and Dodge owners wouldent know what to do!
John
Brutus... that's what I've been doing for years (even with cars).. always back into a parking space. the advantages are several & the downsides are zilch.
all... I'm an electronic engineer & if I could get my hands on a schematic for these beasts I could design a digital alarm that would absolutely, positively prevent the truck from being started/driven ANYWHERE (pretty tough when the fuel pump, starter, AND the PCM goes "south" at the same... for the alleged thief, that is). but I need those schematics (electrical diagrams)! I do this kind of stuff as a hobby which translates... cheap, cheap, cheap!!! probably would not cost over $200 (basically parts & the labor to put it together. if we could mount the thing in the overhead compartment (or make our own "compartment" if the Lariat option wasn't chosen, that would be a + as well); that'd be the way to go. the downside is the moronic thief may take a sledge to the truck out of frustration.. but you'd still have your truck! know anyplace where we can locate these? used to get schematics from Helms but they no longer make a lot of them available (you have to be a dealer). bites.
Go to
http://www.pace-edwards.com
for the roll top cover. Another company makes the same thing that is power controled. They install a button in the truck and I think you have some type of keychain control. That one I was quoted around $1200 installed. I didn't really want the power option(something else to go wrong) so I opted for the manual pace edwards one. I paid $699 installed. I like it alot....plus it covers the bed for increased MPG.
Now for all the wife bashing in here.....my uncle sent me an email tonight concerning this topic. VERY funny.....if anyone would want me to send a forwarded copy....email me .....and I promise I won't sell your email to any outside company or spam unit....and I'm not a spam unit either....ha ha.......talk to ya all later.....and hey...I'm up for a convoy of Super Duties....when/where????
I'm skeptical of anything that a dealer says.
I've ordered the 5.4L, 5sp, 4x2 SC XLT.
What if I wanted to do some medium towing (5000lb trailer, for 500 miles) soon after receiving the truck? Would I screw anything up?
Common breakin procedures I've heard of:
-early first oil change (2k miles)
-no cruise control for first xxx miles. (500?)
What do ya'll know, or think?
Signed,
The language police
Hey crazyelvis if you get the chance send me that email,
John
I'll keep working on the wallpaper. All colors too. Even my wife likes the Super Duty wallpaper. She thinks it's "cool". Sure surprised me. I hope she's not as excited when the truck gets here. She might want to drive it all the time.hehe.
Yobo50 and others, Thanks for the info on lojack. I'm still doing my homework on this system and alarm systems.
Thanks to all. This site has helped a whole bunch. Keep em comming.
One is "zipped up" the others not. More to come. (wish my truck would come)
http://homepages.msn.com/WindowsWay/jimsrs/F250_&_F350.zip
http://homepages.msn.com/WindowsWay/jimsrs/F250_&_F350.bmp
While I'm asking about warmups, has anyone installed heated windshield wipers or heated mirrors either? I'm sure someone from the cold lands has, but parts counters in NJ think I'm being extreme. (I usually am)
My 99 F350DRW has a bed depth of about 19+". I built a body to mount in /on the bed and the supports (measure from the top of the bed ridges to the top of the rails after removing the plastic caps) vary from 19 3/8 to 19 7/8 front to rear. (This 1/2 inch became critical to get the body
to line up.)
Ordered 2K, 250, CC, Lariat, 4x4, v-10, auto, white over gold,loaded except no camper or plow.
Ordered it at Reynolds Ford (great people) in Norman, Oklahoma (salesman-Randy Rankins) on September 25. VOPC as of Oct. 19 still says clean... unscheduled... not serialized.
Just want to thank all yall's (thats Oky talk for more than one person...yall is one person!) for the great info.
A friend bought a 350 Lariat dually smoker 3 months ago to pull fifth wheels and goose necks around the country. When I saw that crew cab I just had to have one. I don't pull anything.. just haul dirt, rocks and stuff for landscaping.. whatever my wife tells me to haul!
Don't know why I got the 4X4... don't get much snow in Oky land. Just turned 50 and went middle+ age crazy. Forgot to get the divorce and red sports car when I turned 40 so this will have to do.
Have Line-X sprayed bed on my current (shhhh.. don't tell anyone) Chev 1500 and I have loved it.. have jabbed shovels into it, etc. and no scrapes or problems. Will put it on the new CC if I get it.
Again, thanks all yall's for making this site so great.
I also found out that there was no fire at the V-10 factory. They did have a fire at the 5.4L V-8. So much for rumors. Maybe I will have my truck before Christmas now! As CrazyElvis would say, Yiippppeeeeee!
I haven't heard of any heated windshield wipers, and I'm not sure how effective they would be. The key to high visibility in winter conditions is a hot windshield. My defroster is on full, high, hot until all the ice is melted and the snow melts when it lands on the window. At that point, I will flip the switch to bilevel and get some heat coming out of the lower vents.
By the way, if you switch to heat or bilevel and don't feel any heat coming out of the lower vents, there are two cords that plug together under the dash on the passenger side. My passenger accidently hit this with his foot and disconnected it. Of course, we were in subzero temps in Canada at the time and didn't clue in until we couldn't get our feet warm. At first, we thought it was a weak lower heat system. Since the defrost worked great, we should have figured it out sooner. Never claimed to be too smart.
Ford missed the boat on the heated mirrors. It should be an option. I think it is an option on Chevy. If zbad ever finds this topic, I'm sure he'll let us know (along with alot of other crap about his far "superior" Chevy product). You know what might be an interesting option in the future is if they could make a retractable windshield cover. When you clicked your remote to lock your car, it would come up from under the hood and cover your window to keep the dew, ice and snow off the truck. Just an idea.
The remote not working with the key in the ignition is standard. My guess is because they feel that it is not safe to leave your car running when you are not in it. I always carry a spare so I can lock the doors when I'm warming the truck up.
I've seen the white over gold and I think it is one of the best color combos out there. I opted for black because my last truck was a white two tone. I was looking for a change of pace.
Someone mentioned window visers a few posts back. I'm also looking at getting some small fog lights to go down where the tow hooks are. Any brand recommendations on either?
And yes it is standard for the lock to not work while the engine is running. I have had 4 different alarm systems on various vehicles and they were all like that. The last alarm on my 150 was a clifford....I know someone was asking about them earlier.....the only thing I didn't like was that mine got stuck on the lock the doors automatically when the engine was turned on mode. A couple of times when I got an oil change the guy would start the engine and close the door.....alas...locked out. I could never get it out of that mode....neither could the dealer. I just had to remember to tell everyone to roll down the windows if it was being worked on or getting the oil changed....
And what the hell do ya need an engine/windshield/mirror heater for.....oh yea...you all live where it is bone *ss cold!!!! ha ha......I don't think I have used a heater at all since I moved to Florida......
And where is Zbad....kinda want him to come in so we can pound on him....but it is nice to not have him in here though.....
Truck still driving GREAT!!!
seperating key and remote many times but never
tried it.. glad you found this out
Zbad IN HERE?! Just kidding , we probly could drive him out in a day. But i think we can all do with out him in here. that guy is nothing but trouble.
Hey gossamar your one lucky guy! i sure do wish i could say i was picking up my rig tonight. But...alas, I have over a month to wait still.
That is going to be a long month.
Tracyo sorry to hear about your mirror, sounds like you are going to have to get into the habit
of folding in your mirrors. evertime you back out of the garage. Buy the way, I thought all the
power trailer mirrors were telescopic. Is this new for 2000 ?
John
Interesting post a little later on allocation... learned some more stuff there. and right on over there with "Kate". with all the info she has now, find it highly unlikely that any dealer's going to "one up" her.
Crazyelvis... truck running good! okay! assault on Ford? hmmn... met only one other "submariner" in my time & he's probably a "lifer" as he loved it so much. hey, I can swim & all. but I dunno 'bout the rest of it. anyhow, DORA check due tomorrow eve (hope we're scheduled but may not be as Ken hasn't called to feed us a VIN). will call pace on that cover... see if they have brochure like you mentioned. this "stuff" is going to get expensive! already we're looking at a "Rhino" liner, probably that cover, probably an auxilary bed fuel tank, probably a diesel exhaust brake (I like the one from US Gear as turbo bypass in integrated into it)... Camping World sells/installs them. unfortunately, I can remember when we could purchase the entire truck for less than these goodies cost!
Gossamar... truck is here? congradulations! keep us posted!
Longhair... that was probably me. we're pulling a big fiver & we're trying to squeeze some other stuff in front of the hitch as well & the rail height was rather critical. was concerned because some versions of the F150 (yes, "one-fifty") had higher siderails (21+ inches if I remember). a downside of high side rails is the rail height from the ground increases as the side rail height increases (of course). this can cause problems for fiver clearance (see my past posts if you're interested in this (came on board around post 720)).
The truck had 11-miles when I got it, after the drive home it now has about 50, and yes, I did infracture a few speed limit laws getting to the dealership. Driving the monster does take some getting used to. You could park a VW-Bug inside the space it requires to turn around. The telescoping mirrors did come with mine, so I pushed both sides in to hopefully alleviate what happened to one of our members. Got the HUSKY liners installed, look pretty good.
The drive home was great, rode good, no squeaks, killer stereo(broke in with PINK FLOYD), great visibility(nice to check the gutters pulling into driveway) and a V-10 ready to go!! Will heed advice as posted earlier in break in, although dealer said motors were "pre-broke-in" at the factory.
Wife asked if I was going to sleep in the garage or with her tonight.....hmmmmmm, tough choice!!! More updates tomorrow....
The one here in town has 1 F150 sb and a F600? or something that is BIG, TALL & RED with no bed. Their allocation must be the '99' that someone mentioned!!
and I am glad that y'all's trucks are coming home to you!! This reminds me of the Cabbage Patch dolls with birth dates! Thanks
Going to bed now....have to get up at 5:00 am to be in Orlando by 8:00am....for the airbag on/off switch install......Great news gossamar....geez...it might actually get down to the low 60's for a night temp. for a couple of days this weekend!!!!
Brutus - I agree, there definitely seems to be more space in a 5th wheel and from what I've been reading, it's no big deal to tow one.
gossamar - I updated my profile to include my email and city.
Other Colorado SD owners - I live in Divide, CO. A small town near Hwy 67 South and Hwy 24 West. Just 80 miles from Breckenridge and I'm looking forward to throwing my skis in the back of the 350.
I should get my build date next week.
Also, the truck comes with "cab steps". Are these like running boards. Any advice on the dealer installed chrome tabular running bars, molded splash guards and/or bedliner?
y2k F350 CC LWB 4x4 PSD Lariat: Loaded, 11 days young