For context, I had a 2014 F-150 with the 3.5 Ecoboost. I modded it with a steel front bumper, full skid plates underneath, and leveled it with Bilstein 5100s. I spent significant time on backroads and mining trails in the West, and it was also my daily commuter.
Here’s what I learned after 250K miles:
If you plan on keeping your truck long-term, undercoat it. I ended up with significant rust underneath.
If you Rhino-line your bed, make sure the drain holes aren’t blocked. Otherwise, water will just sit back there.
If you install an aftermarket bumper, figure out how to seal any new openings into your engine bay. Use fabric covers or something similar—otherwise, salt spray, mud, and debris will get in and corrode everything.
Don’t let dogs in the front seat, no matter how pathetic their look. Your seats will get ruined.
If you off-road a lot and have the “chrome-like” wheels, sell them immediately for max value. Over time, the edge of the wheel will corrode, and the fake chrome will flake off, breaking the seal on your tire and causing flats—not something you want happening in the backcountry. This happened to me. Probably not an issue if you don’t plan to keep the truck long.
Full synthetic oil changes every 5-6K miles.
Hope this helps anyone thinking of buying an F-150!
Currently at 134K miles on my 2018 3.5 EB. It also sees a ton of backcountry roads and mining trails, takes a beating. I agree with everything you’ve said!
Was this the first year of the aluminum bed? If so, how did it hold up? Also, did you follow the recommended maintenance schedule (trans, diff, etc.), or did you change fluids more often?
Paxton said:
Was this the first year of the aluminum bed? If so, how did it hold up? Also, did you follow the recommended maintenance schedule (trans, diff, etc.), or did you change fluids more often?
2014 was the last year of the steel beds, and that’s actually one reason I’m buying another F-150—I want the aluminum bed this time.
As for maintenance, I did all fluids a few times, replaced valve cover gaskets, and swapped spark plugs multiple times. I stuck with full synthetic oil every 5K miles, and I believe that played a role in the longevity.
Dallas said:
I’ve been told by ‘internet experts’ that 5K-mile oil changes are overkill, but it sounds like you’ve got the proof to back up your advice!
5K oil changes, 164K miles, no cam phaser issues, original turbos, tuned on 93 performance—2015 model.
Probably won’t start tomorrow now that I’ve bragged, but I’m a believer.
Dallas said:
I’ve been told by ‘internet experts’ that 5K-mile oil changes are overkill, but it sounds like you’ve got the proof to back up your advice!
Cheapest insurance for a twin-turbo is high-quality, fresh oil. I’d rather spend extra on oil changes than thousands on engine repairs.
Reese said:
Curious—what do you mean by ‘full skid plates’? Were they worth it? Did they actually get used?
I had steel plates covering the front bumper to about halfway down the truck. Three sections total.
I hit them a few times for sure, but I’m not sure if they were significantly better than stock ones. I might go aluminum this time—felt like they took a small MPG hit. Still debating if the FX4 skid plates will be enough.
