If you enjoy camping in the great outdoors, the Ford F-150 gives you several options. You can either find a camper that fits over the bed and cab, use a camper shell, or roll out your sleeping bag in the bed and enjoy the stars. Many people are choosing to camp in their cars or trucks instead of paying for a hotel, which can save you money and provide a unique experience. The Ford F-150 has a reputation as the perfect truck for work or play, and if your play includes a few camping trips, there are many reasons why this might be the perfect truck for you.
Camping in your truck is a popular choice for many. The Ford F-150 makes it easy with outlets that can power your refrigerator and cooler, and it has plenty of clever storage space for your gear. You can find a wide range of camper shells to fit over the bed, or you can simply pitch your tent in the bed and secure it with the bed tie-downs. There is plenty of room on the tailgate for your camping stove, and it has plenty of technology that allows you to stay connected even when you are in the backcountry. Outdoor enthusiasts have many reasons for choosing the F-150 for their next fishing trip or outdoor excursion, and here are a few more.
Price and Value
Compared to the cost of an RV, the Ford F-150 is an excellent value. You can often find a used one for under $30,000, depending on the trim and option packages you choose. This is where the price for a low-end RV begins. The best part about buying a used Ford F-150 is that you can get much more use from it than just camping. It is a multipurpose truck that can handle anything you need around the home, farm, or for your camping trip.
Size and Seating Capacity
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that offers seating for up to six. You can choose from a range of cab and bed configurations, including a two-door standard cab with a standard eight-foot bed, extended SuperCab, or SuperCrew with a 6.5-foot cargo bed. One of the features that makes the F-150 a popular model is its choice of configurations that can range from the perfect family vehicle to a basic work truck, depending on the cab and bed combination that you choose. You can choose to have more room in the cab or the ability to haul larger objects and more in the bed.
Battery, Range and Engine Specs
Depending on the trim you choose, you can get an F-150 with the base 3.3 liter V6, a fuel-efficient Turbodiesel, two choices of turbocharged V6s, or a powerful V8. All of these engines are paired with a quick-shifting, smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. You can choose your truck the way you like it with trims, including one that is designed for comfort and amenities, towing ease and capability, fuel efficiency, or off-road performance. With the V8 engine, you can tow up to 13,200 pounds so you can take everything you need on the trip. This is enough to take along your boat, ATVs, dirt bikes, or a small single-horse trailer.
Trims and Features
You can choose from seven different F-150 trims from the most basic XL to the off-road-ready Raptor. If you want something beyond the basics, you can choose the XLT or Lariat trim. If you are looking for luxury amenities, the King Ranch, Platinum, or Limited might be your favorite. When you choose the upper-level trims, you can enjoy features like a twin-panel moonroof, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone automatic temperature control. You can choose a 5.5-foot bed, 6.5-foot bed, or 8-foot bed that ranges from 52.8 cubic feet to 77.4 cubic feet, which is plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the stars on your trip.
With a host of luxury amenities available, roughing it does not necessarily mean doing without. You can enjoy your favorite entertainment with a Bang & Olufsen sound system, FordPass Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot, and a voice-activated navigation system with traffic information. You will also like the satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These systems keep you connected wherever you may roam. You can also plug in your generator or other vehicle appliance using the available three 12-Volt DC power outlets and two 120-Volt power outlets.
Safety
The Ford F-150 includes a wide range of safety and security features to help get you to your next campsite safely. Depending on the trim level that you choose and the option package, you can choose one with automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, a lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. One option that you can get on the F-150 to make life easier is a feature that makes backing up a trailer as easy as turning a dial, which can help you avoid trailer mishaps. Ford developed safety systems that include a blind spot information system that covers the trailer, automatic high-beam headlamps, and a rearview camera. It also includes advanced systems, such as traction control, brake assist, and electronic stability control to help you reach your destination safely.
Reliability
According to JD Power and Associates, the Ford F-150 received an 84 out of 100 overall and a quality and reliability score of 86 out of 100. This rating means that drivers reported fewer problems on all parts of the vehicle, from the engine to the infotainment system and other amenities. Drivers reported an overall satisfaction of 79 out of 100, and it receives an impressive 92 out of 100 for holding its resale value. JD Power and Associates is a trusted provider of real-world consumer experience with the Ford F-150, and according to their studies, you can count on it for reliability.
The Takeaway
Ford F-150 not only makes the perfect travel companion for your next camping trip, but it allows you to do it in comfort. One of the key features that makes it perfect for your next great outdoor adventure is that you can choose one that has the right balance between the seating and bed capacity that you need. You can choose one that has just the basics, or you can choose one that has almost any creature comforts you can imagine in a truck. Camping in your Ford F-150 means that you do not have to pay for hotels, and you do not have to take along a lot of gear or spend time setting up your tent. Whether you are camping solo or want to take along a few friends, the F-150 is your perfect camping companion for any outdoor adventure.
