New Jeepster Tow Vehicle

Hail damage continued...

House


The house roof, etc, is all repaired and paid for.  I'm happy to have that done.

Totaled F150

As I mentioned in my last post, my 2018 F150 was totaled by the insurance company.  I really cannot overstate how poorly Progressive Insurance has performed on this claim.  They have just screwed up from their initial poor estimate back in October all the way to their offer for my truck this week.  

I'm still trying to get a coherent offer from them that makes logical sense.  Amazingly, every mistake they made in the six F150 comparison trucks benefits Progressive and hurts me😡.  That being said, their offer isn't too bad.  But I should (rightfully!) be able to get another $500-$1000 of value out of my vehicle.  

I'm moving over to Geico insurance after I get the check for the totaled F150.  

Replacement Truck 

For replacement, I initially looked at Gladiators.  But Gladiators are limited on tow capacity, and it is very hard to find one with the required "Max Tow" package.  It also bothered me that I couldn't fit a sheet of plywood between the wheel wells.  

So the Gladiator was ruled out, and I focused on F150s:
  • used 2018-2019 F150
    • too many quirks with the 10 speed transmission
    • too old - I don't want to be looking for another truck in 5 years 
  • used 2021 trucks
    • kind of hits a sweet spot for pricing and age
  • new 2023 trucks
    • just too expensive - I didn't want to pump $25k of cash into a new F150.

2021 F150

I just need a fairly basic truck, and really don't want or need a luxury truck.  I found a good 2021 XLT in Rockdale, TX with enough features to make me happy.  It cost me about $8k over the insurance settlement, which was in my comfort zone.

2021 Features:

  • 5.0L V8 - I liked my old Turbo V6, but I like the V8 a little more.  
  • XLT - good enough for my needs.  Higher trim levels are expensive!
  • 4x4 with FX4 Package - Has electronic locking rear differential, skid plates, etc.  But, I may never use it!
  • Unfortunately, it only has a 26 gallon tank, so that's a downgrade from 36 gallon tank in my 2018.


Before I get to the interior, I'll show you one of the most useless new features on my 2021:
Power Tailgate:





Pretty basic, but the console was a must!

Cloth seats, but they are pretty good for cloth.  And they are heated.

The rear seat passengers still get air vents and some power ports 

F150 Fender Vent

This the 2nd vehicle that I've had with fender vents.  I think they put them on the F150 recently for better fuel economy.  My 2018 didn't have them.  


My first car with fender vents:
(I miss this one...that's why I mention it every chance I get!)