How Many Miles Do Ford Trucks Last?

When it comes to trucks, Ford makes the best. Ford specializes in making trucks, and they have perfected the formula over the years. From the F-150 to the Ranger all the way up to the Ford Heavy Duty, Ford’s made a truck for just about everyone, and just about every truck has a huge fan base.

If you’re in love with your aging Ford, you may be wondering how many more years you have together. This is a complicated question. All drivers are not created equal, and all circumstances are not the same. What we do know are the trucks that Ford brings to the table, and what we can do to improve their lifespan.

How Many Miles Do Ford Trucks Last?

The average truck can last between 100,000 and 300,000 miles. The key to making your truck last longer is to show it love, stay on top of the maintenance, and read the user’s manual.

Another good tip for extending the lifespan of your truck is to do research on the model and year you plan on buying. Google has plenty of information to keep you informed on trucks to avoid. You will also find recommendations on trucks that are built to last.

Before we start comparing Ford truck life expectancy let’s look first at what makes these trucks unique and how those characteristics affect their longevity.

The Ford Ranger

The Ranger is the smallest truck that ford makes, and it was put on the line in 1983. Currently, there are three models of the ford ranger, which are the XL, XLT, and the LARIAT. The Ford Ranger is a sleek four-door truck that can handle many types of terrain.

When it comes to gas mileage, the Ford Ranger gets 21 miles per gallon in the city, and it gets 26 miles per gallon on the highway. The Ford Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds, and its payload capacity is 1,860 pounds.

All three models of the Ranger have the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, and they all have an electronic 10-speed transmission, as well a similar safety features. They all come with driver and passenger airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and rearview cameras.

The difference with the three models are the options. The XL ranger is the base model. The XLT is the mid-level model. The LARIAT is the top of the line model.

The Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 came on the scene in 1948, and since 1977, the Ford F-150 has been the best selling pickup truck in the United States. Since 1981, the Ford F-150 has been the overall best selling vehicle in the United States and it is the best selling vehicle in Canada. 

Currently there are six models of the F-150. The six models are the XL, XLT, LARIAT, King Ranch, F-150 Platinum, and the F-150 Limited. Brand new, the prices range from $29,000 to over $70,000 between the Ford F-150 XL model and the F-150 Limited.

The Ford F-150 is a powerful truck that can tow between 5,000 and 11,300 pounds. You can get 24 miles per gallon, and the horsepower ranges between 250 and 400. There are three body styles to the F-50, which are the Regular Cab, Super Cab, and the SuperCrew cab.

Ford Super Duty

The Ford Super Duty lineup consists of big and beefy trucks that range in a sub-group of sizes and models. Currently, there are 18 different models for the Ford Super Duty. There are three V-8 engine models that are spread across the Ford Super Duty lineup, and all of the models use a TorqShift automatic 10-speed transmission.

How Do I Make My Truck Last Longer?

Like we mentioned, most trucks last between 100,000 and 300,000 miles, but that’s a huge difference. Following the advise below can help ensure you’re truck tops out at the highest mileage possible.

Replace The Air Filter

Replacing the air filter is important to the health of your Truck. The air filter should be swapped out every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. This ensures that fresh, clean air is getting to the engine. This minor step will help your truck last longer, and it will help your truck run more smoothly and efficiently. 

Regular Oil Changes

If you have a newer truck, 2010 or above, you should change your oil every 7,500 miles. Newer trucks use synthetic oils, and these new blends last longer. The oil is the blood of your vehicle. It is important to keep it clean, fresh and at the proper levels.

Read The Owner’s Manual

When you buy your truck, there is a book in the glove compartment. That book is the owner’s manual. This book will tell you everything you need to know about your truck.

Not only will this book help you maintain your truck, it can save you a lot of money. With the knowledge in your owner’s manual, you can do simple repairs yourself, instead of going to the mechanic.

Practice Smooth Driving

The way you drive can definitely improve or diminish the lifespan of your truck. If you quickly accelerate from a complete stop, that can put unnecessary stress on the engine and transmission. If you like to go into reverse before making a complete stop, you will shorten the life of your transmission.

Protect Under Your Truck

When you own a truck, you will be driving on some rough terrain. It is important to protect the underbelly of your vehicle. Invest in skid plates, or make sure the ones you have are in good condition. Make sure that all the components under the truck are coated and well lubed.

Check Your Wheel Alignment

Making sure your truck is aligned properly is important. This will increase the health of your tires, and it will improve your gas mileage. The last thing you want to do is drift to the left or the right while you are driving. Not only is this uncomfortable, it can wreak havoc on your steering column.

Check The Fluids In Your Truck

The engine oil is not the only fluid you have to check regularly. You can check the windshield wiper cleaning fluid. Having an accident, caused by poor vision, will definitely lower the lifespan of your vehicle. 

You can also check the coolant and the brake fluid. Checking the transmission fluid is more difficult on newer cars. Most new cars removed the transmission dipstick, so the only way to check the transmission fluid is to see an expert.

Keep Your Truck Clean

Cleaning your truck on a regular basis will definitely increase its lifespan. When driving on salted roads, caused by cold weather and ice, can create rust on your truck. Keeping your truck clean will prevent this. When mud and dirt build up on your truck, it can decrease the performance of your vehicle.

Let Your Truck Warm Up

It is always a good idea to let your truck warm up in cold weather. Even on a warm day, when you are just starting your truck for the day, you should let your truck run for a while before you drive it. Doing this will let all the parts of the engine get into a groove without a sudden shock.

What’s The Worst Ford Truck Year?

The 2004 F-150 was the worst truck that Ford released to the masses. This model truck had major engine failures. The 2004 F-150 damaged the sale of Ford trucks for years to come.

The gas tank strap was also an issue this model truck was dealing with. The strap would corrode and fail, causing the gas tank to detach from the frame, and drag on the floor.

The 2005 and 2006 model did not help the situation. The 2005 model had issues with the electronic window, and it also had the same problems with the engine. The 2006 model had units on the streets with engines that would fail at about 63,000 miles.

What’s The Best Ford Truck Year?

The Best built Truck is the 2009 F-150. Ford got it right on this model. They mixed luxury, comfort, and work with balance. 

The 2012 model was also a winner. This year trucks have a high resale value. The 2012 F-150 came with many options and it was highly customizable.

If you want to go way back, The 1993 to the 1996 F-150 models were top of the line. These trucks were made for the workplace, and they were highly durable.