Potential F150 Tremor buyer - Questions

[Brumey]

Hello:
I am new to the forum and have an interest in the F150 Tremor. I will describe my goals and other vehicles looked at before asking a few fundamental questions. I have not did a test drive yet but hope to in the next few weeks. Please excuse the long and rambling post.

I hope to replace my 2005 F350 Crew cab, long bed, diesel 6.0 that I have owned from new. Its only got 31K miles and tt's been stored in a temperature and moisture controlled garage. It is used at least one a month to run a few longer highway trips. It's been maintained at Ford dealers and maintenance was done 2-3 times more frequently than the Ford schedule. Needless to say, it's probably one of the best condition F350 trucks of that year in existence and will be for sale soon. We simply don't need to large truck and I want to sell to get a smaller platform that is easier for my wife to drive.

My goals include the following:

• 5.0 V8 engine. I have had an Ecoboost 2.0 in a Ford Escape and it was fine but I am trying to go simple in the 5.0 and want the traditional V8 before they disappear.
• I want a comfortable ride on the road over ruts and potholes. This is a primary want and one that is driving me towards the Tremor over the XLT FX4 and Lariat. I have heard the Tremor is very comfortable on crappy roads. I certainly don't want the 20" wheels and low profile tires.
• I will not be towing
• I will not be going off-road intentionally. I know this seems silly when buying an off-road focused truck. Same for my other vehicle, it's a Toyota 2025 4Runner 4x4. I had a Jeep for years and did the off road thing. I don't desire to do that anymore.
• Long term vehicle reliability is a must. I keep my vehicles at least 10 years normally, sometimes more. I am expecting the 5.0 V8 to provide more reliability over the long term that the Ecoboost engines. Less complexity.
• Interior rattle and noise. I hate vehicles that rattle. I have read a few comments on the tremor that indicate the interior build quality is not great and things like the door panels rattle. I would like more info on this goal.
• 401A package as I don't think I need the cost or functionality of the 402A package but, would like more information on it.
• Twin exhaust exiting the back, OEM. This is silly but, I really prefer the twin exhaust. When building the XLT or Lariat models, I add the black package to get the twin exhausts.
• I think I like the split tailgate but its not a requirement.

Questions for Tremor owners:

1. What is your truck like on regular roads for road holding, compliance and comfort over road bumps and pot holes. I should asl if its noticeable better that the XLT or Lariat with the 20" wheels.
2. Does the trucks off-road focus, suspension and tires have any negatives when primarily used on roads and highways?
3. Any known reliability issues with the 2025 Tremor that I should look out for or expect?
4. Build quality and noise in cabin?
5. MPG - I am expecting 15MPG in town and rural 50mph driving and 20MPG on the highway. I generally try to drive the speed limit or 5 above. I drive conservatively and not like I am in a 911
6. Safety features, are they modern or have they been out a while and due for replacement in a new years model?
7. Is the Tremor available with the 36 gallon fuel tank?
8. Is the 2025 generation near end of life and should we expect a new model in 2026/2027?

I have been spending time on the Ford.com website and then looking at dealers in a 100 mile radius. I would the dealer discounts not shown on the Ford site. One strange situation I found is a Tremor, Space white, local dealer, 401A package and bed utility, towing package. Its MSRP was $70,400. They have it and other color discounted to $61,897. My first obvious question, is this a good deal?

I then thought as this dealer has discounts, I'd build an XLT and add the blackout package, V8, etc. Before even adding the extras to get what I want, the same dealer has about 5 XLT 2025 trucks and all exceed $70K without and discounts. So, its seems only the Tremor is discounted. Why would this be? Am I missing something. I know the tremor has most of the stuff I would add to the XLT already standard. Is there something wrong with the Tremor forcing the dealers to discount?

Thanks in advance,

 

[CAMDENN]

You should arrange a test drive of a TREMOR at your local Ford dealer.

 

[Brumey]

Thats the plan as stated in my post. I was hoping for a bit more input from current owners!

 

[CMar]

All good questions. I have a 2022 3.5 so I cannot help you with the fuel mileage.
* on road manners are great. It's a joy to drive with ample power from either motor.
* rough roads are not as smooth as I expected. The rear can get a little "playful" when you hit washboards or multiple ruts. I believe the consensus is too soft of a rear end (anyone is welcome to correct me here). I plan to replace the rear shocks to help mitigate this.
* rattles/squeaks - I've been fortunate with no real rattles and squeaks, even after being on some truly rough interstate (talking to you Oklahoma) as well as some unpaved roads (North Fork in Glacier National).
* All Tremors come with the extended range fuel tank and dual exhaust through the rear. Whatever trim you go with, get the extended range tank. It's nice to never worry if you have enough fuel at a quarter tank lol.
* As Camdenn mentioned, go for a test drive. Don't let them keep you on the dealer test drive route. Perhaps drive the area to see road conditions you are curious how it'll handle and go there.
* These trucks have a lot of electronics. I recommend setting aside some money for the Ford Protect warranty. It seems your mileage stays low but if you plan to drive this long term and past the 3/36 warranty limits, its good to have the extra protection. Lose a bulb in the headlight - $1200+ because you can't just replace a bulb anymore, it's the entire assembly.
* I wouldn't recommend limiting your search to one motor just for it being a traditional V8. Both powerplants are more complex than the old school V8s, but also are pretty reliable overall. Love the rumble of the 5.0, but have been quite pleased with the performance of my 3.5, both while driving normal and towing at higher elevations.

Good luck on your hunt!

 

[Brumey]

Thank you... Great reply and ideas.

My other option is to just keep my F350. It's a known entity just bigger than we need and 14MPG.

I will test drive as soon as possible.

Also plan on reading the forums posts on here. I know it's horrific to read all the issue but that is how it is. My new 4Runner has the same on the forums but mine has been flawless so far.

 

[Zx6rocket]

Those 6.0 oil coolers and egrs are ticking time bombs. I’d move to the f150 too

 

[Brumey]

I am very aware if the 6.0 issues. I monitor the oil and water temp real time. I also change the coolant way more often than recommended. I have witnesses many 6.0’s go for 500k+ miles, no issues.

Many that had issues did not follow rigorous maintenance. Many modified. Others, just unlucky I guess.

I’ll keep monitoring the vitals and my maintenance schedule and keep fingers crossed.

I read about horror storied on the 3.5 EB. That is why I’d only get the 5.0. Not foolproof but less risk.

Its a tough call, Chevy V8’s are blowing up.

Seem like the current, more reliable is the 5.0 or the 6.8 or 7.3 gas engines in the Super Duty.

Even Toyota are having huge issues with the V6.

As for Dodge, no thanks.

 

[PNWTremor]

I am very aware if the 6.0 issues. I monitor the oil and water temp real time. I also change the coolant way more often than recommended. I have witnesses many 6.0’s go for 500k+ miles, no issues.

Many that had issues did not follow rigorous maintenance. Many modified. Others, just unlucky I guess.

I’ll keep monitoring the vitals and my maintenance schedule and keep fingers crossed.

I read about horror storied on the 3.5 EB. That is why I’d only get the 5.0. Not foolproof but less risk.

Its a tough call, Chevy V8’s are blowing up.

Seem like the current, more reliable is the 5.0 or the 6.8 or 7.3 gas engines in the Super Duty.

Even Toyota are having huge issues with the V6.

As for Dodge, no thanks.

The 5.0 is the best V8 on the market right now for the half-ton platform. The L87 in the Chevy is dropping lifters and throwing main bearings because they switched to 0w-20, terrible oil-clearance design for the bearing load a 460+ lb/ft work horse makes. Same with the V35A in the Tundra. Toyota is making a big stink about how it's "manufacturing debris" but there are 2025 and 2026 models that are having the same issue now. All these manufacturer's are chasing CAFE standards by using thinner and thinner oils.

The 5.7 Hemi is still a solid engine but the 5.0 blows it out of the water in all categories; Power, MPG, reliability etc. I just can't get myself to own a dodge. I don't have a beer belly (yet) lol.

It's Ford for me.

(No offense to my Dodge/Ram guys)

 

[Zx6rocket]

I am very aware if the 6.0 issues. I monitor the oil and water temp real time. I also change the coolant way more often than recommended. I have witnesses many 6.0’s go for 500k+ miles, no issues.

Many that had issues did not follow rigorous maintenance. Many modified. Others, just unlucky I guess.

I’ll keep monitoring the vitals and my maintenance schedule and keep fingers crossed.

I read about horror storied on the 3.5 EB. That is why I’d only get the 5.0. Not foolproof but less risk.

Its a tough call, Chevy V8’s are blowing up.

Seem like the current, more reliable is the 5.0 or the 6.8 or 7.3 gas engines in the Super Duty.

Even Toyota are having huge issues with the V6.

As for Dodge, no thanks.

Fully agree. Went with the 3.5 on mine after having a 5.0 rental for 3 months. The v8 was just so gutless until 4k. The wet belt on the 5.0 was a little worrisome as well but both are great engines reliability wise with your maintenance pro activity

 

[BigTremorEnergy]

I love my Tremor and plan to keep it for a long time, but frankly any new Ford sounds like a roll of the dice in terms of both big things like recalls and small things like interior fitment. There just aren’t any guarantees it seems, even for higher end trims like the Tremor.

I guess with most things being equal, if the Tremors around you are cheaper than XLTs set up how you want then you can do worse, but it still doesn’t really sound like the right fit for you honestly. They may also be discounted more because the base 401A Tremor nowadays is not really so different from an XLT so they’re not moving as quickly.

The stock tires are actually pretty decent for stock, light weight A/Ts, but they’re still A/Ts which will be noisier and less pavement optimized than an HT tire as they age. Regarding the suspension, its main upgrade over an FX4 as far as I can tell is being an inch taller. To a lot of folks on this forum, myself included, yes the stock setup is cushy but at the expense of dampening so it feels a bit floaty and boat-y. This may be just fine for your uses, but I wanted to mention it as they’re nothing special really if you don’t care about the additional ride height.

I’d also be a bit leery of buying a 2025 anything if it’s going to spend a lot of time sitting. All the small moving parts, sensors, etc. that go into any new vehicle, even a naturally aspirated V8, like to be exercised. Not to mention the battery drain, even just a few days sitting undriven can/will send the truck into deep sleep mode.

 

[CMar]

Fully agree. Went with the 3.5 on mine after having a 5.0 rental for 3 months. The v8 was just so gutless until 4k. The wet belt on the 5.0 was a little worrisome as well but both are great engines reliability wise with your maintenance pro activity

Wet belt steered me away from trading mine a couple of weeks ago. To be fair, I haven't heard of any issues (here at least) but did see issues with pieces of the belt deteriorating and causing issues.

 

[PNWTremor]

Wet belt steered me away from trading mine a couple of weeks ago. To be fair, I haven't heard of any issues (here at least) but did see issues with pieces of the belt deteriorating and causing issues.

The 2.7 has a weaker implementation of the BIO (Belt-in-oil) than the 5.0 and there has been one reported engine failure as a result of it since 2018 when it was first introduced (He didn't change his oil enough). The 2.7EB is also seemingly more reliable than the 3.5EB and the 5.0 so take that for what it's worth.

The other thing people don't understand about the belt is it's not an accessory belt (NBR) like it's made to seem. It's made of HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber), which has been used in just about every heat and oil sensitive location in an engine since... forever. Things like Seals, gaskets, hoses, tires, etc are all made of HNBR derivatives.

The belt is also reinforced with a Kevlar backbone, which has far superior heat resistance and tensile strength than steel. As a result, the belt should see (in theory) less stretch than a traditional chain over the course of 200K+ miles with heat cyrcles. This has been verified by tear-downs of the 2.7EB, some of which have over 250K+ miles. Timing chains stretch, these belts do not.

It's also worth pointing out the belt in the 5.0 is larger and thicker than that on the 2.7. The new oil pump requires less HP to operate as well, so the belt is just hanging out. It's not doing even a 1/10th of the work that the timing chains are doing.

It'll outlast the engine realistically. I'll prob still get it checked out around 150K though, but by that point I'm going to be due for a new waterpump, thermostat, and while the timing cover is off, chains, guides, etc. I think it's fair to say that there are worse things to worry about in the 4th gen coyote.

 

[Bighorn Tremor]

The 2014 F-150 Lariat I had before the Tremor had the 5.0 V8. Lovely engine. Economy ranged from 14 to 21. Keep in mind that the Tremor has a 3.73 rear axle as compared to the 3.30 in the normal F-150s, so mileage on the Tremor may be worse. The 10-speed transmission helps versus my 2014.

The only noticeable improvement in ride quality was from the 18" wheels versus 20" and slightly more suspension travel.

My Tremor is a 2022, and I haven't had an issue with rattles, other than stuff in the hard plastic cubbies, easily fixed by sourcing rubber liner mats.

Personally, if I wasn't using the Tremor for off-road driving, I'd get a Lariat or XLT with the FX4 package. Add the black package for the dual exhausts. The fuel economy should be slightly better and you're not paying for items you won't use that add complexity to the vehicle.

 

[CAMDENN]

The 2014 F-150 Lariat I had before the Tremor had the 5.0 V8. Lovely engine. Economy ranged from 14 to 21. Keep in mind that the Tremor has a 3.73 rear axle as compared to the 3.30 in the normal F-150s, so mileage on the Tremor may be worse. The 10-speed transmission helps versus my 2014.

The only noticeable improvement in ride quality was from the 18" wheels versus 20" and slightly more suspension travel.

My Tremor is a 2022, and I haven't had an issue with rattles, other than stuff in the hard plastic cubbies, easily fixed by sourcing rubber liner mats.

Personally, if I wasn't using the Tremor for off-road driving, I'd get a Lariat or XLT with the FX4 package. Add the black package for the dual exhausts. The fuel economy should be slightly better and you're not paying for items you won't use that add complexity to the vehicle.

The thing is that when you add certain options to a XLT or a Lariat that are close to or equivalent to the TREMOR, most of the time you’re going to spend more especially if you want the high end headlights which aren’t even offered on the TREMOR or XLT not to mention the 4A option which isn’t offered on the XLT.

 

[Bighorn Tremor]

The thing is that when you add certain options to a XLT or a Lariat that are close to or equivalent to the TREMOR, most of the time you’re going to spend more especially if you want the high end headlights which aren’t even offered on the TREMOR or XLT not to mention the 4A option which isn’t offered on the XLT.

It's been a few years since I played the model/pricing game. All I know is that I have to keep my 2022 Tremor because I have the 402A package with the adaptive headlamps which are now unobtanium. With the glare free option activated, they're the best headlamps I've had on a street vehicle.

 

[Skeeter]

The thing is that when you add certain options to a XLT or a Lariat that are close to or equivalent to the TREMOR, most of the time you’re going to spend more especially if you want the high end headlights which aren’t even offered on the TREMOR or XLT not to mention the 4A option which isn’t offered on the XLT.

This is why I chose a '25 Lariat over the '25 Tremor. I just don't know what Ford was thinking giving the Tremor basically base trim XL headlights. Just doesn't make sense because the '23 Tremor had the high end LED Projectors. At least I walked out of the dealer with a new '25 Lariat with the coyote 5.0 and the 502A package and few other options for a little over 65K which is still insane!!! Sticker was 73,975... Just plain crazy!!! Dealer had some already discounts plus employee pricing got me a good deal in late May. I miss not having a Tremor, but this Lariat is really nice. Hopefully, the next Gen F-150 will bring a Tremor some changes.

 

[zimm]

Stock tremor ride is pretty soft. Can't complain. I like stiffer, so I went with Halo coilovers up front, also to level the truck.

I was shopping for a 5.0, but found a 3.5 and aside from the lack of V8 roar, it's a beast. I did the Ford tuner and now it's 450HP/500ft lbs torque on 92 octane.

I'm at 2.5 years of ownership and 43,000 trouble free miles so far.