On Tuesday, we depart for Osoyoos, in British Columbia’s wine country, and this will be our final RV’ing trip with Brute # 2, a Ford F-350 Lariat, CC, Long Box, 4×2 Dually. This truck was factory ordered and delivered shortly after we returned from the 2015 World Cruise, so it is almost 6 years old.

Rubbing the crystal ball, I see a 2022 Ford F-450 King Ranch, CC, Long Box, 4×4 Dually in our future. Read on to check out our sweet deal.

A couple of weeks ago, while sipping refreshments out front with the neighbours, one of the neighbour’s friends was asking about our truck. He mentioned that we could probably sell it for what we paid for it. I responded, Wow, but my inside voice was screaming, “No way, sell a 6 yr old truck for the same as you paid for it.” I’ll have a pint of what he’s drinking.

Judi and I discussed it, but since we considered it highly unlikely that somebody would offer us the same as we paid for it, we were happy to keep Brute # 2.

Last week, I got the oil changed and DEF topped-up at the local dealer, and the Sales Manager noticed me arriving, so stopped into service to chat. I’ve known him for almost 20 years, bypassing the salesmen and dealing with him directly, whenever we need a new vehicle. He asked if I had considered selling the truck, as he can probably get us close to what we paid for it.

Still not believing it was real, I suggested he take a look and give me a number. As promised, to purchase it, he would give us close to what we paid for it, before taxes and fees. OMG!! this is unreal, time to give this some serious thought.

On return home, I walked Judi through the conversation, and she said, “Just do it, order your new F-450.” I checked the Ford website and sent an email to the Sales Manager outlining our F-450 preferences, and he came back with an even higher trade-in, which is $1,000 higher than what we paid for the truck, including all taxes and fees. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would drive a vehicle for 6 years and sell it for a profit; vehicles aren’t meant to appreciate.

The Sales Manager at Westcoast Ford/Lincoln, submitted the factory order on 31st August, with delivery in about 5 to 6 months. Here is what we ordered: click here for more detailed specs

• Crew Cab, DRW, 8′ Box, 4×4 – all standard options on F-450 KR
• Diesel 6.7L – 475 HP, 1050 lb/foot torque, with 10-speed automatic gearbox (standard)
• Colours – Antimatter Blue/ Stone Gray
• King Ranch Leather heated/cooled seats (front), heated (rear)
• B&O Audio System with 10 speakers & sub-woofer
• 12″ touch infotainment screen
• Navigation system, emergency braking, blind spot system
• 360 degree cameras
• Trailer reverse assist
• LED auto-diming headlights and sidelights
• 5th Wheel prep – standard. Preps the truck bed for our 5th Wheel hitch
• All weather floor mats
• Mud guards front & rear
• Spray-in bed liner

Compared to the F-350 Dually, the F-450 is the same overall length and beam at the hips, but the front axle is slightly longer, which gives the F-450 a tighter turning circle. I can assure you, this is a key benefit around town. The F-450 comes standard with a 4.3 rear end, with no lesser options available, so fuel economy will be reduced by at least 1 mpg.

** All F-450 photos courtesy of the Ford Website**